Diffusion of Computer Aided Design Technology in Architectural Design Practice

Computer aided design (CAD) technology is one of the most influential information technology (IT) innovations of the last four decades. This paper studies the factors that influence the spread of this important IT innovation in the context of the Turkish architectural design practice. It builds on the innovation diffusion theory which proposes that internal (i.e., copying behaviors of others) and external influence (i.e., complying with clients’ requirements, changes in government regulations, demand conditions, and consulting firms’ suggestions) factors drive diffusion of an innovation. The paper empirically tests the propositions of innovation diffusion theory by using three mathematical models: The internal influence model, the external influence model, and the mixed influence model. Research findings point out that the mixed influence model has the highest exploratory power. They show that the diffusion of CAD technology in architectural design practice is primarily driven by internal rather than external influence factors. This study is of importance to researchers because this is the first application of the influence models to the study of the diffusion of CAD technology in architectural design practice. It is also of relevance to design practitioners since the findings should provide a useful guide in their decision to adopt or not to adopt CAD technology.     

ISO 9000 and the U.S. Construction Industry

ISO 9000, the series of quality management standards issued by the International Organization for Standardization, is being used by organizations involved in construction all over the world. The construction industry in the United States has generally lagged behind other industries and other countries in the acceptance and implementation of ISO 9000 standards. Differing opinions surround the issue of ISO 9000 in the U.S. construction industry; it has received either the support or the criticism of experts, who weigh the effects of ISO 9000 as a matter of real improvements in quality against competitiveness and specific requirements at a domestic and international level. This paper attempts to determine the applicability and effectiveness of ISO 9000 in U.S. construction firms and the barriers that hinder its acceptance. The methodology used consists of a literature review and a survey distributed to a sample of firms that have or have not received ISO 9000 certification. After analyzing the gathered data, it was concluded that ISO 9000 is an appropriate and effective tool for construction firms in the United States, although several obstacles affect its implementation and acceptance among construction organizations.     

质量体系认证与全面质量管理(TQM)

通过分析ISO90 0 0系列标准与TQM的异同点 ,探讨质量体系认证与TQM之间的关系 ,为提高我国企业的质量管理水平寻求一个“ISO90 0 0 +TQM”的发展方向。     

Forces Driving Adoption of New Information Technologies

This paper investigates the forces that drive construction firms to adopt new information technologies. The research focuses on CAD and electronic data interchange technologies and studies in-depth eight innovation adoption decisions. The paper presents the findings regarding the forces that created the managerial stimuli for innovation and the organizational characteristics that played an important role in the adoption. The investigation identified four forces that drive innovation: competitive advantage, process problems, technological opportunity, and institutional requirements. These forces change over time and drive the diffusion of a technology in the industry. The study also found that different organizational characteristics determine a company's sensitivity to each force. The paper proposes a new model of diffusion of new technologies and presents the implications for increasing the rate of innovation in the industry.     

Construction in Hong Kong: Success Factors for ISO9000 Implementation

This paper examines the success factors for the implementation of ISO9000 in the Hong Kong construction industry. The critical factors for construction contractors to successfully implement ISO9000 were identified. An analytic hierarchy process model was then developed to determine the relative importance among those factors. The findings showed that the top management commitment is the most critical factor for the successful ISO9000 implementation, whilst the common goal, teamworking, education and training, and the cultural changes are also the important factors.     

冶金行业质量体系认证工作综述

简单介绍了ISO90 0 0标准的变化情况 ,我国的认证认可制度和国际互认以及我国质量体系认证工作的现状和冶金行业的状况。着重论述了企业通过质量体系认证后的效果 ,目前续标认证存在的问题以及认证的发展趋势     

柳钢按2000版ISO9000族标准转换质量管理体系的实践

针对 2 0 0 0版ISO90 0 0族标准转换质量管理体系 (QMS)的获证问题 ,介绍了柳钢实施QMS转换的经验。     

沪昌特钢2000版标准换版工作实践与体会

针对 2 0 0 0版ISO90 0 0族标准转换质量管理体纱的获证问题 ,介绍了沪昌特钢换版过程中的体会。     

ISO9000质量管理体系认证在企业发展中的作用

结合某公司ISO9000质量管理体系认证的实施过程,论述了企业建立ISO9000质量管理体系所从事的主要活动、认证取得的绩效。S09000质量管理体系认证为企业实现质量目标,消除贸易壁垒,提高产品质量和顾客的满意程度等奠定了坚实的基础。     

浅谈ISO9000族标准及实施意义

给出了ISO9000族标准和质量体系认证的概念，分析了国际和国内的认证形势，一个组织建立质量管理体系的几个阶段及ISO9000族标准的理论基础，指出了实施ISO9000族标准的意义。     

贯标认证与企业发展

根据企业贯标认证工作的实践与体会，阐述了ISO 9000族标准文件质量管理体系区别与其它标准的鲜明特点以及各层次文件的运行特点，并分析论述了贯标认证与企业发展的关系。     

Adoption and Use of Interorganizational ICT in a Construction Project

The objective of this research is to explain why actors are not using interorganizational information and communication technology (ICT) in construction projects in the intended way, by determining the mechanisms that influence the way actors use this ICT over time during a construction project. This explorative research results in a theoretical model that contains four key categories that explains the way actors use ICT in construction projects: (1) personal motivation; (2) external motivation; (3) knowledge and skills; and (4) acting opportunities. The model is compared with three existing influential models about the adoption and use of ICT: the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the theory of planned behavior, and the technology acceptance model. In these models missing elements are found. In addition, it is found that fundamental characteristics of construction projects, such as the fragmented and temporarily nature of construction projects, and the different working practices, resources, and objectives of the organizations involved cause most of the barriers to the intended use of interorganizational ICT.     

ISO9000系列标准及其在我国冶金工业的应用

介绍了ＩＳＯ９０００标准和两种质量认证制度以及该标准在全世界得到广泛应用的原因，叙述了在我国冶金工业应用ＩＳＯ９０００标准的情况，旨在引起我国冶金界更大的关注。     

ISO 9000 Quality Standards in Construction

There is risk involved in any construction project. A contractor's quality assurance system is essential in preventing problems and the reoccurrence of problems. This system ensures consistent quality for the contractor's clients. An evaluation of the quality systems of 15 construction contractors in Saudi Arabia is discussed here. The evaluation was performed against the ISO 9000 standard. The contractors' quality systems vary in complexity, ranging from an informal inspection and test system to a comprehensive system. The ISO 9000 clauses most often complied with are those dealing with (1) inspection and test status; (2) inspection and testing; (3) control of nonconformance product; and (4) handling, storage, and preservation. The clauses least complied with concern (1) design control; (2) internal auditing; (3) training; and (4) statistical techniques. Documentation of a quality system is scarce for the majority of the contractors.     

企业开展质量成本管理的途径和方法

目前我国许多企业在近几年来纷纷完成了ISO 9000质量管理体系认证工作,在完善了质量管理的基础上,进一步开展质量成本管理,在提升竞争力的过程中充分发挥质量体系应有的作用。本文介绍了质量成本的概念、组成和意义,并对获证企业如何开展好质量成本管理方法提出了几点建议。     

粉末冶金工业和ISO9000系列标准

本文介绍了ISO9000系列标准及其在粉末冶金工业中的应用,包括全球性的ISO9000现象,产品质量认证和质量体系认证,质量体系认证的特点和作用,ISO9000系列标准的组成和选择,以及如何建立和维护文件化的质量体系,如何申请质量体系认证,如何监督管理质量体系获证后的有效性等等。最后还讨论了ISO9000和TQC的关系。     

ISO9000族标准在CZ钢铁维检公司的应用研究

介绍了CZ维检公司按照ISO9000族标准要求建立质量管理体系的过程,论证了认真贯彻执行质量管理的八项基本原则,持续推广实施质量管理活动和体系认证工作,解决了维检公司存在的问题,提升了维检公司的管理水平。     

冶金建筑企业贯标工作中难点问题的探讨

冶金建筑企业在贯彻ISO9000标准中,存在着制定项目质量计划与施工组织设计,对分包队伍的监控,施工过程的控制等难点问题,结合我单位贯标情况,提出几点看法予以探讨。     

Integrating ISO 9001 Quality Management System and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System for Contractors

Previous studies between ISO 14001: 1996 Environmental Management Standard and the old ISO 9001: 1994 Quality Assurance Standard have found compatible requirements that warrant their integration. This study examines the compatibility of the revised ISO 9001: 2000 Quality Management Standard with ISO 14001: 1996 for the purpose of integration. A survey of 96 construction firms was conducted for those who were considering or were already ISO 14001: 1996 certified. Findings on the possibility/difficulty and benefits/costs of integration between ISO 14001: 1996 and ISO 9001: 2000 were obtained. Industry concerns relating to potential problems and implementation challenges were discussed. The study concludes that the revised ISO 9001: 2000 serves as an opportune platform for construction firms to consider certification to ISO 14000: 1996 through an integration exercise.