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The implication Of BIM use on communication channels in design processes for Saudi architectural engineering (AE) firms
This research explores the implications of implementing building information modelling (BIM)
on existing communication channels used in the design processes for professionals at
architecture, engineering (AE) firms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Although considerable
research on communication channels exists in terms of their effectiveness in collaborative
environments, such as face to face meetings versus computer-mediated communication
(CMC) technologies, to date relatively few studies have investigated the effect of
implementing BIM on existing communication channel mechanisms at Saudi AE firms.
In doing this research, three different concepts were mobilised in order to understand the
dynamic processes of communication among diverse AE professionals in general, and within
BIM collaborative environments in particular. Importantly, three different literatures:
communication, team, and collaboration were considered as the main pillars of this study. In
addition, this study reviewed theoretical communication process models (from linear to
interaction processes), team theory, and cross-profession collaboration theory. Based on this
review, 38 distinct factors were selected based on their impact on dynamic communication,
team, and collaboration processes. These factors were grouped into three themes: 1)
collaborative team characteristics; 2) leadership; and 3) methodology of information
exchange. These themes were then used to develop an analytical framework to explore the
implications and effects of BIM technology on the communication channels used by various
professionals. Significantly, some overlap between these 38 factors was identified both within
and across these themes, which subsequently assisted in developing the empirical research
questions and in exploring further factors and their influence on communication channels
during the qualitative data analysis process.
To prepare for this research, a pilot study was first conducted on three Saudi AE organisations
and one individual from the Saudi Ministry of Health. Based on the outcomes of this pilot
study, a broader case study was then conducted on a leading Saudi AE firm that uses BIM.
This study collected qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with 22 professionals
in various departments at one prominent Saudi firm.
The case study findings revealed that adopting BIM technology at this firm resulted in
changes in the mechanisms used for communication channels among various professionals.
Specifically, BIM adoption changed communication patterns (e.g. from formal to informal,
and vice versa) and subsequently the type of communication channels used. As a result, one to one or group meetings paired with the use of hand sketches during such meetings
emerged as the most preferred means of communication for these BIM users. In addition,
when compared to the case study firm’s former CAD-based system, such changes were
accompanied by reduced time spent on communication processes themselves and decreased
dependence on previous communication channels (e.g. FTF meetings and email). However,
no conclusive evidence emerged as to whether adopting BIM technology either reduced or
increased the need for verbal communication at this firm. Importantly, this study concluded
that adopting BIM changed the communication channels used at the firm, and that these
changes were dynamic.
Notably, the study results suggest that this phenomenon was a result of influences that were
grouped into five themes: the communication protocols applied, the impact of rumours, the
level of leadership, resistance to change, and the technical features of BIM technology. It is
worth noting that of these five themes, four relate to the conditions and characteristics of the
organisation, and the fifth concerns the characteristics of the BIM technology itself and the
benefits it affords in improving information exchange processes.
Given these findings, one could conclude that changes occurred in communication channels
after the firm adopted BIM, and that these changes were due to the technical features of the
technology and the organisational environment. However, the magnitude of the impact of
the firm’s organisational environment had a major impact on these changes. With respect to
contribution to knowledge, this study also found that the spread of rumours within or across
the firm played a significant role in changing communication channels, either due to the
process of verifying or responding to these rumours