The knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of Industry 4.0 between construction practitioners and academicians in Malaysia: a comparative study
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of Industry 4.0 between the academicians and industry players in construction engineering, further suggesting a mechanism to narrow the gap between the distinct parties.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted through structured online and face-to-face interviews, using KAP survey, and semi-structured interviews. This constructive research was conducted among Malaysian construction industry players and academicians from the construction engineering department in public universities.
Findings
The findings exhibit the similarities and differences of KAP between academics and industry on Industry 4.0 in construction engineering. In general, both categories of respondents have displayed more similarities than differences in all aspects, except for knowledge. The better knowledge profile of Industry 4.0 among the academicians reflects the nature of the academic works that constantly seek new knowledge, thus suggesting the establishment of an industry-academic (I-A) knowledge equilibrium framework to leverage the knowledge profile between both parties.
Research limitations/implications
This exploratory study that showcases the perspective of the academia and industry practitioners on Industry 4.0 acts as a cornerstone for bridging the gap between the two distinct sectors within the same field.
Practical implications
The gap between the academic and industry was highlighted, further establishing the I-A knowledge equilibrium framework that could also be applied to other fields of study.
Originality/value
The originality of this paper was the profiling of the KAP of Industry 4.0 for the academicians and industry players in construction engineering, further distinguishing the gap between both parties.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude to the editors and anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments and suggestions. The authors also acknowledge the contributions of the academics and industry respondents who have participated and contributed to this study.
Citation
Zabidin, N.S., Belayutham, S. and Che Ibrahim, C.K.I. (2023), "The knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of Industry 4.0 between construction practitioners and academicians in Malaysia: a comparative study", Construction Innovation, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-05-2022-0109
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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