Summary: | There is a lack of research in the UK construction industry. New technologies, particularly communications, are producing rapid change and, if the UK does not exploit this, it will be at the mercy of other countries which do. There is a lack of understanding of the decision making process which inhibits simulation. Clients are likely to exert more influence in future, particularly in building management where 50% of construction workload is on maintenance and repair. Electronic building maintenance manuals are needed. IT suppliers may become more involved and even buy into construction design firms in future. Education is vital to keep the industry at the forefront of IT development and new IT distance learning techniques could help.© 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.
|