Assessment Of Construction Professionals’ Awareness Of The Vuca Model In Building Construction Firms For Enhanced Manpower Operations
Adebiyi Adeniyi Mayowa
Department of Building, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Nigeria
Keywords: VUCA model, manpower operations, workforce management, volatility, construction professionals, workforce planning
Abstract
This study investigates the level of awareness of the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) model among construction professionals. It examines its implications for manpower operations in building construction firms in Nigeria. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected via structured questionnaires distributed to 240 professionals, including architects, builders, civil engineers, and quantity surveyors in Abuja. Descriptive statistical methods, including mean scores and standard deviations, were employed to assess awareness across the four VUCA dimensions. The results indicate that professionals demonstrate an overall moderate level of VUCA awareness, with greater familiarity regarding volatility and uncertainty than with complexity and ambiguity. Although dynamic and unpredictable project environments are acknowledged, a substantial gap persists between conceptual understanding and practical application in workforce planning and management. The findings suggest that manpower operations are not yet fully optimized to address VUCA-related challenges, which have an adverse impact on project performance in terms of cost, time, and quality. The study concludes that improving VUCA literacy through targeted training, adaptive leadership development, and the integration of flexible manpower strategies is critical for enhancing workforce efficiency and resilience. It further recommends the implementation of scenario planning, systems thinking, and digital decision-support tools to strengthen manpower operations and better align them with the evolving demands of the construction industry.