A framework for successful implementation of IT for the construction organizations in Saudi Arabia

At the present time, the global business environment in all industries is characterised by organizational dependence based on information, knowledge and communication technology. This reliance on information technology raised concerns about how to gain the targeted benefit of IT investment. This research study aims to address the issues affecting information technology implementation. The study focuses more on investigating the context of IT implementation processes, in particular within the construction industry in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, this study will provide an exploratory look at the possible gaps and problems that relate to IT implementation in construction companies. More specifically, this study examines several important issues that play a role in the implementation of IT: issues related to planning for the implementation such as the availability and allocation of resources, change management and organizational issues, alignment of IT with business, the need for an IT implementation strategy and the specific problems for a construction company's executives with regard to IT implementation. Investigating each of these issues is essential in developing a comprehensive understanding of the problems associated with the planning, adoption, and implementation of IT in construction companies. These issues set the foundations for the future development of an IT implementation framework for construction companies. To achieve the research aim and objectives, different methodologies have been applied in order to develop a framework for the successful implementation of IT. In addition to the in-depth review of the related literature, quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to answer the research questions. Quantitative research methods were applied to develop an exploratory study, investigating the factors and gaps that may affect business executives' thinking towards IT and its role in organizational performance. The exploratory study was conducted in 38 private organizations that have experience of implementing information technology. In addition, qualitative research methods were used to develop four detailed case studies to investigate Saudi construction organizations' experiences of implementing and applying IT and the possible factors viiiand difficulties that affected the achievement of its expected benefits. Individual and cross-case analyses were used to analyze the collected data in order to develop the research framework and to address the research questions. More than forty factors and difficulties were identified as critical issues that affected construction organizations' implementation of IT. These identified factors and difficulties have been placed into five different categories that reflect the main elements of the developed framework: organization readiness, resources, change management, IT alignment with business, and IT implementation strategy. In addition, the research has also identified difficulties and issues related to the company's policies toward changes, financial capabilities and the company's visions toward IT implementation. Moreover, issues related to the Saudi business environment and cultures were found to be critical to the implementation of IT. The analysis of these factors demonstrated the importance of the five elements and their role in achieving the successful implementation of IT in Saudi construction industry, and the analysis of the five elements was the main contributor to the development of the framework. However, it is argued that understanding these elements is essential when making IT decisions.