Wong, C H (2007) ICT implementation and evolution: Case studies of intranets and extranets in UK construction enterprises. Construction Innovation, 7(3), pp. 254-273. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the interview findings of five large construction firms who pioneered their intranet and extranet (IE) uptake to generate a co-operative virtual workplace and business environment with internal and external project teams. The main objective was to investigate IE implementation and evolution among the selected construction firms in order to showcase their successful ICT uptake experience in practice. Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted using case study approach using five UK construction companies, i.e. architect, developer, project management and cost consultant, and contractors. All interviewees held significant roles for IE implementation and/or development in their respective organisations. The interviews were recorded and transcript. The transcripts were analysed and sent to the companies for comments. Findings – The findings show that the motivation among surveyed construction organisations for taking up an advanced IE was predominantly influenced by three main factors: the need for better business communications and knowledge dissemination; increased global competitiveness; and enthusiasm to be at the forefront of technology developments. Originality/value – The study demonstrates real-life ICT uptake experiences and feedback to highlight how the full benefits of ICT investment can be achieved and aligned to business needs and objectives. In addition, the findings provide a valuable business case study for construction professionals, information technology managers, and businesses when considering an ICT investment in IE as part of their overall business strategy.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication technologies; construction industry; extranets; intranets; United Kingdom |
| Index terms: | business strategy, United Kingdom, cost consultant, motivation, construction firm, construction company, interview, manager, technology development, business case, information technology, methodology, evolution, construction organization, case study, construction industry, knowledge dissemination, implementation, project team, project management, operative, construction professional, architect, competitiveness |
| Subjects: | research methods, project management theory and practice, professional development, Geography, market analysis, industry analysis, organization, business, profession, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, computing systems, practitioner, psychology, strategic project management, project delivery, contractual arrangements, environmental science, innovation and technology management |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Procurement, Digital Applications, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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