Developing a Digital Nervous System for Enhancing Effectiveness of Construction Management and Increasing Commercial Benefit in the UK Construction Industry

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilitates better communication within the construction industry and has the potential to change the industry beyond recognition. The aim of this research is to develop a theoretical Digital Nervous System (DNS) model for the UK construction industry to enable companies to improve their corporate business performance.<br/><br/>To accomplish the aim of the research, the author conducted extensive secondary and primary data collection. Two primary research techniques were adopted to elicit data and information from respondents, these were; questionnaire surveys and structured interviews. A comprehensive review of secondary data was undertaken, this included a review of published literature, both in print and electronic format.<br/><br/>A theoretical DNS model has been proposed by the author in this research. This DNS model is able to support and integrate the following functions:<br/><br/>• To manage inner-company operations more efficiently using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Intranet technology.<br/>• To use Extranets to improve communication with business partners by sharing up-to-date information.<br/>• To exploit the potential of the Internet to increase interaction with the public, interest groups and potential clients.<br/>• To create commercial benefits available to the construction industry through the use of e-Commerce.<br/><br/>The potential benefits of utilising a DNS model for a construction organisation are significant. The possible improvements that can be attributed to adopting the DNS model proposed by the author of this research include;<br/><br/>• Reduction in an organisation's costs and construction time.<br/>• Improved profits.<br/>• Reduction in defects and waste.<br/>• Increase in productivity and client satisfaction.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctoral Thesis

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Student thesis

Year dc:date.issued

2003

Author dc:creator

• Chen, Hung-Ju

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Barthorpe, Stephen

• Construction industry
• Technological innovations
• Great Britain

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/eae650ad-778f-4873-ab37-e1717dbbd4bc

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/eae650ad-778f-4873-ab37-e1717dbbd4bc