Key BIM Adoption Drivers to Improve Performance of Infrastructure Projects in the Ethiopian Construction Sector: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the critical BIM adoption drivers across the Ethiopian public infrastructure construction sector. In this regard, a comprehensive systematic literature review was employed to identify potential BIM implementation attributes in developing countries and validated through a pilot test. Then, quantitative data was collected from experts working in various organizations using a structured questionnaire survey. A structural equation model was then developed based on five key BIM adoption constructs and 14 adoption drivers. Based on the path analysis, Application, Environment, and Project related factors positively affect BIM adoption in infrastructure projects, whereas Organization and Information Management are insignificant and negatively affect BIM adoption in the Ethiopian construction industry. The study highlighted key BIM adoption attributes that are helpful to enhance the overall project management performance in infrastructure projects. The proposed action plan is beneficial to various professionals, government, and stakeholders in an effort to improve the current level of BIM uptake in the horn of Africa. More so, the findings of this paper can be used to facilitate and promote BIM adoption in public infrastructure construction projects across the Ethiopian construction market.

Research on Influencing Factors and Driving Path of BIM Application in Construction Projects Based on the SD Model in China

“…Oestereich et al [8] used system dynamics methods to quantify the cost and benefit impact of adopting BIM technology. Belay et al [10] used structural equation modeling to analyze the influencing factors of the application of BIM technology in Ethiopia and found a driving path to improve the performance of BIM application. Oraee et al [14] proposed a conceptual model based on research of the literature, constructed a collaborative network of BIM application barriers, and explored the main obstacles.…”

“…Economic factors BIM personnel costs [8,11,12,20] BIM application costs [12,15,18,21] BIM cost management in enterprises [9,10,20,22] Economic benefits provided by BIM technology [1,[23][24][25] Technical factors…”

“…The current research mainly focuses on a single study of the factors influencing BIM technology application, without fully considering the internal connections between various influencing factors, as well as considering from the perspective of a single engineering stakeholder, lacking a global consideration of all stakeholders of the project [8]. Based on the current lack of research on the factors influencing BIM technology application and the different emphasis on the influencing factors that promote BIM technology application in different periods, this article uses system dynamics methods to analyze the influencing factors of BIM technology application and explores the internal connections between the influencing factors through quantitative methods [9][10][11]. As the application of BIM in China has gradually received government attention, the practical case in China is used as an empirical study of the influencing factors of BIM application to ensure the reliability of theoretical research results [12,13].…”

Root factors limiting BIM implementation in developing countries: sampling the Turkish AEC industry

“…Although the number of studies on BIM is increasing daily, it is noteworthy that the number of studies using this modelling method remains low. When the limited researches modelled the variable and examined BIM, it is evident that the studies focused on modelling the relationship between BIM attributes and environmental sustainability (Mirpanahi and Noorzai, 2021); collaborative innovation activities and BIM application (Qiao et al, 2021); impact of BIM drivers and awareness on the project lifecycle (Olanrewaju et al, 2021); risks associated with BIM implementation and adoption (Zhao et al, , 2018; work-based education and BIM adoption (Semaan et al, 2021); teamwork efficiency and BIM-based collaborative design (Wang et al, 2021); continuous use intention of BIM (Cui et al, 2021); factors hindering BIM implementation (Liao et al, 2019); factors predicting the behavioural resistance to BIM implementation (Wang et al, 2020); critical BIM adoption drivers across the infrastructure construction sector (Belay et al, 2021); the impact of organisation size and project type on BIM adoption (Hong et al, 2019); the BIM-related factors affecting the project performance (Tam et al, 2021); the strategies improving the organisational BIM capabilities (Munianday et al, 2022).…”

“…, 2019); factors predicting the behavioural resistance to BIM implementation (Wang et al. , 2020); critical BIM adoption drivers across the infrastructure construction sector (Belay et al. , 2021); the impact of organisation size and project type on BIM adoption (Hong et al.…”