Onungwa, I O and Uduma-Olugu, N (2017) Building information modelling and collaboration in the Nigerian construction industry. Journal of Construction Business and Management, 1(2), pp. 1-10. ISSN 2521-0165
Abstract
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a concept that is transforming the way construction is done internationally. Nigeria is lagging behind in adoption of BIM as a collaborative tool amongst professionals in AEC industry. The purpose of this paper is to study the adoption of BIM in Nigeria and determine to what extent it has helped in improving collaboration among consultants in Nigerian construction industry. The research methodology involved using structured questionnaires to 30 AEC firms selected through simple random sampling method. Results showed BIM has a high impact on client satisfaction, time for completion, quality and presentation of different concepts in schematic design. It also showed high impact on conflict resolution, supervision, construction programming and quality of completed jobs during post contract stage. Barriers to adoption of BIM were identified as lack of infrastructure, lack of skilled workers and lack of awareness of technology. Discussion with peers showed that barriers to collaboration included lack of support from leadership in the offices and lack of belief in usefulness of the software. For Nigeria to compete internationally in the construction industry, BIM should be adopted hence there is need for research on the subject. Recommendations include developing a curriculum that will incorporate the study of BIM in all construction courses. Learning centers should also be developed for private practitioners. Efforts should be made by the relevant professional bodies to increase awareness of the technology. Incentives should be given to offices to encourage adoption and collaboration among consultants.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information modelling; collaboration; life cycle; questionnaire survey |
| Index terms: | building information modelling, skilled worker, Nigeria, life cycle, conflict resolution, client satisfaction, sampling, research methodology, supervision, construction industry, survey, practitioner, programming, questionnaire, collaboration |
| Subjects: | value management, control systems, practitioner, programming, client relations, research design and methodology, data collection methods, Geography, management, information systems, industry analysis, conflict resolution |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice |
| 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