ICT systems and construction SMEs: a case study of adoption and implementation

Construction's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are not known for their innovation, particularly where Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is concerned. Indeed, any records of such activity relate to large organisations, with the implication that SMEs could take a scaled-down approach, but generally do not. We report one phase of an action research project to develop a document control and management information system for a construction SME. Our own early observations are compared with the existing literature on SMEs and ICT adoption. These include the conclusion that appropriate systems cannot be just 'scaled-down' versions of those in larger organisations with the predictable cost, time and people issues, but past experience, formal and informal relationships are all the more important for the SME. The study forms part of an EPSRC CASE studentship with the wider aim of developing new models for ICT adoption within Construction SMEs.