A hybrid conceptual procurement framework for BIM uptake to enhance buildings' sustainability performance in the Jordanian public sector

Abstract

PurposeA large portion of the public building projects in Jordan suffers from sustainability performance issues. Therefore, this research aims to develop a hybrid procurement framework to enhance the implementation of BIM in the Jordanian public sector for better sustainable building performance. This study also aims to identify the influence of procurement factors on BIM adoption and usage in the public sector in Jordan and to provide a holistic picture of recent research on technology acceptance and adoption in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted using semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (n = 12) in Jordan to explore procurement routes issues facing the adoption of BIM and to find proposed measures. Then, the findings of the interviews analysis using conventional content analysis and literature review were used based on a problem-solving approach to develop a hybrid conceptual procurement framework for BIM uptake to enhance the sustainability of building performance. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted to validate and refine the proposed conceptual procurement framework.FindingsIt was revealed that the deployment of unfavourable construction procurement approaches represents a major hurdle towards BIM implementation. Though essential for enhancing BIM implementation, it is revealed that a fundamental change from the common Design bid build (DBB) to more collaborative procurement approaches remains infeasible in view of the realities that govern the construction industry. Moreover, this study has found the key procurement approach challenges for effective BIM implementation.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is limited to the public sector in Jordan and further qualitative and quantitative testing of the conceptual procurement framework is needed to adjust the framework before large-scale testing.Originality/valueThe developed conceptual procurement framework is the first of its kind and draws a set of procurement approach remedies for the Jordanian public sector to foster the implementation of BIM.