Descriptive perspective on factors affecting the complete adoption of information technology systems in the construction firms

Abstract

Information technology as a strategy to process, store and transfer information is pivotal for the success delivery of information within different industries, construction in particular. Given the benefits associated with the use information technology this study focuses on the factors that may affect construction firms from being recipients of the benefits of completely adopting information technology systems in South Africa. A quantitative approach was employed to determine factors that require urgent eradication, construction professionals responded to the questionnaire survey that was undertaken. Prior to the survey, data was descriptively analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean item scores and standard deviations. Findings from the study clearly reveal that for construction firms in South Africa to entirely realise the benefits of completely adopting IT systems focus must be shifted away from resisting change, providing inadequate training and employing personnel with no management skills. More so, results show that certainty is required regarding lack of integrity, durability and reliability of the systems, on-going maintenance costs as well as the importance and introduction of client leadership. Above any other barrier, the aspect of costs associated with the complete adoption of IT systems is crucial, while the extent of involvement of key role players needs to be further determined.