INNOVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF IT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

INNOVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF IT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

LILY MARIYA BTE ROSLI

2009140471

Msc. In Integrated Construction Project Management

Information Technology is abbreviated as IT that can be divided into IT manufacturer industry and IT use industry. As it pertains to technology, IT spans a wide variety of areas that include but are not limited to things such as Processes, Computer Software, Computer Hardware, Programming Languages, and Data Constructs. In short, anything that renders Data, Information or perceived Knowledge, in any visual format whatsoever, via any multimedia distribution mechanism, is considered to be a part of the domain space known as Information Technology (IT). As it pertains to industry, IT spans a very large variety of functional areas called Information Technology (IT) Disciplines or Information Technology (IT) Competencies, that describe functional areas of the greater profession. (Wikipedia, 2009)

Today, the term information has ballooned to encompass many aspects of computing and technology, and the term has become very recognizable. IT professionals perform a variety of functions (IT Disciplines/Competencies) that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. A few of the duties that IT professionals perform may include data management, networking, engineering computer hardware, database and software design, as well as the management and administration of entire systems. Information technology is starting to spread farther than the conventional personal computer and network technology, and more into integrations of other technologies.

The need for innovation in the construction industry has long been stressed from both within and outside the industry. Changes in global markets, increased customer expectations, and government pressure have all led to innovation becoming a key focus for the construction sector. To echo this, a recent government report claims that “Innovation needs to be at the heart of the construction industry’s efforts to improve productivity and develop new capabilities, business and markets”. Innovation in the Construction Industry. The construction industries in many countries are starting to consider seriously the strategic use of information technology (IT). The use of information technology in construction is extending beyond the stage of piecemeal application for improving the efficiency of discrete operations by individual organizations to the advanced stage where IT is applied strategically in commercial enterprises, government agencies and professional institutions. Progress in construction in this regard appears to lag behind that in most other sectors of the economy

Information technology (IT) can effectively promote integration of innovation in the construction industry. Recent advances in the field of IT, the increasingly global nature of the construction market and a renewed demand for quality and productivity in construction are making the issue of integration more critical than ever. Design and construction organizations can achieve integration of various construction activities by redesigning many of their organizational functions and processes and IT can facilitate redesigning of these processes. The dynamic nature of construction processes, interdependence of various participating entities and the need for teamwork, flexibility and a high degree of coordination suggest that IT has great potential in the construction industry. The construction industry can make effective use of communication, data accessibility and common systems designed to process data, the three major categories of IT capabilities to achieve integration. It can be concluded that appropriate IT investment and management's commitment and ability to provide leadership under the changed atmosphere are crucial for the successful implementation of IT in the construction industry.

The impact of IT on the design and construction organizations must be managed with an understanding of external and internal factors that affect business organizations. It is essential that an appropriate environment that establishes suitable reward recognition procedures, encourages team-work and creativity and stimulates decentralization of decision-making activities be created. Thus, IT implementation is not just a technical enhancement but a managerial decision that involves re-engineering of organizational functions and operations.