THE INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERSUASION IN BIM-FM INTEGRATION AT THE EARLY PHASE OF A BIM PROJECT

Abstract

Traditionally, Facility Managers (FM) have often been handed over large numbers of files (hard and soft copies) consisting of among others drawings, specifications, operation and maintenance manuals together with product data sheets in order for them to carry out their tasks in managing facilities. This practice may indicate that information exchange between the AEC and FM phases is still fragmented. The FM phase of the construction project life cycle remains the most disconnected from the rest of the cycle. Therefore, the integration of FM at the early phase of BIM project is expected to fully engage BIM technology and bring potential significant value to assets and estates. This paper is part of a research that aims to identify the influence of knowledge and persuasion on deciding whether to adopt or reject BIM-FM integration at the early phase of BIM. Rogers' Theory of Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) has been applied to support the formation of the conceptual framework. Connecting the organisational characteristics associated with adoption innovation literature with the factors influencing the integration process (innovation characteristics, adopter characteristics, internal and external environment characteristics) brings interesting research potential that is not commonly investigated. This paper aims to have a relatively comprehensive view of the factors that can influence the adoption or rejection of BIM-FM integration at the early stage of the decision phase.