Potential of Lean to Minimise Implementation Costs of Building Information Modelling (BIM): A Conceptual Framework

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a combination of technological processes in which the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of any construction project can be digitally managed. Even though BIM's promising nature has been appraised in scholarly works, it is not yet being fully implemented in the construction industry. Many scholarly works have identified cost headings of the BIM implementation as the major barriers for a successful BIM implementation. As a come-up strategy, Lean Construction Principles (LCP) can be used to minimise the wastes which do not add value to the construction. Therefore, the aim of this research to develop a lean integrated BIM framework to minimise the cost headings of BIM implementation. Accordingly, an extensive literature survey was conducted to develop a conceptual framework by identifying the cost headings and the possible expectations with the BIM implementation and identifying the applicable lean construction principles to optimise the value of BIM implementation with respect to each cost heading as the objectives of this study. So, this study has identified the BIM implementation with the expectations of the stakeholders and the associated cost headings. Further, BIM implemented projects have been compared with the traditional projects to identify the major benefits. In addition to that, LCP were discussed with the benefits of its usage. Therefore, this framework lays down the guidelines for construction industry-related firms to find their capabilities and competence to implement BIM with the integration of lean construction principles. Hence, this research will be effective for the construction industry as the major barrier for BIM implementation has been recovered with the strategy of lean construction principles

An investigation of the conflict management strategies in international construction joint ventures of Sri Lanka

Purpose: Most developing countries, such as Sri Lanka (SL), are now looking for the support of foreign construction companies for large-scale infrastructure projects in return for expertise and resources. Thus, foreign companies may enter into agreements with local contractors through joint ventures (JVs). However, the priorities of construction project stakeholders may differ, which may ultimately end up in conflicts. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the most suitable conflict management strategies for international construction JVs (ICJVs) considering the SL context. Design/Methodology/Approach: The mixed method was used for the research choice by selecting a questionnaire survey and expert interviews. Completed questionnaires (n = 78) were analysed using statistical techniques. The expert interviews with six industry practitioners were piloted to increase the validity and credibility of survey findings through a triangulation process where the collected data was analysed through content analysis. Findings: The findings confirm that JV parties should first seek collaborative solutions in a conflict and seek legal redress only when those efforts are unsuccessful. Collaborating and compromising were recommended as the most appropriate tactics if an informal approach to conflict management was chosen. Alternative dispute resolution and litigation were identified as formal conflict management strategies. Originality/Value This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, will be the first of its kind in SL, which will lead to a better understanding of conflict management in IJCVs and will encourage other researchers to extend this study through further work