Industrialised, Integrated, Intelligent sustainable Construction - I3con

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION HANDBOOK 2
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Vodafone uses technological capabilities of the mobile phone to bring values to the social and
economic development of both developing and developed countries. The impact of mobile
technology on developed markets over recent years has been immense and has focused on
providing added value to customers through new and improved functions and features. By
comparison, the impact of technology on emerging markets such as Kenya has provided a real
lifeline both to individuals and to small businesses. The mobile phone has helped economic
development in emerging economies. With growth in the provision of mobile phones, Vodafone
has enabled great improvements in facilitating the flow of money and information, which is
vital for economic growth. By improving Kenya’s telecommunications infrastructure and by
providing the M-PESA system, Vodafone has enabled more people to access and transfer
money. This has also helped socially by helping people to take advantage of employment
opportunities away from their hometowns and villages (The Times 100, 2009).
Research Methodology
The above mentioned aim and objectives called for a
research strategy that could gather data sufficiently rich
to investigate the integration of innovation and
sustainability principles towards achieving competitive
advantage in construction. The research methodology
designed consisted of three interrelated activities, namely
data collection, data analysis and action required (see
Figure 10). During the data collection activity different
sources are used to accomplish the first and second
objectives. This included textbooks, academic journals,
conference proceedings, dissertations and thesis,
government publications and related websites. In
addition, creative case studies and examples that utilised
innovation and sustainability to achieve competitive
advantage are presented. During the data analysis Figure 10. The Research Methodology
activity, quantitative and qualitative techniques are used
to analyse the collected data. As an action for improving the competitive advantage of the
construction industry, an innovative theoretical framework is developed and the strategies that support
its application are outlined. The validity and reliability is of importance to this research. The study
depended on facts rather than subjective information which increased the reliability and validity of
collected data and research findings.
An Innovative Theoretical Framework for Achieving Competitive Advantage in Construction
Definition and Justification of Developing the Framework
Framework is defined as a structure for describing a set of concepts, methods and technologies
required to complete a product process and design (EDMS, 2007). The Competitive Advantage
Framework (CAF) (hereinafter referred to as “the Framework” or the “CAF”) is a proposed
framework developed by this research to facilitate the achievement of competitive advantage in
construction through using innovation as an approach for delivering sustainable built environment.
The justification of developing the framework is three fold:
• Reducing the negative impact of the construction industry on the built environment through
utilizing technological capabilities to produce advanced durable, environmentally friendly, nontoxic,
easy to maintain, efficient, recyclable and cost-effective materials and equipment. In
addition, the framework is essential for eliminating waste, reducing energy consumption and
generating alternative energy resources.
• Enhancing the performance of the organizations operating in the construction industry by
escalating their competitiveness and achieving the satisfaction of the industry stakeholders.