Exploring the Consequences of 4D BIM Innovation Adoption

UK Government has ambitions for improvements in construction project time predictability. Better management of construction innovations into use could help with this aspiration, but despite a recent drive advocating Building Information Modelling (BIM) innovation adoption, the construction industry is still perceived to have low innovation levels in comparison with other sectors. The purpose of the work was to explore the use and consequence of 4D BIM innovation in relation to construction time predictability. Insights were gained using semi-structured telephone interviews conducted with a range of construction practitioners. Several dimensions of consequences of 4D BIM innovation adoption were considered including desirable/ undesirable consequences, direct/indirect consequences and anticipated/unanticipated consequences. In addition to consideration of the benefits and demand for 4D BIM, the results also reveal criticisms over current planning mediums and process inefficiencies. Results also reveal concerns over the additional work required to create 4D plans, and the quality of the plans produced

Does size matter? Experiences and perspectives of BIM implementation from large and SME construction contractors

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study into the experiences and perspectives of large and SME construction contractors towards the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) within their organisations. Results of the survey were statistically analysed to test for similarity and significant variations between the two groups. The results confirmed that both groups were equally aware of the perceived benefits of BIM, but found that the largest barriers to implementation were the costs associated with the technology and training requirements. Significant differences between the groups included plans to implement BIM and concerns with legal and commercial barriers

BIM and its impact upon project success outcomes from a Facilities Management perspective

The uptake of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been increasing, but some of its promoted potential benefits have been slow to materialise. In particular, claims that BIM will revolutionise facilities management (FM) creating efficiencies in the whole-life of building operations have yet to be achieved on a wide scale, certainly in comparison to tangible progress made for the prior design and construction phases. To attempt to unravel the factors at play in the adoption of BIM during the operational phase, and in particular, understand if adoption by facilities managers (FMs) is lagging behind other disciplines, this study aims to understand if current BIM processes can ease the challenges in this area faced by facilities management project stakeholders. To do this, success from a facilities management viewpoint is considered and barriers to facilities management success are explored, with focused BIM use proposed as a solution to these barriers. Qualitative research was undertaken, using semi structured interviews to collect data from a non-probability sample of 7 project- and facilities- management practitioners. Key results from this study show that the main barrier to BIM adoption by facilities managers is software interoperability, with reports that facilities management systems are unable to easily import BIM data produced during the design and construction stages. Additionally, facilities managers were not treated as salient stakeholders by Project Managers, further negatively affecting facilities management project success outcomes. A µresistance to change was identified as another barrier, as facilities managers were sceptical of the ability of current BIMenabled systems promoted as being FM compatible to be able to replicate their existing Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) legacy software and its user required capabilities. The results of this study highlight that more work is needed to ensure that BIM benefits the end user, as there was no reported use of BIM data for dedicated facilities management purposes. Further investigation into the challenges of interoperability could add significant value to this developing research area.The uptake of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been increasing, but some of its promoted potential benefits have been slow to materialise. In particular, claims that BIM will revolutionise facilities management (FM) creating efficiencies in the whole-life of building operations have yet to be achieved on a wide scale, certainly in comparison to tangible progress made for the prior design and construction phases. To attempt to unravel the factors at play in the adoption of BIM during the operational phase, and in particular, understand if adoption by facilities managers (FMs) is lagging behind other disciplines, this study aims to understand if current BIM processes can ease the challenges in this area faced by facilities management project stakeholders. To do this, success from a facilities management viewpoint is considered and barriers to facilities management success are explored, with focused BIM use proposed as a solution to these barriers. Qualitative research was undertaken, using semi structured interviews to collect data from a non-probability sample of 7 project- and facilities- management practitioners. Key results from this study show that the main barrier to BIM adoption by facilities managers is software interoperability, with reports that facilities management systems are unable to easily import BIM data produced during the design and construction stages. Additionally, facilities managers were not treated as salient stakeholders by Project Managers, further negatively affecting facilities management project success outcomes. A µresistance to change was identified as another barrier, as facilities managers were sceptical of the ability of current BIMenabled systems promoted as being FM compatible to be able to replicate their existing Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) legacy software and its user required capabilities. The results of this study highlight that more work is needed to ensure that BIM benefits the end user, as there was no reported use of BIM data for dedicated facilities management purposes. Further investigation into the challenges of interoperability could add significant value to this developing research area

Exploring organisational attributes affecting the innovativeness of UK SMEs

Purpose – The UK construction sector of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) has received criticism for a perceived lack of desire to innovate. Previous research has identified attributes such as company size and levels of research and development expenditure as being significant ‘causal’ variables determining this response. The aim of this research was to further explore organisational attributes that determine innovation likeliness within construction SME’s. Design/methodology/approach – Web based questionnaires were administered to 101 construction professionals. Responses from large companies and SME’s were compared and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Findings – Findings indicate that SME’s do implement a substantial amount of innovation in order to improve profitability. Both organisational maturity and in-house design capability were found to impact SME innovativeness. Originality/value – The study provides further evidence that the UK construction SME sector is evolving away from traditional to more innovative practices

Towards green building performance evaluation using Asset Information Modelling

Purpose - This paper provides a unique conceptual framework for integrated asset management strategy that includes making use of available facility assessment methods and tools such as BREEAM In-Use, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED); and highlights proposes areas of commonality between these and the use of as-built Building Information Modelling, that ultimately becomes the Asset Information Model (AIM). This framework will consider the emerging requirements for the capture of Building Performance Attribute Data (BPAD), and how these can be managed in order to assist with effective post-construction building performance evaluation. Design/methodology/approach - A review of the current process relevant to the development of as-built BIMs and AIMs was undertaken which included a discussion of BIM standards and of the COBie process. This was combined with data provided by industry practitioners. This led to the concept of BPADs being developed, to be used within existing green building tool, BREEAM In-Use, COBIE and FM /Asset management methods. In turn these methodologies were used to identify possible synergies and areas of integration in AIM-enabled environments. Findings - Recognising the cyclical nature of asset management and BIM, a conceptual model was generated. It was found that BPADs could be aggregated within an AIM model which could influence the delivery of effective facilities and asset management. The model considers the use of existing Building Management Systems (BMS) and Computer Aided Facility Management Systems (CAFMs) and identifies issues associated with the overall sustainability strategy. Originality/value - A conceptual framework is generated that proposes the use of effective information management and aggregation of building performance attribute data within an Asset Information Model

Enhanced model of the innovation-decision process, for modular-technological-process innovations in construction

Purpose: An enhanced model of the innovation-decision process, specifically for construction is established. As context, innovation diffusion theory (IDT) is concerned with explaining how some innovations successfully stick whilst others fail to propagate. Because theoretical models provide abstracted representations of systems/phenomena, established IDT models can help decision-making units (DMUs) with innovation-related sense-marking and problem solving. However, these occasionally fail, or require enhancement to represent phenomena more successfully. This is apparent whenever middle-range theory seems ill-fitted to the complexity of construction. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative research via 13 semi-structured interviews occurred, with participants recruited via convenience and purposive sampling strategies. The work forms part of a broader mixed-method study informed by a research philosophy of pragmatism, investigating the applicability of classic IDT to the adoption of 4D Building Information Modelling (4D BIM) by the UK construction sector. Findings: This diffusion study resulted in the adaptation of an existing innovation-decision process model, ensuring a better contextual fit. Classified more specifically as a modular-technological-process innovation, 4D BIM with its potential to provide construction planning improvements is used as a vehicle to show why, for construction, an existing model required theoretical extensions involving additional stages, decision-action points, and outcomes. Originality: An enhanced model of the innovation-decision process, specifically for construction, is established. This construction-centric contribution to innovation diffusion theory, will be of interest to construction scholars, and to practitioners. Implications: This model can assist construction industry actors with future adoption/rejection decisions around modular-technological-process innovations. It also aids understanding of scholars and researchers, through its various enhancements, and by reinforcing the importance of existing diffusion concepts of compatibility and trialability, for these innovation types

Benchmarking BIM Levels of Training and Education amongst Construction Management Practitioners

UK Government created a strategic deadline of 2016 for the adoption and use of Level 2 BIM on all centrally procured projects. A shift from Computer Aided Design (CAD) to Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been driven by the need to improve the way that the industry delivers projects. It is believed that BIM better facilitates opportunities for collaboration and project enhancement than traditional project information management processes. It is also thought that by improving the quality of information, and adopting a more collaborative approach through a model- based design industry such advancements can be made. The originality of this research is in developing an understanding of the current-status of BIM training and education amongst construction management practitioners. The present research uses a quantitative survey approach to investigate the current-status of BIM awareness, understanding, use, and perceptions towards readiness for the 2016 mandate. Results highlight that approximately half of the sample have received some kind of education or training although there were higher levels of BIM awareness, use and understanding. Investigations also reveal that the majority of training and education received by practitioners is self-sourced, but amongst those respondents who have not received any education or training there are expectations that employers should provide these

Examining Construction and Project Management Perspectives of Project-Based Failure

Projects are distinctive, time-constrained, undertakings meant to generate benefits for their stakeholders. They are delivered by Project-based organisations (PBOs) whose various actors separately consider achievement in relation to a project's outputs, outcomes, and impact. For example, contracting organisations typically consider projects that fail to meet their principal cost and time targets as having been unsuccessful, whereas the various sponsors, customers, collaborators, and end-users may instead base their evaluation upon the ultimate operational results of these same projects. The aim was to examine the knowledge base for contrasting perspectives around project-based failure in the construction sector. This required scrutiny and analysis of the extant literature, using a systematic-type literature review approach within and across construction management (CM) and project management (PM) literature. This revealed that in PM literature, considerations of failure are often more introspective and discussed in more general terms; with its main causes being associated with the PM function itself. Whereas the CM literature instead focuses on more specific and external failures; with causes more likely attributed to the wider supply chain and contextual factors. Results can help inform the design of dedicated research instruments to help better understand the impact of failure on PBOs

Matters Affecting Construction Project-Level Planning Effectiveness: A Literature Review

Construction project success is often measured based on the adherence to time; cost and quality targets; with Clients and Contractors constantly seeking improvements across these metrics. However, the time predictability of construction projects remains poor; with annually measured ‘industry-level’ KPIs showing no signs of significant improvement. Access to technological advancements, such as 4D modelling; Artificial Intelligence (AI); and more recently the renewed interest in Off-Site Manufacture (OSM) has indicated opportunities to improve time-predictability; but overall ‘industry-level’ time performance remains unsatisfactory. As an aspect of time-predictability; insufficient attention is presently focused on exploring ‘planning effectiveness’; therefore, the main aim of this work was to review time-predictability and project planning effectiveness at ‘project-’ and ‘activity-’ levels via an initial review of subject literature. Following this; a conceptual framework was developed highlighting the key aspects associated withplanning effectiveness. These include project environment matters such as complexity and uncertainty; human/cognitive matters such as optimism bias and Parkinson’s Law; and the application of available planning techniques or technologies such as CriticalPath Method; Last Planner System; Critical Chain Planning; AI and 4D modelling. Whilst ‘alternative’ planning techniques have shown the potential to improve time-performance; research identifies industry awareness and application of these techniques remains low. As a result of this work, it is considered that planning effectiveness and time predictability can be improved by increasing industry awareness of the constructs identified herein; allowing for the subsequent adoption of available and emerging planning techniques and/or technologies. Subsequent research will explore this; in practice at activity-level; with data obtained from a range of construction schemes to model improvements

Organisational learning from failure and the needs-based hierarchy of Project-Based Organisations

In his 1943 paper "A theory of Human Motivation" Maslow suggested the ‘Hierarchy of Needs’ as a classification system that described the stimuli for human behaviour. Presently, project behaviour research, which inspired this work, encourages undertaking research on behavioural aspects within and across organisational and project settings. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to analyse project-based organisations’ (PBOs’) seemingly reluctance in engaging in organisational learning from past project failures by drawing upon both Institutional Theory (since it focuses on how firms interact) and Maslow’s model within a project behaviour piece of research. Interviews were held with purposively selected construction professionals from the UK construction industry, and data was analysed using thematic analysis. Besides the need to learn from failures, PBOs' main competing needs revolve around their ‘competitiveness’; ‘profitability and productivity’; 'repeat business’, and; ‘reputation and partnering’. Mirroring these needs against Maslow’s hierarch of needs, ‘competitiveness’ and ‘profitability’ are analogous to foundational ‘physiological’ and ‘safety’ needs. The need for ‘repeat business’ and ‘reputation’ are approximated with Maslow’s ‘affiliation’ and ‘self-esteem’ needs, and organisational learning is associated with ‘self-actualisation’. From an institutional theory perspective, such response to failure is influenced by the need to show legitimacy and conformity imposed by institutional factors. Instead of taking a simplified approach to learning from failure such as the use of technological tools, PBOs and the sector at large should consider more robust approaches, by appreciating the influence of institutional factors and the external environment on their efforts to learn from failure. Unlike past studies that present organisational learning within PBOs as a straightforward process, this study instead highlights the need of understanding various competing needs within a PBO and the external pressure