Site managers’ ICT tools for monitoring resources in refurbishment

Journal article, 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse site managers’ ICT preferences for monitoring resource use in refurbishment projects.

Design/methodology/approach: Information and communication technologies (ICT) developments for the construction industry are increasing the scope for more efficient planning and monitoring of refurbishment projects. The analysis is based on the unified theory of acceptance and the use of technology model. After a short initial survey, a Swedish web/postal questionnaire has received 78 responses from refurbishment site managers, implying a 34 per cent response rate.

Findings: Managerial choices related to ICT depend more on perceived performance expectancy than on effort expectancy. Large projects and larger firms are associated with more extensive ICT use. Site managers see little need to link to refurbishment clients’ ICT systems. Performance expectancy and age are found to influence ICT choices.

Practical implications: Site managers play a crucial role in everyday use of ICT tools in the construction industry. The outcome of this investigation is useful for developing digital support, including applications of building information modelling, to improve refurbishment site practices.

Originality/value: Much has been written about ICT support for new construction practices, but not much attention has been paid to refurbishment site managers’ media choices.