Hall, A T; Durdyev, S; Koc, K; Ekmekcioglu, O and Tupenaite, L (2023) Multi-criteria analysis of barriers to building information modeling (BIM) adoption for SMEs in new zealand construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(9), pp. 3798-3816. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Building information modeling (BIM) is a prominent concept to digitalize data collection and analysis processes. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for a considerable percentage of the works performed in the construction industry. The adoption rate of BIM by SMEs is still, however, not at the desired level in the New Zealand construction industry. This study aims to evaluate barriers to BIM implementation for SMEs in the New Zealand construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted four-step methodology to evaluate barriers to BIM adoption for SMEs. First, a comprehensive literature review, followed by a focus group discussion was performed to identify barriers to BIM adoption. Then, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to assess identified barriers. Finally, experts' agreements (both internal and external) were ensured by consistency analysis and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (Kendall’s W) tests. Findings: The findings indicate that (1) interoperability between software platforms, (2) lack of government mandate on BIM usage at project level, (3) high cost of acquiring the software and licensing required to use BIM and (4) lack of client demand for adopting BIM were the most significant barriers in terms of technological, governmental, resource and cultural categories, respectively. Further investigation of the expert evaluation showed strong consistencies (each expert separately) and agreements (among experts) in each AHP matrix. Practical implications: Primary focus should be training of local market (particularly SMEs) professionals as the shortage in qualified professionals makes the country-wide adoption challenging. The publicity in the local market can help SMEs understand how BIM is leveraged for further improvements in project performance. Originality/value: Overall, this research not only provides a roadmap for the widespread adoption of BIM within SMEs in New Zealand through analysis of the barriers encountered but also highlights the power that policymakers hold over the mass adoption of BIM within SMEs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | analytical hierarchy process; building information modeling; digitalization; digitization; innovation; small to medium enterprises |
| Index terms: | literature review, licensing, digitalization, focus group, evaluation, mandate, methodology, platform, New Zealand, building information modelling, interoperability, agreements, analytical hierarchy process, construction industry, implementation, investigation, project performance |
| Subjects: | Geography, digital design, project management theory and practice, research methods, decision-making and optimization, industry analysis, systems and processes, information systems, political science, knowledge transfer, data collection methods, data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, contract formation, digital technology |
| Topics: | Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Procurement, Governance, Digital Applications, Contract Administration |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here