Ahuja, R; Sawhney, A and Arif, M (2018) Developing organizational capabilities to deliver lean and green project outcomes using BIM. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 25(10), pp. 1255-1276. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the process through which an organization develops organizational capabilities by tapping the technical skills and social skills of its employees in the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to deliver lean and green project outcomes. The resulting framework for BIM-based organizational capabilities development comprising of three hierarchical layers – technology, process and outcomes – is explained. Design/methodology/approach: For this study, BIM has been identified as an enabler and a process for achieving lean and green outcomes on construction projects. Based on a detailed literature review, this paper identifies the organizational capabilities needed by the architecture, engineering and construction organizations to effectively implement BIM on construction projects. The study has been conducted through a sequential mixed-method approach involving semi-structured interviews, focus groups and qualitative comparative analyses. Findings: It was discovered that to attain desired project outcomes, an organization needs to embrace an underlying BIM adoption culture not only within its project teams but also within the organization as a whole. The study also concluded that an integrated approach to BIM usage – connecting it with lean and green initiatives – on construction projects resulted in improved project outcomes, especially ones targeting lean and green aspects of improvements. Practical implications: The proposed outline for BIM-based organizational capabilities will help the organizations focus on the “human factors” along with the technical factors while striving for successful usage within their organizations. Originality/value: Using the organizational capabilities matrix, this paper highlights the importance of technical and social skill sets of an individual employee and their role in developing the organizational capabilities to gain the desired lean and green outcomes.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | AEC sector; BIM capabilities; building information modelling; green principles; lean principles; organizational capabilities |
| Index terms: | organizational capability, human factor, green aspect, methodology, construction project, qualitative comparative analysis, literature review, integrated approach, interview, technical skill, focus group, project team, project outcome, construction organization, building information modelling |
| Subjects: | research methods, sustainability assessment, professional development, production management, sociology, occupational health and safety management, information systems, project completion, organization, data collection methods, project delivery, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Sustainability, Procurement, Information Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Health and Safety, Business Strategy |
| 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