This paper explores the ways in which collaborative working among multiple disciplines in building projects can be more effective and efficient. It focuses on the support that can be provided by the latest development in information and communication technologies. It also considers the growing interdependence between participants in the process and their changing roles as they harness the power of the new technologies in new collaborative arrangements. It is argued that collaborative working should be addressed holistically from the technological angle, the social angle, as well as the organisational angle, to ensure its successful implementation in the construction industry. A case study is given to illustrate the use of ICT in supporting value management studies. The key issues surrounding the emerging field of research - collaborative construction information management - and the potential benefits and challenges of its wide adoption are discussed at depth.
The authors wish to express their sincere gratitude to the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (RGC Ref No. 5114/03, 5161/04, 5252/05, 5264/06) for the generous funding support to the projects on which this paper is based.