Zou, P X W and Roslan, B A (2005) Different perspectives towards using web-based project management systems in construction: Large enterprises versus small- and medium-sized enterprises. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 1(2), pp. 127-143. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
The development of web-based project management (WBPM) systems for construction has been some time and they hold great promises in increasing productivity and project communication. But their actual application and benefits are yet to be recognized widely by construction professions. This paper reports on research into the current state of applications and the reasons for using or not using WBPM systems in the Australian construction industry. Data were collected through survey questionnaires and interviews. The results show that only some large construction organizations are utilizing WBPM systems in some of their projects and most of them are using an application service provider (ASP) rather than in-house development. The results also illustrate that the employees in those companies have a positive attitude towards WBPM systems. On the other hand, the results show that 89% of Australian construction organizations are not using WBPM systems and 76% do not plan to use a WBPM system. This is mainly because they do not see the need for such systems, plus their limited financial capabilities, small turnover and limited IT skills. In order to fully utilize the potential of WBPM systems, it is necessary to lower the system cost and increase employees' IT skills as well as their awareness of the benefits of such systems.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | application service provider; communication and collaboration; construction; cost; it; training; web-based project management system |
| Index terms: | productivity, survey, turnover, interview, large construction organization, construction organization, project communication, construction industry, project management, collaboration, profession, questionnaire |
| Subjects: | professional development, project management theory and practice, management, industry analysis, institututions, organization, data collection methods, economic analysis, business management |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Roles and Professions |
| 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