FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CHOICE OF ICT TOOLS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Over the last years, various construction firms have invested intently in information and communication technology (ICT) tools to manage the various types of information created during the project lifecycle. The intention of using ICT tools depends on how these tools facilitate the working conditions in the construction industry. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing the choice of ICT tools in the South African construction industry, with the goal of promoting greater ICT adoption. A wellstructured questionnaire survey was employed, utilizing a quantitative approach to gather the opinions of building professionals, including quantity surveyors, civil engineers, construction managers, construction project managers, and engineers specializing in manufacturing, mechanical, and electrical fields. Mean item score (MIS), standard deviation (SD) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used in analyzing retrieved data and ranking the factors that influence the usage of ICT tools in the construction industry. The findings demonstrated that the devices’ cost, infrastructure availability, and time management are notable factors that affect effective decision-making regarding the choice of information and communication technology. It was concluded that the reasons deterring companies from using certain ICT tools need to be addressed to encourage and facilitate the easy adoption of these tools.