An online collaboration framework for small and medium sized enterprises in the United Kingdom construction sector

Mohagheghi-Fard, MN

Abstract

More than 99% of the UK construction sector includes businesses that are defined within the category of SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises). Of these, most are categorised as micro-businesses that have less than ten employees (Department for
Business, Innovation & Skills, Business Population Estimates for UK and the Regions, 2015). Therefore, it is an essential part of the construction sector that requires attention. A large part of their business depends on collaboration and partnering with other
businesses. Online technologies are the latest trend to achieve innovative collaboration. Such technologies could improve the collaboration methods within construction SMEs and make them more competitive in the marketplace. By minimising the cost of their
hardware and software systems, this will provide them with greater security and accessibility, thereby helping construction SMEs to focus more towards their core business and enhance productivity.

This research has sought to achieve the aim of developing a collaboration framework specifically for construction SMEs based on online technologies. The objectives that were followed included reviewing the associated literature with regards to differences
between SMEs and larger enterprises in the construction industry, assessment and evaluation of the related literature in connection with success factors in the construction industry, observation and inspection of the attributes of exiting online technologies and
their prospective advantages for collaboration working, identification and recognition of the current collaboration issues occurred within the construction industry, examining the
key requirements pertaining to effective collaboration within construction SMEs and, finally, to develop a collaboration framework for construction SMEs based on online technologies.


A total of 17 interviews were carried out and the interviewees were selected carefully from several different construction SMEs, ensuring that a variety of SME sizes were selected to identify various associated issues that may occur within the construction
SMEs regardless of their sizes. The extracted information from all interviews confirmed numerous aspects that caused similar issues within the associated companies regardless of their sizes. The gathered data, along with the related literature review, helped to
achieve the aim and objectives of this research and to develop the final framework.

Citation

Mohagheghi-Fard, M. (in press). An online collaboration framework for small and medium sized enterprises in the United Kingdom construction sector. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Acceptance Date: Jan 31, 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 11, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 11, 2019