A synchronised process/IT model to support the co-maturation of process and IT in the construction sector

Abstract

In recent years many efforts had taken place in the construction sector in order to develop process and IT maps. However, the subject of co-maturation between IT and the process has not been given enough attention. This has often resulted in the development of impractical solutions because of an apparent lack of balance between the IT and process capabilities. For instance, some organisations in the construction sector have adopted the rapid prototyping concept which is widely used within the manufacturing sector without even investing in 3D modelling and VR technologies which are the most appropriate for this task. Paradoxically, some organisations have invested in these technologies, but rapid prototyping is non existent. This paper addresses the issue of co-maturation between the process and IT in order to establish a balanced profile. The work is based on the CMM (Capability Maturity Model) model which was developed by the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University for the purpose of developing software for the US government, particularly to be used by the Department of Defence. The CMM is a five-level model which include ad-hoc, repeatable, defined, managed and optimised stages. The model is designed so that capabilities at lower stages provide progressively stronger foundations for higher stages, reducing the change management risks. Each development stage - or “maturity level” distinguishes an organisation’s process or IT capability. This paper builds on the work achieved within the generic design and construction process protocol (GDCPP) which is being undertaken at the University of Salford. The main contribution of this paper is a conceptual model of co-maturation between IT and process. A synchronised IT/process model will be presented and discussed. This model is being developed through knowledge obtained form the industrial collaborators of the GDCPP project and data collected from ten large contracting companies in the UK dealing with Design and Build projects.

Keywords: Process, IT, Maturity, Map, Capability Maturity Model, Process Protocol