Abstract
The construction sector is a key driver of economic growth in New Zealand; however, its productivity is still considered to be low. Prior research has suggested that information and communication technology (ICT) can help enhance efficiency and productivity. However, there is little research on the use of mobile technologies by New Zealand construction workforce. This paper reports findings of an exploratory study with the objective of examining the perceived benefits regarding uptake of apps in New Zealand construction sector. Using self-administered questionnaire survey, feedback was received from the major construction trade and professional organisations in New Zealand. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive, one-sample t-test, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling. Results showed that iPhone and Android phone currently dominate the smartphone market in New Zealand construction industry. The top three application areas are site photos, health and safety reporting and timekeeping. The benefits of mobile apps were widely confirmed by the construction professionals. The benefit of “better client relationship management and satisfaction” has substantial correlation with overall productivity improvement and best predictor of the overall productivity improvement. These findings provide a starting point for further research aimed at improving the uptake and full leveraging of mobile technologies to improve the dwindling productivity trend in New Zealand construction industry.
Highlights
Mobile technology involving the use of hand-held devices such as smartphones and tablets has changed everyday lives and pervaded into our professional lives
Among the 228 responses, 130 respondents completed the status and experience questions. Of these 56.92% of the responses were in the higher tier of management having roles such as CEO or director in their company, while 30% were project, construction or site manager
About 86.67% of the participants had more than 5 years of work experience in the construction industry while 49.63% of the participants had more than 21 years of work experience in the construction industry
Summary
Mobile technology involving the use of hand-held devices such as smartphones and tablets has changed everyday lives and pervaded into our professional lives. Professional work environments comprise of social, communal, technological, computational, managerial and governmental sides among others, since different levels of information related tasks are involved. With CPs being on-the-move, mobile computing can offer them a quick, simple and easy-to-carry platform to help communicate relevant on-site information to other stakeholders situated in different locations. Mobile devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet) provide communication and computing functions and provide image and video capturing capabilities which could be put to use for record keeping and documentation purposes. Construction industry related apps currently available in the market offer many functionalities ranging from simple calculations to detailed architectural renderings [4]. The aim of this study is to examine the types of Buildings 2017, 7, 111; doi:10.3390/buildings7040111 www.mdpi.com/journal/buildings
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