Cover
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2014)

Published: January 31, 2014

Pages: 26-38

Original Article

COMPARING THE COMMUNICATION METHODS IN IRAQI CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION STAGE

Wadhah Amer Hatem 1 Samiaah M. Hassen Al-Tmeemy 1
1 Baquba Technical Institute
History
  • Received: October 31, 2013
  • Available Online: January 31, 2014
DOI

https://doi.org/10.33971/bjes.14.1.3

Abstract

Construction projects are complex projects and their organisations are characterised by a high degree of fragmentation since they are distributed in large areas and clearly they involves of many activities, each one being divided into sub-activities and so on. Hear clear and good communication between projects stakeholders leads to the project being more successful in contrast to when the communication is weak. This paper compares two methods of communication used in Iraqi construction projects during the implementation stage, namely the Face to Face (FTF) approach which is characterised as expensive and disruptive and Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) which represents the modern method in the communication field. The results show that the CMC method is more productive and economic than FTF and takes less time when completing an implementation work; in addition, the people are less affected by emotional factors in the construction project in contrast to FTF.

Keywords

References

  1. E. Goffman, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, third ed., Penguin books ltd, Hartmondsworth, UK 1959.
  2. D. Gergle, D.R. Millan, R.E. Kraut, S.R. Fussell, Persistence matters: Making the most of chat in tightly-coupled work, In: Proceedings of the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Austria, 2004, pp. 431-438.
  3. Hatem, W. A., Kwan, A. & Miles, J., 2012. Comparing the effectiveness of face to face and computer mediated collaboration. Advanced Engineering Informatics , Vol. 26, pp. 383-395.
  4. E.W.L. Cheng, H. Li, P.E.D. Love, Z. Irani, Network communication in the construction industry, International Journal of Corporate Communication, 6 (2001) 61-70.
  5. A. Austen, R. Neal, Managing Construction Project: Guide to processes and procedures, International Labour Office, Geneva, 1984.
  6. C.H. Wong, ICT implementation and evolution: Case studies of internet and collaborative environment in UK construction enterprises, Construction Innovation: Information , Process, Management , 7 (2007) 254-273.
  7. M. EL-Saboni, G. Aouad, A. Sabouni, Electronic communication system effect on the success of construction project in United Arab Emirates, Advanced Engineering Informatics , 23 (2009) 130-138.
  8. C. Barry, L. Derek, Organizational Behaviour and Design, second ed., PricewaterhouseCoopers, London, 1999.
  9. D.H. Jonassen, H. Kwon, Communication patterns in computermediated versus face-to-face group problem solving , Educational Technology Research and Development, 49 (2001) 35–51.
  10. P. Light, V. Light, Analysing asynchronous learning interactions: Computer-mediated communication in a conventional undergraduate setting, in K. Littleton & P. Light (Eds.), Learning with Computers: Analysing Productive Interaction, Routledge, London, 1999, pp. 162-178.
  11. P. Bordia, Face-to-face versus computer-mediated communication a synthesis of the experimental literature, Journal of Business Communication, 34 (1997) 99–120.
  12. K.A. Begley, Face-to-face communication: Making human connections in technology-driven world, NETg, Thompson Learning, Boston MA, 2004.
  13. Hatem, W. A., 2012. Comparing the Effectiveness of Face to Face and Computer Mediated Collaboration in Design, PhD. Thesis, Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
  14. N. Dawood, A. Akinsola, H. Brian, Development of automated communication of system for managing site information using internet technology, Automation in Construction, 11 (2002) 557-572.
  15. Z.M. Deng, H. Li, C.M. Tam, Q.P. Shen, P.E.D, Love, An application of the internet-based project management system, Automation in Construction, 10 (2001) 239-246.
  16. I. Faraj, M. Alshawi, G. Aouad, T. Child, J. Underwood, An industry foundation classes web-based collaborative construction computer environment: WISPER, Automation in Construction, 10 (2000) 79-99.
  17. N.H. Kasun, Y.R. Janaka, F.J. George, IT usage in Alberta’s building construction project: Current status and challenges, Automation in Construction, 17 (2008) 940-947.
  18. Y. Rezgui, Exploring virtual teamworking effectiveness in the construction sector, I nteracting with Computers, 19 (2007) 96-112.
  19. F. Pena-Mora, V. Sanjeev, A. Zeeshan, Technology strategies for globally dispersed construction team, Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 14 (2009) 70-80.
  20. Hatem, W. A. A. Kwan, J. Miles, Comparison of face to face and computer mediated collaboration, In: Proceedings of the European Group for Intelligent Computing in Engineering (EG-ICE), Twente University,Netherlands,2011.
  21. Muhammad, M. M., 2006. Development of Controlling Management Information System to Follow Construction Industry Projects, MSc. Dissertation, Construction and Building Department, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.
  22. Khild, Z. S., 2005. Improvement of Communication Projects Quality in Governmental Contract CompaniesFrom of Project Mangers View in Ministry of Construction and Housing. Tikrit Journal for Engineering science, Vol. 12(4), pp.1-22.
  23. R. Likert, A technique for the measurement of attitudes. Archives of Psychology , 1932, Vol. 140(1), pp. 4453.
  24. F. Pyrczak, Success at statistics: A worktest with humor. 2 nd ed. Los Angeles: Pyrczak Publishing, 2002.