Measurement and exploration of individual beliefs about the consequences of building information modelling use

Information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming increasingly important in construction although the rate of adoption is considered slow and the industry faces specific implementation challenges. Mainstream information systems research has shown that individuals’ beliefs and expectations of the consequences of ICT use predict subsequent usage. We describe the development of scales to measure beliefs about the consequences of building information modelling (BIM) and their use in a survey of employees of a large construction contracting organization in the United Kingdom. Scales for performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, compatibility, and attitude toward using technology were adapted from existing measures. In an analysis of responses from 762 construction employees the scales showed acceptable measurement properties. Expectations about the consequences of BIM use were broadly favourable although there is a need for more data for comparisons. The structure of the responses showed that expectations that BIM would enhance job performance were strongly related to expectations that BIM use was compatible with preferred and existing ways of working. Results also suggest that social influence is complex and may be multidimensional.     

BIM 技术持续使用意向影响因素研究

为了调查影响建筑业企业持续使用BIM 技术的因素,基于信息技术持续使用研究文献,采用期望确认理论（ECM）,结合技术-组织-环境（TOE）模型构建了BIM 技术持续使用行为影响机理模型,并进行实证研究。结果表明:技术兼容性、任务-技术匹配度、员工素质通过感知有用性对BIM 技术的持续使用意向产生显著间接影响;组织创新能力通过满意度对BIM 技术的持续使用意向产生显著间接影响;行业压力对BIM 技术的持续使用意向产生直接显著影响。为了促进BIM 技术在企业中的持续使用,可以从技术因素、组织因素、行业因素三方面着手努力。     

Assessing the implementation of BIM – an information systems approach

Much attention has been paid to measuring the perceived benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Yet despite an increase its adoption throughout the construction industry, important links between implementation, support and benefits are yet to be explored. We examine the constitutive elements of the BIM implementation process of two case studies implementing and using BIM: the first is a large urban regeneration project, and the second is a healthcare project. A well-recognised model of system success is mobilized from the field of information systems (ISs) to reveal that irrespective of project size and type, BIM benefits are confined to technically discrete productivity and efficiency gains when there is limited focus on the organizational aspects of BIM adoption. This paper focuses on the disconnections between organizational and project level BIM implementation using the DeLone and McLean Model as an analytical framework to systematically examine the benefits of BIM to each project in relation to the implementation approach employed. This study highlights the significance of these interdependencies and argues for a more comprehensive approach to BIM benefits capture that recognises this to usefully inform implementation strategy development.     

Impact of organization size and project type on BIM adoption in the Chinese construction market

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is perceived as an effective tool for improving the delivery and coordination of construction projects. The Chinese construction sector has demonstrated significant interest in implementing the 3-dimensional modelling-based process. BIM adoption is influenced by several factors which can either be operational or strategic related. Factors which can have a significant impact include the size of the construction organization and the type of projects that the organization has to deliver (i.e. building vs infrastructure projects). This study aims to evaluate the effect of project type and size on BIM adoption in the Chinese market, via an adoption model which analyses factors impacting the adoption decision. The study examines 200 samples collected from the Chinese construction industry, split equally between infrastructure and building construction data groups, as well as SMEs and large organizations. The collected data are first analyzed by principal component analysis and then through a Structural Equation Modelling-based multiple group analysis. Results demonstrate that essential factors such as operational risks are considered by small organization, whereas large organizations focus on implementation challenges. Implementation benefits and challenges are significant on the adoption decision in infrastructure organizations, but not in building organizations. In addition, the study reveals that “technical support” is an important factor when it comes to BIM adoption among all types of organizations, regardless of the organization’s size and project type delivered.     

基于ISM-MICMAC的BIM技术采纳行为影响因素研究

为推动BIM技术在建筑业的可持续发展,探究建筑企业BIM技术采纳行为的影响因素及其作用机理。从技术、组织、经济、认知和环境五个方面识别驱动建筑企业采纳BIM技术的影响因素,基于问卷调查采集样本数据,通过相关性分析和因子分析提取了17个主要影响因素。构建解释结构模型(ISM),明确了影响因素之间的递阶关系;运用交叉影响矩阵相乘法(MICMAC)分析影响因素的依赖性和驱动力,揭示了影响因素的内在关联及其作用机理,并为推动建筑企业采纳BIM技术提出针对性建议。研究结果表明：争议处理机制是影响BIM技术采纳行为的关键性因素,工作模式重组成本、思维和工作方式转变意愿、感知易用性和组织资源就绪程度是影响BIM技术采纳行为的直接因素。     

国内工程设计行业BIM采纳行为演化分析

建筑信息模型(BIM)是工程建设行业技术创新的一项重大突破,基于BIM技术的工程设计必将提高工程设计行业的效率和利润。与美国等发达国家相比较,我国工程设计行业对BIM技术的应用程度相对较低。运用演化博弈理论分析BIM采纳过程中工程设计企业的采纳行为,建立工程设计企业BIM采纳行为模仿者动态模型,识别出工程设计企业采纳BIM的耐心程度、采纳BIM带来的超额收益、采用"采纳BIM"策略时企业的初始投入成本是影响BIM采纳行为的3个主要因素。通过模拟仿真分析3个因素对BIM采纳行为演化趋势的影响,并给出促进我国工程设计行业采纳BIM的建议。     

工程项目领导 BIM 技术采纳行为研究

通过引入自我决定理论， 从外部调节、认同调节、 关系、 胜任力、自主性 5 个方面梳理 BIM 技术采纳行为的前因要素； 基于双重态度视角，探究不同态度作用下工程项目领导 BIM 技术采纳行为的差异性； 并通过单类内隐联想测验与偏最小二乘法结构方程模型进行数据收集、处理及模型检验。 结果表明: 当今工程项目领导对于 BIM 技术普遍存在外显态度积极、内隐态度消极的现象； 相较于外显态度通过作用于采纳意愿而影响采纳行为，内隐态度可直接影响采纳行为的发生。 本文研究拓展了自我决定理论及双重态度理论的应用边界，为 BIM 技术在工程行业的应用及推广提供了一定的理论指导。     

施工企业BIM采纳率研究——基于主体建模法

采用基于主体建模的方法,分析BIM应用程度和项目风险对一定区域范围内施工企业BIM采纳率的影响。研究发现,BIM应用程度对BIM采纳率的影响作用具有一定的波动性;而项目风险对BIM采纳率的影响趋势则呈现单调性;在BIM应用程度和项目风险对BIM采纳率的影响作用中,企业的风险承受能力发挥较为显著的调节作用。     

Teaching construction sciences with the integration of BIM to undergraduate architecture students

This study aims to test two hypotheses: teaching building information modeling (BIM) in relation to construction science provides students with a remarkable understanding of the nature of construction science (Hypothesis 1), and if the student has positive attitude toward the use of the BIM program, then efficiency by which construction science is taught by its means is improved (Hypothesis 2). Results and process of a case study with a novel teaching methodology were discussed in terms of the benefits of the students. A questionnaire study was conducted on the student group with which the case study was performed to test each student's attitude. Results were evaluated statistically. When BIM is integrated with the teaching of basic construction courses within architecture degree programs, the students understood the building system principles simply and effectively. As a result of the statistical analysis, the students find the applied method effective. Moreover, their attitude toward BIM affects the process.     

基于SNA的工程组织BIM采纳提升路径研究

以工程组织为研究对象,基于制度与技术互动的视角,识别并精炼21项影响工程组织BIM采纳的因素。在此基础上,应用社会网络分析进行网络整体及个体因素间作用关系研究,探究工程组织如何提高其BIM采纳。研究发现领导/管理风格是影响组织BIM采纳的主导因素,资金支持和组织学习与创新是组织提升BIM采纳的关键。此外,探析了BIM采纳提升路径,为促进各影响因素持续改善、组织BIM采纳不断提升提出针对性建议。     

心理资本视角下设计人员对BIM技术的变革抵制研究

BIM技术的发展正在引发建筑行业内一场前所未有的变革,但是它在建筑行业的应用和发展仍然存在如行业、技术、人员态度等诸多障碍。其中,工程设计人员对于BIM技术的心理抵制问题已经受到广泛的关注和重视。为从心理资本的视角探究设计人员对BIM技术的变革抵制,该文构建了心理资本、变革抵制倾向与BIM采用的关系模型。通过对建筑行业内152名设计人员的问卷调查,对取得的样本数据进行实证分析,验证心理资本对变革抵制倾向、变革抵制倾向对BIM采用意愿的影响以及个体创新性的中介作用。研究发现：设计人员的心理资本抑制其变革抵制倾向,而变革抵制倾向对BIM采用意愿又会产生负向影响|个体创新性完全中介于变革抵制倾向与BIM采用意愿之间的负向关系。该研究建议在BIM技术的应用实践中应加强对设计人员的心理疏导,强化其心理资本和个体创新性,从而为克服BIM技术的人员抵制问题和促进BIM技术采用提供有益的参考。     

Building Information Modeling (BIM) outsourcing among general contractors

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process used by Architecture Engineering Construction (AEC) stakeholders which simulates a construction project in a multi-dimensional digital model and provides multitudes of project benefits from project inception to its occupancy. However, a variety of barriers impede a holistic BIM implementation. Due to these barriers, some general contractors outsource the creation and use of BIM models to specialized Information Technology (IT) firms. Since limited literature currently exists for BIM outsourcing, this study aims to identify BIM outsourcing patterns among the general contractors across the US and the perceived impacts it has on construction projects. Analysis of two-hundred and fifty-two complete responses from general contracting firms determines that 45% of responding companies have outsourced BIM, this signifies that outsourcing has become an important facet of BIM implementation. Data was also collected on company demographics, BIM outsourcing locations, strategic reasons for outsourcing, and various other aspects related to BIM outsourcing. The results indicate that respondents perceive BIM outsourcing as less efficient than in-house BIM implementation. However, continued use of outsourcing for BIM functions also displays the adaptability of the industry in meeting challenges and embracing new technology through alternative methods, despite the potential risks.     

中国建筑业BIM 发展的阻碍因素分析

结合中国建筑业所面临的机遇和挑战,BIM 在中国建筑业发展中是不可或缺的。然而,中国建筑业对其的接受程度仍然较低,BIM 在中国的发展相对比较缓慢。研究的目的在于,明确中国在引进及应用BIM 的过程中所存在的阻碍因素。通过对国内外BIM 相关文献的查阅和专家访谈,确定建筑业BIM 发展的普遍阻碍因素,进而对中国建筑业的相关人员进行问卷调查,得出41 项阻碍中国建筑业BIM 发展的因素。使用层次分析法对阻碍因素进行分析,识别出其中15 个因素为关键阻碍因素。最终提出克服关键阻碍因素、促进中国建筑业BIM 引进和应用的方案。     

Site managers’ daily work and the uses of building information modelling in construction site management

The use of building information modelling (BIM) and related software tools is increasingly expanding in the work of site managers in construction projects. The early uses of BIM in the actual tasks of site managers are explored by examining the utilization of BIM in their work and the challenges in the deployment of the new digital tools for traditional project collaboration. The ethnographic method of the study consists of shadowing the site managers’ work. The site managers actively used BIM and found it beneficial for their daily work. However, the use of BIM in construction sites is still limited because only a few managers have the competence to use BIM software tools, mobile tools are lacking, and the information content of the models needed for construction work is insufficient.     

Organizing for digitalization through mutual constitution: the case of a design firm

As the pace of digital change accelerates, so the ability of firms in the construction industry to organize for digitalization is becoming increasingly important. While extant research identifies the diffusion of digital innovations in firms as a non-linear process influenced by embedded contextual elements stemming from several complex social systems, it does not address the relationship between these social systems. A longitudinal embedded case of the process followed by one incumbent firm as it adopts building information modelling (BIM) is presented. Data covers a 15-year period and charts the adoption process at multiple levels: user, firm and institution. The case supports existing research by showing that BIM adoption in the firm is successful through a combination of actions involving 1) investment and leadership support, 2) standards and policies and 3) training and skills development. Drawing on Gidden’s Structuration Theory, it contributes to this research by finding that the adoption of BIM is facilitated by a mutually constitutive relationship between user, firm and institution. Firms play a central role in enabling this relationship, by both attending to and enabling endogenous user-led change while seeking to influence exogenous institutional change.     

BIM-based integrated approach for detailed construction scheduling under resource constraints

Building information modeling (BIM) has been recognized as an information technology with the potential to markedly change the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, and has drawn attention from numerous scholars within the construction domain. Despite the reported advancements pertaining to BIM in previous studies, the extended use of BIM has not yet reached its full potential. This paper thus presents a BIM-based integrated scheduling approach which facilitates the automatic generation of optimized activity-level construction schedules for building projects under resource constraints, by achieving an in-depth integration of BIM product models with work package information, process simulations, and optimization algorithms. A developed prototype system for panelized building construction as an add-on tool for Autodesk Revit is described. A case study is subsequently presented to demonstrate the methodology. Building on the existing body of research in this field, the key contribution of the proposed research is the in-depth integration of BIM product model with work package information, process simulations, and an optimization model, which provides solutions addressing the challenges of the existing practice with respect to detailed construction scheduling under resource constraints.     

Student perceptions of model-based estimating

The use of building information modeling (BIM) is well established in architecture, engineering and construction. However, previous studies note a lack of BIM expertise in academia, leading to slow adoption and limited knowledge on which to base BIM-related content. To improve course development, it is important to understand students’ perceptions of BIM-related subject matter. This study exposed estimating students (n = 214) to a model-based quantity takeoff (QTO) tutorial using Revit. Students’ perceptions of a Revit-based BIM’s usefulness for easily providing reliable and accurate material quantities were measured using a pre-test, tutorial and post-test design. Results revealed significant differences in students’ mean levels of agreement that an accurate QTO is completed for an estimator with the click of a button when a design team generated BIM model is available. Results also revealed significant differences in students’ level of agreement that a Revit-based BIM makes performing QTO by hand obsolete. This study provides educators’ insight into students’ perceptions of BIM use in QTO. Understanding student perceptions is paramount for construction management educators when designing a course and attempting to convey the value of foundational estimating skills while acknowledging the existence of more technologically advance estimating methods. Limitations and opportunities for further research are discussed.     

武汉长江传媒大厦BIM项目管理应用探索

近年来建筑信息模型(BIM)在设计、施工、物资采购、运维等方面变得愈发重要,BIM以全新姿态强势介入到工程项目的全生命周期的应用管理中。本文结合武汉长江传媒大厦BIM项目应用实例,以BIM技术辅助项目管理的角度探索在施工总承包模式下的新技术BIM的应用流程,分析BIM技术在项目管理中应具备的各种环境条件,并对BIM技术在项目管理中的核心问题进行研究。     

Implementing ‘Site BIM’: A case study of ICT innovation on a large hospital project

Numerous Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools are well established and potentially beneficial in certain uses. However, issues of adoption and implementation persist, particularly for on-site use of BIM tools in the construction phase. We describe an empirical case-study of the implementation of an innovative ‘Site BIM’ system on a major hospital construction project. The main contractor on the project developed BIM-enabled tools to allow site workers using mobile tablet personal computers to access design information and to capture work quality and progress data on-site. Accounts show that ‘Site BIM’, while judged to be successful and actively supporting users, was delivered through an exploratory and emergent development process of informal prototyping. Technical IT skills were adopted into the construction project through personal relationships and arrangements rather than formal processes. Implementation was driven by construction project employees rather than controlled centrally by the corporate IT function.