Information and communication technology in the construction industry

Although communication is an essential value in construction projects, the construction industry is confronted with the importance and use of information and communication technology (ICT). As most firms in developed countries have increased and will increase further their investment in ICT, this has raised productivity within their construction industry and resulted in an increase in the quality and speed of work, financial controls, communications, and access to common data. Firms in the third world countries are yet to understand this essential value and its importance to the development of their construction sector. However, the benefits of ICT come at a cost since the complexity of work, the administrative needs, the costs of doing business, the continual demand for upgrading and the greater knowhow required. In this study, the objective is to document and analyse ICT, its importance, obstacles and preconditions for an effective use by focusing on literatures and journals concerning communication in construction projects. The two most important areas of future research are the implementation of computer-integrated design and construction, and the development of new tools to support concurrent practice and to assist construction project managers in the conceptual stages.

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