A fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city development in developing countries

Aghimien, Douglas Omoregie; Aigbavboa, Clinton; Edwards, David J.; Mahamadu, Abdul-Majeed; Olomolaiye, Paul; Nash, Hazel; Onyia, Michael

Abstract

Purpose: This study presents a fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city realisation in developing countries, using Nigeria as a case study. By defining and delineating the problems faced by the country, more viable directions to attaining smart city development can be achieved. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a post-positivist philosophical stance with a deductive approach. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from built environment professionals involved in the delivery of Nigerian public infrastructures. Six dimensions of the challenges of smart cities were identified from literature and explored. They are governance, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal issues. Data gathered were analysed using Cronbach alpha test for reliability, Shapiro-Wilks test for normality, Kruskal-Wallis H-test for consistency and fuzzy synthetic evaluation test for the synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city attainment. Findings: The findings revealed that all six assessed dimensions have a significant impact on the attainment of smart cities in Nigeria. More specifically, issues relating to environmental, technological, social and legal challenges are more prominent. Originality/value: The fuzzy synthetic approach adopted provides a clear, practical insight on the issues that need to be addressed before the smart city development can be attained within developing countries.

Citation

Aghimien, D. O., Aigbavboa, C., Edwards, D. J., Mahamadu, A., Olomolaiye, P., Nash, H., & Onyia, M. (2022). A fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city development in developing countries. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 11(3), https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-06-2020-0092

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 26, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Oct 2, 2020
• Publication Date: Nov 22, 2022
• Deposit Date: Sep 30, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 6, 2020
• Journal: Smart and Sustainable Built Environment
• Electronic ISSN: 2046-6102
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-06-2020-0092
• Keywords: smart city development; industry 4.0; information technology; smart technology; construction industry
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6732485
• Publisher URL: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/SASBE-06-2020-0092/full/html