An investigation of factors that influence decisions by engineering firms concerning adoption of CAD/CAE systems

Advances in information technologies have presented opportunities as well as challenges for the U.S. architecture/engineering/construction (A/E/C) industry. While a wide range of management and technical information systems are available to industry firms, the diversity of available systems and the dynamic nature of information technologies complicate adoption decisions. The purpose of this research was to determine the types of computer-aided design and engineering (CAD/CAE) systems that have been adopted by A/E/C industry firms and identify factors which differentiate adopters of alternative types of systems. An exploratory approach was employed, based on concepts described as direct research, in an attempt to inductively generate theory grounded in qualitative data collected as part of case studies. Literature in several related areas was reviewed to identify factors which might influence CAD/CAE adoption decisions by A/E/C industry firms. Patterns in the adoption decisions of 18 firms were identified in terms of these factors. The results of the investigation indicated that the competitive environment in which firms operated, in terms of the geographic and project markets in which they competed, was the factor that was most consistent with adoption decisions, suggesting that A/E/C industry firms use CAD/CAE technologies to support their competitive strategies. Factors such as size, extent of vertical integration, organizational structure, CAD/CAE managerial responsibility, and cost justification procedures were consistent with adoption decisions on a more limited basis.