ITcon Vol. 14, Special Issue Technology Strategies for Collaborative Working , pg. 14-16, http://www.itcon.org/2009/03

Editorial - Technology Strategies for Collaborative Working

SUBMITTED:
REVISED:
PUBLISHED: March 2009
EDITOR: Ruikar K, Emmitt S

Kirti Ruikar, Dr.
Dept. of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, UK
Email: k.d.ruikar@lboro.ac.uk

Stephen Emmitt, Prof.
Dept. of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, UK
Email: S.Emmitt@lboro.ac.uk

SUMMARY:In recent years there has been a growth in information and communication technology (ICT) investments within architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) organisations. Research from industries such as aerospace and manufacturing has confirmed that increased investments in ICTs have very little impact on organisational productivity unless coupled with good management practices. In the AEC sector, the project context raises additional issues of interoperability for the organisations and temporary project organisations collaborating across dynamic boundaries. Adopting technologies to achieve business targets requires (major) changes in organisational culture, current practices, systems, processes and people. Whether or not such changes should be imposed on people (top down) or emerge from the needs of the workforce (bottom up) remains an intriguing question. Changes need to be coupled with appropriate management practices and strategies to maintain competitiveness, while addressing various project characteristics. The six papers contained in this special issue, with authors representing institutions in Australia, Canada, UK, and the USA provide a number of insights into the role of technology strategies for collaborative working.

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CITATION:

Ruikar K, Emmitt S (2009) Editorial - Technology Strategies for Collaborative Working, ITcon Vol. 14, Special Issue Technology Strategies for Collaborative Working , pg. 14-16, http://www.itcon.org/2009/03