Optimising the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) in facilities management (FM): A model for value enhancement

Facilities Management (FM) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are comparatively new concepts emerged in late 20th and early 21st centuries therefore, limited in theoretical knowledge. Knowledge generation in such immature subject areas have constantly faced with the lack of theoretical groundings hence, proposals and suggestions made for efficient and effective applications are being superseded in a fast phase. In identifying this gap in knowledge, this research makes a significant contribution to the theory in Building Information Modelling and Facilities Management by studying the implications on each other by taking a multi-disciplinary perspective. There is a complex information flow in FM. The late involvement of facility managers has made this complexity more exposed. An effective information management system is considered as a significant driver for FM to enhance the capabilities of built environments in long run. However, this leaves with lack of understanding over FM needs for an information system. On the other hand, BIM is a novel method, recently introduced to the construction industry as a means of providing rich information. A growing demand for through-life BIM application in construction is identified. Although, the application of BIM in design and construction phases is commonly seen, its application in FM is seemingly poor. Multiple reasons for this situation are being suggested by the existing research however, the gap in theoretical grounding leave it vulnerable to interpretation. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the gap by developing a BIM value model for FM to present the theoretical groundings between two concepts. A qualitative multi methodology is being followed to explain the social phenomenon based on critical realist ontological and epistemological assumptions. The study is structured under three phases; the first phase is focused on a deeper understanding of the problem, the second phase – is the development of the solution and final phase is dedicated to the verification of the research output. Two rounds of interviews and focus groups were used as data collection methods while data was analysed using Constant Comparative Method staying true to the Grounded Theory research strategy. The research brings together scholarly work on FM and BIM while interrogating different value theories to develop a unique understanding on BIM acceptance in FM. Value as the main dependent variable in social science brought rich understanding of the phenomenon. The findings reveal how value is represented through barriers and benefits and possibilities of value enhancement through adopting BIM in FM. This leads to a new perspective by identifying barriers of adopting BIM as unfulfilled expectations of users therefore, act as recommendations for improvements required in BIM to help promote the best practice. Finally, the research contributes to the knowledge with a value model which represents relationships discovered during the study and a value principle abstracting the findings. This will guide the client and contractors on identifying BIM requirements and match the competencies of the supply chain to bring the best outcome.