Shibeika, A and Harty, C (2015) Digital innovation in construction: Exploring the firm-projects interface. In: Raiden, A and Aboagye-Nimo, E (eds.) Proceedings of 31st Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-9 September 2015, Lincoln, UK.
Abstract
This paper reports on an in-depth qualitative study of the diffusion of digital innovation in a large UK engineering firm. Previous research in the diffusion of innovations in construction emphasises either projects or the firm with little attention to the interface between the firm and its projects, and the effect of this interface in diffusion processes. This research however employs a contextualist process approach which accounts for more than the individual choice, and considers non-linearity and iteration within the chronology of a diffusion process. The findings of this research provide a case for learning and capabilities development for BIM across the firm through strategic technology group which the firm mobilised to provide innovation championship and digital leadership. It also captures important tensions and challenges at the interface between the firm and its projects, which are largely related to the need for standardised processes across the firm to achieve repeatable solutions, and at the same time being able to meet the unique requirements of specific markets and projects. The implications of these findings in practice and in research in the diffusion of innovations in construction are discussed.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | BIM; diffusion of innovations; digital innovation; project-based firms |
| Index terms: | project-based firm, engineering firm, markets, chronology, qualitative study, diffusion of innovation |
| Subjects: | research design and methodology, professional development, time analysis, organization, firms, economic analysis |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Time Control, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions, Information Management |
| 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