The individual perceptions of BIM practice in Algeria between practitioners and academics: Implementation barriers and strategic solutions

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructures. The introduction and implementation of BIM has brought changes in the construction’s traditional procurement system and this has made its adoption a bit slow and difficult to take off swiftly and more officially. Previous researches have identified gaps in contractual relationships, roles and the resulting risks in BIM implementation. This paper focuses on the adoption of BIM in the Ghanaian Construction Industry thereby highlighting the concept of BIM in enhancing productivity and also determines the level of knowledge and awareness of BIM by industry players and stakeholders as well as establishing the extent of usage of BIM in the Ghanaian construction industry. A descriptive survey research was conducted with both structured and unstructured questionnaire and administered both via e-mail and by sending questionnaire link onto a WhatsApp platform groups of the respondents and out of the 263 respondents that took part in the survey, 78 respondents feedback were incomplete so 185 member respondents results were analyzed in the form of bar charts, column chart and pie chart representing 70.3% response rate. The research survey respondents comprised of Civil Engineers, Construction Project Managers, Architects, Electrical Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Mechanical Engineers, Contractors and Facility Managers. The survey results revealed that there is a low level of knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its concept in the Ghanaian Construction Industry which is also associated with the low level of awareness, utilization and adoption among stakeholders. BIM therefore represents a new paradigm within AEC that encourages integration of the roles of all stakeholders on the effective execution of projects and therefore edge the participation of relevant professional bodies to facilitate its implementation in order to ensure adequate knowledge of BIM towards improving productivity and efficiency in the Construction Industry.

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.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that enhances productivity and management performance of construction projects. Recognizing many benefits of BIM, governments of the most developed members of the European Union encourage BIM usage which results in a higher BIM awareness and BIM adoption. These facts suggest that BIM is becoming the norm within construction industry. On the contrary, Croatia and Slovakia have been very low in BIM application and have done little to support BIM initiatives. Previous studies suggested several strategies to increase the BIM application, where providing BIM education at university level is one of them, so universities need to update their curricula accordingly. In this study we compared implemented Construction Management (CM) BIM education on master’s study at the Faculty of Civil Engineering Košice and Zagreb. The results show that BIM education at the both faculties should be connected with other departments on the same faculty, other disciplines but also with real companies and projects. Such extension will provide civil engineers with wider BIM knowledge related to interoperability, integration, communication, collaboration, standardization and clash detection. Thus, BIM education improvement will have good impact on rising BIM awareness and will be good incentive for further BIM implementation in Croatia and Slovakia. This study is an extension of paper presented on Creative Construction Conference 2018 in Ljubljana. In this paper we showed deeper statistical analysis of CM educational programs in Croatia and Slovakia as well as relationship between BIM awareness and BIM education in both countries.

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.

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.

PurposeDigital media is reshaping architectural design by introducing new tools, methods and workflows. Among various AEC tools, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has gained popularity due to its collaboration platform enabling cross-disciplinary teamwork during whole life cycle of buildings. BIM has further transformed culture and processes associated with design, construction and operation of buildings, hence triggering new building regulations in developed countries. However, in developing countries, BIM implementation is facing several barriers, such as lack of investment in technology and training, hesitation in quitting traditional tools and practices, etc. The purpose of this paper is to highlight potentials of BIM for developing countries, which are in need of more sustainable policies for enhancing their economic and environmental performances.Design/methodology/approachThroughout the text, a literature review on BIM including its dimensions and benefits, impacts on architectural design and adoption in global and local contexts is provided. In case study, surveys and structured interviews are conducted with BIM user and non-BIM user architects throughout Pakistan. Beyond 2D/3D modeling, the use of BIM applications for sustainable design process such as scheduling (4D), cost estimation (5D), performance analysis and facilities management (6D) is investigated.FindingsUsing analytical tools of an online surveying tool and SPSS statistical software, barriers and motivations for BIM implementation in Pakistan are determined. Strategies for further BIM adoption and implementation via “education and training institutions” and “supporting organizations and institutions” are defined.Originality/valueAs a developing country, Pakistan shall be moving the barriers for the spread of BIM technology. Recent research covered the entire AEC sector (Masood et al., 2014; Sohu et al., 2017; Ali et al., 2018), yet this paper focuses specifically on architectural design and practice field. In order to find out experiences and expectations about BIM technology in the architecture sector, professionals are surveyed and four chief architects are interviewed. How far have Pakistani architects adopted BIM? For which project types and scales is BIM more serviceable for them? Which BIM applications are they implementing to overcome the limitations in their professional practice? In Pakistan, where sustainability, in terms of scheduling, cost estimation, performance analysis and facilities management, is an indispensible measure for local practices, has implementation of BIM technology achieved sustainability in architectural design process? What are the motivations of Pakistani architects for becoming BIM users in future?

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 Modelling (BIM) has shown its efficiency in helping the construction industry players. The BIM helped to achieve better integration of project information and to enhance collaboration between stakeholders and the industry players from the early phase of projects until the end. Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) have been under-represented in studies on BIM adoption. Although the technology to implement BIM is readily available and rapidly maturing, the adoption of BIM is still slow. Malaysian government support the adoption of BIM-oriented Integrated Design (ID) approaches in their national markets, however, the implementation of BIM software support systems among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia is considered inadequate. In terms of the implementation of information technology, the construction sector in Malaysia still lags behind other sectors. To have a better knowledge of BIM in SMEs, it is important to first identify the major barriers to BIM adoption in SMEs and then examine potential solutions. Hence, the main motivation of this study is to investigate the readiness of Malaysian SMEs construction companies for BIM implementation, to determine the challenges of BIM implementation, and to develop a strategy to overcome the challenges. An online questionnaire survey was conducted and as many as 115 responses were collected. A quantitative approach was used for this research. This study uses a descriptive analysis method which comprised of structured questionnaires developed from reviews of past researches. The finding of this study indicate that BIM adoption in Malaysia is still relatively low. Many actions are needed to promote BIM adoption among construction SMEs in Malaysia.

PurposeThis study investigated the concerns and plans of construction professionals about building information modeling (BIM) implementation, found the acceptable BIM implementation driving forces and strategies for them and developed a prescriptive BIM implementation model to help understand how BIM implementation concerns, intentions, driving forces and strategies are connected.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a positivist paradigm with a hypothetico-deductive research strategy as well as concern-based adoption theory as a conceptual lens to distinguish construction professionals (CPs)' BIM implementation concerns and intentions. This implies that the forces driving BIM implementation intentions and concerns are related to BIM implementation methods and that their concentrations are proportional to the intensity of BIM implementation strategies. A 16-item questionnaire tailored to the operations of CPs was used for data collection. The data collected from respondents were utilized to evaluate the proposed model using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques.FindingsFindings from the data collected from the respondents revealed that CPs are concerned about the impact of BIM deployment on their time and service quality. Their main purpose was to take drives to learn more about BIM in order to pique their curiosity. Embracing the latest digital technology and beginning self-initiated BIM training are two strategies that would be quite effective in boosting BIM deployment.Research limitations/implicationsThe study identifies promising directions for future BIM implementation research and development. The study's findings imply that more theoretically motivated research, rather than just empirical research, is required to refine BIM implementation concerns.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for the professional development of CPs as well as understanding the process of implementing BIM change. The study's findings will help to understand the resource system for assessing CPs' needs and concerns and selecting personalized BIM implementation strategies.Originality/valueBefore this study, BIM-related studies had ignored the concerns and goals of the CPs when it came to implementing BIM. Using the CPs' concerns and hopes for BIM implementation, a systemic BIM implementation model was developed that would help and speed up BIM adoption.

There has been recently a growing attention towards the potential benefits of building information modelling (BIM) in construction business processes from both academia and industry practitioners. While prior research has emphasised that there is a link between the proficiency of construction companies to use BIM and the realisation of BIM benefits, little evidence exists to capture this relationship. The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which prior BIM experiences influence the perception of industry experts on potential BIM benefits. The influence of years of BIM experience on the discernment of BIM potential benefits was examined through a survey of Australian building contractors. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that BIM experience was a significant factor in the realisation of potential BIM benefits. The results suggest that an increase in years of BIM experience foster a better understanding of BIM benefits, which consequently can lead to a more inspiring movement towards the adoption of BIM by construction organisations. The main contribution of this article is to increase awareness towards the adoption and implementation of BIM by making a link between BIM proficiency and an increased perception of BIM potential benefits in construction organisations.

As an innovation, Building Information Modelling (BIM) plays a key role in the digital transformation of construction industry. Whereas innovations affect and are affected by organizational behavior, they are better observed at a project level, as they are shaped by a network of various project actors. This study connects intra- (micro-) and inter-organizational (meso-) levels of BIM implementation. To explore the relation between BIM adoption drivers and BIM implementation in projects, three case studies are analyzed qualitatively through the theoretical lens of loosely coupled systems. The findings showed that although individual firms had strong external or internal BIM motivations and visions to adopt BIM innovation, the project networks rarely coordinated to support BIM implementation. Consequently, the project networks that were motivated by ‘internal’ BIM adoption drivers (e.g. quality assurance), implemented BIM collaboratively and flexibly. Contrariwise, networks of firms that adopted BIM simply to comply with ‘external’ demand (e.g. macroscopic market pressures or client demand), were rigid and competitive during BIM implementation and hindered knowledge transfer and innovation change management. Drawing upon the empirical data, other factors affecting BIM implementation and in need for further inter-organizational alignment were corporate compatibility, inter-firm knowledge mobility, and inter-firm power dynamics. The implication is the need for further alignment of visions about BIM innovation decision-making across firms to support effective BIM implementation in projects.

This systematic review aims to get the awareness and implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) among companies and individuals in the construction industry. The objective of that is to assess the current understanding of BIM, identify challenges in its adoption, and propose strategies to enhance its integration for improved project outcomes. The review employed bibliometric and content analysis methods. A comprehensive search of academic databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted using keywords like BIM awareness, BIM adoption, and Building Information Modeling training. Then selection criteria were established to include studies focused on BIM awareness and implementation, published between 2010 and 2023. Data extraction and synthesis were performed to analyze trends, challenges, and best practices in BIM adoption. The analysis revealed that while BIM offers significant benefits in improving communication, reducing errors, and enhancing resource efficiency, there is a notable lack of understanding and clear guidelines among stakeholders. Key challenges identified include high implementation costs, resistance to change, and insufficient training resources. However, successful case studies demonstrated that strategic training programs and robust support frameworks significantly enhance BIM adoption and utilization. The review concludes that increasing awareness and providing comprehensive training on BIM are crucial for its successful adoption in the construction industry. Therefore, developing clear implementation strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement can mitigate the identified challenges. The findings highlight the need for further research to develop tailored solutions that address the specific needs of different stakeholders, ultimately leading to more effective and widespread use of BIM in construction projects

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

Building Information Modelling (BIM) implementation is a dynamic process and there are a number of influential variables that may change throughout. There is little research on the dynamics of the change environment and the AEC organizations’ approaches to BIM adoption and implementation. A considerable number of BIM enablers have been identified and/or developed in the extant literature. However, stipulating BIM implementation enablers per se provides only a static view that is not adequate for describing effective management of BIM implementation in Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) organizations. This study is the second part of an ongoing research about BIM implementation enablers. In the first paper “Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption and implementation enablers in AEC firms: a systematic literature review” (Abbasnejad et al., 2020) the organizational BIM enablers have been identified. The aim of this second paper is to (1) further review and validate the key BIM implementation enablers using both the existing literature and expert interviews, and (2) develop a structural model of the key enablers using the ISM technique to understand the mutual interaction of these enablers and identify the driving enablers and the dependent enablers. Twenty-eight enablers for BIM implementation were initially identified from the literature and subsequent discussion with experts from academia and industry has been conducted to select most key BIM implementation enablers. Eleven enablers were finally chosen based on the literature review and expert interviews and the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique has been adopted to evaluate the contextual interrelationships among them. MICMAC (Matrix Impacts Cross-reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification) analysis was employed to classify the eleven enablers based on their dependence and driving power. The results indicate that there is no enabler in the autonomous cluster and this therefore signifies that all enablers are required for the implementation of BIM. BIM leadership and top management support have been identified as the enablers with the highest driving power in the initial stages of the BIM adoption and implementation process and for that reason, these enablers demand a greater priority given that there are other dependent enablers that will be impacted.

The construction industry, characterized by complexity and multidisciplinary interdependence, has increasingly adopted Building Information Modeling (BIM) to enhance efficiency and coordination. Despite its global recognition, BIM's implementation during the early planning phase of high-rise building projects in Indonesia remains limited. This study aims to explore how early-stage BIM adoption impacts project performance, particularly in terms of design coordination, time efficiency, and cost estimation. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this paper conducts a systematic literature review drawing on peer-reviewed sources from 2020–2025. The PRISMA framework guided data identification, screening, and inclusion, ensuring methodological rigor. Thematic analysis was used to categorize findings into key themes such as BIM benefits, implementation challenges, and adoption strategies. The results show that early BIM implementation significantly enhances design coordination (85%), improves clash detection (80%), and increases cost estimation accuracy (78%). Additional benefits include schedule optimization and material waste reduction. Case studies from international projects—like the Suzhou Zhongnan Center and projects by Turner International—demonstrate that BIM integration at early planning stages helps mitigate design conflicts, streamline interdisciplinary workflows, and support informed decision-making. However, challenges in the Indonesian context include high initial costs, lack of trained professionals, minimal client demand, and cultural resistance. Strategic solutions proposed include tiered training, regulatory incentives, adoption of Common Data Environments (CDE), and national digital roadmaps. These findings underscore the urgent need for institutional and professional transformation to fully leverage BIM’s potential in Indonesia’s high-rise construction sector.