Anumba, C E H; Dainty, A; Ison, S and Sergeant, A (2006) Understanding structural and cultural impediments to ICT system integration: A GIS-based case study. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 13(6), pp. 616-633. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - Despite a substantial investment in construction information and communications technology (ICT) in recent years, the structure, culture and ingrained working practices of the sector are such that the industry's organisations represent problematic arenas for their successful implementation. In order to better understand the factors affecting the integration of a new ICT within the industry, this paper seeks to examine the implementation of a geographic information system (GIS) aimed at facilitating an aspect of the labour market planning process within the construction sector. The paper explores the interplay of structural, social and technical factors which, when combined, can complicate the implementation of ICT systems. Design/methodology/ approach - In the case study presented, the considerable potential of the system to facilitate the implementation of a labour market initiative was affected by a range of internal and external factors. An analysis of the implementation process and the socio-technical systems that surround it shows how these factors combined to delimit the abilities of the system to meet the needs of the organisation. Findings - The findings of this work have clear resonances for an industry renowned for its conservative culture and slow uptake of new technologies. They also underscore the importance of developing flexible implementation approaches which are able to cope with an organisation's external environment and changing requirements. Originality/value - The lessons learned are used as the basis for a set of recommendations for enabling construction organisations to better prepare themselves for ICT implementation in the future through proactive planning and end-user engagement.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication technologies; geographic information systems; integration; organizational culture; organizational structures |
| Index terms: | organizational structure, socio-technical system, integration, methodology, system integration, organizational culture, lessons learned, construction sector, case study, new technology, user engagement, construction organization, planning process, working practice, communications technology, labour market, implementation, geographic information system |
| Subjects: | innovation and technology management, contractual arrangements, design methods, data collection methods, organization, industry analysis, organizational analysis, geographical techniques and analysis, project controls, sociology, organizational theory, professional development, theoretical framing, management, research methods, economics |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Design Practice, Supply Chain Management, Organizational Design, Time Control, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Procurement |
| 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