Empirical Analysis of Construction Enterprise Information Systems: Assessing the Critical Factors and Benefits

Abstract

Attaining higher levels of system integration is seen as the primary goal of enterprise information systems in construction (CEIS). Increased system integration resulting from CEIS implementation is expected to lead to numerous benefits. These benefits encompass information technology infrastructure as well as strategic, operational, organizational, and managerial aspects of the firm. By adopting CEIS, firms seek tangible and intangible benefits such as cost reduction, improved productivity, enhanced efficiency, and business growth. However, with the challenge of integrating various business functions within the firm, certain factors become critical for achieving higher levels of integration.

Despite ample research on integrated IT systems, there are very few works in the construction field that empirically analyze the critical factors impacting the level of integration and the benefits thereof. This study seeks to address these gaps in the literature and analyzes the impact of critical factors on levels of integration and the ensuing benefits through a systematic and rigorous research design. The conceptual framework in this study draws heavily upon the theory of IT integration infrastructures, while also modifying and expanding it. This study quantifies the critical success factors that impact CEIS integration and the ensuing benefits. Furthermore, it analyzes the effects of system integration on CEIS induced benefits. It also investigates the impact of CEIS strategy on CEIS induced benefits, and identifies the relationship between CEIS strategy and system integration. Finally, it assesses the effects of CEIS induced benefits on user satisfaction and provides a CEIS implementation guide map for construction firms. The study uses multiple regression analysis and ANOVA to test these relationships.