The implementation of a management information system for a construction SME: An analysis of decisions anfd their impact

Douglas, Allan (2016) The implementation of a management information system for a construction SME: An analysis of decisions anfd their impact. Masters thesis, Northumbria University.

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Abstract

The aim of this research project was to study The implementation of a Management Information System (MIS) for a Construction Small/Medium Enterprise (SME) and analyse of decisions and their impacts. The main decision in the project meant that the SME did not actually adopt an MIS but rather a Document Management System (DMS), all of which is described and discussed throughout the study. The study covers many topics, such as Action Research, Social Construction Of Technology (SCOT), Technological Frames, other learnings from Research Projects in SMEs, MIS Definitions and Characteristics, Information Communications Technology (ICT) Adoption in SMEs, Methodology and Theoretical Frameworks.

The contributions to knowledge include understanding some of the industry’s issues, the project’s place in the studied business, knowing the researcher’s place in the project, knowing the stakeholders and managing the project’s output capabilities. These outputs have very practical applications and are listed as ten key lessons:
1. do not allow one staff member to wholly advise on the project;
2. do not isolate your staff from the project;
3. as a Construction SME, tendering is a way of life; use it to your advantage;
4. use as many knowledgeable people as possible to gather advice and evidence of similar projects;
5. use the SME networks professionally;
6. have a defined process of how your business operates day-to-day that everyone agrees to and follows;
7. as your company develops and grows, make note of the changes in how you work, who does it, and what the effects are;
8. consider the ultimate goal of the project and understand that ad-hoc changes can be devastating to the aim;
9. use the project to identify and cultivate the competences within the organisation;
10. add to the organisation’s competences by utilising other peoples’ backgrounds and experiences.

The theoretical contributions revolve around the method and methodology mixes. The project has clear areas of study; SMEs in the United Kingdom (UK), specifically in the construction industry, Information System (IS) adoption and the issues around Action Research type studies. Previously, academics, mostly from Management School or IS specialists, had built theories in order to explain the actions, interactions and non-actions taking place within their studies. However, by combining the Built Environment and Information Systems arenas from which the project had its roots, the researcher was able to offer two differing paradigms in order to find an alternative framework to explain the events that took place. This, added to by the use of Social Constructionism and the distinctive contextual drivers, created a project unique in its stance and approach to the problem. Vitally, this research provides academia with a study into Construction SMEs and their issues.

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