Application of Information and Communication Technology in Construction Companies in Vietnam

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a vital role in the business operations of construction companies. This paper presents the current application of ICT in Vietnamese construction companies. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, 17 representatives from small-to-large construction companies in Vietnam are interviewed. In general, the interviewed practitioners have a positive attitude with the benefits of ICT in information management and feel satisfied with the current process of ICT; however, the level of applying ICT in construction companies is not so high. Five main barriers to applying ICT in information management are also explored: leader-related factors, current company size unsuitable for the application of high ICT, current non-professional process of information management causing difficulties in restructuring the organization, cost burden under financial crisis, and unnecessary application of high ICT for information management in the current market. The results could provide practitioners with some useful information about a part of the whole picture of ICT applications in the Vietnamese architecture/engineering/construction (EAC) industry.