Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to inform you that the Department of Building and Real Estate
of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (jointly with a number of
institutions) is organizing the INternational Conference on Construction
Information TEchnology 2000 (INCITE 2000) on 17th-18th January 2000.

I attach the latest Word97 file ("INCITE2K") for the first announcement of
INCITE 2000. (For those who cannot read the attached file, please refer to
the text at the end of this message.) The paper version of this announcement
will be posted to you shortly. As a feature of this conference, selected
papers will be considered for publication in special issues of the following
journals:

· Automation in Construction: An International Journal for the Building Industry
· Building Research and Information
· The International Journal of Construction Information Technology
· International Journal of Computer-Integrated Design and Construction

I hope that you and your colleagues will take this opportunity to know more
distinguished participants involved with construction IT research and
applications, and to develop a network of links for further development of
IT in your own countries in the 21st century.

Kind regards,

Geoffrey


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INCITE 2000

CALL FOR PAPERS

INternational Conference on Construction Information TEchnology 2000

Implementing IT to obtain a competitive advantage in the 21st Century


17th-18th January 2000
Harbour Plaza Hotel, Hung Hom, Kowloon

Hong Kong

Organized by:

The Department of Building and Real Estate
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

In Conjunction With:

School of Architecture and Building
Deakin University, Australia

Departments of Architecture, and Real Estate and Construction
The University Hong Kong 

Department of Building and Construction
City University of Hong Kong

Supported by:

Australia and New Zealand Architectural Science Association
Australian AGILE Construction Initiative
AGILE Construction Initiative (UK)
Chinese Research Institute of Construction Management
Yau Lee Construction Company Limited


Introduction

In the current economic climate, most businesses in the construction
industry struggle to maintain or enhance their competitiveness. Information
technology (IT), is becoming an integral part of the corporate
infrastructure, and has been recognized as a tool that can improve an
organization's performance and competitiveness.  The pace of technological
change demands a major commitment of company funds to planning and
acquisition of up-to date equipment and expertise. Without this commitment,
companies will lose the competitive advantage that IT can offer.

In the 21st century, construction organizations will need every competitive
tool and technique at their command to achieve their strategic goals.
Information technology is one of the most powerful tools available to
organizations in construction.  Goals can range from survival to overtaking
the competition, but it is important that goals are within reach, given the
resources the company can devote to attaining them.  Therefore, the
development, implementation, planning, and application of IT presents a
monumental challenge to professionals in the construction industry. This
conference will attempt to "bridge the gap" that exists between IT research,
development and practice so that construction organizations can improve
their performance and competitiveness in the new millennium.

As a feature of this conference, selected papers will be considered for
publication in special issues of the following journals:

· Automation in Construction: An International Journal for the Building Industry
· Building Research and Information
· The International Journal of Construction Information Technology
· International Journal of  Computer-Integrated Design and Construction

Aim

The aim of the INCITE 2000 conference is to investigate how organizations in
the construction industry can effectively implement IT-enabled tools so they
can obtain a competitive advantage by excelling in their market place,
performance and services.

Themes

The conference audience will be a mixture of industry, government, and
academic delegates. Presentations will focus on practical applications as
well as theoretical explorations of IT use in the construction industry.
Practical applications guided by good theory, success stories, 'learning
experiences', and integrative approaches will be delivered in plenary
sessions and specialized themes. The following are the main themes of the
conference:

· Organization and Management of IT
· Information Management Systems
· Virtual Environments
· Multimedia
· Electronic Commerce
· Methods and Software

Who Should Attend?

Construction information technology will interest all construction
professionals especially, Project Managers, IT Managers, Architects,
Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Building Services Engineers and Construction
Educators.

Registration

Simply complete the registration form overleaf and return it with the
appropriate payment to the Conference Secretariat. Payment should be made by
cheque, bank draft or cashier's order payable to "Hong Kong Polytechnic
University". Please do not send cash.

Registration Fees

Before November 1st, 1999: HK$2500/US$325
After November 1st, 1999: HK$2900/US$380

The fee covers full participation in the conference, conference materials
and proceedings, coffee/tea breaks, luncheons and a banquet.

Cancellation

Refund of registration fee will be made, subject to an administration charge
of HK$500, for all cancellations before December 15th, 1999. Otherwise, no
refund will be made and a copy of the conference proceedings will be sent to
the registrant after the conference.

Organizing Committee
 
Heng Li 
Chairman Organizing Committee Department of Building & Real Estate 
Hong Kong Polytechnic University

David Scott
Program Co-chair
Department of Building & Real Estate 
Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Peter E.D. Love
Program Co-chair
School of Architecture & Building
Deakin University, Australia

Geoffrey Q.P. Shen
Conference Secretariat
Department of Building & Real Estate 
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
 
· Steven Mak, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
· L.Y. Shen, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
· Andy Wong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
· Steve Rowlinson, The University of Hong Kong 
· C.M. Tam, City University of Hong Kong
· Jonathan Shi City University of Hong Kong

International Scientific & Technical Committee

· A. Retik, University of Strathclyde, UK
· Bo-Christer Bjork, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
· Chimay J. Anumba, Loughborough University, UK
· Chotchai Charoenngam, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
· Denny McGeorge, Newcastle University, Australia
· Jian-nong Cao, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
· James H. Garrett, Jr. Carnegie Mellon University, USA
· Mark Burry, Deakin University, Australia
· Martin Betts, University of Salford, UK
· Miroslaw Skibniewski, Purdue University, USA
· Mustafa Alshawi, University of Salford, UK
· Norman Fisher, University of Reading, UK
· Godfrey Augenbroe, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
· Michael Z.M. Deng, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
· Mary Lou Maher, University of Sydney, Australia
· Matti Hanus, VTT, Finland
· Mohan Kumaraswamy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
· Richard Amor, Building Research Establishment, UK
· Rivka Oxman, Technion, Israel
· Shirong Li, Chongqing Jianzhu University, China
· Tony Dawson, Deakin University, Australia
· Lu Qian, Tsinghua University, China
· Yoshito Itoh, Nagoya University, Japan
· Ziga Turk, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
· Zahir Irani, Brunel University, UK

Keynote Speakers

A group of eminent Keynote and Invited Speakers will address aspects of the
conference themes, including:

Prof. Peter Brandon, University of Salford, UK
Prof. John Gero, University of Sydney, Australia
Prof. Miroslaw Skibniewski, Purdue University, USA
Prof. Mustafa Alshawi, University of Salford, UK

General

In August 1999 we will provide you with detailed information for the
provisional schedule of presentations and a social program.

About Hong Kong

Hong Kong (HK) has long been the primary gateway to China, home to an
ancient and rich Chinese culture with strong western influences. HK is a
city with great natural splendor and physical attractions. For visitors, HK
can perhaps offer more than any other territories in Asia. It is a modern,
highly dynamic city where East meets West. English speakers have little
difficulty getting around. HK has an inexpensive and efficient public
transportation system and taxis are among the cheapest in the world. Main
attractions in HK are dining and shopping. Chinese food in HK is available
in greater variety and higher quality than almost anywhere else in the world
and at very affordable prices. Shopping hours are long and include Sundays
and public holidays. Items that visitors find alluring are Chinese art and
handicraft products, watches, cameras, electronics, and garments.

The temperature in January ranges from 14C (57F) to 20C (68F) with humidity
around 72%. Days are typically sunny and bright, but can be cool. For
further information about Hong Kong, please go to: http://www.hkta.org/home.html

Paper Submission Schedule

All abstracts should not be more than 500 words. Abstracts should provide
sufficient details to clearly indicate the industry or research context and
objectives, selected methodology or case studies, and the final
outcome/lessons for enterprises and policy developers. 

Potential contributors should note that the conference will be a mix of
industry practitioners, academics and public sector representatives and
should address the style and content of their paper accordingly. The full
contact details (postal address, telephone, fax and e-mail) of the
corresponding author and the individual(s) who will present the paper if
accepted, should appear on all abstracts submitted.

Paper submissions must comply with the following schedule:

· March 15th		1999		Submission of Abstracts
· May 15th 		1999		Notification of Acceptance
· August 15th		1999		Submission of Full Paper 
· October 15th		1999		Final Acceptance

Accepted papers will be published in the proceedings. Submissions should
include original materials that have not been published previously or
currently submitted for consideration elsewhere. At least one of the authors
will be required to personally attend the conference to present the paper.

Selected papers will be considered for publication in:
· Automation in Construction: An International Journal for the Building Industry
· Building Research and Information
· The International Journal of Construction Information Technology
· International Journal of  Computer-Integrated Design and Construction
Interested parties please complete the Registration Form and submit an
abstract in English for consideration and acceptance by the Organizing
Committee. Abstracts must be typewritten.

Acknowledgements

This Conference is financially supported by the Hong Kong Polytechnic
University. In particular, support and encouragement from the Vice President
(Research and Postgraduate Study), and the Dean of Faculty of Construction
and Land Use are gratefully acknowledged. We would also like to thank our
industrial sponsors for their supports.

INCITE 2000 - REGISTRATION FORM

Please type or print in block letters. 

Title of Proposed Paper (For author only): 

Title: Prof. Dr. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Others, please specify 
Surname: 					First Name: 
Position: 					Organization: 
Mailing Address: 

Country: 
Tel: 				Fax: 				E-mail: 

I authorize Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPolyU) to publish my
abstract and full presentation paper and to include it in any compilation. I
also transfer copyright ownership to the HKPolyU and authorize HKPolyU to
electronically record my presentation for reproduction if deemed appropriate.

___________________________________ 
Signature of Author

AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT (CHECK ALL NEEDS): 
Overhead projector, Slide projector, Others (please specify) 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION REQUESTED 
Please help me to arrange hotel accommodation according to the information
below: 
Arrival date: ____________________ Departure date: ____________________ 
No. of rooms required: ____________________ ( Single Double Twin) 
Preferred room rate per night: US$250 - US$300, US$200 - US$250, US$150 -
US$200, US$100 - US$150 

OTHER INFORMATION 
I am interested in displaying my products / company information at the
Conference. Please send me information when it becomes available. 
I am interested in the Optional Local Tours. Please send me more information. 
Special Meals Requested: Vegetarian Pork-free Beef-free Others ________ 

PAYMENT 
Early registration: HK$2500/US$325 per delegate on or before November 1st, 1999 
Regular registration: HK$2900/US$380 per delegate after November 1st, 1999 

I am enclosing a cheque / bank draft no. ____________ for the amount of
HK$/US$ ____________ to cover my registration fee. 
I hereby agree to be bound by the rules and regulations of the Conference. 	


Signature : _____________________ 
Date : _________________________ 
Registration fee should be made payable to "Hong Kong Polytechnic University"

IMPORTANT NOTES 
1. Application forms received without registration fee will not be
processed. Please do not send cash. 
2. The conference program is subject to change without notice.
Acknowledgment of receipt of registration form will be sent within 14 days. 
Airmail this form, preferably by registered mail, to:

Dr. Geoffrey Q.P. Shen
Conference Secretariat
Department of Building and Real Estate
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hung Hom, Kowloon
Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2766 5817
Fax: (852) 2764 5131
Email: [log in to unmask]

=============================================
Dr. Geoffrey Q.P. SHEN, Assistant Professor
Department of Building and Real Estate
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (+852) 27665817, Fax: (+852) 27645131
=============================================



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