Abstract
{ "background": "The adoption of digital process-control systems in structural engineering practice within developing economies is poorly understood, with a lack of empirical evidence on implementation rates and causal drivers. This gap hinders the development of effective strategies for modernising practice and improving project outcomes.", "purpose and objectives": "This case study aims to methodologically evaluate the adoption rates of process-control systems within a national context, employing a quasi-experimental design to isolate and measure the effect of a targeted intervention programme on uptake among practising firms.", "methodology": "A quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test control group design was implemented. A sample of 60 engineering firms was non-randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a structured training and support package. Adoption was measured via a validated audit checklist. The treatment effect was estimated using a difference-in-differences model: $Y{it} = \\beta0 + \\beta1 \\text{Group}i + \\beta2 \\text{Post}t + \\beta3 (\\text{Group}i \\times \\text{Post}t) + \\epsilon{it}$, with robust standard errors clustered at the firm level.", "findings": "The intervention had a statistically significant positive effect on adoption. The estimated coefficient $\\beta_3$ was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.28 to 0.56), indicating that firms receiving the intervention improved their adoption scores by an average of 42 percentage points more than the control group. Thematic analysis of barriers highlighted persistent concerns over software cost and interoperability with local material specifications.", "conclusion": "Targeted, context-sensitive support programmes can substantially accelerate the adoption of digital process-control systems in structural engineering practice. The quasi-experimental design provides credible evidence of a causal relationship between the intervention and increased uptake.", "recommendations": "Professional bodies and policymakers should develop sustained, practical support programmes that address both technical training and specific local barriers, such as software affordability and integration