Tatum, C B (1986) Potential mechanisms for construction innovation. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 112(2), pp. 178-191. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Construction presents important opportunities for innovation. Current competitive conditions and owner demands for cost effectiveness provide strong incentives. Examining mechanisms for innovation rather than barriers to technical progress is one means to stimulate advance. This paper describes several advantages and disadvantages which the construction industry presents for innovation. The advantages include project organization, necessity and challenge, engineering and construction integration, low capital investment, capability and experience of key personnel, process emphasis, and variation in methods. Major disadvantages for construction include investment reluctance, competitive conditions, institutional framework, seasonal and economic cyclicity, and the role of suppliers. Based on these conditions, a set of hypotheses is developed (project demands, individual initiative, construction input to design, and transfer from other industries) concerning possible mechanisms for innovation in construction. The paper also reviews prior research regarding innovation in construction and manufacturing, develops practical applications of mechanisms for construction innovation, and highlights conclusions regarding opportunities for technological progress in construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | owner, construction industry, project organization, cost-effectivenes, personnel, capital investment, construction innovation, variation, integration |
| Subjects: | economic analysis, economics, management, contractual condition, organizational theory, building construction, sociology, organizational analysis, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Stakeholder Management, Human Resources, Contract Administration, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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