Lindgren, J and Widén, K (2018) Diffusing building information management-knowledge integration, mechanisms and knowledge development. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 14(5), pp. 347-362. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
Building Information Management (BIM) is a systemic inter-organizational innovation predicted to have a great impact on the efficiency of the construction process. An enabler for its diffusion is knowledge integration (KI). This research investigates KI mechanisms used by a Concrete Reinforcement Supplier and its customers in the diffusion of BIM and BIM-related solutions. The research employs a qualitative approach with multiple data-collection methods at two different points in time. BIM diffusion and KI are viewed here as emergent and iterative processes, understood from a supplier perspective. The research examines the interaction between context, content of the diffusing innovation and the diffusion process. Knowledge development from the KI process has been assessed by exploring the interaction between (1) domain-specific knowledge, (2) procedural knowledge and (3) general knowledge, complementing the established emphasis on tacit and explicit knowledge found in relevant construction management research. The findings indicate that general knowledge needs to be high for increased BIM diffusion and the research raises the need to develop procedural knowledge both from a practical and research perspective.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information management; innovation diffusion; knowledge development; knowledge integration mechanisms; systemic innovations |
| Index terms: | building information management, qualitative approach, management research, innovation diffusion, explicit knowledge, efficiency, organizational innovation, systemic innovation, interaction, knowledge integration, construction process, reinforcement |
| Subjects: | information systems, behavioral psychology, sociology, building construction, professional development, performance management, research methods, management, knowledge management, building materials, research design and methodology, business |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Construction Materials, Information Management, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Site Management, Digital Applications, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
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