WCS - 2021

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/16511

Proceedings of the 9th World Construction Symposium 2021 on Reshaping construction: Strategic, Structural and Cultural Transformations towards the 'Next Normal'

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 49

item: Conference-Abstract
Comparison of skills between Sri Lankan and foreign construction labour
(2021-07) Manoharan, K; Dissanayake, P; Pathirana, C; Deegahawature, D; Silva, R
Construction significantly influences a country’s economy. The labour efforts are the lifeblood of construction operations. The construction industry has been facing many challenges due to skill shortages in many countries. This study aimed to compare the work-related skills of Sri Lankan labour against foreign labour forces. A qualitative study methodology was adopted through literature reviews and expert interviews to identify the labour skills which influence the productivity of construction operations. The interviews were conducted in two categories. The first category focused on identifying significant labour skills, the second category was conducted to compare the labour skills between Sri Lankan and foreign labour. Chinese, Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, Saudi Arabian, Malaysian and Korean labour forces were considered in the pair-wise comparison process. Statement categories and codes were developed to perform this qualitative comparison. The overall results show the need of developing cognitive and self-management skills of Sri Lankan labourers, where the transferable skills are not much important. The study pointed up the importance of developing technical skills of Sri Lankan labour in concreting, bar bending, plastering, tiling, welding, electrical work and equipment handling, to reach the levels of leading foreign labour forces. Labourers’ commitment, punctuality, participation, self-motivation and problem solving were the significant self-management skills in this regard. Kappa statistics resulted in the inter-rater reliability of these findings at a substantial level. The study outcomes can be helpful for the skills development authorities to take actions for filling the skills gap, and also for some foreign construction sectors in similar scenarios
item: Conference-Full-text
Comparison between the terms constructability and buildability : a systematic literature review
(2021-07) Wimalaratne, PLI; Kulathunga, U; Gajendran, T
Buildability deals with the optimal integration of construction expertise at various project stages to achieve the overall project goals. Incorporation of buildability improves the construction project performance in terms of its cost, quality, productivity, safety, and results early completion. Thus, having a sound understanding of buildability concept is paramount for finding solutions for transforming current practices towards successful project deliveries. The numerous past studies reviewing the concept of buildability in the past have highlighted the interchangeability of the terms “constructability” and “buildability”. However, in some studies, these two terms contradict rather than considered similar. Moreover, the application of the concept of buildability is widely discussed during the design phase while some studies recommend it to be applied in the construction phase. Thus, there is no clear consensus on the clarity of the key constructs of these terms or when to apply buildability. This paper aims to systematically review the application of the concepts “buildability” and “constructability” in the construction sector and compare the definitions to understand the key constructs and best phase of the construction project for its applicability. A structured literature review covering indexed publications from 2011-2021 was carried out to identify the existing literature. Following a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) technique, a total of 38 out of 162 research contributions have been considered for an in-depth analysis. The choice of interpretations, comments, statements, perspectives, and definitions used in 38 studies were examined. The study identified the key constructs of two terms and recommends applying buildability throughout the lifecycle of the project.
item: Conference-Abstract
Waste heat generation and potential recovery systems used in Sri Lankan hotels
(2021-07) Lakshan, N; Ramachandra, T; Madushika, UGD
The waste heat recovery concept can be used as a solution to optimise energy consumption while reducing the waste heat in energy generation systems. However, its application in Sri Lankan hotels is still in the infancy stage even though the hotel sector accounts for high energy consumption. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the amount of waste heat generated from the different sources in hotel buildings and thereby identify the most appropriate waste heat recovery systems to the hotel buildings in Sri Lanka through a comparative case study analysis of three similar natured hotel buildings. The required data to perform waste heat calculation were extracted through document reviews and site visits. This study identified the three main waste heat generating sources in hotel buildings: HVAC condenser out, boiler exhaust, and kitchen exhaust. The analysis shows that the condenser out of the HVAC system is the highest waste heat generating source which accounts for an average of 41,823GJ per year while boiler exhaust and kitchen exhaust generate the waste heat of an average of 11,000GJ and 8GJ per year. It is further found that the quality of waste heat generated from the boiler exhaust is higher than the condenser out of the HVAC system and kitchen exhaust. Hence, this study concludes that the boiler has the highest potential of using the waste heat recovery system than the condenser out of the HVAC.
item: Conference-Abstract
Use of augmented reality for efficient building maintenance in Sri Lanka
(2021-07) Rajapaksha, MRN; Sridarran, P; Rathnayake, RMDIM
With the advent of technological advancements in the field of building maintenance, attempts have been taken to address the issues confronted by building maintenance technicians in the global context. Augmented Reality (AR) is one such concept which combines real environment with virtual content in 3D space that is experimented and proven to be effective in making the building maintenance activities more efficient by eliminating the causes for such difficulties faced by the technicians. In Sri Lanka, there is very limited use of such technologies in building maintenance practices and it is reasonable to mention that use of AR is minimum in this field. A gap is identified as there is no considerable literature exploring applications of Augmented Reality to ease building maintenance activities in Sri Lanka. Therefore, an effort is made to investigate into this area through a qualitative approach by taking a case into study and conducting interviews among technicians followed by an expert interview. The research highlights the use of AR in making the building maintenance practices in terms of data and instruction visualization leading to more efficient and effective outcomes while discussing on the benefits such as making maintenance tasks efficient, cost and time savings and high customer satisfaction as well as possible barriers for implementation of a similar program such as developing a Building Information Model to an existing building, inconvenience in making technicians adopted into a new system in the context of Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Abstract
Towards long-term sustainable performance of post-disaster housing reconstruction : second life for temporary housing
(2021-07) Rathnasinghe, A; Sirimewan, D; Shandraseharan, A; Thurairajah, N; Thayaparan, M; Waidyasekara, KGAS
The pressing human needs caused due to post-disaster effects may force donors to provide a roof above the heads of the displaced communities than focusing on fulfilling the references of a ‘home,’ which is a step toward restoring a certain sense of stability embedded with social, cultural, economic, and other interactions. And several displaced communities around the world continue to live in their temporary housing on a long-term basis. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating methods to consider a second life for the post-disaster temporary housing which may ensure long-term sustainable performance. A comprehensive literature survey has been carried out in attaining the aim. Many studies have found that the rapid post-disaster housing re-construction strategies through universal working standards have become unsustainable and culturally unacceptable in the long term. Furthermore, in various instances, the real-life post-disaster temporary housing has been simply dismantled or abandoned due to the end of usage and cultural incompatibility, without giving any concern for future disasters. This could be minimised by transforming the donor initiated temporary housing into a permanent basis. To achieve this, scholars have identified the need of considering the socio-cultural and related physical needs through active involvement of affected communities. Therefore, to achieve prolonged use of temporary housing, the findings suggest that the social and cultural needs of communities and associated physical transformations need to be considered by the donors. The findings serve as a way forward to explore a transformational space that can accommodate social and physical transformations in post-disaster housing reconstruction.
item: Conference-Abstract
The Obstacles to energy saving in residential buildings in Nigeria : stakeholders’ perspectives
(2021-07) Ibrahim, AT; Fernando, NG
Over the past three decades research on energy use in buildings has become significant due to increasing scientific and political pressure on issues concerning global warming and climate change. As part of the impact by climate change, tropical nations are faced with several challenges in achieving energy savings, particularly the energy consumption behaviour of building occupants, with very little research coming from Africa. Previous research has shown that variations due to occupant behaviour is substantial. To address these challenges in line with the objectives of some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (namely, clean and sustainable energy, as well as climate action) in residential buildings, this paper explores the perceptions of stakeholders by identifying the barriers which affect energy use from different cultural perspectives. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured telephone interviews with experts in the energy and construction fields in Nigeria. The purpose of the interviews was to provide an insight into residential energy consumption behaviour and the barriers faced in the adoption of sustainable energy sources. The results were analysed using an energy cultural framework. An analysis of the results shows that continuous awareness of energy saving behavioural change, government subsidies for renewable energy, government checks, and the standardization of energy-efficient appliances imported into the country can improve people’s trust regarding sustainable choices and can promote efficient energy use. The outcome from this work is expected to give a better understanding of energy use behaviour and inform future energy policies and interventions related to household energy saving.
item: Conference-Abstract
The Choice of project governance modes to minimise contractors’ opportunistic behaviour
(2021-07) Arsecularatne, BP; Sandanayake, YG
In this era of globalisation and fierce competition among businesses, contractors in the construction industry often tend to engage in opportunistic behaviour to gain more benefits at the expense of owners. The past researchers have defined contractors’ opportunistic behaviour (COB) as the behaviour of the contractor that is motivated to pursue self-interests at the expense of the client. The researchers in this field have identified project governance (PG), which considered as management of project management can be used to minimise the COB. Trust and formal control are the major PG modes that are used in the global construction industry. However, there is a dearth of research that identified the suitable PG modes to minimise the effects of COB in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Hence, this study aims to investigate the PG modes that can be used to minimise the effects of COB. Accordingly, qualitative research approach was adopted to achieve the research aim. A comprehensive literature review followed by case studies was conducted to investigate the synergy between the concepts. Information gathered were subjected to content analysis. This study revealed that formal control and combination of trust and formal control as the most suitable PG modes for Sri Lankan construction industry. The research further identified the factors that affect the COB namely, contractors focus on revenue maximisation, external uncertainties, contractual complexity, and dynamic complexity. The study further highlighted the importance of minimising COB to help minimise conflicts and reduce the financial losses incur for project stakeholders. Keywords: Construction industry;
item: Conference-Abstract
Suitability of ICTAD formula and CIDA price indices to calculate the amount of price escalated in construction projects
(2021-07) Janardana, JAB; Samaraweera, A; Jayasena, HS
Price fluctuation is a significant risk factor, in every construction project market. It is unavoidable and difficult to forecast. However, it is often argued that there is a difference between the amount calculated with the CIDA price fluctuation formula method and the actual price fluctuation. Therefore, the aim of this research is to investigate the industry opinion on whether there is a difference between price escalations calculated using the CIDA price fluctuation formula and actual price fluctuation. A qualitative research approach was selected to achieve the aim of this research. Through a broad study of literature, it was identified the most critical factors which affected actual price fluctuation deviation. Meanwhile, semi-structured interviews were carried out to identify the reasons affecting fluctuation difference by analysing the data, which was used, and comparing the opinions given by the interviewees. The data was analysed using context analysis. The results of the research confirm that. there is a difference between the amount of price escalation using the ICTAD price fluctuation formula and the actual being used. The main reason behind this difference is the less accuracy of cost indices. To improve the accuracy of the results of this formula, appropriate data collection using an appreciate sample of contractors in producing price indices is recommended as the main.
item: Conference-Abstract
Significant financial and economic risk factors in coastal land reclamation projects
(2021-07) Perera, HAHP; Perera, BAKS; Shandraseharan, A
The demand for land required for construction and development has been rapidly increasing over the past 30 years in the global context because of population growth, especially in coastal cities. Therefore, coastal land reclamation (CLR) has drawn attention both internationally and regionally. However, CLR projects are complex and costly and, therefore, are often associated with numerous risks. Although risk management in CLR projects has been the focus of few past studies, they have not specifically focused on financial and economic risks. This study, therefore, aimed to identify the most significant financial and economic risk factors present in CLR projects to enable the management of those risks. The required empirical data were collected by conducting a two-round Delphi survey, comprising expert interviews and a questionnaire survey. The collected data were analysed using content and descriptive statistics. The results revealed 13 significant financial and economic risk factors of CLR projects. Quality of sand and soil was identified as the most important risk factor of CLR projects. Delayed payment, unpredictable safety and security conditions of the country, dredging volume and defaulting contractors and subcontractors were identified in the next top four ranking in this study.
item: Conference-Abstract
Psychosocial hazards and risks in the construction industry in New South Wales, Australia
(2021-07) Rezaeian, N; Tang, L; Hardie, M
The construction industry faces many challenges, one of which is the difficult to define psychosocial influences. The construction sector has highly demanding employment conditions, long working hours and sometimes unfeasible terms of project execution. Psychosocial influences represent emotional as well as physiological characteristics which impact the immediate environment. Some construction personnel face psychosocial problems that can lead to depression or suicide. The research conducted in this paper focuses on the psychosocial status of personnel working in construction companies, in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the psychosocial hazards observed in the construction industry in NSW. Practitioners in two private construction companies and one government department having construction project management experience in NSW were involved in the survey. The data analysis indicates that most workers experienced being pressured to stay back and work long hours. This led to workers being ‘very frequently’ tired. Regarding bullying, Respondents reported that the frequency of they experienced ‘exclusion or isolation from workplace activities’ was ‘monthly’. Being ‘Subjects of gossip or false, malicious rumours’ was reported as happening ‘weekly’ and ‘Humiliation through gestures, sarcasm, criticism or insults’ was said to happen ‘almost daily’. This study's findings indicate that construction projects could have unaddressed psychosocial hazards and risks, each of which may be a potential factor for accidents and occupational and psychological injuries. The data displayed from this research could help understand psychosocial hazards. Spreading awareness on the issue can hopefully be a step towards improving the mental health of construction workers while decreasing the overall suicide rate.
item: Conference-Abstract
Promoting stakeholder collaboration in adopting circular economy principles for sustainable construction
(2021-07) Senaratne, S; Abhishek, KC; Perera, S; Almeida, L
Circular Economy (CE) has been recognised as one of the most comprehensive way of attaining sustainable development, which considers every aspect; social, technical, economic and environmental, of sustainable development. For a building construction project that aims to achieve circularity, collaboration of project stakeholders both within vertical horizontal supply chains is vital. This research project establishes importance of such collaboration and proposes methodology to identify stakeholders responsible for attaining circularity in projects through collaboration between such stakeholders. This paper reports of the key literature findings of this on-going research. The key findings from the current paper are establishing importance of stakeholder collaborations to achieve circular buildings and potential of blockchain technology in this regard.
item: Conference-Abstract
Problems and related causes of public procurement process to achieve sustainability in developing countries
(2021-07) Gunawardana, KAP; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Jayawickrama, TS
Public Procurement Process (PP Process) in construction industry has identified as integral part to achieve sustainability in developing countries. Sustainability links with the social, environmental, and economic indicators. The PP Process contributes largely to the budget of developing nations. However, existing PP Processes of developing countries have shown lagging features to achieve sustainability due to a number of problems. Further, the depth and gravity of the problems depend on the impact of root causes throughout the activities and stages of procurement lifecycle of a project. Hence, this paper aims to identify the problems and related root causes during the various activities in the stages of PP Process to achieve sustainability in construction projects in developing countries. In order to achieve the aim, this study started with a comprehensive literature review to identify the stages, activities, problems and related root causes in PP Process to achieve sustainability. Subsequently, interviews with 14 subject matter experts were carried out to identify and verify the stages, activities, problems and related root causes to achieve sustainability in PP Process in developing countries. The data were analysed using manual content analysis. The findings of the study identified 10 problems and 22 root causes that affect the 39 activities in 05 stages of PP process in project procurement lifecycle in construction industry. The outcome of this paper will be beneficial to relevant authorities, funding agencies and policy makers in taking necessary steps to update the existing guidelines, bidding documents, procedures and protocols to address the identified problems and root causes to achieve sustainability of developing countries.
item: Conference-Abstract
Potential of internet of things (IOT) in the construction industry
(2021-07) Dilakshan, S; Rathnasinghe, AP; Seneviratne, LDIP
The introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the manufacturing industry changed the trajectory to Industrial Revolution 4.0. Accordingly, it consists of various technologies, where the IoT is the basis of this revolution. However, there is an increasing gap between traditional Construction and digitalised data-driven Construction. In such context, the adoption of IoT applications in construction projects shall increase the productivity and better performance of construction activities. Consequently, IoT concepts, developments, applications, and potential benefits of IoT in the construction industry need to be acknowledged by industry practitioners before the implementation can take place. Hence, the purpose of this research is to outline such needs, thus provide an understanding on the potential of the IoT in the construction industry. Subsequently, a comprehensive literature synthesis revealed the expression IoT is best understood as a metaphor that encapsulates the immersion of almost anything and everything within the communications and connectivity space. The development is at an embryonic stage of development but proliferating in measuring, tracking, modelling, and prediction stages such as smart wearables, sensors attached to the structures and machinery, IoT linked Building information modelling (BIM) models, usage of drones. As a result, potential benefits are entertained by the construction industry practitioners towards sustainability. Ultimately, the study provides a starting point for raising awareness to facilitate and implement IoT applications in construction projects. In the absence of empirical literature on the implementation of the IoT paradigm in general, this paper presents a valuable contribution to the growing body of knowledge.
item: Conference-Abstract
Optimising value during construction schedule acceleration
(2021-07) Silva, WPM; Gunatilake, S; Fasna, MFF
Construction Schedule Acceleration (CSA) can affect not just the time but many other project aspects. During a CSA, there can be many impacts having significant effects on the project value. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of considering quality, productivity and functionality at a CSA along with cost and time. The aim of this research is, therefore, to investigate how value can be optimised during a CSA process. A qualitative research approach was adopted. Altogether, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interview data were transcribed and analysed using a manually performed content analysis. This study has revealed types of CSA based on the purpose (delay minimising purpose or non-delay minimising purpose) and the party who initiates it. Cost, quality, functionality, productivity and profitability were identified as main value considerations during a CSA other than time. Applicability of value management (VM) job plan stages and Earned Value Management (EVM) indicators during different CSA stages to optimise value were also found. Finally, these findings were mapped in a framework to show how VM and EVM concepts could be used in enhancing value during a CSA. The framework conceptualises the relationship between “value” and CSA and how it varies upon distinct parties of a construction project during different stages and types of CSA. The proposed framework can be used as a guidance for optimising the value during the stages of a CSA.
item: Conference-Abstract
Operational energy saving in buildings : a comparison of green vs conventional wall
(2021-07) Madushika, UGD; Ramachandra, T; Zainudeen, N
The green wall concept has been introduced as one of the solutions to reduce energy demand for ventilation requirements while improving the natural vegetation in dense urban areas. Past studies revealed that the energy-saving of green walls can vary substantially, from 35% to 90% across countries such as United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Russia, Greece, China, Saudi Arabia, India, and Brazil. Given these differences in energy saving of green walls due to climatic conditions and other reasons, direct application of such findings to the Sri Lankan context is questionable. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the thermal performance of green wall applications in Sri Lanka through a case study analysis of an indirect green façade with a comparative conventional wall. The required data were extracted through on-site temperature measurements from different points of both the exterior and interior wall surfaces of each building in different time intervals per day for a period of fourteen days spanning from October to November. The analysis shows that the green walls contribute to 21% - 36% of temperature difference compared to the conventional wall. Eventually, this results in 0.06 kWh of energy-saving per m2 of wall area, and thereby green walls contribute to the 80% energy saving for ventilation requirements. Hence, the study recommends that the use of green walls can be considered as one of the energy efficiency solutions while improving natural vegetation in tropical climatic cities and absorbing other benefits of green walls.
item: Conference-Abstract
Managing concrete wastes by implementing contemporary construction practices in Sri Lanka
(2021-07) Senarathna, DR; Perera, BLSH
Material waste is one of the main reasons for the client to suffer due to increments in unnecessary costs. Among all construction material wastes, concrete waste highly draws expenses to the project stakeholders. As a main component in construction, the volume of the concrete waste in Sri Lankan construction projects are considerably high, when comparing with the other material wastes. Currently, most of the countries are moving towards the sustainable developments while minimizing concrete waste. Therefore, applying traditional practices to minimize concrete waste have not been successful over the years. The aim of this research study is, to minimize concrete wastes by implementing contemporary practices that assists to reduce the project cost in Sri Lankan construction industry. In order to achieve the aim, comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data in both qualitative and quantitative procedures. The empirical findings revealed that concrete waste has a positive relationship with the project cost. Same time, discovered the drivers and barriers that gains while implementing contemporary practices in Sri Lanka. Concrete recycling, precast elements, lean construction techniques, value engineering methods and few more other contemporary practices were identified that leads to minimize concrete waste. The results from the interviews found that many projects are willing to implement mentioned contemporary practices within their construction projects although there are few barriers. These findings deliver a valuable evidence to the practitioners with an in-depth understanding about the essential necessity of contemporary practices to construction projects.
item: Conference-Abstract
Life cycle costing in construction : current trends and emerging directions
(2021-07) Manewa, A; Siriwardena, M; Wijekoon, C
The current construction climate in the UK is moving forward with a much greater attention on cost certainty, sustainability and adoption of innovative technologies. The UK Construction Strategy 2025 provides a clear direction towards achieving such goals by 2025. Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is one of successful techniques for identifying the total cost of ownership in construction assets. Even though the technique has 50 years of history, the application and the diffusion of the technique within the construction domain is comparatively limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the evolution and current status of LCC within construction context through Bibliometric Analysis of journal publications indexed in Web of Science database (1970-2020). A series of Contents Analyses was performed and visualisation maps were generated via VOSviewer. The findings proved that LCC has been absorbed into construction in late 90’s and there is a continuous rise in the global uptake from 2013 onwards. With limited budgets and growing demand for sustainability, an integrated methodology linking LCC, Life Cycle Assessment and Performance optimisation is apparently the way forward for LCC.
item: Conference-Abstract
Lean design management practices associated with stakeholder management during pre-construction stage in Sri Lanka
(2021-07) Lawanga, PWAH; Sandanayake, YG
Lean Design Management (LDM) is a concept, which ensures efficiency and effectiveness of the design stage of a construction project to reduce uncertainty and improve the quality of the final product. Stakeholder Management (SM) is an effective approach for coordinating and managing stakeholders who involve with a construction project to ensure better relationships and reduce the complexity of the project. The integration of LDM and SM concepts together into the pre-construction phase provides a positive impact on the project performance. This paper aims to investigate the lean design management practices associated with stakeholder management in the pre-construction phase of construction projects in Sri Lanka. The research has used mixed method research approach to achieve the aforementioned aim. The research concluded that twenty-nine lean design management practices and eight stakeholder management practices can be integrated into the pre-construction phase in Sri Lanka. The findings further revealed that waste reduction, product performance enhancement, and functionality enhancement can be achieved by integrating LDM and SM practices together into the pre-construction phase in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Abstract
Key performance indicators in upholding scope creep management in road projects
(2021-07) Jayalath, C; Somarathna, KKGP
Scope creep has been a day-to-day occurrence in almost every major road project causing a considerable cost overrun with no early dimple. This paper offers a critical appraisal on the dominant causes behind scope creep in the road projects. A comprehensive literature survey was undertaken to explore the factors specifically contributing scope creep and various control measures that are adopted, among other purposes, in at least reducing the impact due to scope creep in the final delivery of road projects. The study included interviews with 15 experts to identify major issues and add their hands-on experience. A questionnaire survey was subsequently administered among 100 industrial personnel having a cost management background in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the key performance indicators (KPIs) in terms of taming scope creep. Results from the study showed that concomitant client instructions on additional features, unclear scope and incremental changes cause scope creep throughout the project. Among 53 KPIs identified, the most effective KPI that enables adequate control of scope creep in road projects is the cost efficiency ratio. The results enable comprehending the causes of scope creep and its resultant net effect on cost control.
item: Conference-Abstract
Initiating industrial symbiosis (IS) networks in Sri Lanka : insights from global projects
(2021-07) Mallawaarachchi, H; Karunasena, G; Sandanayake, YG; Liu, C
Industrial symbiosis (IS) is an ideal initiative for co-located industries to gain a competitive advantage through physical exchange of materials, energy, water, and by-products within a closed loop industrial system. IS has been created a considerable impact on the environmental and economic development through water savings, reduction of raw material extraction and carbon emissions reductions. As many developing countries are suffering from the environmental degradation due to industrial operations, initiating IS networks is vital to improve the business and environmental performance of industries. Since it is a novel concept, it is important to examine the insights from global IS projects to foresee the future challenges. Thus, in this study, PESTEL framework is employed to examine the impact of political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal external factors on global IS projects. The secondary data collected from nine global IS projects were analysed using PESTEL analysis. The analysis clearly describes the several facets that could influence on industries deploying the IS networks, such as the pressure made by government, external parties, collective cost and environmental benefits, infrastructure sharing, social benefits, and influence made by laws and regulations. Accordingly, a PESTEL framework is developed, which provides a firm base to foresee the possible future changes, challenges and opportunities that can be effectively considered in strategic business decisions for deploying IS networks in Sri Lanka.