Vidalakis, C; Abanda, F H and Oti, A H (2020) BIM adoption and implementation: focusing on SMEs. Construction Innovation, 20(1), pp. 128-147. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: To reach its full potential, Building Information Modelling (BIM) should be implemented throughout the supply chain. The purpose of this study is to explore BIM implementation and adoption among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UK Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. The paper addresses two key issues: the slow rate and lack of homogeneity of BIM adoption in the SME sector. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate BIM uptake and test for correlations between organisational features and BIM aspects. The sample includes data from SMEs based in the South East of England, which are then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The results show that, although SMEs have some understanding of BIM-related concepts, their familiarity with existing BIM software support systems is particularly low. Limited financial capacity is identified as the primary barrier to BIM adoption while knowledge exchange initiatives are the most useful measure in facilitating further implementation. The variations of SMEs in the adoption and implementation of BIM are mostly affected by company size, professional discipline and offered services. The paper also demonstrates that a one-size-fits-all approach to BIM implementation in the AEC sector has limited potential. Originality/value: The heterogeneity of SMEs in the AEC sector has been considered to a very limited extent. This paper considers the nature, characteristics and core business areas of SMEs as factors affecting BIM adoption and implementation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | software; building information modelling; IT implementation; IT surveys; policy; small and medium enterprises |
| Index terms: | survey, variation, methodology, quantitative method, building information modelling, England, core busines, knowledge exchange, implementation, statistics |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, mathematical modelling, business, knowledge management, data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, research methods, contractual condition, Geography, information systems |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Contract Administration, Digital Applications, Procurement, Information 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