The aim of this research is to analyse the influence of building information models on the enhancement of construction management.
Objectives
To assess the impact of BIM on construction management improvement
To analyse challenges associated to BIM implementation on construction management
To evaluate appropriate strategies to successfully implement BIM in construction management
Research Rationale
Ten of the most common problems that arise when overseeing a construction project are as follows: inadequate planning, unrealistic expectations, ineffective communication, and a lack of funds. Inadequate skills, Issues with sufficiency in construction, inadequacy in handling risks, a blockage in the flow of funds, and security worries (Chan et al. 2019).
Construction project failure occurs because of lack of revisions to the project's scope or estimations, as well as delays in completing activities as a result of inefficient resource allocation (Yin et al. 2019). However, the plan may be delayed for a variety of reasons, such as bad weather, a lack of resources, potential risks or conflicts, damaged machinery, and so on.
UK Construction industry’s annual turnover
Recent estimates suggest that the construction industry's annual turnover in the United Kingdom (UK) saw notable ups and downs between 2010 and 2018. The construction industry generated about €289.3 billion in revenue in 2016. This figure increased to almost 316.5 billion euros in 2018 (Statista, 2022). In that year, there were roughly 341,600 firms operating in the UK's construction sector.
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“Building information modelling” or the “BIM” has become an increasingly popular tool in the “construction industry”, potentially improving project efficiency and reducing errors. The adoption of BIM involves the use of a “digital representation” of the “physical” and “functional” characteristics of a building, which allows for better coordination and communication among project team members. Despite the potential benefits of BIM, its adoption also presents challenges, such as the need for staff training and the integration of new technology. The purpose of this “literature review” is to assess the impact of BIM on construction management improvement and to analyse the challenges associated with its implementation. The study aims to evaluate appropriate strategies for successfully implementing BIM in construction management.
Conceptual framework
Alignment View Theory
Resource-based view Theory
Business process reengineering theory
Figure 2.2: Conceptual framework
Concept of BIM
BIM involves the creation of a digital model that represents the “physical and functional characteristics” of a building. This model is used to store and manage data in the context of the “lifecycle” of a “building project”, from design to construction to operation. BIM allows for the integration of various types of data, including 3D geometry, spatial relationships, schedules, and materials. It also enables the creation of simulations and analyses to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the design and construction process (Du & Li, 2019).
One of the key benefits of BIM is that it allows for the integration of data from multiple sources and systems, allowing for a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the project (Lu & Chen, 2019). This can facilitate better decision-making and risk management, as well as improved communication and collaboration among project stakeholders. BIM can also enable the creation of virtual simulations and analyses, which can help to identify potential issues and improve the efficiency of the design and construction process (Chen & Li, 2019).
Overall, BIM has the potential to revolutionise the way construction projects are managed, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the design and construction process, as well as facilitating better collaboration and communication among project stakeholders (Al-Hussein, Naji, & Zayed, 2019). However, the successful adoption of BIM requires a comprehensive and well-planned strategy to ensure that the benefits are fully realised.
Use of Building Information Model in Construction Management
The adoption of BIM in “construction management” has the potential to improve the efficiency and accuracy of project delivery (Chen & Li, 2019). BIM can provide a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the project, allowing for better decision-making and risk management. It can also facilitate collaboration and communication among project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. However, the adoption of BIM in construction management also brings challenges. One of the main challenges is the need for a significant change in the way projects are managed, as BIM requires a different approach to traditional construction methods (Du & Li, 2019). This may require the development of new skills and processes, as well as the integration of new technologies.
There is also a need to address issues related to data management and interoperability, as BIM involves the integration of data from various sources and systems (Lu & Chen, 2019). Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of this data is crucial for the success of the project (Chen & Li, 2019). In addition to this, the adoption of BIM in construction management requires a comprehensive and well-planned strategy to ensure its successful implementation (Al-Hussein, Naji, & Zayed, 2019). This may involve the development of new processes, training and education, and the integration of new technologies (Du & Li, 2019).
Improvement in the construction sector due to the implementation of the BIM
“Building information modelling” or the “BIM” is the use of digital representations of a building's structural and functional details to create, organise, and share information during the construction process (Bouchlaghem et al., 2019). “Construction management” has improved in a number of ways thanks to the widespread adoption of BIM in the sector in recent years.
One of the main benefits of BIM is the ability to increase productivity and efficiency in the construction process (Jang et al., 2020). By creating a digital model of the project, stakeholders can easily access and share information, reducing the need for physical meetings and documents. This can help to reduce delays and errors, leading to cost savings and faster project delivery (Kontsos et al., 2019).
Additionally, BIM allows for better project coordination and collaboration between different disciplines (Zhou et al., 2019). By providing a common platform for all project stakeholders, BIM can improve communication and reduce misunderstandings, leading to a more efficient and effective construction process (Cao et al., 2019). BIM also has the potential to improve project quality and reduce risks (Wang et al., 2019). By providing a detailed representation of the project, BIM allows for better analysis and visualisation of potential issues before construction begins. This can help to identify and mitigate potential risks, leading to a higher-quality final product (Zhang et al., 2019).
Challenges of implementing BIM in construction management
While BIM has numerous potential benefits, there are also challenges associated with its implementation in construction management. One of the main challenges is the need for a significant investment in hardware and software (Zhou et al., 2019). Many construction companies may not have the resources or expertise in the implementation of the BIM, which can be a barrier to adoption (Cao et al., 2019). Another challenge is the need for a change in the traditional construction process and mindset (Jang et al., 2020). BIM requires a shift from traditional 2D drawings to a 3D model, which can be a significant change for some stakeholders. This can lead to resistance to adoption and a lack of understanding of the benefits of BIM (Kontsos et al., 2019).
In addition, there is a need for appropriate training and education for construction professionals to effectively use BIM (Wang et al., 2019). Many construction professionals may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to effectively use BIM, which can lead to difficulties in implementation (Zhang et al., 2019). Finally, there is a lack of standardisation in BIM practices and protocols (Bouchlaghem et al., 2019). Without clear guidelines, it can be difficult for construction professionals to effectively use BIM, leading to difficulties in collaboration and information sharing.
Strategic measures to successfully implement BIM in construction management
To ensure the success of "Building information modelling" (BIM) implementation in “construction management”, meticulous planning and the adoption of suitable solutions are required. Key tactics for the successful application of BIM in “construction management” have been found in several studies.
According to one study (Lee et al., 2019), training and education programmes are required to improve the BIM knowledge and skills of construction professionals. This can be accomplished by creating in-house training programmes for construction companies, professional training courses, and BIM curricula for universities. The creation of BIM committees or task groups is another method for successfully implementing BIM in “construction management” (Choi et al., 2020). These committees or task forces can define BIM standards and norms, coordinate the use of BIM, and offer direction and support to building industry professionals.
Utilizing BIM maturity models is a third tactic for successfully implementing BIM in “construction management” (Huang et al., 2019). BIM maturity models can be used to evaluate an organization's readiness for BIM adoption and provide implementation guidance. Additionally, they can be utilised to pinpoint problem areas and monitor the development of the BIM deployment. Additionally, the development of training and education programmes, the formation of BIM committees or task groups, and the usage of BIM maturity models are all necessary for the successful application of BIM in “construction management”.
LR gap
One potential research gap in the “literature review” is the lack of in-depth analysis of the most effective strategies for implementing BIM in “construction management”. While it is noted that a comprehensive and well-planned strategy is important for successful BIM adoption, there is limited discussion of specific strategies that have been proven effective in practice. Another potential research gap is the limited focus on the challenges of adoption of the BIM in “small” and “medium-sized” construction firms. While the literature review discusses some of the general challenges of BIM adoption, there may be specific challenges faced by smaller firms that have not yet been fully addressed in the research. Identifying and addressing these research gaps could help to improve the understanding of how to effectively implement BIM in “construction management” and could contribute to the successful adoption of BIM in the industry.
Summary
BIM has the potential to revolutionise the way construction projects are managed, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the design and construction process, as well as facilitating better collaboration among “project stakeholders” along with the communication. However, the successful adoption of BIM in “construction management” also presents challenges, including the need for a significant change in the way projects are managed and the need to address issues related to data management and interoperability. To successfully implement BIM in “construction management”, a comprehensive and well-planned strategy is required that addresses these challenges and ensures that the benefits of BIM are fully realised. This strategy should include the development of appropriate training programs and partnerships with industry organisations.
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
Research Philosophy: Interpretivism
This research employed the interpretivism research philosophy to develop proper subjective view of the research. Interpretive research provided with more logic because it opens the door to the possibility of reformulating the researcher's prior knowledge on construction project management and understandings throughout the research process. Accordingly, data collection and analysis are inseparable components of interpretive studies (Alharahsheh and Pius, 2020).
Research Approach: Inductive
The inductive research approach was selected for its adaptability, its emphasis on context, and the encouragement of novel theoretical insights. As per the view of Walter and Ophir (2019), applying inductive reasoning is going from specifics to broad generalisations to reach a conclusion. Inductive study involved observation search and the construction of explanations, theories, and hypotheses. In inductive research, patterns are sought for through observation, and then theories are developed to explain why those patterns exist. Since hypotheses and theories are not used at the outset of inductive investigations, the researcher had complete scope to alter the study's path after it has already begun in order to better serve the study's overarching goals. One goal of this strategy is to discover hidden meanings in collected data sets regarding the impact of BIM in management of construction projects, which can then be used to draw theoretical conclusions.
Research Design: Descriptive research design
For conducting an observational study, the simplest method to use is the descriptive research design. Without considering any hypotheses about causes or other linkages, it allowed to explore and characterise the distribution of one or more variables related to construction management (Andrade, 2019).
Research Choices: Mono-method
This research has followed mono method for completing the research on proper time and within allocated budget. One defining feature of the mono approach is the use of a single data collection, either quantitative or qualitative, for analysis. Quantitative methods of data collection and analysis produce or make use of measurable data which might provide a less detail picture on the research topic (HR and Aithal, 2022). Conversely, qualitative information was included into data collection strategy to enhance the transparency of the detailed picture related to the effectiveness of BIM for managing construction work.
Time Horizon: Cross-sectional
In contrast to other types of observational research, cross-sectional studies do not follow participants for an extended period for which this method was used in this research. They are usually low-priced and easy to implement, which helped to complete the research easily (Tysi?c-Mi?ta and Dziedzic, 2020). They are useful for laying the groundwork for a later, more in-depth study's design.
Data Collection: Secondary
Among the many advantages of using secondary data for this research was a financial one. Since the data collection has already been done, the researcher did not have to devote any additional time, effort, or resources to it (Sileyew, 2019). All the secondary information was collected from Google Scholar and ProQuest. The secondary information was published in the last five years and all were written in English language.
Sampling: Random
In this research use of a random sampling method increased confidence that results from a sample are representative of what may be expected from a survey of the entire population (Andrade, 2019). When performing the simplest kind of random sampling, each unit in the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample.
Data Analysis technique: Descriptive
Descriptive data analysis technique was used in this research as using descriptive statistics, it is effective for quantifying and defining the most fundamental elements of a data collection (HR and Aithal, 2022). Thus, descriptive statistics provided a foundation for data analysis by helping to arrange, simplify, and summarise data related to BIM and construction project management.
Ethical Consideration
Using secondary data was a morally sound practise because it made the most of limited resources dedicated to data collection. It simplifies things for the study's participants and assures that the findings can be repeated (Walter and Ophir, 2019). As a result, research methods are now more openly discussed and research itself is more trustworthy. It also ensures that previous research may be repeated with similar results. Only material found through standard internet searches and academic databases like Google Scholar and ProQuest were used in the research.
Research Timeline
Figure: Gantt Chart
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