Oyuga, J O; Gwaya, A and Njuguna, M B (2023) Investigation of the current usage of BIM capabilities by large-sized building contractors in Kenya based on theory of innovation diffusion. Construction Innovation, 23(1), pp. 155-177. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to focus on the four user characteristics of innovation diffusion (availability, observability and trialability [AOT], simplicity, relative advantage [RA] and interoperability) to observe their influence on building information modelling (BIM) usage. This study focuses on the Kenyan construction industry, specifically the building contractors. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses purposive sampling and specifically focusses on active construction sites that met requirements needed for BIM usage to thrive. Data was collected manually using questionnaires (N = 62). Findings: This paper contributes to the analysis of the current state of BIM usage by the Kenyan construction industry specifically among building contractors and confirms that Kenya is at the early majority adopters' stage of diffusion characterised by low BIM usage. In terms of correlation, this study found out that AOT had a strong positive correlation with usage, RA had a moderate positive correlation with usage, simplicity had a weak positive correlation with usage and interoperability had no correlation with usage. Practical implications: This study gives a clear trend on BIM usage among building contractors to assist potential BIM users make informed decision. The recommendations in this study can be adopted by any late adopter jurisdiction whose structure of the construction industry is similar to Kenya’s. Originality/value: This paper highlights variables that enable or subdue BIM usage. It goes further to localise and contextualise the barriers for deeper understanding of what makes these barriers be major hindrances towards BIM usage and giving practical solutions to these barriers.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | BIM; BIM usage; building; construction management; design and construction; information systems/management; interoperability; relative advantage; simplicity |
| Index terms: | information system, Kenya, methodology, questionnaire, construction site, jurisdiction, innovation diffusion, purposive sampling, construction industry, interoperability, design and construction, investigation, trialability, relative advantage, building information modelling, building contractor |
| Subjects: | research methods, Geography, sociology, industry analysis, information systems, systems and processes, data collection methods, practitioner, innovation studies, work location, contractual arrangements, legal systems |
| Topics: | Legal Issues, Digital Applications, Site Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Procurement, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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