Management of information complexity using system dynamics for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on construction projects

The increase in e-commerce, the digitisation of design data, and the interchange and sharing of information has made the construction sector more reliant upon IT infrastructure and systems. The design and production process is complex, dynamic, interconnected, and dependent upon greater information mobility, requiring seamless exchange of data and information in real-time. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, the specialty contractors, can utilise cost-effective collaboration technologies, such as cloud computing using software as a service, to help in the effective transfer of information and data. The system dynamics (SO) approach gives a better understanding of the dynamics of complex systems. SO methodology is used as a modelling and analysis tool, to understand and identify the key drivers in the absorption of cloud computing for SMEs. The aim is to determine how the use of SO can improve the management of information complexity, leading to improved performance for SMEs. The research consists of two phases; (phase 1) development of a system dynamics model to address information complexity for productivity and performance improvement for SMEs; and (phase 2) the development of a conceptual framework to improve the work packages information flow and feedback for SMEs using a system dynamics approach at the site production phase. The SO model is useful for the specialty contractors; it provides a system and procedures with feedback loops that has the potential to provide and capture real-time information on performance and productivity. A conceptual framework has been proposed for the specialty contractors to improve work packages information and document management using system dynamics and collaboration technologies. The framework helps to improve productivity, performance and likelihood of increased profitability for the specialty contractors. SD is shown to be a viable tool to manage information complexity using cloud computing for performance improvement in construction.