Thesis-2005-Yeomans.pdf (3.37 MB)
ICT-enabled collaborative working methodologies in construction
thesis
posted on 2006-02-10, 13:38 authored by Steven G. YeomansSince the turn of the new millennium the UK construction industry has witnessed the
naissance of a new paradigm known as ICT-enabled collaborative working. Advocates
of this new approach believe that the adoption of ICTs will lead to better project
information exchange, communications, integrated processes and therefore more
efficient collaborative working. It is expected that ICT-enabled collaborative working
will not only overcome the industry’s many inherent problems, such as its adversarial
and fragmented nature, but that it will also facilitate benefits for all involved. This
supposition is based upon the recognition that its exploitation has proven successful at
transforming other industries.
The EngD thesis pertains to a four-year study on two methodologies currently applied
under the concept of ICT-enabled collaborative working, ‘Collaborative Prototyping’
(CP) and the use of ‘Construction Project Extranets’ (CPE). The research project
utilised literature reviews, case studies, project observations, active involvement,
surveys, interviews and workshops to develop expertise and knowledge within the
subject area. It shows that a large disparity exists between the use of a shared 3D model
and the use of CPEs to promote collaborative working. Conversely, whilst CPEs have
become the de facto ICT-enabled approach to seeking improvements in project
efficiency (due to their potential to enhance communications, integration and
collaboration) they are not being utilised effectively. This was attributed to the use of
inadequate procedures that fail to provide proper consideration of all the necessary
issues to ensure successful implementation, application and management of the CPE. As
a result, project teams are failing to ascertain the full potential benefits offered by such
collaboration tools. The research demonstrates that to overcome this, project teams
require the development of an industry best-fit framework that defines proficient
procedures. It highlights the main factors for inclusion within a protocol. Furthermore, it
provides a simple form to promote greater awareness of the key factors that impinge on
the successful application of CPE. The thesis concludes by outlining a number of
recommendations for consideration by the industry, along with requirements for future
work.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Research Unit
- Centre for Innovative and Collaborative Engineering (CICE)
Publisher
© Steven YeomansPublication date
2005Notes
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Engineering at Loughborough University.Language
- en
Qualification name
- EngD
Qualification level
- Doctoral
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