| Summary: | Improper document management (DM) can produce poor and erroneous
documents and cause major issues, such as claims and disputes, in construction projects.
Adopting a proper documentation management system (DMS) will enable the smooth
completion of construction projects to overcome such issues. Quality management systems
such as the International Standard Organisation (ISO) standards are designed with generic
DM requirements. In developed countries, standard project management procedures and
manuals are often used to guide such document requirements. However, construction
industries in developing countries are still behind in this regard. Hence, this study aimed to
explore the current DM requirements in the Sri Lankan construction industry and the reasons
for poor DM and provides suggestions for overcoming these problems. A questionnaire was
given to a sample of 30 large construction-contracting organisations operating in Sri Lanka,
all of which had ISO certification. The findings revealed 40 DM-related construction activities
and their needs and uses by the selected companies. Based on the suggestions given by
respondents, this study proposes how to implement these activities and develop an
appropriate DMS for the construction industry. This research will offer useful implications for
developing countries that use similar standards and encounter similar DM issues.
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