E-MATURITY OF CONSTRUCTION STAKEHOLDERS FOR A WEB-BASED E-PROCUREMENT PLATFORM IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

It is been over 40 years since the introduction of ICT tools and systems into the construction industry, yet construction organizations are still unable to obtain the many potential benefits of ICT investment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the e-maturity of construction stakeholders for a web-based e-procurement platform in the construction industry. The study utilized an attitudinal survey research design and the design of a web-based e-procurement platform. Using a system block design and a use case diagram in relation with PHP programming language, MySQL, CSS and HTML a web-based e-procurement platform for tendering purposes in the construction process was developed. The study was conducted within a private tertiary institution in South-Western Nigeria that has the desire to exploit the potentials of a web-based e-procurement system. The sample size of one hundred (100) respondents were selected through a non-probabilistic sampling method, while a questionnaire instrument was administered. Statistical tools such as Stacked Bar chart, percentage, Wilcoxon signed rank test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were used to analyze the data obtained. The study revealed that there is no significant difference in the e-maturity between client and contractor for a web-based e-procurement platform for tendering purposes within the institution. The study showed that the tertiary institution and its registered contractors have the same positive perspective on the benefits of utilizing a web-based e-procurement solution for tendering purposes. In conclusion, the study developed a prototype web-based e-procurement platform for tendering purposes that can be utilized for construction works within the tertiary institution. The study recommended the use of web-based e-procurement platforms due to the many benefits that can be acquired from its use. In addition, the construction industry should readily embrace ICT solutions in order to solve diverse challenges pervading the industry.