Information needs and use in the construction materials sector in Kuwait
| Published date | 01 May 2006 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470610671196 |
| Pages | 335-346 |
| Date | 01 May 2006 |
| Author | Mumtaz A. Anwar,Arwa Tuqan |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Information needs and use in the
construction materials sector in
Kuwait
Mumtaz A. Anwar
Department of Library and Information Science, Kuwait University,
Safat, Kuwait, and
Arwa Tuqan
Education and Training Center, Public Institution for Social Security,
Safat, Kuwait
Abstract
Purpose – This study was designed to investigate the information needs and use of the private
construction materials sector in Kuwait.
Design/methodology/approach – A structured instrument, expert-reviewed and pilot-tested, was
used for data collection. A total of 20 companies were surveyed by interviewing a senior official
identified by each firm.
Findings – These firms mostly used financial, marketing, legal, forecasting, and managerial
information. Personnel and statistical information was the least used. The most important sources of
information included government agencies, the internet, the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (KCCI), and financial service agencies in addition to several informal sources. Information use
activity was found to be at a low level.
Research limitations/implications – Since the study was limited to private companies that dealt
with construction materials, its findings should be used for this sector only.
Practical implications – The KCCI, following one of its official roles of supplying information to
the business community, needs to upgrade its resources and services and conduct vigorous marketing
of its services. Similarly, Kuwait University has a stake in conducting research and educating business
leaders in improving their in-house information services and making optimal use of KCCI services.
Originality/value – This is the first study of its type in the Arabian Gulf region. Hopefully,
government agencies, the KCCI and the business community will use its findings to improve the
current business information infrastructure, which is less than satisfactory.
Keywords Information centres,Construction materials, Privatesector organizations, Kuwait
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
It has been suggested that:
...information is a commodity or a resource used for business activities [...] [and that] there
is a strong link between information and knowledge management, and company profit. [...]
[K]nowledge is fundamental in an organization in order to solve problems, to make decisions,
to produce goods and services, and for the marketing and sales of products.[...][I]t is how we
use information that gives us the competitive edge we are striving for (Kelseth, 1991, pp. 65-7).
According to Urwin (2000, p. 131):
All businesses have a two way external information flow. There must be a flow of
information coming into the organization, so that it can keep up to date with what’s
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
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Information
needs and use in
Kuwait
335
The Electronic Library
Vol. 24 No. 3, 2006
pp. 335-346
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470610671196
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