Examination of usage and effectiveness of information technology management within construction organizations

Abstract

Information management is considered as one of the most important factors of construction projects success. Nowadays, management of information is a challenge issue and needs high skills, experiences and sufficient tools. Information technology is a tool used to manage and monitor knowledge and information. This paper examines the usage and effectiveness of information technology management within construction organizations in Gaza. In addition, it describes the effective way of sharing information, coordinating tasks, flow of information between project participants. Moreover, it identifies the areas required to support information technology. Questionnaire survey was presented for respondents of construction organizations to identify the range of usage and effectiveness of technologies and techniques for knowledge management in construction organizations. Interviews were conducted also to support and discuss the reached results. The results indicates that mobile, electronic reports, scheduling programs, face to face meeting, team work, graphic programs, phone, fax, micro computer and bulletin boards are among the top ten most important used and effective IT means for knowledge management. It is hoped that managers recognize the benefits of IT and implement changes according to the specific organizational requirements. Such implementation must be accompanied by sufficient training and education for staff to ensue that IT is being used effectively.