Chen, Y and Kamara, J M (2008) Using mobile computing for construction site information management. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 15(1), pp. 7-20. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for the use of mobile computing in the management of on-site construction information and communication. Design/methodology/approach – The research strategy contains three steps: a pilot study for the first stage, a survey that investigated the information needs of particular users and the nature of on-site information, and finally the development of a model and the validation and evaluation by operational scenarios. Findings – The developed model explores how mobile computing can be used on construction sites to manage on-site information. This model, firstly, identifies the key factors of mobile computer, wireless network, mobile application, construction personnel, construction information, and construction site; secondly it describes the relationships and interactions among these factors. Based on the model, the selection process for mobile computing strategy includes the clarification of information management process, the creations of overview for mobile computing solution, the identification of mobile computing strategy, and the selection of appropriate mobile computing technology. Originality/value – The developed model explores the general concepts and the internal relationships at the two areas of mobile computing and construction site information management. The application of the model can help users to select mobile computing strategies for managing on-site construction information based on the characteristics of their projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; information management; mobile communication systems |
| Index terms: | validation, methodology, survey, construction site, strategy, construction personnel, construction industry, interaction, mobile computing, mobile application |
| Subjects: | behavioral psychology, industry analysis, professional development, research methods, management, innovation and technology management, work location, digital technology, data collection methods, workforce |
| Topics: | Site Management, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice |
| 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