Andersson, R and Eidenskog, M (2023) Beyond barriers: Exploring resistance towards BIM through a knowledge infrastructure framework. Construction Management and Economics, 41(11-12), pp. 926-941. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
Building information modelling (BIM) is a digital tool that offers the possibility to collect and share a multitude of data about a building and increase collaboration across professional borders. However, the uptake of BIM in the construction industry has been relatively slow, and previous research has shown how BIM creates tensions in the workplace. In this article, we explore the impact of BIM on socio-technical knowledge practices, to understand how these are enabled or restricted by the use of BIM. Through a qualitative case study in Sweden, this article analyses BIM through a knowledge infrastructure framework to explain the relatively slow uptake of BIM in a new light. The results show that BIM lacks embeddedness in governmental and corporate practices and regulations and that it sometimes leads to the marginalization of some professions through changed organizations and the slow process of changing complex knowledge infrastructures. This suggests that a critical discussion of the role of BIM in relation to professional flexibility, construction project process organization and power over technological development is vital for the future development of the construction sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | BIM; building information modelling; construction industry; digitalization; knowledge infrastructure; professional practice |
| Index terms: | construction project, collaboration, regulation, construction sector, professional practice, digitalization, profession, embeddedness, construction industry, building information modelling, socio-technical, case study, Sweden |
| Subjects: | political science, information systems, industry analysis, sociology, professional development, Geography, production management, research methods, management, digital technology, institututions, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Roles and Professions, Governance, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Information Management, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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