Key Enablers in IT Implementation - A Hong Kong Construction Industry Perspective

Abstract

There is an emerging consensus amongst construction IT researchers that success in adapting and implementing IT will be predicated on the readiness and willingness of construction sector organizations to innovate their working practices and construction process to meet the challenges of the knowledge-based economy. However, there is little focus in the construction information research community on the issues and factors that impinge upon the uptake of IT systems. In order to enhance understanding of such issues, the study reported in this paper, adopted a qualitative approach to research and used deductive analysis so as to provide an in-depth analysis of mitigating and success factors. It shows that success in IT implementation and adoption, are predicated on a set of complex and interrelated factors (i.e. human and technical elements), and some externalities such as government policies, macro- and microeconomics of the operating environment. The study also shows that organizations adopt an evolutionary approach in IT implementation in the workplace, and that there is a "bunching effect" (follow the leader principle) in organizational decisions to adopt IT systems and platforms. The paper discusses these and other socio-technical issues and factors highlighted in the study, their implication on construction IT research, education and development, and give recommendations on how to address the identified barriers, and stimulate the adoption of IT in the construction sector.