Empirical analysis of construction enterprise information systems: Assessing the critical factors and benefits

Tatari, M O (2009) Empirical analysis of construction enterprise information systems: Assessing the critical factors and benefits. PhD thesis, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.

Abstract

Attaining higher levels of system integration is seen as the primary goal of enterprise information systems in construction (CEIS). Increased system integration resulting from CEIS implementation is expected to lead to numerous benefits. These benefits encompass information technology infrastructure as well as strategic, operational, organizational, and managerial aspects of the firm. By adopting CEIS, firms seek tangible and intangible benefits such as cost reduction, improved productivity, enhanced efficiency, and business growth. However, with the challenge of integrating various business functions within the firm, certain factors become critical for achieving higher levels of integration. Despite ample research on integrated IT systems, there are very few works in the construction field that empirically analyze the critical factors impacting the level of integration and the benefits thereof. This study seeks to address these gaps in the literature and analyzes the impact of critical factors on levels of integration and the ensuing benefits through a systematic and rigorous research design. The conceptual framework in this study draws heavily upon the theory of IT integration infrastructures, while also modifying and expanding it. This study quantifies the critical success factors that impact CEIS integration and the ensuing benefits. Furthermore, it analyzes the effects of system integration on CEIS induced benefits. It also investigates the impact of CEIS strategy on CEIS induced benefits, and identifies the relationship between CEIS strategy and system integration. Finally, it assesses the effects of CEIS induced benefits on user satisfaction and provides a CEIS implementation guide map for construction firms. The study uses multiple regression analysis and ANOVA to test these relationships.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Thesis advisor: Skibniewski, M J
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction firms; information system; information technology; integration; productivity; critical success factor; multiple regression; regression analysis
Index terms: multiple regression analysis, information technology, cost reduction, regression analysis, productivity, system integration, critical success factor, user satisfaction, strategy, conceptual framework, information system, construction firm, implementation, efficiency, critical factor, research design, business growth, multiple-regression, integration
Subjects: research design and methodology, contractual arrangements, strategic management, management, control systems, statistical analysis, risk assessment, organizational analysis, client relations, theoretical framing, performance management, economics, organization, computing systems, information systems, organizational theory
Topics: Research Practice, Cost Management, Digital Applications, Risk Management, Quality Management, Project Management, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Procurement
Descriptive scope: 3 PCA

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