Critical review of studies on building information modeling (BIM) in project management

Albert S C Chan ,Xiaozhi Ma ,Wen Yi ,Xin Zhou ,Feng Xiong

doi:10.15302/j-fem-2018203

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) and project management are two major research topics that accommodate large volumes of research efforts. BIM has been interpreted as a process technology that aids in enhancing project management. Hence, the investigation from an interdisciplinary perspective of the two concepts may bring new insights to understanding related research. In this paper, a structural approach is adopted in reviewing BIM studies in project management from 2005 to 2017 within identified target journals. This review aims to classify the major research directions and topics for BIM research in project management. Moreover, given BIM’s potential for application in project management, this paper attempts to establish a fundamental research foundation for a new paradigm of project management that incorporates BIM, namely, BIM-based project management. The preliminary result suggests that BIM research in project management develops drastically in the examined duration. The research directions of BIM studies in project management include enabling BIM as a technology in project management; BIM application as a solution for specific project management scopes; integration issues of BIM that have been brought to project management; institutional environment and regulatory governance of BIM in realizing project management strategies; and analysis of effects and strategies of BIM adoption and implementation in projects. The directions and trends are then analyzed to develop a research route for BIM studies in project management. Finally, conclusions focus on the relations of the research directions, as well as the contributions and theoretical implications of this review. Future research areas are also recommended.

Highlights

Production in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is implemented as projects, and project management is widely applied in the AEC process to organize efforts
The building information modeling (BIM) approach involves the delivery of virtual building models, and building projects require the delivery of facilities; the possibility for an integrated approach for project management implementation with BIM should be investigated
In view of the relatively vague research scope of BIM and project management due to their diverse definitions, this review focuses on the critical BIM and project manage

Summary

Introduction

Production in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is implemented as projects, and project management is widely applied in the AEC process to organize efforts. The digitizing paradigm requires the integration of IT and management practice in developing advanced approaches to organize the AEC process. As a disruptive technology, building information modeling (BIM) leads to hybrid practice in handling building information and organizing project production (Gledson, 2016; Çıdık et al, 2017; Davies et al, 2017). BIM and project management are instrumental tools commonly adopted in the AEC process. They are applied to improve the efficiency of management process, Albert P. The BIM approach involves the delivery of virtual building models, and building projects require the delivery of facilities; the possibility for an integrated approach for project management implementation with BIM should be investigated

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Discussion

Conclusion