Capturing maturity of ICT applications in construction processes

Purpose" Two main types of models are used worldwide in consideration of the impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) processes in construction: capability maturity models (CMM) and e-readiness models. The purpose of this paper is to review the structure behind the different models, their applicability to construction and indicate how organisations move between the levels in a CMM. Design/methodology/approach" This study investigates the literature behind eight e-readiness models and 53 CMMs. Findings" The findings indicate 88 per cent of maturity-based CMM models linked to five maturity levels, with the remainder using four. CMMs have common features: the process/application is described by maturity levels; Key Process Areas (KPA) provide the features to allow movement; and the levels are arranged and attained systematically, lowest to highest. Publication dates and trends indicate the rate of CMM publication is increasing (most in 2009), conversely, e-readiness models are not (most published in 2004).