Challenges, Opportunities and Risks of IT in Civil Engineering

摘要

Ensuring a positive return on investment of IT in civil engineering is not straightforward. Five themes are selected from many possible topics and are evaluated in terms of challenges, opportunities and risks. There are risks associated with not taking opportunities as well as the risks run by taking action. Identification of risks is important to avoid misuse of technology since mistakes can lead to increased costs, unnecessary delays and sometimes, accidents. Also, as useful non-simulation-centered applications of IT become more accessible to civil engineering firms, the ability to seize appropriate opportunities and identify good choices, as well as risks, will have an increasing impact on their profitability