Factors influencing the adoption of information and communication technology in public building construction projects: insights from Mekelle city
1 Department of Construction Technology and Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Construction Management, Aksum University, Aksum, Ethiopia
2 School of Civil Engineering, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
  • Volume
  • Citation
    Berhe T, Tariku Z, Teklemariam G. Factors influencing the adoption of information and communication technology in public building construction projects: insights from Mekelle city. Smart Constr. 2026(2):0008, https://doi.org/10.55092/sc20260008. 
  • DOI
    10.55092/sc20260008
  • Copyright
    Copyright2026 by the authors. Published by ELSP.
Abstract

The adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in construction projects enhances competence, fosters partnership, and promotes innovation. However, challenges related to ICT implementation persist, particularly in emerging nations. This study investigates the factors of ICT adoption in public building construction projects in Mekelle City, Ethiopia. Using a questionnaire, 75 construction professionals were surveyed, and 8 respondents were purposively selected for in-depth qualitative interviews. Key factors recognized using linear regression include lack of commitment by company management towards ICT (B = 1.152, p = 0.040), security concerns/privacy fears (B = 0.818, p = 0.005), cost of training ICT professionals (B = −0.676, p = 0.044), and limited benefits return on investment in ICT (B = −0.480, p = 0.023), respectively. Quantitative outcomes were verified with qualitative perceptions, providing an inclusive understanding of the factors. Even though the same factors have been recognized in other emerging nations, this study examines how these obstacles work within the public construction sector, branded by regional construction procurement activities and official resource restrictions. By linking known factors with different previously known stages of the construction project lifecycle, this research recommends a framework for the public construction project delivery system in Mekelle city. The research output provides empirical, context-specific evidence on the relative importance and ranking of factors influencing ICT adoption in public building construction projects, where such evidence is currently scarce despite ongoing public infrastructure development. The outcomes deliver actionable recommendations for policymakers, professionals, and researchers. Limitations include dependence on self-reported data, a cross-sectional design, and a limited geographic scope. Future studies should emphasize longitudinal evaluations and comparative studies across Cities to assess the influence of involvement.

Keywords

electronic procurement; developing countries; construction project management; communication systems; electronic communication

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