Defining Characteristics of National BIM Adoption

Purpose This study aims to undertake a contextual analysis of project-level building information modelling (BIM) adoption in Nigeria and demonstrate how BIM is applied across different projects in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This research generates contextual and holistic understandings of multiple project-level cases of BIM adoption through an interpretive paradigm guided by relativist ontology and subjectivist epistemology. Two models of project-level BIM adoption (ten-factor theory of BIM adoption and strategic-contingent model of BIM adoption) were merged to formulate the BIM adoption assessment scale (BIM-AAS). A qualitative-oriented case study protocol was developed to extract valid and reliable data from external and internal project data based on BIM-AAS features. The extracted data were analysed using the pattern-matching technique and cross-case analysis. Findings The results indicate that there was substantial use of BIM tools and technologies in the projects. All the projects adopted collaborative procurement and team and developed integrated building information models. The use of BIM tools, technologies and processes in the projects was found to be above average. The complexities and expectations levels of the projects compliment the nature of BIM adoption in the projects. Research limitations/implications The BIM-AAS adopted in this research is an excellent example of a project-level BIM adoption analytical tool. It can be assumed in future research. Also, this research contributes to the theory that the level of project complexity and expectations must align with the level of BIM adoption in projects. The study’s findings ratify BIM tools, technologies and processes as the elements of project-level BIM adoption. Practical implications This research substantiates the actual nature and structure of BIM adoption in Nigeria, thereby simplifying the development of initiatives towards BIM adoption in projects and determining the appropriate strategies for BIM implementation and innovation in the Nigerian construction industry. The most important initiative that the Nigerian government can make to drive BIM implementation is the automating of code checking for building rules and regulations in Nigeria. Originality/value Previous studies have only reported cases of project-level BIM adoption using surveys and without a standardised project-level BIM adoption model to guide the analysis. This study is the first to formulate and use BIM adoption models for a uniform, critical and contextual analysis of project-level BIM adoption.

PurposeAlthough there has been a surge in the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) in the construction industry, the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still struggling and perceive its adoption as risky. The SMEs in developing economies are especially on the disadvantaged side of the digital divide. Extant studies have focused on large firms and there are scanty studies on the influence of the external environments on BIM adoption in SMEs. Thus, this study espouses institutional theory (INT) to examine the influence of coercive, mimetic, and normative pressures on BIM awareness and adoption in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was employed, and data were collected from the Nigerian construction SMEs via an empirical questionnaire survey using a sequential stratified and convenient sampling method. Hypothesized relationships between the coercive, mimetic, and normative pressure and BIM in SMEs were empirically tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique and the model was validated with the “PLSpredict” procedure.FindingsThe results revealed that coercive and mimetic pressures significantly influence BIM adoption in SMEs while normative pressures have the strongest influence on BIM in SMEs. Also, BIM awareness is an important predictor of BIM adoption. The findings also shed light on the influence of firmographics on BIM awareness and adoption in Nigerian SMEs.Originality/valueThe study empirically validates the applicability of INT and highlights that BIM adoption is not only influenced by internal responses to the need for efficiency but also by external pressures. It implies a clear need for intentional isomorphic pressures in driving BIM adoption in SMEs. The study employs the INT to explain a phenomenon that has not been theoretically explored in the context of SMEs in developing economies. Lastly, the study provided valuable insights into driving BIM adoption, together with the effective practical implications for implementation and potential research areas for further studies.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) enables project participants to perform more efficiently and effectively. Recently, many studies have reported the rapid growth of application of the use of BIM system in global construction industry used by Architects, Engineers and Contractors and clients etc. Many users report benefits of using BIM including more accurate information, less re-work, reduced construction time, fewer claims and better project performance. Those reported benefits have stimulated more acceptances of BIM and rapid adoption worldwide in past five years. As adoption increases and BIM becomes more pervasive in the construction industry in Hong Kong, clients and forefront users of such technology begin to question the effectiveness of BIM implementation. Firms that have adopted BIM invest an extensive amount of money and time in training professionals, but they barely enjoy the real benefits from BIM adoption. Construction is a project-based activity, wherein different disciplines work collaboratively to achieve the project goal. Effective collaboration and coordination among all project participants is essential to achieve the full advantages of BIM. Thus encouraging different disciplines (architect, engineer, surveyor, contractor, etc.) to collaborate in BIM-enabled construction projects is critical for optimizing BIM adoption and improving project performances. A project team constitutes professionals from different organizations (e.g. architectural, engineering, and construction). It is important for the project participants to work closely together to share their information, coordinate working flows, jointly make decision, achieve inter-organizational collaboration, and deliver projects effectively and efficiently. This study aims to explore and investigate factors affecting multi-discipline collaboration in BIM-enabled construction teams in Hong Kong.
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\nSocio-technical Theory is employed as theoretical lens to construct a conceptual research framework. To further develop a validated research model, a two-stage research design is adopted including an exploratory study and an explanatory study. The exploratory study uses semi-structured interviews to confirm factors identified from existing literatures as well as to explore any new important factors from empirical context. The exploratory study validates the finalized research model by content analysis of qualitative data. In the explanatory study, a quantitative research method is adopted. A questionnaire survey is conducted and a total of 249 responses are collected for data analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to test the finalized research model and postulated hypotheses.
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\nThe research findings and results confirm that common understanding, trust and joint decision-making significantly determine the collaborative team environment. Such collaborative team environment in turn influences inter-organizational BIM collaboration. Research results also reveal that collaboration experiences among project participants impose significant positive influence on interoperability. Research findings also confirm that continuous training is a critical support factor to BIM collaboration. BIM acceptance is found to be the most significant predictor to BIM collaboration. Moreover, BIM collaboration is proved to be important to project success and BIM success. Besides, research also finds that different professionals have significant differences in BIM collaboration. Professionals with more BIM experiences tend to act more collaboratively in the project. In addition, early involvement of project participants also imposes a positive impact on BIM collaboration.
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\nThis study provides an integrated view on inter-organizational collaboration in BIM-enabled construction projects in Hong Kong, and addresses the social, technological and process factors associated with effective inter-organizational collaboration. A triangulated research method is employed. Some new measurement scales and factors are developed specifically for BIM-enabled construction projects. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the significant factors that affect the collaborative adoption of BIM in the construction industry in Hong Kong. Such findings are useful and valuable to practitioners to improve the effectiveness of BIM adoption in construction projects.

Macro BIM adoption: Comparative market analysis

Purpose To reach its full potential, Building Information Modelling (BIM) should be implemented throughout the supply chain. The purpose of this study is to explore BIM implementation and adoption among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UK Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. The paper addresses two key issues: the slow rate and lack of homogeneity of BIM adoption in the SME sector. Design/methodology/approach The study uses qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate BIM uptake and test for correlations between organisational features and BIM aspects. The sample includes data from SMEs based in the South East of England, which are then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings The results show that, although SMEs have some understanding of BIM-related concepts, their familiarity with existing BIM software support systems is particularly low. Limited financial capacity is identified as the primary barrier to BIM adoption while knowledge exchange initiatives are the most useful measure in facilitating further implementation. The variations of SMEs in the adoption and implementation of BIM are mostly affected by company size, professional discipline and offered services. The paper also demonstrates that a one-size-fits-all approach to BIM implementation in the AEC sector has limited potential. Originality/value The heterogeneity of SMEs in the AEC sector has been considered to a very limited extent. This paper considers the nature, characteristics and core business areas of SMEs as factors affecting BIM adoption and implementation.

Purpose – There has been a growing attention to building information modeling (BIM) globally due to its benefits to various stages of a building’s life cycle. To facilitate the implementation of BIM in the construction industry effectively, the purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the mechanism for BIM adoption by practitioners such as architects. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey of architects is conducted in Shenzhen, China. A structural equation model is built with survey data to identify the key factors affecting architects’ BIM adoption in the design firms. Findings – It is found that motivation, technical defects of BIM and BIM capability are the statistically significant factors affecting architects’ BIM adoption whereas management support and knowledge structure are not. Research limitations/implications – Only one architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) profession, i.e. architects were selected as research participants. In future, other professions such as construction engineers, project managers, etc. should be investigated with respect to their BIM adoption issues. Practical implications – BIM technology developers should improve the technology along the objectives of economic benefits, effectiveness and efficiency of BIM adoption. The compatibility and integration between BIM and other widely available software in the industry should also be improved. Moreover, AEC company and project managers should provide architects with opportunities of BIM training so that architects are more likely to apply BIM in future projects. Originality/value – A quantitative theoretical model, i.e. structural equation model is built to identify key factors affecting architects’ BIM adoption, which takes one step further to reveal the BIM adoption mechanism in contrast to previous descriptive-oriented studies.

Purpose– Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology has been well received by the Malaysian construction industry, yet the adoption rate is extremely slow. Many areas of adoption issues and know how regarding BIM were investigated. However, no prior research has considered the perspective from engineering consulting services (ECS) firms. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the overview and adoption of BIM from the perspective of Malaysian ECS firms, with its objectives first, to determine the perceptions, barriers, governmental support and intentions in adopting BIM, and second, to identify the key drivers for adopting BIM within two years.Design/methodology/approach– The primary data were collected from focus group interview and questionnaire survey to achieve the first objective, and subsequently, the second objective was achieved based on Pearson relationship analysis.Findings– The results show that the firms have a concept of BIM that equates to industry authorities’ norms; yet the lack of well-trained personnel, guidance and governmental supports were identified as the main barriers to adoption. Nevertheless, the firms were prepared to adopt BIM where market demands and competitive advantage were the main drivers to adoption within two years.Originality/value– A different perspective has been highlighted in adoption of BIM. It renders a new insight into the effective adoption and use of BIM from the ECS firms’ perspective.

Purpose Building information modelling (BIM) is increasingly recognised as a valuable asset in the global architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Given its growing importance, many researchers have contributed to the expanding body of literature on the topic. While some studies aim to synthesise existing research to generate new insights, this paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) that examines the current state of BIM implementation in Africa. It also assesses the key challenges and drivers influencing BIM adoption across the continent. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a SLR approach, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework, and applied both bibliometric and content analysis methods to examine 73 selected papers. Findings The review indicates that BIM implementation remains very limited across the content, with only a few related pieces of knowledge being shared. West Africa emerges as the most active region, contributing 42% of the reviewed articles, and Nigeria leads with 19% of total publications. The study identifies 16 key challenges-such as lack of training, inadequate policies, and technological constraints-and 28 drivers, including government support, client demand, and awareness of BIM’s benefits. The results highlight a significant absence of national frameworks and policies necessary to accelerate BIM adoption. The study recommends targeted interventions, capacity building, and strategies tailored to the context to address barriers and utilise drivers, providing actionable insights for policymakers and industry leaders. Research limitations/implications This study is constrained by its reliance on only two databases: Scopus and Web of Science. Furthermore, the review included solely English-language publications and was restricted to studies published up to December 2023. Lastly, the analysis focused exclusively on journal articles, excluding other types of academic and industry literature. Practical implications The study highlights key implications across several areas. Future research should address gaps in Heritage BIM, mixed-method studies and national policy comparisons. Broader BIM adoption can enhance sustainability, reduce waste and improve infrastructure quality. Policymakers must establish national BIM frameworks, phased implementation plans, and supportive legislation. In education, integrating BIM into curricula and training programmes is essential to overcome skill gaps. For practice, firms should strengthen capacity-building efforts and leverage drivers such as client demand and government support to improve BIM implementation and reduce regional disparities. Originality/value This study is the first SLR to examine the current state of BIM implementation in Africa’s AEC industry. Its originality lies in filling a significant gap in the literature, as no previous research has conducted a comprehensive review of BIM adoption across the continent. By identifying key barriers and drivers, as well as the lack of national-level frameworks, the study provides valuable insights to support strategic, context-specific BIM adoption in Africa.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a model for building information modelling (BIM) implementation at small and medium-sized construction contractor organisations (SMOs). The proposed BIM adoption model assesses BIM implementation benefits, costs and challenges faced by SMOs. Correlation between BIM adoption in SMOs and the associated impacting factors, including knowledge support and BIM adoption motivation, is captured through the model.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of BIM adoption in construction was first presented. Research data, collected from 80 SMOs in Australia through a conducted survey, are then analysed. Descriptive analysis and structural equation modelling were used to investigate SMOs’ understanding of BIM, and to qualify the correlations among the proposed latent variables impacting BIM implementation at SMOs, respectively. Additionally, this study used χ2 test to compare differences between BIM users and non-BIM users regarding BIM understanding, interested applications and attitudes towards implementation benefits and challenges.FindingsPotential benefits associated with BIM implementation are a major motivation factor when it comes to BIM adoption at SMOs. In addition, existing staff’s capability in using BIM tools positively affects the establishment of an organisational knowledge-support system, which determines the decision of adopting BIM eventually. Ultimately, there is a need for further emphasis on staff engagement in the implementation process.Research limitations/implicationsThe results presented in this paper are applicable to SMOs in the building sector of construction. BIM implementation at organisations involved in non-building activities, including civil works and infrastructure, needs to be assessed in the future.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that rather than placing the focus mainly on benefits of BIM implementation, successful implementation of BIM in practice requires adequate effort to assess implementation problems, establish knowledge support and engage staff in using BIM.Originality/valueResults of this study provide an insight into the adoption challenges of BIM in SMOs, given that the focus of previous studies has been mostly placed on BIM adoption in architectural firms and large contractors.

Purpose Building information modelling (BIM) adoption in the construction industry has increased, driven by its potential to revolutionise project outcomes through improved efficiency and collaboration. However, New Zealand’s BIM adoption is still in its early stages, hindered by unique challenges such as a lack of comprehensive, tailored guidelines. While other countries have developed BIM frameworks to address their specific needs, a critical gap exists in New Zealand for a structured framework tailored to its context. This research aims to fill this gap by examining the key factors influencing BIM adoption in New Zealand, addressing the unique local challenges and opportunities. Design/methodology/approach This research employed a questionnaire to collect data from New Zealand construction professionals experienced in BIM. The data were analysed using partial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess measurement and structural models. Findings The study identifies seven critical categories, encompassing 31 factors, that significantly impact BIM adoption in the region. Among these, leadership emerged as the most influential category, underscoring the importance of clear BIM leadership roles and regular reviews of strategic plans. Originality/value This research systematically integrates qualitative and quantitative insights to develop a comprehensive, empirically validated framework specifically for New Zealand. This study uniquely employs PLS-SEM to test interrelationships between 31 factors across seven categories, offering a structured decision-making model for policymakers and industry professionals. The framework not only addresses New Zealand’s context-specific barriers but also provides a scalable model that can inform BIM adoption strategies in other countries facing similar challenges.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model the paths of risks associated with building information modeling (BIM) adoption in the Chinese architecture, engineering and construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA total of 16 risks were identified from the literature review and grouped into nine categories. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey with 95 professionals in China. The partial least square structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results suggested the risk categorization was confirmed, and that 15 hypothetical risk paths were statistically significant, which formed 13 chains of risk paths. “Inadequate relevant knowledge and expertise” was the primary root risk category of all the 13 chains of risk paths. Additionally, “technological issues,” “poor information sharing and collaboration,” and “liability for data input” had direct effect on the “cost overrun with BIM,” while all the other risks indirectly influence cost via these three risk categories.Research limitations/implicationsMost of the respondents were designers because few clients and contractors have adopted BIM. In addition, the impact and likelihood of risks were accessed by respondents’ judgment based on their experience, which is a common problem of risk management research. As this study focuses on the Chinese architecture, engineering and construction industry, there would be geographical limitation on the findings.Practical implicationsThis study provides practitioners with a clear understanding of the risks associated with BIM adoption and enables practitioners to take measures to mitigate the root risks and assure the potential benefits of BIM.Originality/valueAlthough there have been studies on the risks associated with BIM adoption, most of them lacked empirical evidence and failed to examine the interactions between risks. This study is different from these prior studies, because it focuses on the interrelationships between risks and identifies the risk paths and root risks using the empirical data. Therefore, this study expands the literature relating to both BIM and risk management. Also, this study enables practitioners to take measures to mitigate the root risks and assure the potential benefits produced by BIM, thereby contributing to the practice.

Building information modelling (BIM) adoption amongst larger construction firms and innovators seems to be on the increase. However, there is evidence to suggest that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently lag­ging behind and are losing out in winning publicly funded projects. Guidance and frameworks to assist SMEs to make an informed decision about BIM adoption are currently lacking. There has been no systematic effort to date to bring together the results of research in SMEs’ BIM adoption. Consequently, this paper seeks to bridge this gap and provide a conceptual framework to give a theoretical foundation to the study of brokering risks and rewards in the adoption of BIM for project delivery. This framework is comprehensive and includes trading off risks and rewards associated with several criteria, such as stage of involvement, project value, funding, and the procurement route chosen. The approach has been validated by a representative sample of BIM users and the findings of the validation are also presented. The findings of the framework validation reveal that early design stage, project size between £5 m and £50 m, private fund­ing, and integrated project delivery procurement are the best opportunities that enable SMEs to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks, when adopting BIM.

An investigation into Building Information Modeling (BIM) application in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in Gaza strip

Purpose This study critically reviews building information modelling (BIM) implementation toolkits from countries recognised as leaders in BIM adoption, with the intention of identifying lessons that can inform the creation of more effective and comprehensive digital strategy resources. The objective is to identify best practices, recurring gaps, and the evolving role of BIM guides, standards and technical reports in facilitating digital transformation across the construction sector. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative comparative analysis was conducted on 24 BIM implementation toolkits from leading countries, assessing each against 16 key dimensions: role-specific guidance, ISO 19650 alignment, project stages, template availability, asset management, certification alignment, BIM model quality control, classification of BIM elements, modelling practices and levels of detail (LOD/LOI), CDE and data security, coordination workflows, compliance checking and interoperability, technology integration (AI, IoT, Digital Twins), sustainability integration, project type coverage and dynamic navigation. Only BIM implementation-focused guidance, standards and technical reports written in English language, issued by government or recognised industry institutions and published within 2013–2024 were included. Findings The analysis found that 67% of toolkits are guides rather than standards or technical reports, reflecting the global need for flexible and adaptable resources that cater to organisations at varying stages of BIM implementation. More recent toolkits demonstrate clearer provisions for CDE and data security, coordination, classification and LOD/LOI, whereas earlier but influential guides remain stronger in their treatment of project stages and template provision. Consistent gaps persist in technology integration, sustainability, automated compliance/interoperability checking, clear BIM certification pathways and dynamic web-navigable formats. Project type coverage is still building-heavy, with infrastructure addressed unevenly unless dedicated infra toolkits exist. Research limitations/implications The study examines only English-language BIM implementation toolkits that emerged between 2013 and 2024. Future research needs to study various languages, multiple publication years and editions as well as collecting data from practitioners actively working with these toolkits. Originality/value The research presents a complete worldwide assessment that examines 24 BIM implementation toolkits through 16 essential criteria from 2013 to 2024. It provides a critical comparative matrix and proposes a harmonised vision for future national BIM toolkits, incorporating advanced digital integration, compliance assurance and lifecycle usability.

PurposeBuilding information modelling (BIM) has transformed the traditional practices of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. BIM creates a collaborative digital representation of built environment data. Competitive advantage can be achieved with collaborative project delivery and rich information modelling. Despite the abundant benefits, BIM’s adoption in the AEC is susceptible to confrontation. A substantial impediment to BIM adoption often cited is data interoperability. Other facets of interoperability got limited attention. Other academic areas, including information systems, discuss the interoperability construct ahead of data interoperability. These interoperability factors have yet to be surveyed in the AEC industry. This study aims to investigate the effect of interoperability factors on BIM adoption and develop a comprehensive BIM adoption model.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical foundations of the proposed model are based on the European interoperability framework (EIF) and technology, organization, environment framework (TOE). Quantitative data collection from construction firms is gathered. The model has been thoroughly examined and validated using partial least squares structural equation modelling in SmartPLS software.FindingsThe study’s findings indicate that relative advantage, top management support, government support, organizational readiness and regulation support are determinants of BIM adoption. Financial constraints, complexity, lack of technical interoperability, semantic interoperability, organizational interoperability and uncertainty are barriers to BIM adoption. However, compatibility, competitive pressure and legal interoperability do not affect BIM adoption.Practical implicationsFinally, this study provides recommendations containing the essential technological, organizational, environmental and interoperability factors that AEC stakeholders can address to enhance BIM adoption.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first studies to combine TOE and EIF in a single research model. This research provides empirical evidence for using the proposed model as a guide to promoting BIM adoption. As a result, the highlighted determinants can assist organizations in developing and executing successful policies that support BIM adoption in the AEC industry.