Technological gatekeepers: the management of trade literature by design offices
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 1 January 2001
Abstract
Communication of information from manufacturer to design office is important in raising specifiers' awareness of new building products and product improvements. Efficacy of this process will influence the uptake of innovations, yet the small amount of published research suggests that professionals operate managerial systems, both to limit the volume and to control the quality of this information, in an attempt to ensure its relevance to specifiers in their offices. The research reported here looked at the reasons for filtering information coming into the office and the mechanisms used to achieve these objectives. Interviews with partners of architectural practices and their receptionists, together with views from a number of trade representatives helped to identify and illustrate a number of issues concerning the relationship between manufacturers and designers. Combined, the interviews provide a valuable insight on an area largely neglected by researchers, yet a vital part of the specification process.
Keywords
Citation
EMMITT, S. (2001), "Technological gatekeepers: the management of trade literature by design offices", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 2-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb021165
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited