An Appraisal Of Information And Communication Technology (ict) Application In Nigerian Construction Industry

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Oladapo (2006) had reported that the construction industry in Nigeria has during the past few years increased its use of ICT. However, very little is known about the impacts of the technology on the industry and the prospects for its widespread penetration of the industry. This is because very few reports exist of research in ICT in developing countries, including Nigeria (Pamulu & Bhuta, 2004). Against this background, the objectives of the study are to:

• Assess the impact areas and the level of used of ICT by construction companies in Nigeria.

• Evaluate the benefits (strategic, tactical and operational) of adopting ICT in construction.

• Evaluate the cost implication of adopting ICT in construction.

• Assess the risk factors.

It also intends to bring to the fore the current direction of development of ICT and to determine the prospects for research and development needs in the Nigerian construction industry.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The research covers a review of ICT adoptions and applications by some construction companies in Nigeria. The companies under study are both foreign companies (Julius Berger, Costain, RCC, CCECC, Bulletin, Hitech, PW, Setraco etc) and indigenous (Ferotex, Master holdings, Maloon, Amec, Jukok, Amumco global, Horoda Ltd, Richgold, Tetratech etc) operating in Nigeria. Appropriate quantitative techniques were employed in analyzing the data gathered.

1.5 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Numerous problems are being encountered by the construction companies in Nigeria. Most of these problems are ICT related. The problems range from low level of ICT adoption to incompetence in the use of the ICT as follows;

• Inefficiency

• Low profitability

• Low quality production

• Poor management of business process

• Poor supply chain management

• Inability to satisfy client needs

• Increased cost of business process

• Lack of standardization.

1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Owing to the numerous problems encountered by construction companies from non adoption or low adoption of ICT to the problems encountered even when it is adopted, the following research question were formulated.

• What are the ICT application areas and the level of adoption of ICT by construction companies in Nigeria?

• What are the benefits obtained as a result of ICT adoption?

• What are the costs implications of ICT adoption?

• What are the risk factors of ICT adoption?

• Does the benefit derived from ICT implementation justify its investment?