Examining Critical Perspectives on Building Information Modelling (BIM) Adoption in New Zealand

Date
2020-07-06
Authors
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald
Abstract

Purpose This research aims to explore the perspectives of the key actors in the New Zealand construction industry towards BIM adoption. Specifically, four themes are examined, including what BIM is; BIM knowledge and understanding; benefits of BIM adoption; and challenges/barriers to BIM adoption.

Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach using 21 semi-structured interviews with industry experts was adopted.

Findings The results raise a question concerning whether the New Zealand construction industry needs a unique definition of BIM to achieve a clear and consistent understanding amongst construction practitioners. It was found out that most of the construction practitioners in New Zealand are not well aware of BIM, especially the contractors, QSs, supply chain companies and the SMEs. Fourteen potential benefits and ten barriers/challenges to BIM adoption were identified. Individually, time-saving was considered as the most benefit of BIM adoption while BIM understanding was suggested as the most significant barrier by all the interviewees.

Originality/value The research provides valuable insights into BIM understanding as well as recommendations regarding BIM adoption in New Zealand. The results could be considered baseline information for the companies and government to have effective strategies towards BIM adoption. Furthermore, it confirms that characteristics such as benefits and barriers to BIM adoption amongst different countries could be similar. Therefore, it could be useful to analyse the studies, strategies and practices of the pioneer countries in BIM adoption for the implementation.

Description
Keywords
BIM; Building Information Modelling; Building Information Management; Sustainability; Mandate; New Zealand
Source
Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-04-2020-0043
Rights statement
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2020. Authors retain the right to place his/her pre-publication version of the work on a personal website or institutional repository for non commercial purposes. The definitive version was published in (see Citation). The original publication is available at www.emeraldinsight.com (see Publisher’s Version).