Implementing an integrated management information system in a medium sized construction firm.

This thesis describes a Teaching Company Scheme Project between Weaver Construction Ltd and Sheffield Hallam University (formerly Sheffield City Polytechnic) to implement an Integrated Management Information System (MIS) in a medium sized construction firm. The construction industry is considered and the particular problems it has to face with respect to applying Information Technology (IT) during the construction process. Methodologies used to implement computer based information systems in organisations are considered together with the development of an appropriate implementation model for Weaver Construction Limited. The model developed uses the traditional software systems life cycle as a framework, within which, other development tools are used. An initial investigation revealed that the level of information technology awareness within the company was extremely low. In order to address this problem pilot Schemes were introduced whereby stand-alone systems were developed for several functional areas. These served the purpose of increasing the level of IT awareness within the company and also acted as a catalyst for the design of an integrated MIS, incorporating the standalone systems. The reasons behind partial integration as opposed to a fully integrated system are examined. The integrated MIS was never realised, and only partial integration was achieved. The reasons behind partial integration are examined in a post implementation review. A critical and analytical evaluation is provided of the implementation methodology used and a revised model is proposed. Whilst it is acknowledged that this may not be entirely appropriate for every medium sized construction firm, the research highlights many important areas which must be addressed by companies wishing to successfully implement integrated systems.