Multi-criteria analysis of barriers to building information modeling (BIM) adoption for SMEs in New Zealand construction industry

Abstract

PurposeBuilding information modeling (BIM) is a prominent concept to digitalize data collection and analysis processes. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for a considerable percentage of the works performed in the construction industry. The adoption rate of BIM by SMEs is still, however, not at the desired level in the New Zealand construction industry. This study aims to evaluate barriers to BIM implementation for SMEs in the New Zealand construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted four-step methodology to evaluate barriers to BIM adoption for SMEs. First, a comprehensive literature review, followed by a focus group discussion was performed to identify barriers to BIM adoption. Then, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to assess identified barriers. Finally, experts’ agreements (both internal and external) were ensured by consistency analysis and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (Kendall’s W) tests.FindingsThe findings indicate that (1) interoperability between software platforms, (2) lack of government mandate on BIM usage at project level, (3) high cost of acquiring the software and licensing required to use BIM and (4) lack of client demand for adopting BIM were the most significant barriers in terms of technological, governmental, resource and cultural categories, respectively. Further investigation of the expert evaluation showed strong consistencies (each expert separately) and agreements (among experts) in each AHP matrix.Practical implicationsPrimary focus should be training of local market (particularly SMEs) professionals as the shortage in qualified professionals makes the country-wide adoption challenging. The publicity in the local market can help SMEs understand how BIM is leveraged for further improvements in project performance.Originality/valueOverall, this research not only provides a roadmap for the widespread adoption of BIM within SMEs in New Zealand through analysis of the barriers encountered but also highlights the power that policymakers hold over the mass adoption of BIM within SMEs.

Challenges in the Integration of E-Procurement Procedures into Construction Supply Chains

“…(2) assess the appropriateness of the barriers for use in the study [66], and (3) establish the synthesized and revised final list of barriers to e-procurement [67].…”

Research of the problems of BIM technologies implementation in the investment-and-construction projects of the Russian companies

“…2) high cost of BIM implementation, caused by high initial investment costs on equipment procurement, software and personnel training as well [18,21,22,23,24,25,26]. Proceeding from the quantity of reference to the cost in the analysed sources, this barrier should be named as the most widespread and significant one;…”

“…to perform the necessary functions in the usual type and to duplicate on BIMplatforms. Such labour productivity decline alsi leads to some decrease in the cost efficiency of the enterprise activity [26]; 6) lack of the state support and direct motivation to BIM introduction from the state [22,23,25,30] as well as lack of demand for project implementation by the means of BIM from private investors [18,24]; 7) problems of functional compatibility [18,23,25,27,30,31,32,33] and fragmentariness of the information model parts, created by the means of various software, various contractors, etc. This obstacle is noted by many authors, therefore, also it is to be considered as extremely significant.…”

Optimizing construction project outcomes through BIM and MEP system integration

“…This paper aims to dissect the methodology behind successful BIM and MEP integration, evaluating the benefits and challenges inherent in this process. It posits that through careful planning, robust data management, and the fostering of a collaborative project culture, the construction industry can overcome obstacles to integration [1]. Such integration not only streamlines project workflows but also leads to significant cost savings, improved project coordination, and ultimately, the delivery of high-quality construction projects.…”