UTAUT ANALYSIS OF THE CONTRACTOR’S PERCEPTION OF THE MACHINERY MOBILE APPLICATION IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Abstract

The construction industry in the Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia, especially contractors faces common challenges in project construction delivery such as cost overruns and delays due to a lack of understanding and implementation of digitalization to coordinate construction activities. To overcome these issues, a study on the “acceptance” level related to the digitalization of procurement and logistics in construction deliverables through mobile applications is essential to identify the contractor’s understanding and practices in utilizing a digital tool known as Machinery Mobile Application (MMA). This study aims to identify the factors affecting the “acceptance” of MMA through material ordering activities for construction projects among Malaysian contractors. Therefore, this study utilizes a quantitative approach via online surveys focusing on 86 selected professional contractors with CIDB registered as Grade 6 and Grade 7 in the Northern states of Malaysia and continues to analyze the collected data by using Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis. The results showed that the highest acceptance factor identified is SE3-collaboration among stakeholders in implementing MMA, while the lowest acceptance factor is EE5-external coaching in operating MMA. The study is in line with the upcoming National Construction Plan 2030 through “Thrust 1 – Technology as Game Changer” which benefits the Malaysian Government, CIDB, and local construction firms.