Access to and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Tanzanian Construction Industry: Case Study of Local Contractors/ Consultants in Dar Es Salaam
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Date
2006
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Information and communication Technology (ICT) introduces opportunities for improving communication to enhance effectiveness of many construction processes as well as creating new opportunities. The research aimed to determine access to and use of ICT in Tanzanian construction industry. The research based on medium class local contractors and consultants in Dar es salaam. Data for the research was collected data through a survey of randomly selected construction enterprises. A total of 38 valid replies were received, representing a response rate of about 51 percent. Out of which 24 contractors and 14 consultants were surveyed. The research has revealed that level of access to and use of ICT in Tanzanian construction industry is relatively low; however, the industry is at least starting to use ICT. The use of available ICT facilities is highly restricted to most commonly known information activities and it has not gone further to advanced use of technologies like LAN. WAN. Internet and World Wide Web (WWW). Further more the extent of ICT applications among contractors/consultants in Tanzanian construction industry in most of the core business processes is relatively low. General administration and supporting areas are among the business processes that are highly computerized .There is a growing gap in managing ICT where, high investment and expenditure on hardware and software on hand is coupled with poor human resource development on the other hand. From a strategic point of view, Tanzanian construction industry is still in a reactive mode of ICT management and the industry shows a limited understanding of the value and potential of ICT. The main factor that hinder access to and use of ICT in the industry are lack of ICT skills development and training, lack of funding and finance, lack of companies; ICT policy, lack of awareness of available ICT, rapid changes in technology, Integration/compatibility problems, poor ICT infrastructure and telecommunication systems. The research also suggests a need to aggressively push relevant government initiatives that would increase strategic use and adoption of ICT. Government and public agencies should consider policies that encourage the use of ICT in the construction industry thus making this industry sector more competitive.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr.Wilbert Chagula Library, class mark
(THS EAF Z699.5.C574K53)
Keywords
Information technology, Construction industry, Consultants, Tanzania
Citation
Kifanyi, G. E (2006) Access to and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Tanzanian Construction Industry: Case Study of Local Contractors/ Consultants in Dar Es Salaam,Masters dissertation,University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.