Atkinson, E; Spillane, J; Bradley, J and Brooks, T (2022) Challenges in the adoption of mobile information communication technology (m-ICT) in the construction phase of infrastructure projects in the UK. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 40(3), pp. 327-344. ISSN 23984708
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges faced with mobile information communication technology (M-ICT), more specifically tablet software, in the construction phase of UK infrastructure projects. Quality assurance in the context of passive fire protection is scrutinised, where M-ICT use is prevalent, to provide an industry perspective. Design/methodology/approach: The research design is founded on exploratory multiple case study approach. Specific themes are developed, based on a critical review of previous ICT studies. The themes identified are used to inform a qualitative interview protocol for investigating three large UK infrastructure projects. Each project is at different stages in the construction phase, with varying examples of M-ICT implementation in use. Participants are interviewed regarding their experiences of the implementation of M-ICT on each project. Findings: Findings identify diverse experiences across each project. Single and multiple M-ICT platforms are currently being used, with individual stakeholders using ICT in isolation, and in some instances, multiple project stakeholders are using it together. Complete replacement of paper-based processes is evident in one case study, but more commonly, digital technology is being used in parallel to traditional paper-based processes. The challenges, although varied across each case study, can be categorised under the themes of Technology (IT support, ICT infrastructure, IT security, contractual, software), People (social aspects, user competency, safety), Technical Compliance (technical compliance evidence) and Process (conventional processes). Originality/value: It is recommended that each theme be reviewed at project commencement, with all key stakeholders, to ensure key aspects are considered prior to M-ICT deployment. This will ensure avoidance of challenges reported and maximise the opportunities that are available through M-ICT in a multi-stakeholder infrastructure project.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction 4.0; process improvement; tablet software |
| Index terms: | case study, platform, construction 4.0, research design, implementation, construction phase, infrastructure project, process improvement, compliance, interview, quality assurance, project stakeholder, evidence, methodology, replacement, social aspect, digital technology |
| Subjects: | sociology, infrastructure and transport systems, quality assurance, management, research methods, health safety and environment, digital design, contractual arrangements, project delivery, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods, research design and methodology, digital engineering, materials science, computing systems |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Quality Management, Stakeholder Management, Procurement, Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here