The Use of the Computer as an Aid to the Medium Sized Building Contractor

The initial part of the thesis is constructed to establish the facts relating to electronic data processing applications by building contractors in England. A survey was conducted in 1974, the conclusions of which are included in the text.
The second part of the study relates to the Industry as a whole, but with special consideration of the medium sized builder. Therefore, the analysis of just one actual company is considered not to be representative of the whole range of situations. Consequently the development of a fictitious model company which incorporates as many typical procedures and problems as realistically possible is included. By adopting this approach it is hoped that builders reading this thesis will be able to identify themselves with their procedures and problems. Following the analysis of the model company, an evaluation is made, the object of which is to form the basis for the development of a new system suitable for electronic data processing applications. The system proposals also attempt to identify improvements in productivity and efficiency, together with the viability of implementation.
The research is designed to provide a method of developing an integrated management system utilising the concepts of data base and modular systems applied to the computer. Further, consideration is given to the typical builder's current situation and the necessity.
to build up a computer based system at an appropriate rate to an adequate level of application.
It is intended that this research will improve the knowledge of builders and computer consultants by acting as a medium by which each can identify the others problems. The object is to accelerate viable future electronic data processing applications in the Construction Industry, with special reference to the medium sized builder.