Factors affecting building infrmation modelling adoption by Malaysian consultans and contractors

Abstract

The paradigm shift to Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry has transformed the construction process. BIM adoption requires strategic implementation and collaboration. The inherent benefits of this shift are gradually experienced in Malaysia. However, adoption of BIM in Malaysia is prone to resistance as experienced in construction industries across the globe. Construction professionals are awakened to challenges with the use of a new system which define their adaptability to the BIM push within the construction industry. This research develops a BIM adoption model which builds on people, process and technology factors affecting BIM into a higher order resource of BIM perception and strategic IT implementation (business process re-engineering and computer integrated construction) mediated by collaborative processes. Data was collected from three hundred and fifty two (352) construction professionals (architects, quantity surveyors, engineers and contractors) using questionnaires. Descriptive and multivariate analyses (Structural Equation Modelling) were used to assess the measurement and structural models developed. The model explained the variance in business process re-engineering, computer integrated construction, collaborative processes and BIM adoption. The results revealed an anathematised state of collaboration leading to significant decrease in BIM adoption rate. Seven (7) out of fourteen (14) hypothesised paths were statistically significant. BIM perception exhibited indirect effect on collaborative processes through strategic IT implementation. Business process re-engineering exhibited significant direct effect while computer integrated construction exhibited a significant indirect effect on BIM adoption. This result projects the prevalent factors affecting BIM adoption, highlights grey areas needing improvement and formulating policies to further enhance BIM adoption.