Abstracts

Abstracts: Note 1: when you select an article and read it on the computer, the Notes and References are hyperlinked to the reference numbers in the text and can be accessed directly from the text by clicking on the numbers in square brackets. Note 2: the headings in the summary (at the start of each article) are hyperlinked to the corresponding portions of the text. After scanning the selected article, it is, of course, possible to print it; use your preferred printing software (the articles were set up with MSWord).
(Abstract 1) PRESENTATION OF 'INFORMATION IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY - PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS' The Editor The information revolution implies a switch in the organization of work. In the building industry, this can be difficult, because of the way work is organized in a project-by-project environment. Information falls into two categories: project-related information and general information; the former grows with the project and is 'lost' in the final product, whereas the latter constitutes an ever-increasing, publicly available stock of knowledge (access to and immediate use of this stock by practitioners presents difficulties). This electronic 'book' discusses aspects of the presentation and use of information.	Click here to go the complet text.
(Abstract 2) THE INFORMATION PROBLEM IN BUILDING - CAUSES AND EFFECTS, Colin H. Davidson The building industry's professional and commercial enterprises are used to operating in a project-by-project format, joining loose networks; as they do so, they reconcile, as much as possible, their strategic goals with the short term objectives of the single projects, reflected in the procurement documents. This is a situation rife with a potential for conflict. Evidence shows that from among the conflict-inducing factors, adequacy and ease of access to information is a prime source of difficulties and hence of loss of performance. In addition, general information is insufficiently used, often leading to a loss of project quality. There are reasons that explain this situation, and recommended correctives often appear like wishful-thinking. Information management must be planned for, and information-based quality demanded in the procurement strategy.	Click here to go the complet text.
(Abstract 3) SCIENCE AND PRACTICE INTERPLAY - A STUDY OF THE USER'S ROLE IN INFORMATION EXCHANGE Thomas Tydén Two current trends impact on the use of research results in practice, namely the shift to a stricter market economy and the increase in research conducted outside academia. There is a tendency to overrate the achievements of research to the detriment of everyday knowledge and skills; the emphasis should shift to knowledge utilization. This implies education and motivation, and the adoption of the 'learning organization' paradigm. There are human and organizational barriers to knowledge utilization, often blocking the acceptance of information; indeed, research dissemination is not a technical problem. Each organization is unique, particularly in the building industry. It is important that the research users (by their education and culture) contribute to breaking down the barrier between research and practice.	Click here to go the complet text.
(Abstract 4) BUILDING PRODUCTS, TRADE LITERATURE AND STANDARDIZATION: THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE Charles Rogers This document traces the main initiatives aimed at guiding or regulating the presentation and content of trade literature in the United Kingdom - up to the late 1990s. In a context of an ever-increasing use of factory-prepared products, ready access to information allowing comparisons to be made is seen by designers as essential - a view which is probably not shared by the product manufacturers and their marketing advisors. A succession of British Standards has been prepared, in an evolving context of accompanying research and recommendations. Principles relating to the kind of information to be provided and how, are suggested.	Click here to go the complet text.
(Abstract 5) ELECTRONIC INFORMATION EXCHANGE IN BUILDING PRACTICE Peter Vice Information Technology (IT) shows promise for the construction industry, but progress in IT and in construction are not synchronized. At present, Electronic Information Exchange (EIE) does not yet solve the problems associated with communications between the participants in the building process - particularly for repetitive or complex operations such as preparing tenders, managing 'just-in-time' aspects of contracts etc. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is already being used for transactions between suppliers and manufacturers where there is continuity; it seems that EDI can be logically extended to cover matters related to Bills of Quantities. Developments with EIE must be adapted to the needs of building practice; research tends to be short-term or long-term focused - but the need is for coordinated yet easy-to-implant solutions. Internet technology holds promise, but protection of information is a source of concern.	Click here to go the complet text.
(Abstract 6) CSIRO INFOBUILD: PROVIDING AN INFORMATION SERVICE TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Gaye McDermott In the fragmented construction industry, the adoption of innovative technologies is slow, largely because research and development, and information dissemination are seen as unrelated to practice and its concerns. A common language of communication is needed, integrated into an information framework. The CSIRO has developed such a framework. Also, an integrated information service has been set up to answer questions arising from industry; it draws on the vast amounts of information and knowledge in CSIRO. Marketing such a service needs care to avoid wasted resources. However, without such a service, knowledge gets lost and is unavailable when a new cycle in building demands its recall.	Click here to go the complet text.
(Abstract 7) PRACTICALITIES OF THE TRANSFER OF INFORMATION FROM RESEARCH TO PRACTICE Wilhelm Wissman Building research is not seen as a distinct research activity in Germany; support for it is decentralized. Access to research findings can adopt several routes, even though it is often not considered a priority; building research results have to be made known actively. Several structures are in place to distribute information, and Fraunhofer Informationszentrum Raum und Bau (Information Center for Building and Planning) - IRB plays a key role in collecting together and then disseminating the information - systematically. Marketing research reports is important and is done through carefully structured IRB reference publications. Providing an information consulting service is also an important way to disseminate knowledge.	Click here to go the complet text.
(Abstract 8) ARCONIS - A SYSTEM FOR ANSWERING QUESTIONS Elke Nürmberger ARCONIS Information Consulting is a service of IRB that specializes in answering queries related to building and planning. To do so, ARCONIS has access to IRB's in-house databases and to a national and international network of contacts. ARCONIS provides advisory services too. Queries are treated systematically and with complete confidentiality (examples of queries are given). Charges are agreed with the client before work commences (typical tariffs and rates are given).	Click here to go the complet text.