Factors affecting the Adoption of Information Communication Technology for Project Management in the Construction Industry in Lusaka
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Date
2025
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University of Lusaka
Abstract
The increasing integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into project management methods is causing a paradigm shift in the construction sector. ICTs can change lives by facilitating better collaboration, communication, and project delivery. However, there exists limited knowledge concerning the extent of use of software ICT applications in project management by SMEs within the construction industry in Lusaka. This research, titled "Factors affecting the adoption of ICTs for project management in the construction industry in Lusaka," sought to determine the factors affecting the adoption of ICTs in the construction industry. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, making use of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected through a survey via google platform with 30 purposively selected practitioners involved in the construction industry. Respondents identified factors affecting the adoption of ICTs for project management through a series of closed-ended questions, they also provided responses on challenges in adopting ICTs for its own projects. open-ended questions were utilized where respondents provided proposals on measures to put in place to enhance the adoption of ICTs in the construction industry in their projects management. Statistical techniques like frequency were analyzed with Google Sheets and Microsoft excel was used to visually present the data in charts. The results concluded the existence of a gap between awareness and utilization ICTs among the players on projects. the majority of the respondents (63%) indicated inadequacy of skills to use ICTs during projects, this was followed by inadequacy of capacity building programs with 50% of the respondents indicating the need for measures to be put in place to address the challenge. The study showed that there is need for capacity building of employees on existing ICTs that can be used on projects. This can be done through workshops. In addition, the need for Top management support in ensuring that employees adopt ICTs was suggested by the respondents. This can be achieved through change management support programs, and financial investment on procurement of software. Furthermore, the involvement of employees in the selection of software provides for a sense ownership and subsequently improves adoption of procured ICTs. Other measures proposed towards the adoption of ICTs included investment in seminars and workshops on new and emerging technologies that enhance the management of projects in the construction industry, support from developers on software procured, and the development of policies that enhance the use of ICTs.
KEYWORDS: Factors affecting adoption of ICTs, Construction Industry, Top management support, Capacity building, Measures to incentivize use of ICTs.
Description
Master of Science in Project Management - Dissertation