Hosseini, M R; Banihashemi, S; Chileshe, N; Namzadi, M O; Udaeja, C; Rameezdeen, R and McCuen, T (2016) BIM adoption within Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): An innovation diffusion model. Construction Economics and Building, 16(3), pp. 71-86. ISSN 2204-9029
Abstract
Despite the envisaged benefits of BIM adoption for SMEs, BIM in SMEs has remained an underrepresented area within the available academic literature. This study proposes and draws upon a framework grounded on innovation diffusion theory (IDT) to provide an illuminating insight into the current state of BIM and the main barriers to BIM adoption within Australian SMEs. Based on analyses of 135 questionnaires completed by SMEs through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and grounded on the proposed framework, the current state of BIM adoption and barriers to BIM adoption for SMEs are discussed. The findings show that currently around 42% of Australian SMEs use BIM in Level 1 and Level 2 with only around 5% have tried Level 3. It comes to light that lack of knowledge within SMEs and across the construction supply chain is not a major barrier for Australian SMEs. In essence, the main barriers stem from the risks associated with an uncertain return on investment (ROI) for BIM as perceived by key players in SMEs. The findings also show the validity of the framework proposed for explaining BIM adoption in Australian SMEs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Australia; building information modelling; SMEs; construction industry; innovation diffusion |
| Index terms: | return on investment, questionnaire, construction supply chain, innovation diffusion, building information modelling, validity, Australia, construction industry, partial least square, structural equation modelling |
| Subjects: | sociology, industry analysis, information systems, economic analysis, statistical analysis, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods, construction logistics, Geography |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Supply Chain Management, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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