Project-specific websites in civil engineering project management.

摘要

Incorporating Internet and World Wide Web technologies, and more specifically, project-specific Websites, into a construction company's practices can provide an accurate and efficient means of communication. However, because the construction industry has typically been slow to adopt new technologies, the industry has neither taken full advantage of nor fully realized the potential that lay within Internet and Web technologies. This research intends to identify factors affecting management's decision to adopt these new technologies as well as the forces that influence their decision. Further analysis investigates the advantages and disadvantages of a project-specific Website while identifying the basic steps needed to develop a site and the essential components. Also included are aspects related to foresight into the anticipated future developments in this area of technology. Additionally, background and historical data are provided to establish and give perspective to the development of these tools. A project-specific Website example and case study examples of company sites are provided to present “real-world” scenarios. Although much emphasis is given to exploring and implementing these new technologies, various parameters are set forth in order for a firm to determine what type of system will best suit their individual needs. A key implication of this research is to suggest the clear advantages Internet and World Wide Web technologies offer when steps are taken first to identify the most appropriate technological solution available and then to carry out the appropriate implementation plan.