20. Perceived Productivity Effects of Mobile ICT in Construction Projects

The increased affordability of mobile devices, wider network coverage, and better mobile applications have changed the ways communication and information transfer take place in the construction industry in both developed and developing countries. While considerable research has been conducted on the extent of usage of mobile information and communication technologies (mobile ICT) and development of prototype applications in the context of construction projects, less attention has been paid on examining the perceptions of construction management (CM) professionals regarding implications of using mobile ICT. The present study identified different ways in which the use of mobile ICT translates into better productivity in construction projects. A questionnaire survey conducted across the Indian construction industry revealed that the use of mobile ICT improves construction productivity due to four factors: (1) improved communication and information flow, (2) better project execution, (3) improved access to data, and (4) proper defect management. While attributes related to communication and access to information received high rankings, the respondents perceived that the use of mobile ICT has low positive influence on attributes such as cost savings, speed of construction, sustainability, and construction errors.