Modelling the construction technology implementation framework: An empirical study

Abstract

Implementation of new technology is often required when a company wants to improve productivity and enhance safety in construction. Many studies in the literature have focused on new technology applications in the construction industry and how it can improve productivity or solve a complex problem. However, the literature has overlooked how a construction company introduces new technology and especially what attributes and other considerations (e.g. spare parts and down time) affect the adoption decision. This paper presents a multi-stage framework for the implementation process following the construction company's adoption decision. The aim of this paper is to understand how a company proceeds after the adoption decision in order to implement new technology. 35 participants from Australia and 63 participants from North America (i.e. The US, and Canada) were interviewed to investigate the process. Participants from both sides of the process (i.e. customers and vendors) were chosen in order to cross-validate the findings of each group using data triangulation methods. A systematic multi-stage framework consisting of three stages: "operation commence", "maintenance set up", and "assessment" was developed to describe the implementation processes of construction companies. Vendor activities that contribute to the process are also described.