Ezcan, V; Goulding, J S and Arif, M (2020) Redefining ICT embeddedness in the construction industry: Maximizing technology diffusion capabilities to support agility. Building Research & Information, 48(8), pp. 922-944. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
Architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) research often engages linear approaches for embedding/implementing/diffusing new technology into existing business systems and processes. However, developments in information and communication technology (ICT) often fail to deliver their full potential for a number of reasons. This paper presents these challenges and highlights the need to embrace equifinality as part of a structured approach for improving impact diffusion. The central tenet and foci of this work rests with the optimization of AEC business agility. Given this, a multiple case study approach using three large construction organizations (in Turkey) was used to capture primary data from 30 respondents–representing viewpoints from three management levels: top management, middle management and first line management. Findings are presented in the form of a conceptual framework, the details of which highlight the constructs needed (inter alia ICT adoption/diffusion) to develop organizational: (i) responsiveness, (ii) flexibility and (iii) corporate competence.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | AEC; agility; ICT; organizational capabilities; strategy; technology diffusion |
| Index terms: | large construction organization, case study, Turkey, new technology, embeddedness, construction industry, information and communication technology, strategy, top management, competence, conceptual framework, organizational capability |
| Subjects: | sociology, industry analysis, management, theoretical framing, personnel development, Geography, economic analysis, innovation and technology management, data collection methods, computing systems |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Human Resources, Digital Applications, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Business Strategy |
| 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