Dado, E (2002) ICT-enabled communication and co-operation in large-scale on -site construction projects. PhD thesis, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands.
Abstract
Recent surveys on the ICT use in the realisation stage of construction projects show that there is a widespread of ICT use in the realisation stage. However computer systems are often only used to change the paper-based IS into an electronic Information System (IS). In most cases, the supporting systems are not yet or partly integrated. (1) What are the requirements for an integrated model that serves the needs of most of the participants in on-site large-scale construction projects? (2) How should such an integrated model be implemented? The core construct of the integrated model is based on a matrix, which is referred to as the Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM). Each intersection point (referred to as WorkObject) on the RAM represents the scope of work that has been contractually agreed and which organisation is responsible, i.e. the extension of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with the Organisation Breakdown Structure (OBS). A WBS in this thesis is not defined as a strictly product- or process-related decomposition, but allows decomposition in both directions, which overcomes one of the biggest problems of the existing models namely the idea that product and process should be decomposed independently. The main conclusions of this study are: (1) Communication and co-operation in multi-cultural large-scale construction projects undoubtedly can be improved by the approach as proposed in this study. (2) An integrated model that holds the core entities and attributes of the main player with the most time critical applications seems to be a good solution for the integration problems that BC companies are currently facing. (3) A dynamic implemented model should be the basis for on-site communication in the future. (4) All the ICT components for a truly improved communication infrastructure are already available: PDT, XML, OO, Java, Internet, mobile networks etceteras; the limitations of the current available Information and Communication Technologies are not the problem anymore. (5) In order to really benefit from this study, others need to pick it up and not only work on solutions as described in this thesis, but also try to integrate the results from many other projects. It is recommendable that future developments are conducted in large permanent consortia in which all relevant parties are represented.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Tolman, F P |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication; co-operation; information system; integration; consortia; construction project |
| Index terms: | survey, information and communication technology, computer system, information system, integration, construction project, integrated model, consortium, internet |
| Subjects: | production management, partnership management, organizational analysis, information systems, data collection methods, computing systems, analytical methods |
| Topics: | Information Management, Research Practice, Stakeholder Management, Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
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