2007 Best Paper Award

Researchers find that the successful implementation of information systems that span organizational boundaries enhances competitive advantage. However, the process by which networks of design and construction firms implement boundary-spanning technological changes remains poorly understood. In this paper I explore the implementation of three-dimensional computer-aided design tools in 26 design and construction organizations. I analyze empirical data collected over a $7\text{-}\text{month}$ period to induce a set of antecedent constructs that enable the evolution from “printed sets of plans” to “virtual model” boundary objects. The findings highlight the importance of addressing regulative, technological, work, and organizational issues at the interfaces between design and construction firms when implementing boundary-spanning technological changes.

Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Vol. 133, No. 12, December 2007, pp. 993-1002. [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2007)133:12(993)]

This paper engages in exploratory research with the aim of discovering the antecedents of successful three-dimensional CAD implementation in the AEC industry. To achieve that, the author collected and analyzed empirical data over a $7\text{-}\text{month}$ period from 26 AEC firms. The analysis was performed with established scientific methods and allowed the identification of 27 possible antecedents. The findings allowed the author to rank these antecedents in terms of their impact, and compare the relative responses from A/Es, GCs, and subs to identify the differences among the various project participants. The award merit of this paper lies in the anticipated impact of these findings. They allow researchers and practitioners to better understand the concerns that led to the slow adoption rate of three-dimensional CAD in the AEC industry and subsequently gear their efforts toward addressing them. Furthermore, by extrapolating the results to Building Information Modeling (BIM), the AEC community can proactively focus on the issues that will hinder the adoption of BIM in the coming decades.——Congratulations to John Taylor!