Technology implementation strategies for construction organisations

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to present an overview of the findings of a study aimed at investigating industry‐specific factors that influence the success of technology implementation in construction organisations. These include: the identification of a need, proposal procedures, benefit identification/evaluation, formulation of implementation strategies, implementation barriers, change management and overall implementation evaluation.Design/methodology/approachA semi‐structured interview‐based approach is adopted to identify the industry‐specific factors that influence the success of technology implementation in construction organisations. The findings are discussed and recommendations to industry for potential improvements are given.FindingsThe extent to which successful technology implementation can be achieved, ultimately depends on the degree to which changes are planned, managed and evaluated. Therefore, technology implementation within construction organisations is not so much a technological problem as it is a human behavioural one.Practical implicationsAs technology implementation ultimately consists of changes in practices being made, the fundamental issues regarding technology implementation strategies are well aligned with those of change management. As a result, it is vital that human behavioural and emotional issues are addressed if successful technology implementation is to be achieved.Originality/valueAn investigation into the industry‐specific factors which have resulted in the perception that the construction industry is lagging behind other industries in the uptake of new technologies.