Management problems of remote construction projects and potential IT solutions; The case of kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Remote projects have their unique problems that are caused mainly by the remoteness of the project itself thus the loose control over communications and management. This is due to a number of reasons such as lack of management skills, human resources and infrastructure. Little research was undertaken particularly in the gulf region regarding this issue and it has highlighted few unique communications and management problems. This paper investigates the current problems that the Saudi Electric Company (SEC), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) experiences regarding the management of its’ remote construction sites. It discusses the opinions of contractors and the SEC’s supervision teams regarding the weaknesses in the present communications and management practices. The study found systematic project management problems that have profound negative impact on remote projects’ performance and process. The paper suggests that some of these problems can be sorted out by the use of Advanced Computer based Management Systems (ACMS) and these would improve some project management practices. However, organizational barriers may hinder the potentiality of these systems thus changes to the organization’s management system and practices should be carried out to achieve full benefits.

[1]  Zeeshan Aziz,et al.  Technology strategies for globally dispersed construction teams , 2009, J. Inf. Technol. Constr..

[2]  Sherif Ali Mohtady Mohamed,et al.  Evaluating web-based project information management in construction: capturing the long-term value creation process , 2004 .

[3]  Efraim Turban,et al.  Information Technology for Management: Improving Quality and Productivity , 1996 .

[4]  Linda Kestle,et al.  Remote Site Design Management , 2009 .

[5]  Patrick X.W. Zou,et al.  Different Perspectives Towards Using Web-Based Project Management Systems in Construction: Large Enterprises Versus Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises , 2005 .

[6]  Mustafa Alshawi,et al.  How Strategic is IT Investment in the Construction Industry? A UK Perspective , 2009 .

[7]  Miroslaw J. Skibniewski,et al.  Success/Failure Factors and Performance Measures of Web-Based Construction Project Management Systems: Professionals’ Viewpoint , 2006 .

[8]  Bassam Baroudi,et al.  CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES IN REMOTE AUSTRALIAN LOCATIONS , 2010 .

[9]  Sonja Leskinen,et al.  Mobile Technology in the Finnish Construction Industry - Present Problems and Future Challenges , 2008, Bled eConference.

[10]  Ghassan Aouad,et al.  Building information modelling (BIM) for construction lifecycle management , 2010 .

[11]  Peter E.D. Love,et al.  An application of the Internet-based project management system , 2001 .

[12]  Peter M. Chisnall,et al.  Questionnaire Design, Interviewing and Attitude Measurement , 1993 .

[13]  Vanita Ahuja.  IT enhanced communication protocols for building project management by small and medium enterprises in the Indian construction industry , 2007 .

[14]  Lorna Uden,et al.  The development of online trust among construction teams in Finland , 2007, J. Inf. Technol. Constr..

[15]  Stephen O. Ogunlana,et al.  Re-engineering construction communication in distance management framework , 2004, Bus. Process. Manag. J..

[16]  Edward J. Jaselskis,et al.  Innovation in Construction Engineering Education Using Two Applications of Internet-Based Information Technology to Provide Real-Time Project Observations , 2011 .

[17]  Albert P.C. Chan,et al.  Factors Affecting the Success of a Construction Project , 2004 .

[18]  Roger Atkinson,et al.  Project management: cost, time and quality, two best guesses and a phenomenon, its time to accept other success criteria , 1999 .

[19]  Vanita Ahuja,et al.  Benefits of collaborative ICT adoption for building project management , 2009 .

[20]  Sonja Leskinen.  Mobile Solutions and the Construction Industry. Is it a working combination?: Master's thesis , 2006 .

[21]  Alessandro Margherita,et al.  ICT-enabled and process-based change: an integrative roadmap , 2010, Bus. Process. Manag. J..

[22]  Ekambaram Palaneeswaran,et al.  Web-based centralized multiclient cooperative contractor registration system , 2003 .

[23]  Mustafa Alshawi,et al.  Web-enabled project management: an emerging paradigm in construction , 2003 .

[24]  Sarah Bowden,et al.  Application of mobile IT in construction , 2005 .

[25]  Núria Forcada Matheu.  Life cycle document management system for construction , 2005 .

[26]  R. Yin.  Case Study Research: Design and Methods , 1984 .

[27]  Cathy Banwell,et al.  Qualitative Health Research , 1997 .

[28]  A. N. Oppenheim,et al.  Questionnaire Design, Interviewing and Attitude Measurement , 1992 .

[29]  Jay Yang,et al.  Managing Building Projects through Enhanced Communication - An ICT Based Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises , 2007 .

[30]  Kerry London,et al.  Towards the development of a conceptual design management model for remote sites , 2002 .

[31]  Pollaphat Nitithamyong,et al.  Web-based construction project management systems: how to make them successful? , 2004 .