Jowett, B R (2023) A framework for the implementation of mobile BIM technology at project and organisational level supporting lean construction approaches. PhD thesis, University of Northumbria at Newcastle, UK.
Abstract
The UK construction industry faces persistent challenges related to collaboration, productivity, and overall project efficiency. Despite efforts to promote digitalisation, there remains a need for research to establish how digitisation and digitalisation can address these challenges. Mobile BIM technologies (MBT), Lean Construction, and use of data have shown promise in improving project and organisational outcomes. The aim of this research addresses this area in producing a framework for the implementation of MBT, that integrates with Lean Construction and data integration practices, to enable organisational and project benefits. The research uses a progressively structured mixed methods research design. It is comprised of multiple longitudinal practice-based case studies that use exploratory and descriptive approaches. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis are also used, supporting a systematic research structure. The main finding of this research establishes that by implementing MBT, Lean Construction, and data integration, project flow is achieved by reducing non-value adding activities. This creates organisational value, realised through reducing variability. Because of this relationship, a continuous improvement cycle is created by integrating data through different stages of an MBT process. The research makes several contributions to knowledge. Firstly, an MBT technical requirements taxonomy is produced that establishes project and organisational considerations when researching or implementing MBT. Secondly, the research conducts several practice-based case studies, addressing an identified research gap. Finally, the main contribution is in integrating MBT, Lean Construction, and data integration into a unified implementation framework. This addresses a research gap in unifying these three concepts into a single framework. This research is relevant to practitioners aiming to incorporate MBT into their operations. Additionally, it enables researchers to structure research into MBT, and its role in advancing digitisation and digitalisation in the UK construction industry.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Kassem, M |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | UK; case studies; collaboration; continuous improvement; integration; lean construction; productivity; taxonomy |
| Index terms: | variability, taxonomy, construction industry, implementation, case study, mixed method, efficiency, continuous improvement, productivity, research design, practitioner, quantitative method, integration, collaboration, organizational value, digitalization, lean construction, face |
| Subjects: | performance measurement, management, performance management, industry analysis, statistical analysis, organizational analysis, data collection methods, research design and methodology, business, data analysis and analytics, building construction, practitioner, contractual arrangements, digital technology, psychology |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Site Management, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Procurement, Quality Management |
| 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