Rathnayaka, L S D; Malsha Nadeetharu, B K and Kulatunga, U (2024) Applicability of electronic document management system (EDMS) for the cost management of mega construction projects in Sri Lanka. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 29(2), pp. 314-330. ISSN 1366-4387
Abstract
Purpose: Documentation plays a key role in navigating the costs of construction projects. Traditional document management systems (TDMS) used in developing countries, however, hinder the achievement of expected cost targets. Although the electronic document management system (EDMS) has been implemented to improve documentation, the Sri Lankan construction industry has failed to effectively adapt to it. Hence, this study aims to provide strategies for the effective application of EDMS to the cost management of Sri Lankan mega construction projects. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a qualitative approach followed by 12 semi-structured expert interviews. Quantity surveying experts were selected through judgemental sampling. Manual content analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: The EDMS is more suitable for megaprojects than traditional methods of documentation in terms of functionality, neutrality, interoperability, space, reversibility and delivery speed. However, there are contradictory views about cost and security. Furthermore, five transitional challenges of EDMS have been identified under the three key themes of cost, stakeholder perception and technical difficulties. Four reasons were also identified as causing these five challenges. Seven suggestions were made to deal with these transitional challenges and three key feasible solutions for the Sri Lankan construction industry regarding the EDMS were identified. Development of Sri Lankan software with low initial cost was highlighted as the most feasible solution. Originality/value: This is a novel study to investigate the applicability of EDMS to cost management mechanisms of megaprojects in Sri Lanka. The findings reveal transitional challenges and appropriate feasible solutions for EDMS adaptation. This can be applied to the cost management of megaprojects in other developing countries as well.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cost management; electronic document management system; megaprojects |
| Index terms: | adaptation, cost management, qualitative approach, neutrality, interoperability, construction industry, sampling, Sri Lanka, documentation, content analysis, strategy, functionality, management system, surveying, developing country, interview, megaproject, construction project, methodology |
| Subjects: | management, accounting and finance, research methods, Geography, production management, professional development, development economics, industry analysis, systems and processes, data collection methods, user focus, design features, data analysis and analytics, ethical practice, health monitoring assessment and metrics, strategic project management |
| Topics: | Information Management, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, International Construction, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| 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