Government roles in implementing building information modelling systems: Comparison between Hong Kong and the United States

Wong, A K D; Wong, F K W and Nadeem, A (2011) Government roles in implementing building information modelling systems: Comparison between Hong Kong and the United States. Construction Innovation, 11(1), pp. 61-76. ISSN 1471-4175

Abstract

Purpose Building information modelling (BIM) is a paradigm shift in the architectural, engineering and construction industries which transforms processes to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the implementation of BIM in Hong Kong and the USA and recommend strategies for BIM implementation in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/ approach A literature review of BIM initiatives taken in Hong Kong and the USA was conducted including the government policy, guidelines, standards and implementation status. Findings from the literature review were complemented with insights obtained through focused interviews of experts in the field for arriving at recommendations based on the research. The principal investigator of this research also participated in the establishment of a BIM professional institute as one of the founding board members. Findings As a result of studies performed for this paper, guidelines are proposed for BIM implementation in Hong Kong. The role of government in implementing BIM in different phases of a project lifecycle is also highlighted. Research limitations/implications The research is limited mainly to the initiatives of BIM taken by the public sector (government). The roles of other stakeholders are not specifically studied. Results from this study should be considered in the context of a qualitative research methodology adopted and the limited number of responses obtained for arriving at the findings of this paper. Practical implications Results from this study can be used as guidelines for the implementation of BIM elsewhere and this implementation can be compared with other countries. Originality/value This paper highlights the best practices of BIM implementation, which is useful for the effective and efficient implementation of BIM in Hong Kong.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: government policy; Hong Kong; information modelling; United States of America; virtual work
Index terms: strategy, literature review, interview, United States, qualitative research, methodology, public sector, information modelling, project lifecycle, United States of America, building information modelling, efficiency, Hong Kong, implementation, construction industry, effectiveness, government policy, paradigm, best practice
Subjects: data collection methods, business, project completion, research design and methodology, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, public policy, Geography, digital design, education and knowledge transfer, management, research methods, performance management, administrative law, industry analysis, information systems
Topics: Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Governance, Procurement, Quality Management, Digital Applications, Legal Issues
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