Implementing information systems with project teams using ethnographic-action research

Authors:
Timo Hartmann;Martin Fischer;John Haymaker
Affiliations:
Department of Construction Management and Engineering, Twente University, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands;Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University, Jerry Yang & Akiko Yamazaki Environment & Energy Building, Stanford, CA 94305, United States;Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University, Jerry Yang & Akiko Yamazaki Environment & Energy Building, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
Venue:
Advanced Engineering Informatics
Year:
2009

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Abstract

Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects are characterized by a large variation in requirements and work routines. Therefore, it is difficult to develop and implement information systems to support projects. To address these challenges, this paper presents a project-centric research and development methodology that combines ethnographic observation of practitioners working in local project organizations to understand their local requirements and the iterative improvement of information systems directly on projects in small action research implementation cycles. The paper shows the practical feasibility of the theoretical methodology using cases from AEC projects in North America and Europe. The cases provide evidence that ethnographic-action research is well suited to support the development and implementation of information systems. In particular, the paper shows that the method enabled researchers on the cases to identify specific problems on AEC projects and, additionally, helped these researchers to adapt information systems accordingly in close collaboration with the practitioners working on these projects.