Cloud-Based Real-Time Collaboration (CRTC) in Construction Planning Phase: Adoption, Performance, and Success Factors Explored

The construction industry is confronted with persistent challenges in the enhancement of project planning and collaboration to enhance efficiency and performance. Nevertheless, recent technological advancements have introduced cloud-based real-time collaboration (CRTC) tools as promising solutions for streamlining project planning processes. The objectives of this research are (1) to investigate the current adoption rate and tools of CRTC in the construction industry within the project planning phase, (2) to identify the performance rate of construction projects that adopted CRTC, and (3) to analyse the critical success factors that contribute to the adoption of CRTC in the construction industry. The quantitative method was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire survey to gather data from 120 respondents who represent various construction industry players. The research findings highlighted that the current adoption rate is "moderately familiar" with CRTC in the construction industry, and the performance rate of construction projects is "significantly better" when CRTC is adopted. Five (5) key factors impact the successful adoption of CRTC tools into construction project planning processes: (1) top management support; (2) budget and cost; (3) data security and privacy; (4) compatibility; and (5) perceived industry pressure. By comprehending and identifying these factors, construction stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to effectively expedite the adoption of CRTC tools. Furthermore, this research contributes to the expanding body of knowledge on digital transformation within the construction industry and provides valuable insights for decision-makers, project teams, and technology providers. The research was aligned with the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan (2021–2025), Malaysian Digital Economic Blueprint, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 9. Additionally, the outcomes of this research have the potential to cultivate a collaborative environment within the construction industry, resulting in improved project planning and execution, reduced project delays, and enhanced overall project outcomes.建筑业在提升项目规划与协作效率、优化项目绩效方面长期面临诸多挑战。近年来，技术进步催生了基于云的实时协作（cloud-based real-time collaboration，简称CRTC）工具，作为简化项目规划流程的颇具前景的解决方案。本研究的目标共有三项：（1）探究建筑业项目规划阶段中CRTC工具的当前采用率与使用情况；（2）明确采用CRTC工具的建筑业项目的绩效表现；（3）分析推动建筑业CRTC工具采用的关键成功因素。本研究采用定量研究方法，通过结构化问卷调查从120名代表不同建筑业参与主体的受访者处收集数据。研究结果显示，当前建筑业对CRTC工具的采用率处于“中等熟悉”水平；而采用CRTC工具的建筑业项目绩效则“显著更优”。共有5项关键因素会影响CRTC工具在建筑业项目规划流程中的成功采用：（1）高层管理支持；（2）预算与成本；（3）数据安全与隐私保护；（4）兼容性；（5）行业感知压力。通过理解并识别这些因素，建筑业利益相关方可制定针对性策略，切实加快CRTC工具的推广采用进程。此外，本研究丰富了建筑业数字化转型领域的现有知识体系，可为决策者、项目团队及技术提供商提供极具价值的参考见解。本研究契合《建筑业4.0战略规划（2021–2025）》《马来西亚数字经济蓝图》以及可持续发展目标（Sustainable Development Goals，简称SDGs）第9项。此外，本研究成果有望在建筑业营造良好协作氛围，进而优化项目规划与执行、减少项目延误，并提升整体项目绩效。