MEDIATING AND MODERATING FACTORS AFFECTING READINESS TO IOT APPLICATIONS: THE...
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1. SECTION ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background of the Study
Quantity surveying is primarily centred on construction and the management of the costs and
budgets of large projects. From the moment a plan is drawn until a large construction project
has been completed, a quantity surveyor is likely to be involved in a legal, technical and
financial capacity. The functions of a quantity surveyor are broadly concerned with the
control of the cost on construction projects, the management and maintenance of the budget,
valuations and any legal matters arising through the course of the project. They are required
to make sure that the project remains profitable and efficient. The potential of ICT for
improving the quality of professional services in the construction industry is generally
acknowledged. The explosive growth of the information and communication technology
(ICT) has had unquantifiable impact on business systems and processes.
The global acceptance and widespread adoption of ICT has accelerated the dimensions of
competition not only among organizations globally but among professions locally. The
Quantity Surveyors’ ability to avail themselves with the emerging opportunities provided by
the advent of ICT depends on the adoption of new technologies. Computer has promised to
be a reliable tool in all spheres of human endeavour. These days, information and
communication technology (ICT) is responsible for the entire construction process from
information being generated, transmitted and interpreted to enabling the project to be built,
maintained, reused and eventually recycled.
• Scope and Study
This seminar research covers the roles and impact of Information and Communication
Technology in the construction field (Quantity Surveying) considering some countries; such
as Nigeria and Australia.
1.1 Significance of the Presentation
The construction industry has often been criticized with issues concerning efficiency,
productivity and quality in the delivery of its products. Contractors among the major players
2. of the industry have often been blamed for this situation. In recent times, it has been reported
that one of the fundamental issues contributing to the construction industries poor
performance is ineffective communication and exchange of information and data amongst the
project team, with the help of ICT in quantity surveying; it becomes so easy to do overcome
problems such as;
• The need to enlighten people on the roles and application of Computer technologies in
the construction industry (Quantity Surveying)
• It is axiomatic to suggest that despite early optimism about the use of ICT to improve
the productivity and profitability of the construction industry, anything other than
localised benefit is yet to occur.
There is need to;
• To educate people on the roles of Information and communication technology in
quantity surveying
• To educate people on rate at which ICT is implemented and used in Quantity
surveying
• To educate people on the future of ICT in quantity surveying
3. SECTION TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Information and Communication Technology
These days, information and communication technology (ICT) is responsible for the entire
construction process from information being generated, transmitted and interpreted to
enabling the project to be built, maintained, reused and eventually recycled. The everyday life
of individuals is increasingly relevant of information technology and communication. This
has totally transformed individuals and organisations to its wide spread use. According to Sun
and Howard (2004) “The impact of IT on modern society is profound”, and its growing speed
has enabled globalisation especially trough the introduction of a global system of
interconnected computer networks known as the ‘internet’, used for communication between
individuals, companies and institutions for sharing and exchanging information and data. The
construction industry is faced with the ongoing challenge of changing and improving current
work practices in order to become more client-orientated; more competitive as well as
productive trough adoption of ICT as an integral part of the construction process Eden
(2000).
Much effort has been directed toward improving construction productivity and the use of
information and communication technology (ICT) in construction and this is an area worth
concentrating upon because it can decrease the time for data processing, communicating
information and increase overall productivity. Modern structural design software
applications, such as 3D modelling and Building Information Modelling (BIM), provide an
example where designing complex structures and organising the electrical mechanical, site,
structural and quantifying of a project can be achieved in minimum time and increase the
efficiency all in one data framework Jagun (2003)Therefore the understanding of ICT and its
role is important for the realization of improved communications between participating
organizations in construction projects.
Before focusing on ICT diffusion at the actual implementation stage, it is essential to review
the current research related to factors influencing ICT implementation within construction
research. Earlier research studies identify and evaluate a range of variables contributing to
success of initial adoption and actual ICT implementation. These studies mainly focus on
barriers and drivers from the initial adoption view.
4. Wilderspin (1988) concentrates on organisational change that influences the success of IT
implementation. Appendix 1 presents an historical summary of case studies reported from
1996 to 2004 of drivers of and barriers to IT adoption and implementation at the industrial
and organisational view grouped by technological, individual, managerial, and other ICT
adoption and implementation issues. From the factor research view, Appendix 1 presents
results from previous research related to initial ICT adoption and general ICT implementation
from both industrial and organisational perspectives. These are based on identifying factors
that affect only the early stage of ICT diffusion and provide a useful indicator of the decision-
making rationale at the initial adoption stage according to Li (1996).
However, these studies lack detailed insights into the nature and degree of the impact of
variables that influence actual implementation. These factors can be classified as individual
characteristics, technological characteristics, managerial and organisational support, and the
nature of knowledge sharing in the workplace environment. Furthermore, data collected for
the appendix table were mainly drawn from top management and IT managers so these
studies may only reveal and concentrate on strategic management issues rather than reveal
important operational implementation issues. Therefore, rather than focusing on factors
related to initial adoption, there search project reported upon in this paper was focused on fact
ors influencing ICT at the actual implementation stage as reported by Oni (2003).
2.1 Implementation of ICT as an IT Innovation Task
Actual ICT implementation involves complex technical and social issues. Many practitioners
believe that ICT implementation failures occur due to technical issues rather than social
issues. However, recent studies by Howard et al., (1998) suggest that technical problems may
have limited impact on individual adoption of ICT. More recent innovation research is
leading us to the conclusion that innovation implementation failure is not so much a function
of the characteristics of the innovation itself but may depend more on the way that innovation
implementation occurs. It was found, for example, that ICT implementation needs to be
managed and structured because ICT is a critical facilitator of success of other ICT
innovation diffusion initiatives. Thus, overlooking principles of ICT implementation (such as
knowledge transfer through technology and by people) may cause failure of general IT
innovations and also ICT.
5. To examine the concept of managing an actual ICT implementation, factors and processes
need to be identified; however, this paper will focus only on factors at the actual
implementation stage. These factors were identified from the integration of three theoretical
concepts—innovation diffusion, change management, and knowledge sharing and learning.
This study aims to identify key factors that influence ICT diffusion amongst experienced ICT
users who currently adopt and use ICT within large construction organisations.
Therefore, it is essential to answer the question why the integration of variables from
innovation diffusion, change management, and knowledge sharing and learning helps to
explain the ICT diffusion during actual implementation. First, the innovation diffusion
concept identifies variables that impact on the initial ICT adoption—technological
characteristics, communication channels, and social issues that may be considered to be
generally stable, static or slow to change. These variables influence ICT users’ adoption
decisions. However, during a continuous ICT implementation exercise more dynamic
variables come into play. Change management and knowledge sharing and learning
influences provide a dynamic change phenomenon that can strengthen or weaken the
innovation diffusion process. A number of factors or variables that may impact on ICT
diffusion can be derived from the literature on these theories. Change management variables
that may affect IT and ICT diffusion can be grouped into motivation, training and technical
support, supervisor support and open discussion categories. In addition, variables from
knowledge sharing and learning literature also provides a basis for the development of skill
among ICT users and also skill and knowledge transfer through communities of practice. As
a result, the integration of these three theoretical bodies of knowledge can assist us to better
understanding both the nature of static and dynamic variables that influence ICT diffusion at
the actual implementation stage as discussed by Shash et al., (1997).
SECTION THREE
ICT IN QUANTITY SURVEYING
3.0 Impact of ICT in Quantity Surveying
6. The explosive growth of the information and communication technology (ICT) has had
unquantifiable impact on business systems and processes. The global acceptance and
widespread adoption of ICT has accelerated the dimensions of competition not only among
organizations globally but among professions locally. The QSs ability to avail themselves
with the emerging opportunities provided by the advent of ICT depends on the adoption of
new technologies according to Castle (2002). Computer has promised to be a reliable tool in
all spheres of human endeavour. Literature has documented the relevance of
computer/computing to the industry as explained by Shash et al.,(1997). Advances were
made in various professions when such professions took advantage of technological tools
available as explained by Li, (1996) and Pollack-Johnson et al., (1998). There is quite a lot of
development in all areas of computer application to the industry. Of note are the expert
systems, artificial intelligence, knowledge-base systems (KBS), artificial neural networking
(ANN), robotics and computer aided design (CAD). Wager (1988) examined at the
implications of transferring quantities information from CAD systems directly to the quantity
surveyor or contractor.
Rivard et al., (2004) predicted that the evolution of IT will have a profound impact on how
organizations in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry operate. This
is already coming to pass. For example, there are pockets of reduction in paper-based
operation in quantity surveying offices while electronic led- processes are leading to less
dependence on taking- off sheets and other ancillary stationery. Honey (1998) reported that a
large proportion of QSs in the United Kingdom have been using computers. In an earlier
baseline study, Oyediran et al., (2004) examined the state of the art of computing by QSs in
Nigeria at the turn of the last century. Their study was limited to Lagos State of Nigeria and
can at best be cautiously generalized.
3.1 Moving With the Computing Revolution
Studies have shown that the early 1980s is an era when CIPs were awakened to the reality of
applying computer into the operations and processes in the industry. The professionals in the
advanced economies have shown readiness and commitment to the adoption of computers in
their operations than those in the developing economies like Nigeria. It was not until the late
1980s that researchers and practitioners in Nigeria began to draw attention of the industry to
the advantages of the use of computers in the construction industry reported by Ayeni (1989).
7. Early writers have indicated the software and hardware requirements CIPs. These
requirements will continue to vary depending on the technological advancement, the client
and/or market demand, the users’ needs, among other factors. The 1980s witnessed the use of
computers for functions such as cash flow forecasting, Computer Aided Taking off (CATO),
project management, accounting and cost control. There were few specialist computer
programmes relevant to the needs of the CIPs reported by Eite (1982). The fewness of
specialist computer programmes, which he noted, is being overtaken by the rapid
development in the IT world. Wilderspin (1988) observed that the implementation of IT in
many businesses has been more of accident than design. This may be connected with the
absence of industry-driven IT strategy. This accounts, partly, for the level of
misunderstanding, confusion and uncertainty common in the industry. His observation is still
true, to a great extent, in a developing economy like Nigeria, where the level of adoption has
been found to be low reported by Oyediran et al.,(2004), Oni, (2003) and Jagun (2003).
Advances in the late 1980s and 1990s have shown the increasing awareness and adoption of
computers by the CIPs. The work of Shash and Al-mir (1997) showed the limited utilization
of computers to accounting, administration, estimating, planning and control duties by Saudi
contractors. Honey (1998) reported that about 83% of the quantity surveyors in the UK use
computer at work and that quite a large proportion of members use general-purpose Office
software(database and spreadsheet applications). He reported, in addition, that the RICS
members are aware of other applications being introduced to the market. Thus it can be
speculated that the RICS member QSs, having been following the development in IT
revolution, may not be caught unaware in the future. The conservativeness of the QSs has
been cited as one of the reasons why their rate of IT adoption and diffusion (Cartlidge, 2002).
It is to be noted that computer use and adoption in the construction industry has been a
subject of interest among the construction industry professionals in general. Rivard et al
(2004) carried out case studies on the use of IT in the Canadian construction industry in the
summer of 2002. The CIPs interviewed include architects, engineers, general contractors and
owners. It was reported that many of them are at the cutting edge in their use of IT for
construction operation and processes. Notably, QSs were not part of the sample of CIPs
8. interviewed. Some of the issues related to IT adoption identified in their study are: efficiency
and economy of electronic distribution of documents, difficulty in introducing new
technologies on projects due to time lag and tight budgets. Others include: the industry- wide
use of CAD system, cost of maintaining trained CAD and IT personnel and the loss of IT
benefits to companies that lag behind in adopting IT. In all, the authors believed that the
potential benefit in adoption of IT can spread round the industry.
Howard, Castle (2002) carried out a survey of the IT in the construction industry in
Scandinavia. The study aimed at setting a baseline for comparison when measuring growth
and success of IT adoption. The results are similar to what was obtained by Rivard et al
(2004) in their study carried out in Canada. They indicated the dominance of CAD system in
almost all design offices. A related study of the Finnish construction industry by Bäckblom et
al., (2003) surveyed the use of electronic data management (EDM) systems. The study
indicated that there exist barriers to the efficient use of the EDM systems.
The nature of the barriers, they claimed are psychological and training. DPWS (1997) on the
use of computer in the New Zealand Building construction industry was industry general and
not profession specific. The survey revealed that a large minority of businesses either does
not use computers or it uses them casually. The report ended on a note of optimism that
growth is expected in electronic information service. Expectedly, this position must have
shifted in order to keep pace with the trend of development in developed economies. Arif et
al., (2001) reported the use of IT in the West Cape Province of South Africa among
architectural firms. The survey revealed the reliance of architectural practices on CAD
systems. They also noted that the use of computer concentrated on three areas:
administration, communication and construction drawing production. From the economic
perspective they indicated that the use of IT showed no actual reduction in the running costs
of professional practices.
The use of computer in the construction industry in Nigeria has been a subject of inquiry in
Nigeria of late. Jagun (2003) noted that (CIPs) involved in project management services have
been slow in adopting IT in their operations while Oni (2003) reported a low level of IT
adoption in the construction industry. He also noted the lack of comprehensive IT strategy by
practitioners and management. The foregoing review has discussed some elements of IT
adoption and progress in IT in construction. While some of the studies examined the
9. architectural, engineering and construction industry as a whole others focused on specific
systems and / or profession. This study sets to explore the extent to which the QSs in Nigeria
have been moving and growing with the times through the adoption and use of computer in
construction project systems cost management services (PCMS) delivery.
It sought to understand the training modes prevalent among the adopters with the aim of
determining the training strategy that will promote better rate of use of computer. It is to
further discover the challenges faced by the professionals by examining the factors affecting
the use and adoption of computer by the Nigerian Quantity Surveyors.
10. SECTION FOUR
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.0 Summary
Information Technology presents the profession with many challenges, threats and
opportunities. Whatever direction the profession and IT advances take the financial
management expertise of the Quantity Surveyor will remain in demand. The uncertainty
really lies in what capacity and for whom the Quantity Surveyor will be working and whether
the individual independent Quantity Surveying firm will continue to exist in its current form.
It is clear that computing and information management expertise will be a necessary
component in the tool kit of the future Quantity Surveyor. Information Technology advances
will continue to automate technical processes thus raising practitioners to a higher
professional plane whereby their professional skill and expertise will be of paramount
importance.
Nevertheless, the surveys do indicate that the Quantity Surveying profession has enormous
room for improvement in terms of embracing and utilising Information Technology advances
in smarter ways. The Quantity Surveyor is not alone in this respect with the rest of the
industry generally in the same boat. However, due to the relatively small size of the
profession, perhaps independent Quantity Surveying firms stand to lose more than most if
they fail to keep in touch with developments and do not embrace the opportunities and meet
the challenges as they arise.
3.1.1 Discussion
The impact of ICT on professional practice has been mainly in making jobs easier for the
professions, facilitating decision-making and savings in operating costs, among others. The
notoriously inefficient national electric power supply system and the high cost of computer
hardware and software in relation to the dwindling fortunes of the professions in Nigeria's
depressed economy are the key obstacles to increased investments in ICT. However, most of
the respondents (about 80%) were optimistic about the future of ICT in the Nigerian
construction industry, with plans for major new ICT investments in teleporting,
videoconferencing and electronic data management. These findings, it is hoped, should guide
the construction industry in Nigeria in adopting appropriate policies to internalise the globally
acclaimed benefits of ICT. Computers (hardware and software) technology in the
construction industry have gone a very long way and is fast developing every minute of the
11. day. Computer systems for building and architectural purposes are so much faster now than
they were when they first came in the 1970s. Specially configured systems can even be
purchased specifically for different purposes ranging from speed to its ability to higher
graphics. Below are some of the concepts touched or visited in this course of this research
work.
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
The major output of any architectural and engineering team is drawings and these drawings
are now mostly generated on computers. Like any other CAD software, construction oriented
CAD are based on the same principles but may differ to some extent in their designing and
application methods. CAD systems provide drawing entities with powerful construction,
editing and database techniques to produce drawings and models of what buildings will look
like when finished. They are based on the foundation of drawing primitives (2D/3D lines,
arcs, curves, 3D surfaces, text etc.). Its data can also be read and stored in by other
applications software and hardware for analysing the output information. For example, a
CAD system could be used to generate 2Ddrawing, and can be linked to another or same
software as the case may be and generate the 3D model. It can be stored for future references,
printed, projected, edited modified, etc any number of times. A common requirement in
architectural and engineering design is to produce a drawing which is a schematic layout of
components, and which accurately reflects the relative sizes and relationships of these
components. The speed and ease with which a drawing can be prepared and modified using a
computer have a tremendous advantage over hand-based drawing and techniques. For
example in an architectural CAD, walls, beams, Columns, slabs etc are common tools in the
application and these can simply be added on by simply clicking and dropping or drawing
along a surface. The drawing can also be shared by a number of designers over a computer
network who could all be specialists in particular design areas such as, landscape, structural
and mechanical designers and these people can be located at different geographical points.
Drawings can also be linked into databases that could hold material specifications; material
costs etc., this helps in providing an ample examination from design through to construction
phases. There is virtually no limit to the kind of drawings and models that can be prepared
using a CAD system if it can be done manually using the hand. Most CAD models can be
enhanced for further understanding and presentation by the use of advanced rendering
animation techniques (by adding material specifications, light sources and camera motion
12. paths to the model) to produce realistic images and interactive motion such as flythrough and
walkthroughs.
Spread Sheets and Word Processors
Spreadsheet, word programs and microcomputers have transformed information processing in
quantity surveying organisations. They are used to solve problems and get round the long
delays encountered in dealing with the traditional manual way of getting office works done
Spreadsheets like Microsoft excel, word and PowerPoint are very important office tools as
they stand for the every day to day running of worksheets. They are frequently used for
financial information and presentations as they can be used to create and edit charts, graphs
and tables. They are a very important ICT tool in the construction industry as they are
designed to perform general computation tasks using spatial relationships. Most
documentation, letters, calculations and presentations are been done on spread sheets andn
they are usually compatible to the CAD software and firms may independently operate small-
group ICT innovation such as planning and scheduling applications using spread sheets and
word processors.
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
In the Construction industry (Quantity Surveying) computers are used to automate and
simulate hand-drafting methods, and 3D models have assisted in showing what building will
look like by the time they are built. BIM software have the ability to directly and interactively
present concepts of design in a form which represent physical and real images of the building
to allow designers to identify clients’ needs, and to promptly and effectively provide
solutions to these needs. They involve more people from design, management, construction
and operations during the design phase which helps a great deal in the lead to design
improvement. They have the capacity to simulate time function by linking it to other personal
computer-based construction planning packages such as spread sheets and CAD. They can
build a project from the beginning to the end and be able to detect unclear flaws on the
computer screen before actual field construction. It is a tool to assist in improving
communication and collaboration for a successful overall productivity by designer and
contractors.
13. Fig 1: Graphic view of the BIM
Communication Networks
Communication networks will evolve around internet and web browser technology with all
participants accessing a central project database. This will offset the need for multiple copies,
and in some cases versions, of the data/information to be held separately by each project
participant. The database will also enable access to client databases with generic information
about their requirements and historic data as well as information about manufacturers,
suppliers, contractors, consultants, service providers and their products.
Electronic Commerce, Email and Electronic Procurement
Electronic procurement will require all project participants to conduct their businesses via
electronic commerce. This will necessitate cultural shifts in the way these firms do business
and, for many, a major re-engineering of their processes and practices. To this end, the
Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) have developed a "National
Framework for Cooperation for Electronic Commerce in Government Procurement" for the
purpose of developing a consistent approach to the use of technology in electronic
procurement.
E-mail as is all known as is simply the transfer of data from one person's computer files to
another. It works via the internet. Nowadays, not only is text and pictures transferable via
mails, but videos programs etc. In construction electronic mails are very useful as they are
very fast and convenient means of sending and receiving mails and files. Secured means and
encryption are available too by neither third party software nor hosts of the mailing site.
Electronic mail does not simply speed up the exchange of information but leads to the
exchange of new information as well.
14. Videoconferencing/Networking
Less than 20% of respondents to all the surveys had staff working outside their office using
direct electronic links such as via a modem. The majority of those involved employees or
contract Quantity Surveyors working from home. Less than 5% had electronic links with staff
working on site. Videoconferencing facilities are not used by any of the firms surveyed.
In terms of networking, one of the major problems for the alliance to exchange and share
information is the ``distance'' between alliance partners. Networks in general and the Internet
in particular provide exceptional opportunities for communication and data exchange among
and within construction firms. It simply can be described as the act of connection between
computers or devices together to support digital communication among them. It lets you
effortlessly transfer data such as files, pictures, music, information, etc without using a disk
or storage devices.
Fig 2: Simple Networking System Between Companies in the Construction Industry.
ICT in Nigeria Quantity Surveying
A survey of the current state of ICT in architectural, engineering and quantity surveying
practices in the Nigerian construction industry was conducted in South West Nigeria. The
results indicated that while core architectural, engineering and quantity surveying functions
(like drawing, engineering design and preparation of bills of quantities respectively) have
been largely computerised, data and document management is still done in the traditional way
in most cases. The Internet is gaining popularity with over 60% of the respondents currently
connected. For now, most of the professionals use the Internet mainly for e-mails and its
15. potentials in more strategically important areas like e-business and electronic data transfer are
yet to be fully exploited.
Information Technology Adoption Rate in Quantity Surveying
The rate of adoption of Information Technology (IT) in the construction industry has been
slow compared to most other industries despite its information intensive nature. The reasons
for this slow adoption rate are many and varied. The industry is characterised by a large
number of small organisations each with their own vested interests in the process.
Potential Benefits and Challenges for Quantity Surveyors
The study examined the main potential IT applications and benefits for the Quantity
Surveying profession. The main applications were found to be:
• Increased productivity through streamlined data entry and data management
• Increased productivity through automated quantities and cost calculations
• Increased productivity through the use of digitisers for measurement
• Elimination of measurement in many areas through direct extraction of quantities
from CAD files
• Faster and more efficient transmission of quantity/cost data via email
• Expanded services in relation to feasibility, time and cost planning using expert
systems.
3.2 Conclusion
Different government and private boards within have made regulations and code of conduct
in consideration of the importance and need for efficiency and the effective use of ICT. The
evolution of technology which has lead to the invention and development of telephones,
computers, electronic and electrical equipments are all fundamental in the present day
construction industry. The value is very important as construction projects involve a large
flow of construction documentary information linking project participants during both design
and construction phases, this study leads to a conclusive decision that the rapid evolution of
ICT offers opportunities to enhance communication between participants in construction
projects and to enable more effective and efficient communication.
The use of ICT is an area worth concentrating upon because it can decrease time for data
processing and communicating information. ICT applications also aid operational
improvement through communication of construction information for effective decision-
16. making and coordination. Convincingly the fact that the data which is sent from one point to
another can combine text, numbers, images, drawings video and sound, and a combination
and transmission of these as multimedia has transformed the construction industry trough.
Computer networks have also been shown to reduce the need for co-workers to be located in
the same venue. From this study the basics of the knowledge and understanding of the
importance and essential value of ICT lies in the understanding of the modern day computer
and internet technology and the perception of communication, information and its importance
in the context of the construction industry outlines the role and importance of ICT.
3.3 Recommendations
• The advent of computer and ICT integration in the construction processes creates the
need for cross disciplinary education. By recognizing the importance of ICT
education in construction, it is recommended that a robust content of ICT education
which will generate adequate construction ICT skill acquisition should be
incorporated in construction courses as a supplement to technical knowledge and
expertise in various fields of construction study.
• A re-think in this respect will help to deliver the require ICT skills for the Nigerian
construction industry. This will also be significant to develop and support the
understanding of how ICT could be use to support construction process at all levels to
facilitate the necessary change and innovation.
• Evidences from this study have indicated the need to include computer training in the
formal QS education curriculum. This study has not only shown the criticality of this,
but has also exposed the more fundamental need of equipping the institution so that
they will be properly positioned to give the requisite industry relevant computer
education to their students This requires that the trainers be literate in computer also.
This capacity at the construction industry level is yet to be explored. The training
requirement should include understanding in database management, such as
information storage, data mining, data retrieval and programming and in the use
quantity surveying packages.
• The leading mode of training in computer is through personal self-development.
Formal training in IT as part of curriculum in the training of QSs and on- the –job
training is the highly recommended modes of training.
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