Key drivers for smart and sustainable practices in the built environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 1257-1281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy O. Olawumi ◽  
Daniel W.M. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Urbanization ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Industry Practice ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe construction industry has been evolving in recent years through the adoption of smart tools such as building information modeling to reduce the complexity in the construction process and optimize the project's goals. This paper aims to identify and assess the key drivers for the implementation of smart sustainable practices in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachInferential and descriptive statistical techniques were employed in analyzing the data collected via an international empirical questionnaire survey deployed in soliciting the perceptions of 220 construction professionals across 21 countries. Factor analysis was used to categorize the identified key drivers into their underlying clusters for further discussion. Also, the data were analyzed based on the various groups and regions of the study's respondents.FindingsThe key drivers (KDs) are related to the technical competence of staff as well as knowledge and awareness level within the industry, issues related to organizational and project's strategy and policies, availability of financial resources and development of relevant standards and policies to aid its execution among others. A comparative analysis of the perceptions of the different respondents' groups was undertaken and discussed.Practical implicationsThe analysis of the key drivers for the implementation of smart and sustainable practices in the construction industry is expected to aid the decision-making of the relevant stakeholders as well as serve as a consultation instrument for government agencies in their design of localized policies and guidelines to aid smart and sustainable urbanization. The findings revealed the gaps in the implementation of smart and sustainable practices in various climes and organization setups and provided useful and practical strategies for addressing the current hindrances during implementation.Originality/valueThe study has generated valuable insights into the significant drivers that can enhance the implementation of smart and sustainable practices across regions. It is evident that synergy among the relevant stakeholders in the built environment will help accelerate the implementation of smart sustainable practices in the construction industry. The study findings have provided profound contributions to theory and research as well as to industry practice.

scholarly journals An investigation into BIM uptake among contracting firms: an empirical study in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Olusola Babatunde ◽  
Srinath Perera ◽  
Damilola Ekundayo ◽  
Damilola Sarah Adeleke
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Building information modeling (BIM) is vital in the performance improvement of contracting firms. Thus, there is a need to stimulate its implementation in the construction sector with a view to meeting the competitive demands of the industry. However, there have been very few studies on BIM implementation among contracting firms in Nigeria. Hence, this study aims to examine the current BIM uptake among Nigerian contracting firms, assess the barriers to BIM implementation and examine the ways of improving BIM implementation within these contracting firms. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was conducted on contracting firms (comprising small-, medium- and large-sized firms) in Lagos, Nigeria. The obtained data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. These included percentage, mean score, standard deviation, the Kruskal–Wallis test and factor analysis. Findings This study revealed the current state of BIM implementation among contracting firms in Nigeria in terms of their knowledge of BIM, their usage of BIM as well as the BIM software adopted. Furthermore, the study identified 25 barriers to BIM implementation in contracting firms and identified 15 ways to improve BIM implementation in contracting firms. The relative importance of both the identified barriers and the ways for improving BIM implementation was gauged among contracting firms comprising small-, medium- and large-sized firms. The result of the Kruskal–Wallis test revealed that, except for two (out of 25) identified barriers, and one (out of 15) identified ways of improving BIM implementation in contracting firms, there is no significant statistical difference in the perceptions of the three respondents’ groups. The result of the factor analysis categorized the identified 25 barriers into seven main factors. Practical implications This study provides empirical evidence on the barriers to BIM implementation and the ways of improving its implementation among contracting firms, thereby providing a better insight of the Nigerian construction industry’s BIM environment. Originality/value This study’s findings can positively inform the decisions of construction stakeholders to formulate strategies capable of improving BIM implementation in the construction industry at large.

scholarly journals BIM coordinators: a review

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 989-1008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattias Jacobsson ◽  
Christoph Merschbrock
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Knowledge Domain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Changes ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Domain Integration ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role, practices and responsibilities of building information modeling (BIM) coordinators (BCs). Design/methodology/approach The aim is achieved through a review of existing publications (n=183) in which the term “BIM coordinators” has been described and discussed (n=78), complemented by interviews with four Norwegian BIM experts. Findings The findings from the review indicate that the core responsibilities of BCs involve clash detection, managing information flows and communication flows, monitoring and coordinating design changes, supporting new working procedures and technical development and acting as a boundary spanner. The complementary interview study extends these findings with two additional practices and a reflection on the experienced challenges, obstacles and potential future development of the role. In essence, the authors propose that the role of BCs can be defined as being responsible for external/internal alignment and coordination of actor needs, and engaged in product-, process- and system-oriented practices of BIM. Research limitations/implications Given that this study is primarily an integrative literature review of BCs, it has the limitations common with such an approach. Therefore, future studies should preferably extend presented findings through either a survey, further in-depth interviews with BCs or reviews of closely related BIM specialist roles such as BIM managers or BIM technicians. Practical implications With BCs seemingly being central to information management and knowledge domain integration within the architecture, engineering and construction industry, an understanding of their importance and role should be of interest to anyone seeking to tap into the potential of BIM. This paper outlines specific implications for construction manager, educators and BCs. Originality/value The value of this study lies primarily in the fact that it is the first thorough investigation of the role, practices and responsibilities of BCs.

Analysing BIM implementation in the Egyptian construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Marzouk ◽  
Heba Elsaay ◽  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Strategy Formulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Strategy ◽  
Building Information ◽  
International Strategies

PurposeThis research is built up upon exploring the concepts of building information modeling (BIM) adoption and strategy formulation with the aim to develop a strategy for implementing BIM in the Egyptian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe development of the BIM implementation strategy was based on two pillars, namely the literature review and results of the survey questionnaire and interviews. First, the review of literature helped investigating the BIM challenges and international strategies developed to implement BIM worldwide.FindingsThe research presented recommendations to assist policymakers in Egypt to facilitate BIM implementation.Originality/valueAlthough multiple frameworks have been proposed to aid in BIM implementation, a practical strategy to implement BIM in Egypt is still lacking. Moreover, current market scale studies neglect nonsoftware aspects of BIM adoption, do not identify market gaps or reflect market-specific criteria. As such, it cannot be used by policymakers to facilitate BIM diffusion.

An empirical survey of the perceived benefits of executing BIM and sustainability practices in the built environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Oluwatosin Olawumi ◽  
Daniel W.M. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Survey ◽  
Building Information ◽  
New Construction ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Diverse Groups

Purpose The increasing urbanization of the built environment has bolstered the need to promote green Building Information Modeling (BIM) initiative in new construction projects and the rehabilitation of old premises. This study aims to explore and examine the key benefits of the implementation of BIM and sustainability practices in the built environment. Design/methodology/approach The study gathered the worldwide perceptions of 220 survey participants from 21 countries which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analytical methods. The identified individual benefits of green BIM were further categorized into their underlying clusters using factor analysis. Findings The key benefits are related to enhancing project efficiency and productivity, ensuring real-time sustainable design and multi-design alternatives, facilitating the selection of sustainable materials and components, together with reducing material wastage and project’s environmental impact, among others. The study analyzed and compared the perceptions of the diverse groups of the respondents as well. Practical implications Effective blueprints and insightful recommendations for enhancing the various stakeholders’ capacities to implement green BIM in their construction projects were put forward to achieve the aim of sustainable smart urbanization. Originality/value The study identified salient benefits of the adoption of BIM and sustainability practices. The proper integration of these concepts and the execution of the recommended useful strategies by construction stakeholders, policymakers and local authorities will enable the built environment to reap the gains of its implementation.

scholarly journals Investigating the barriers to building information modeling (BIM) implementation within the Nigerian construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 2931-2958
Author(s):  
Oludolapo Ibrahim Olanrewaju ◽  
Nicholas Chileshe ◽  
Sunday Ajiboye Babarinde ◽  
Malindu Sandanayake
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Building Information Modeling ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Multivariate Techniques ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the perceptions of constructional professionals on barriers to implementation of building information modeling (BIM) within the Nigerian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA scoping literature review was conducted to identify the fourteen barriers to implementation of BIM, which were employed to design a questionnaire survey. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean score, Kruskal–Wallis test, analysis of variance and multivariate techniques such as factor analysis.FindingsThe descriptive and empirical analysis demonstrated a disparity of ranking of the 14 barriers factors among the groups; however no statistically significant differences among the 14 barriers to BIM. Based on the mean score ranking results, only three (out of 14) barriers are identified as critical (mean score greater than 3.5): few studies available on BIM and lack of knowledge, inexistence or inadequate government policies, and high cost of implementation. The results of the one-sample t-tests show that they were statistically significant differences in 10 out of 14 barriers as follows: few studies available on BIM and lack of knowledge, lack of demand for use and acceptance of BIM, inadequate contractual coordination, lack of specified standards, cost of data and information sharing, technological availability issues, reluctance of other stakeholders, business and cultural changes, data and intellectual property issues, and interoperability issues. The study, through factor analysis, categorized the fourteen barriers to BIM implementation into four principal factors. The factors are: technology and business-related barriers; training and people-related barriers; cost and standards-related barriers; and process and economic-related barriers.Practical implicationsThe identification and assessment of the key barriers to BIM implementation would be useful for the construction professionals and other stakeholder of the construction industry with the view to advance BIM adoption in Nigeria. This could also be extended to other developing countries through considerations of the local economic conditions, given the status of BIM as being in the germinating stage of development in Africa.Originality/valueThe study provides insights on the barriers to BIM implementation across the Nigerian construction sector environments. The innovative aspect of the study is the identification of the ordered and grouped (composite) set of barriers to BIM which could be used to developing appropriate mitigating solutions.

Awareness and challenges of building information modelling (BIM) implementation in the Yemen construction industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1077-1084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaser Gamil ◽  
Ismail Abd Rahman Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Rigorous Study

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the awareness of construction practitioners of the adoption of building information modeling (BIM) and identification of the dominant challenges of implementing BIM in the life cycle of a construction project. Design/methodology/approach This study was sequentially conducted in the following in three main phases: a preliminary study of archival literature, where a rigorous study of the literature was conducted to identify the challenges of adopting BIM in the construction industry which was to be applied later to the challenges in the case of the Yemen construction industry; data collection, where data were collected using a questionnaire survey targeting 123 Yemeni construction practitioners working in managerial and technical levels; and data analysis, where data were analyzed using descriptive analysis by calculating the average index and standard deviations. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Findings The results show that the most critical challenges to adopt BIM are financial restrictions, lack of BIM knowledge, improper introduction of BIM concepts, lack of awareness of BIM benefits and no governmental enforcement. The study recommends policymakers and construction players to consider the challenges for a better introduction of BIM in the Yemen construction industry. Research limitations/implications This research focuses on the awareness and challenges of implementing BIM in the Yemen construction industry. Practical implications The findings of this study will help policymakers develop more constructive strategies to reduce the challenges and introduce governmental agendas towards the widespread use of the BIM concept and technology in the Yemen construction industry. The study suggested an in-depth investigation into the current curriculum in the Yemen universities and recommended the introduction of BIM concept in engineering courses. Social implications This study focused on the challenges of implementing BIM and the role of the social aspect in the issue. Originality/value From the extensive review of previous findings, this paper concentrates on the challenged to the implementation of BIM in the Yemen construction industry. There are lack of investigative studies that focus on the introduction of new technologies to advance the Yemen construction sector. Therefore, the findings help the authority to diagnose and address the sources of these challenges and introduce new solutions to the industry.

scholarly journals Drivers for implementation of building information modeling (BIM) within the Nigerian construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oludolapo Ibrahim Olanrewaju ◽  
Sunday Ajiboye Babarinde ◽  
Nicholas Chileshe ◽  
Malindu Sandanayake
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Building Information Modeling ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Multivariate Techniques ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Principal Factors

Purpose The Nigerian construction industry, like in most emerging economies has been slow with technological advances such as building information modeling (BIM). More so, the application of BIM among Nigerian practitioners is rather limited to architects’ usage for schematic design and presentation of drawings. The purpose of this study is to enhance BIM’s uptake, this study explores the drivers for the implementation of BIM within the Nigerian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach An interpretivist epistemological design was adapted to extensively manually review and search the literature on BIM implementation drivers. Based on 14 drivers for BIM implementation drivers identified, a survey questionnaire was used to collect data from the Nigerian construction practitioners. The data obtained is then subjected to descriptive, inferential statistics and multivariate techniques such as factor analysis. Findings The study, through factor analysis, categorized the 14 drivers to BIM implementation into four principal factors. The factors are construction related-drivers; process digitalization and economic-related drivers; sustainability and efficiency-related drivers; and visualization and productivity-related drivers. Practical implications To effectively adopt BIM in the construction industry, it is necessary to identify the BIM implementing drivers, which can act as catalysts of change and, thus leading to sustained adoption of BIM. Therefore, the identified drivers and categorization of principal factors could provide managerial implications for better execution and adoption of BIM, as well as the creation of the required change for the BIM implementation. Originality/value The research provides insights into the implementation drivers of BIM in lesser studies in a developing country such as Nigeria. The study further contributes to this research sphere by using factor analysis to customize and contextualize the drivers that were previously identified.

Reframing construction within the built environment sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 740-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard de Valence
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Special Role ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Official statistics on the output of the construction industry capture on-site activities of contractors and sub-contractors; however, the role of the industry linking suppliers of materials, machinery, products, services and other inputs is also widely recognised. These two views have been called broad and narrow, with the narrow industry defined as on-site work and the broad industry as the supply chain of materials, products and assemblies, and professional services. An argument is made for using the term “built environment sector” (BES) for the broad industry definition of construction. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Construction industry statistics capture the on-site activities of contractors and sub-contractors. This paper reviews research that adds to construction output the contributions of suppliers of materials, machinery and equipment, products and components, professional services and other inputs required to deliver the buildings and structures that make up the built environment. Findings The same term, “construction”, has been used in a number of ways in different definitional studies of the narrow and broad industry. The term that best encompasses the large number and range of participants in the creation and maintenance of the built environment, from suppliers to end users, is the BES. Research limitations/implications Construction economics makes an important contribution to researching the macroeconomic role of the BES. There is also a special role for construction economics in researching both the boundaries of the BES and the data available on the industries that contribute to the BES. Practical implications Measuring the BES would improve the understanding of its macroeconomic role and significance. Social implications Measuring the BES would contribute to city policies and urban planning. Originality/value The paper proposes a new approach to defining and measuring the industries that contribute to the production, maintenance and management of the built environment. It introduces a new name for the combination of those industries.

A structure equation model of indicators driving BIM adoption in the Bahraini construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-78
Author(s):  
Shurooq H.A. Ahmed ◽  
Saad M.A. Suliman
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Path Coefficient ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Structure Equation Model

Purpose This study aims to establish an adoption model using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) that examines the relationship between several key indicators that drive building information modeling (BIM) adoption. Design/methodology/approach The study was carried out using quantitative approaches through the Delphi method and questionnaire survey. A total of 272 completed responses were collected and analyzed through the SEM technique using SPSS 25 and AMOS software. Findings The structural model shows that “environment” and partially “people” indicators are the leading indicators driving BIM adoption with path coefficient values of 0.280 and 0.332, respectively. Originality/value It is expected that these conclusions will lead the Bahraini construction industry stakeholders to raise the level of BIM adoption.

scholarly journals Building Information Modeling as a Tool for Enhancing Disaster Resilience of the Construction Industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Begum Sertyesilisik
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Building Information Modeling ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Disaster Resilience ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Post Disaster ◽  
And Training

Abstract As frequencies of the disasters are increasing, new technologies can be used to enhance disaster resilience performance of the construction industry. This paper investigates the usage of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in enhancing disaster resilience of the construction industry and in the establishment of the resilient built environment. In-depth literature review findings reveal BIM’s contribution to the disaster resilience in the pre-disaster and post-disaster phases especially through influencing the performance of the supply chain, construction process, and rescue operations. This paper emphasises the need for BIM’s integration to the education and training curriculums of the built environment professionals. Policy makers, construction professionals, professional bodies, academics can benefit from this research.

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