So far in this introductory chapter I have highlighted the following:
During the latter half of the 20th Century there was an increase in demand for technology in buildings. This technology was also becoming more sophisticated and complex. This lead, in turn, to an increased need for experts and specialists on Design and Construction teams, thus heightening [...]
In the previous posting I presented the Information Systems Applications Portfolio and used this to gauge the success or maturity of an Organization’s IT / IS capability. From the matrix it is clear that IT /IS capability is not achieved simply by acquiring ‘IT for the sake of IT’; borne out by the close relationship [...]
In the last few postings we have touched on the evolution of IT / IS systems. We grouped them into the Data Processing (DP) era, the Management Information System (MIS) era, and the Strategic Information System (SIS) era.
Please do not conclude that I am suggesting that the success or maturity of an Organization’s IT / [...]
By the early 1980s a third model was evolving. This new model sought to “improve competitiveness by changing the nature or conduct of business” - Ward and Peppard (2003). It flows from the notion that Information System (IS) / Information Technology (IT) investments can be a source of competitive advantage, hence it is referred to [...]
So, what have other industries and business sectors achieved with Information and Systems Technology? Also, how and why are they ahead of the AEC sector?
Looking back at what has happened since the start of the computer age it is possible to identify three evolutionary models. Since the 1960s we have had the Data Processing Model [...]
Are you excited about the new technology? Are you brimming with ideas for improving your organization? Are you thrilled at the prospect of getting your work done more efficiently? Do you believe that technology could enable the business to improve its profits – make more money? Can you see your career growing from strength to [...]
Yes, technology has definitely changed the way Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Professionals and Businesses operate. First it was the Technology used in buildings which forced this change. Then, largely to enable the effective management and coordination of design information which the inclusion of this technology imposes, new technology in the office was invented.
For the [...]
Post – Technology Transforming Business Practices
Technology in buildings and at the ‘coal face’ certainly has changed the way Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) professionals and businesses operate. Eddy Krygiel et al (2007) writing about the Power and Light Building in Kansas City, Missouri, and which was built in 1931, have this to say: “The drawing [...]
We are now going to address the influence that technology has had on changing how business are managed in Architecture, Engineering and Construction - AEC. This discussion is divided into two Parts. The first Part addresses technology in buildings.
By the middle of the 20th-Century the demand for technology in buildings was increasing. HVAC, security, transport, [...]
Throughout our history there have been individuals who where known either as Architect’s or Engineer’s. However the emergence of these roles as professional disciplines is a fairly recent development.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution Builder’s depended on experience and ‘trial and error’ to successfully erect structures. However, when empirical systems and methods of calculation for designing [...]