Conceptual Framework for Readiness of SMEs Organization Towards BIM Implementation in Construction Projects: Pulau Pinang Case Study

Abstract

Building Information Modelling in Malaysian context is defined as a modelling technology and associated set of processes to produce, communicate, analyze, and use of digital information models throughout construction project life cycle. Some of the common problems that occurs in construction project such as delay, the accidents that occur in construction sites and disputes between construction players can be reduced when applying BIM in their project. However, the implementation of BIM in construction sector is still low especially in Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in Malaysia. To enhance the BIM implementation in Malaysia, CIDB and PWD had introduce several guidelines in terms of awareness, readiness, and execution plan as reference for the organization to fully adopted BIM effectively, however there is no existed reference used specifically for SMEs to enhance the BIM implementation in Malaysia construction projects. This research study focused on three objectives which are to explore the current existing readiness of BIM implementation among SMEs organization in construction projects, to identify the challenges of readiness for BIM implementation among SMEs organization in construction projects and to develop conceptual framework of challenges for readiness of SME organization to implement BIM in construction projects. Methodology for this research study is systematic literature review (SLR) and questionnaire survey for 40 respondents from SMEs construction sector which consists of 4 construction projects as case study. The data from questionnaire survey analyzed by using Mean and Standard Deviation for determined the rankings for the aspects. From the analysis, there are four components that involves in existing current practices which are people, government enforcement, management and technology based on the significance. Meanwhile, there are four components that involves in challenges for readiness to implement BIM which are government enforcement, people, management, and technology. Overall, a conceptual framework of challenges for readiness in SMEs organizations been developed which can be