Information and communication technology application challenges in the construction industry: A narrative review

Abstract

The measure of construction activity affects the general wellbeing of the construction industry. An improved method of construction delivery reduces the problems encountered in the construction process. Studies posit that the use of Information and communication technologies (ICT) tends to improve construction output. However, there are barriers to ICT applications in the construction industry. To date several, the literature on challenges to ICT has been limited to a specific study area. This study conducted a narrative literature review to identify the challenges to ICT application in the construction industry across Europe, Australia, North-America, Africa, and Asia. The review was conducted using selected relevant academic journals from SCOPUS database. The findings from the review identified that challenges to ICT application are classified into Technology, Process and People related factors. The attitude of staff and Management to ICT, technical barriers and cost related factors are identified as the common factors to the three classified categories of challenges to ICT used in the construction industry. The implication of the findings is to address a platform for better and innovative construction process. It is also important in addressing people, process and technology which are interwoven for construction work.