An analysis of building information modelling (BIM) implementation from a planned behavior perspective

Abstract

Lack of accurate building information and communication between project teams have been identified as two major problems for the construction industry, which led to inefficient building operations. In recent years, Building Information Modelling (BIM) emerges as an attractive solution to resolve these problems. However, the implementation of BIM in practice has encountered obstacles. The adoption rate of BIM varies and BIM fails to meet the core expectation of reinforcing the inter-disciplinary collaboration. Although research has been conducted to explore both technical and non-technical issues that need consideration, few studies stressed the significance of individual professionals during the implementation process. This study aims to complement this insufficiency by investigating individual professionals’ positive role in facilitating successful BIM implementation.

The study presented in this dissertation follows a mix-method approach. To identify an appropriate research perspective and explore the research context in Hong Kong construction industry, the researcher firstly conducted an exploratory case study and a more comprehensive literature review. Explicit research questions are then developed from the perspective of change management. Two models from Information system(IS)and organizational development literature were integrated to serve as theoretical framework. A tentative research model is then developed by incorporating key variables identified from the exploratory case study into this theoretical framework. In the following questionnaire survey, a total of 125 completed questionnaire were collected through email and online survey system. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique is adopted to test the hypothesized relationships between variables in the tentative research model.

Findings from the exploratory study suggest that BIM is widely accepted by professionals as a technology initiative and the BIM implementation involves both technological and organizational changes. It is also found that individual professionals’ reactions were largely influenced by the unique processes and contexts BIM is implemented. These reactions will in turn re-shape the implementation processes and contexts and thus mediate the impact of BIM implementation on project performance. The results from the survey confirm the significant role of four influential factors (i.e. individual job impact, frequency of change communication, quality of change communication and participation) in shaping individual professionals’ positive beliefs and attitude toward BIM. Accordingly, three useful strategies are recommended to better manage the individual professionals’ positive change beliefs toward BIM and thus create positive change atmosphere for further BIM implementation in Hong Kong.

The study has contribution to both knowledge and practice. Firstly, this study contributes to the knowledge by (1) extending the understanding of BIM from a change perspective; (2) providing rich information of BIM implementation in practice especially in the context of Hong Kong; and (3) complementing the insufficiency of BIM research at the micro-level (i.e. the individual level). Secondly, this study contributes to the practice by (1) recommending three useful strategies to create positive change atmosphere for BIM implementation at the primary stage; and (2) enabling more analyses of key influential factors at any implementation stage by incorporating various antecedents into the theoretical framework.