Claire E.H. Anumba, Andrew Dainty, Stephen Ison and Amanda Sergeant
Despite a substantial investment in construction information and communications technology (ICT) in recent years, the structure, culture and ingrained working practices of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite a substantial investment in construction information and communications technology (ICT) in recent years, the structure, culture and ingrained working practices of the sector are such that the industry's organisations represent problematic arenas for their successful implementation. In order to better understand the factors affecting the integration of a new ICT within the industry, this paper seeks to examine the implementation of a geographic information system (GIS) aimed at facilitating an aspect of the labour market planning process within the construction sector. The paper explores the interplay of structural, social and technical factors which, when combined, can complicate the implementation of ICT systems.
Design/methodology/approach
In the case study presented, the considerable potential of the system to facilitate the implementation of a labour market initiative was affected by a range of internal and external factors. An analysis of the implementation process and the socio‐technical systems that surround it shows how these factors combined to delimit the abilities of the system to meet the needs of the organisation.
Findings
The findings of this work have clear resonances for an industry renowned for its conservative culture and slow uptake of new technologies. They also underscore the importance of developing flexible implementation approaches which are able to cope with an organisation's external environment and changing requirements.
Originality/value
The lessons learned are used as the basis for a set of recommendations for enabling construction organisations to better prepare themselves for ICT implementation in the future through proactive planning and end‐user engagement.
Details
Keywords
Claire Anumba, A.R.J. Dainty, S.G. Ison and Amanda Sergeant
The UK construction industry faces unprecedented skills demands which have been fuelled by sustained sectoral growth and a concurrent downturn in the number of young people…
Abstract
The UK construction industry faces unprecedented skills demands which have been fuelled by sustained sectoral growth and a concurrent downturn in the number of young people entering the industry. However, patterns of supply and demand are not uniform across the country, with regional and local skills shortages being determined by the specific socio‐economic context of the area under consideration. Thus, developing effective labour market policy demands spatially‐oriented labour market information which can be reconciled against industry growth forecasts within a particular region or locality. This paper explores the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in providing such a mechanism for enhancing the labour market planning process. The paper details how GIS can aid construction labour market planning through its ability to integrate disparate labour market information efficiently, thereby placing analysts in a better position to understand specific spatial patterns. A range of datasets were strategically combined in order to reveal regional nuances in labour demand and supply which would be difficult to discern without the use of such a tool. Although the GIS output would need to be considered in combination with a range of other forecasting techniques if robust projects of labour demand and shortage are to be generated, it nevertheless offers an effective decision‐support tool for informing labour market policy in the future.