Web-based Project Management Systems Research Articles

Rationalizing the Implementation of Web-Based Project Management Systems in Construction Projects Using PLS-SEM

AbstractWhile web-based project management (WBPM) systems have been widely implemented in most construction projects, the current literature lacks any clear consensus on rationalizing such decisions across the industry. In an attempt to understand the factors influencing the implementation of web-based systems and their performance in construction projects, a theoretical structural model has been established, termed the partial least-square structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The effect of six latent variables on the performance of WBPM systems has been analyzed using the empirical data collected from a questionnaire survey of 77 respondents within the construction industry. The results of the data analysis suggest that the implementation of web-based systems (PMB) is rationalized with the two key factors being complexity (PC) and information streamline (IS) in the project. The general perception of increased users’ satisfaction (US) and transparency and accountability (TA) has no strong empirical basis ...

Success factors for the implementation of web‐based construction project management systems

PurposeAcademics and practitioners anticipated that web‐based project management systems (WPMSs) would enhance and revolutionise the way in which construction‐related organisations conduct business. However, widespread adoption and effective use have not reached expected levels partly because of a lack of comprehensive understanding on how to implement WPMSs avoiding pitfalls and failure. This paper aims to investigate the rationale behind WPMS performance deviations in order to suggest ways to effectively employ WPMSs in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThree project‐level case studies were undertaken representing a highly successful, a moderately successful, and an unsuccessful WPMS implementation. For each case, WPMS implementation and operational issues were examined, followed by a detailed investigation on the key factors affecting the WPMS application. The findings from the three case studies were then compared and analysed.FindingsThe case studies reveal a clear pattern related to WPMS performance in relation to a number of issues. Following this pattern, the study identifies “basic” requirements as well as “important” and “key” factors for a successful WPMS implementation. The conclusions from the case studies suggest ways in which construction project teams can reap greater benefits from using WPMSs in their work.Originality/valueThe findings reported herein will benefit construction practitioners by guiding them to more productive ways of utilising and managing WPMSs, thereby promoting widespread acceptance of such systems in the industry.

Implementing Web-Based Project Management Systems in the United States and Japan

This paper reports on results of research conducted at the University of Washington to investigate the means and methods for overcoming barriers to the implementation of Web-based project management systems (WPMS), and to develop a set of best practices in both the United States and Japanese construction industries. The United States and Japanese economies are high-tech intensive and both cultures have embraced technology. However, a relatively small sector of the construction industry in each country has implemented WPMS. The question posed here is why have these drivers not resulted in the industry’s adoption of this new technology, and further, perhaps there are lessons learned from those who have successfully implemented WPMS. This research seeks to broaden our understanding of implementation barriers that are limiting the use of WPMS tools as well as means and methods of overcoming those barriers based on successful implementation in both countries.

Success/Failure Factors and Performance Measures of Web-Based Construction Project Management Systems: Professionals’ Viewpoint

This paper presents the results of an empirical study conducted to refine the writers’ previous findings on potential factors that may influence performance of commercial Web-based project management systems (WPMSs) and potential measures that might be used to assess performance of such systems. Data used in this study were obtained from 39 professionals who had practical experience with WPMSs in construction projects. The results of the study confirm 42 factors that can potentially affect performance of WPMSs and 36 measures that can be used to evaluate such performance. These 42 factors are categorized into four distinct groups: characteristics of the project, the project team, the service provider, and the specific WPMS system used in the project. The 36 measures reflect performance of WPMSs in six different perspectives: strategic, schedule/time, cost, quality, risk, and communication. Findings presented in this paper can be used by researchers as a starting point for future research in the area of WPMS implementation and performance evaluation and may be used by practitioners in the industry as a useful guide to increase the likelihood of a successful WPMS adoption.

Different Perspectives Towards Using Web-Based Project Management Systems in Construction: Large Enterprises Versus Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

The development of web-based project management (WBPM) systems for construction has been some time and they hold great promises in increasing productivity and project communication. But their actual application and benefits are yet to be recognized widely by construction professions. This paper reports on research into the current state of applications and the reasons for using or not using WBPM systems in the Australian construction industry. Data were collected through survey questionnaires and interviews. The results show that only some large construction organizations are utilizing WBPM systems in some of their projects and most of them are using an application service provider (ASP) rather than in-house development. The results also illustrate that the employees in those companies have a positive attitude towards WBPM systems. On the other hand, the results show that 89% of Australian construction organizations are not using WBPM systems and 76% do not plan to use a WBPM system. This is mainly because they do not see the need for such systems, plus their limited financial capabilities, small turnover and limited IT skills. In order to fully utilize the potential of WBPM systems, it is necessary to lower the system cost and increase employees' IT skills as well as their awareness of the benefits of such systems.

Economic Feasibility of Web-Based Project Management Solutions

Recently, Web-based Project Management (WPM) systems attracted a significant number of construction industry applications worldwide. These implementations, actual and potential, pushed many construction companies to the front of WPM investment decision-making. This paper reviews IT investment evaluation methods and concludes that a single economic analytical method or a simple combination thereof is insufficient to justify or decline an investment in WPM. To fulfil the practical need of many construction companies to implement WPM systems, the paper puts forward a multidimensional decision-making approach that the authors believe is closer to the style of decision-making in the construction business world.

Web-based construction project management systems: how to make them successful?

Web-based construction project management systems: how to make them successful?