Digital Technologies for Effective Value Management in the Construction Industry

This study presents the result of an assessment of the drivers of digital technology diffusion in the value management (VM) process in the construction industry. This was done with a view to improving the use of digital technologies in the quest to create value for construction clients. The study adopted a quantitative research design which informed the use of a structured questionnaire administered to construction professionals that have participated in VM exercises within the South African construction industry. The data gathered were analysed using mean item score, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, and exploratory factor analysis. The study found that the use of digital tools to improve VM process is driven by three major components viz: (1) VM process requirement, (2) digital culture of the construction industry, (3) knowledge and understanding of the need for digital tools. The use of relevant technologies will help improve the speculation and creative phase of a VM workshop, the evaluation phase, the presentation of best value alternatives, the gathering of preliminary information and the overall success of the VM workshop. This study provides a theoretical backdrop for future studies exploring the use of digital technologies for VM practices - an aspect that has not gained significant attention in VM discourse in the construction industry.