Shelton, J; Martek, I and Chen, C (2016) Implementation of innovative technologies in small-scale construction firms: Five Australian case studies. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 23(2), pp. 177-191. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - The users of construction technologies such as builders and trades people have been acknowledged as sources of potentially important innovations. These innovations may be in the form of safer, less labour intensive, or cheaper methods and processes. The purpose of this paper is to assess whether the Australian construction industry is providing an environment where user-based innovation is being supported and implemented. Design/methodology/approach - An explorative study was undertaken to provide an insight into actual experiences of the implementation of user-based innovation. The data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews providing case studies on multiple aspects of the implementation of innovative construction technologies. The cases involved a cross section of advances, including product, tool, and system technologies. Findings - The main motivation behind developing the technologies was problem solving. The associated industries of manufacturing and retail, as well as consultants within the construction industry present the greatest barriers to implementation. Originality/value - This research provides a better understanding of the factors that are preventing the successful implementation of user-based innovative construction technologies in small firms.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Australia; innovation; construction works; construction systems; construction materials; construction operations |
| Index terms: | case study, Australia, construction operation, construction material, construction work, implementation, construction industry, construction technology, interview, face, construction firm, builder, motivation, methodology, problem solving, construction system |
| Subjects: | digital engineering, organization, data collection methods, practitioner, building materials, operations management, psychology, contractual arrangements, construction operations, research methods, decision-making and reasoning, Geography, building construction, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Site Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Procurement, Roles and Professions |
| 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