Comprehensive macro-information systems for the construction industry: An international perspective

In order to fully understand the functioning of the construction industry, it is necessary to place the industry in perspective vis-a-vis the overall economy of a country. A necessary requirement is that a comprehensive information system exists. In many countries, a critical review of currently available data, their sources, processes and accessibility shows significant deficiency. This paper reports on the proposed work of the CIB (International Council for Building Research Studies and Documentation) Task Group on 'Macroeconomic Data Related to the Construction Sector', which is undertaking a study of the process of development of macroeconomic information systems in a selected group of countries world wide. In this paper, the need for a comprehensive information system is determined, as well as the current relevance of such a system and its appropriateness in the current stage of development of different countries. Additionally, the extent to which the construction industry, professions and client organizations utilize the available data is assessed.