ICT Implementation of Small- and Medium-Sized Construction Enterprises: Organizational Characteristics, Driving Forces, and Value Perceptions

Abstract

This study discusses the organizational characteristics, driving factors, and value perceptions of small- and medium-sized construction enterprises in information and communication technology (ICT) implementation and investigates how the heterogeneous impacts of these features on subsequent ICT implementation practices are manifested. Based on questionnaire responses provided by 338 respondents from the Chinese construction industry, these associations were empirically tested using statistical methods, such as t-test, ANOVA, and correlation test. The analysis results indicate that the engagement of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in ICT is a function of their annual sales turnover and the location in which they are operating, but no correlation was found with age, ownership structure, or business type. Moreover, strategic orientation was found to be the most effective driver in determining SMEs’ ICT-level, followed by pressures from competitors, incentive and mandatory policies from the government, intentions to improve work efficiency and quality, and ICT requirements from clients and partners, in that order. The findings further reveal that the differences in value perceptions generated after the adoption of ICT is the reason why SMEs tend to adopt less expensive ICT, that is, to use packaged rather than customized ICT, which can improve efficiency quickly, without considering the long-term benefits of the selected ICT. These findings provide insights for researchers and policymakers, allowing them to develop an in-depth understanding of the stimuli that are advantageous in ICT implementation in construction SMEs in developing countries.

Information and Communication Technology in Managing Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria

“…It is observed that about 80% of the respondents who are of the view that the cost associated with developing and maintaining ICT facilities is very high are also concerned about the high cost of data communication expenses. This is in line with the findingLu et al, (2019) where these SME executives opts for cheaper alternatives. The charges from telecommunication companies arising from data communication and internet service providers between users are still on the high side in Nigeria and this remains a barrier as most SMEs are expected to compete with bigger and well-established companies including multinational corporations.…”

“…The technological usage in production processes has the highest contribution to boost aggregate output performance of employees in sachet and table water manufacturing companies. Lu et al, (2019), however submitted that the differences in how organizations value information and other intangible assets that comes after the adoption of ICT by some of these SMEs is the reason why they tend to adopt cheaper ICT models, employing the use packaged software rather than customized ICT. Okundaye et al, (2019) concluded that both government leaders and the executives of SMEs have critical roles to play in ensuring that SMEs have all the critical resources they needed to survive while the leaders of SMEs should ensure the successful adoption of ICT in their organizations.…”

The Implementation Factors of Information and Communication Technology in the Life Cycle Costs of Buildings

“…These results should be compared with the research already carried out in the field of ICT implementation factors in the context of managing life cycle costs of buildings. The research results also confirm the research conclusions of [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29], in which the investment cost was a significant implementation factor. This result and comparison point to one of the phases of a construction project in the context of cost management.…”

“…The list of implementation factors resulting from the use of ICT was compiled based on a thorough theoretical analysis of resources and research dealing with the implementation factors of ICT in the cost management of buildings [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Experts reviewed the long list of implementation factors in the field by interview.…”

Organizational Learning in the Academic Literature – Systematic Literature Review

“…According to Lu et al (2019), ICT has a critical role in innovation, and is considered crucial in transforming business processes and supporting decisionmaking, write Cupiał et al (2018). Table 2 below gives an overview of the themes that emerge from the sample of academic literature.…”