Can blockchain prevent the deterioration of building handover information quality for higher education institutions?

Journal article (2024)

Authors

Janet Chang University of Cambridge
Klaudia Jaskula University College London
E. Papadonikolaki Integral Design & Management - CEG
Dimitrios Rovas University College London
Ajith Kumar Parlikad University of Cambridge
Research Group
Integral Design & Management (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2024 Janet Chang, Klaudia Jaskula, E. Papadonikolaki, Dimitrios Rovas, Ajith Kumar Parlikad
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-08-2023-0152
Blockchain technology Information quality Higher education institutions Handover information Asset information management
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Published Date

2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Materials- Mechanics- Management & Design

Research Group

Integral Design & Management

Abstract

Purpose
This research investigates the distinct characteristics of blockchain technology to safeguard against the deterioration of handover information quality in the post-construction phase. The significance of effective management of handover information is highlighted by global building failures, such as the Grenfell Tower fire in London, UK. Despite existing technological interventions, there remains a paucity of understanding regarding the factors contributing to the decline in the quality of handover information during the post-construction phase.

Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a multi-case studies approach across five higher education institutions. It involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 52 asset management professionals, uncovering the underlying reasons for the decline in handover information quality. Building on these insights, the study performed a mapping exercise to align these identified factors with blockchain technology features and information quality dimensions, aiming to evaluate blockchain’s potential in managing quality handover information.

Findings
The study findings suggest that blockchain technology offers advantages but has limitations in addressing all the identified quality issues of managing handover information. Due to the lack of an automated process and file-based information exchange, updating handover information still requires an error-prone manual process, leading to potential information loss. Additionally, no solutions are available for encoding drawings for updates and validation.

Originality/value
This study proposes a framework integrating blockchain to enhance the information management process and improve handover information quality.