IT resources and IT capabilities as a driver of physical infrastructure projects performance

This study evaluates how Information Technology (IT) creates value in the performance of physical infrastructure (PI) projects. The research model is based on the concept of the Business Value of Information Technology (BVIT) and relates the integration of IT resources with the development of IT capabilities to promote the performance of PI projects. The model is evaluated empirically from first-hand data collected from surveys in public and private organizations whose core is the development of PI projects in Colombia. The empirical test indicates there is a strong relationship between IT and PI performance when the effects of IT resources and capabilities are mediated through the underlying mechanisms composed by IT support for competitive strategies and core competencies. The strong correlation between predictor constructs and PI project performance is confirmed upon calculating the total effects, after which the empirical results shall confirm the theoretical basis. The study includes managerial traits like moderator variables and empirical results indicate there are no heterogeneity issues. When countries achieve a foundational level of physical infrastructure, namely in basic services (i.e. water supply and sanitation), infrastructure for life and coexistence (i.e. housing, education, health, etc.) and ports and transport systems, they promote their national productivity and competitive edge, in turn increasing their social positions in relation to equity and sustainability. These transversal and relevant effects in the social context suggest to develop new studies in this field. Dedication I dedicate this achievement to my nuclear family, to my wife Zoraida and my sons Juan Francisco, Manuela, and Andrés, who have continually supported me and given me the courage to move forward on this lonely path. I hope the fidelity and effort materialized in this document is not only a minor contribution to knowledge, but also a contribution toward a better understanding that the only capital one can accumulate is derived from actions that further the development of society’s welfare. Oftentimes the existence of multiple dimensions has proved to be a distractor to overcoming this academic challenge. Therefore, I must also thank God for gifting me with the joy and inner strength to succeed. I thank life for providing the opportunity to share this experience with my parents, siblings, extended family members, and friends that are sure to be filled with pride when this challenge has been conquered. Acknowledgments I would like to express my great appreciation and special thanks to the following individuals for their extensive contributions to my academic success: To Centrum Catholic and MsM for their extensive efforts to provide us an outstanding doctoral-level program. To Professor Fernando D'Alessio for his special deference to me, and also his justified criticism, all of which were assimilated in due form to encourage this academic journey. To my tutor, Professor Piero Morosini, for his generosity and contributions which proved crucial to the culmination of this work and with whom I have had the opportunity to let my imagination soar beyond the limits to reason and analyze from a unique and improved perspective. To my DBA I Colombia colleagues, Maria Giraldo, Luz H. Piñeros, Elga Garcia, Magdalena Sierra, Carlos Montoya, Ofer Rodriguez, Iván Brieva, Juan Carlos Cardona, Gildardo Monroy, Manuel Jiménez, Carlos Hoyos, Juan Enrique Castaneda, Mauricio López, Juan Carlos Sosa, and Ruben Mestizo, for all of our shared moments in laughing matters as well as their collaboration. To the engineer Jairo Sánchez Torres, the CEO of Quorum, the company for which I work that sponsors my DBA studies, and my co-workers, Carolina Figueredo and Yeraldin Castillo, who have contributed in a special manner to my professional and academic performance To my niece, Andreita Alba Molina, for her collaboration, assistance, and consistent voice of encouragement, Cesar Augusto Serna, who aided me in the statistical structuring aspects and Joshua Farley for his important contributions in the final composition of this work. To all those who have contributed in some way, shape, or form to my personal, professional, and academic formation, thank you very much.