SpringerLink
Log in

The Use of Building Information Modelling by Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises: The Case of Central South Africa

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Sustainable Education and Development – Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation (ARCA 2022)

Included in the following conference series:

  • 408 Accesses

Abstract

Purpose: The paper identifies the benefits and challenges that impact the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) by small to medium-sized enterprises in South Africa, as well as the organizational barriers and benefits that contribute to the utilization of BIM by these types of organizations.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was based on a literature review and survey, with the survey consisting of a questionnaire that was issued to 130 construction professionals. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed by using descriptive statistics protocols and the findings were then compared against the existing literature.

Findings: The results indicated that BIM is seldom used by small to medium-sized enterprises, with many respondents’ that specifically work for such organizations having never engaged with it. The foremost barrier was a lack of support from senior management for its implementation, while the main benefit was better project planning due to visualization.

Research Limitations/Implications: The survey was geographically limited to respondents from central South Africa, namely the Free State and Gauteng provinces. The survey response rate was also only 24%, which may not be enough to generalize the findings.

Practical Implication: It is therefore evident that BIM will only be successfully adopted by small and medium-sized firms when the government supports it, and clients request its use. If this is not addressed, the AEC industry will further enforce its current underlying ‘BIM imbalance’ in favour of large practices.

Social Implication: Culturally, firms that focus on smaller projects do not generally use BIM as they feel it is an overkill for the nature of their work.

Originality/Value: The study enhances the current body of knowledge on BIM by enabling practitioners in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry to determine if its use is practical for their organizations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 299.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmed, S.: Barriers to implementation of building information modeling (BIM) to the construction industry: a review. J. Civ. Eng. Constr. 7(2), 107–113 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aibinu, A.A., Venkatesh, S.: The rocky road to BIM adoption: quantity surveyors perspectives. In: Management of Construction: Research to Practice (MCRP) Conference, pp. 539–554. In-house, 26–29 June, Rotterdam, Netherlands (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  • Al Awad, O.: The uptake of advanced IT with specific emphasis on BIM by SMEs in the jordanian construction industry. Thesis (PhD). University of Salford, Salford 2015

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, C., Shakantu, W.: The BIM revolution: a literature review on rethinking the business of construction. In: 11th International Conference on Urban Regeneration and Sustainability, pp. 919–930. WIT Press, Alicante, Spain, 12–14 July 2016

    Google Scholar 

  • Alreshidi, E., Mourshed, M., Rezgui, Y.: Exploring the need for a BIM governance model: UK construction practitioners’ perceptions. International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering, pp. 151–158. American Society of Civil Engineers, Orlando, United States of America, 23–25 June 2014

    Google Scholar 

  • Bataw, A., Kirkham, R., Lou, E.: The issues and considerations associated with BIM integration. In: 4th International Building Control Conference, pp. 13–20. EDP Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 7–8 March 2016

    Google Scholar 

  • Becerik-Gerber, B., Jazizadeh, F., Li, N., Calis, G.: Application areas and data requirements for BIM-enabled facilities management. J. Constr. Eng. Manag. 138(3), 431–442 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bergin, M.S.: History of BIM. Retrieved October 2, 2020 (2012). https://archinect.com/archlab/history-of-bim

  • Brinkman, W.: Design of a questionnaire instrument. In: Love, S. (ed.) Handbook of Mobile Technology Research Methods, pp. 31–57. Nova Science Publishers, New York (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bryde, D., Broquetas, M., Volm, J.M.: The project benefits of building information modelling (BIM). Int. J. Project Manage. 31(7), 971–980 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burger, R.: Should Small Construction Companies Use BIM? Retrieved October 2, 2020. https://www.thebalancesmb.com/should-small-construction-companies-use-bim-845327 (2019)

  • Carson, J.: Can BIM successfully deliver small construction projects?. Retrieved November 20, 2020. https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/can-bim-successfully-deliver-small-construction-projects (2018)

  • Chimhundu, S.: A Study on the BIM Adoption Readiness and Possible Mandatory Initiatives for Successful Implementation in South Africa. Dissertation (M.Sc). University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  • CIDB: SME Business Conditions Survey Q2 2020. Construction Industry Development Board, Pretoria (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Small Business Development. Revised Schedule 1 of the National Definition of Small Enterprise. South African Government Printing Works, Pretoria (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • Eadie, R., Browne, M., Odeyinka, H., McKeown, C., McNiff, S.: BIM implementation throughout the UK construction project lifecycle: an analysis. Autom. Constr. 36, 145–151 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Hawary, A.N., Nassar, A.H.: The effect of building information modeling (BIM) on construction claims. Int. J. Sci. Technol. Res. 5(12), 25–33 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, P.: The language of research (part 13): research methodologies: descriptive statistics - measures of central tendency. Wounds UK 13(2), 84–85 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  • Enshassi, M.A., Al Hallaq, K.A., Tayeh, B.A.: Limitation factors of building information modeling (BIM) implementation. Open Const. Build. Technol. J. 13, 189–196 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fan, S., Skibniewski, M.J., Hung, T.W.: Effects of building information modeling during construction. J. Appl. Sci. Eng. 7(2), 157–166 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  • Feist, S.T.: A-BIM: Algorithmic-based Building Information Modelling. Dissertation (M.Sc.). Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ganah, A.A., John, G.A.: Achieving level 2 BIM by 2016 in the UK. In: International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering, pp. 143–150. American Society of Civil Engineers, Orlando, United States of America, 23–25 June 2014

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghaffarianhoseini, A., et al.: Building information modelling (BIM) uptake: clear benefits, understanding its implementation, risks and challenges. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 75, 1046–1053 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gledson, B., Henry, D., Bleanch, P.: Does size matter? Experiences and perspectives of BIM implementation from large and SME construction contractors. In: 1st UK Academic Conference on Building Information Management (BIM), pp. 97–108. Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, 5–7 September 2012

    Google Scholar 

  • Halttula, H., Haapasalo, H., Herva, M.: Barriers to achieving the benefits of BIM. International Journal of 3-D Information Modeling 4(4), 16–33 (2015). https://doi.org/10.4018/IJ3DIM.2015100102

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hammad, D.B., Rishi, A.G., Yahaya, M.B.: Mitigating construction risk using building information modelling (BIM). In: 4th West Africa Built Environment Research (WABER) Conference, pp. 643–652. WABER Conference, Abuja, Nigeria 24–26 July 2012

    Google Scholar 

  • Hochscheid, E., Halin, G.: Generic and SME-specific factors that influence the BIM adoption process: an overview that highlights gaps in the literature. Front. Eng. Manag. 7(1), 119–130 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42524-019-0043-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Inyim, P., Rivera, J., Zhu, Y.: Integration of building information modeling and economic and environmental impact analysis to support sustainable building design. J. Manag. Eng. 31(1), 1–10 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IStructE.: An Introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM). The Institution of Structural Engineers, London (2021)

    Google Scholar 

  • Johansson, M., Roupé, M., Bosch-Sijtsema, P.: Real-time visualization of building information models (BIM). Autom. Constr. 54, 69–82 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, B.R.: One BIM to rule them all: future reality or myth? In: Kensek, K.M., Noble, D.E. (eds.) Building Information Modeling: BIM in Current and Future Practice, pp. 175–184. Wiley, Hoboken (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  • Karan, E.P., Irizarry, J.: Extending BIM interoperability to preconstruction operations using geospatial analyses and semantic web services. Autom. Constr. 53, 1–12 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kierczak, L.: Email surveys: how to send, questions & types [All-in Guide]. Retrieved November 17, 2020. https://survicate.com/email-survey/guide/ (n.d.)

  • Kim, J.I., Kim, J., Fischer, M., Orr, R.: BIM-based decision-support method for master planning of sustainable large-scale developments. Autom. Constr. 58, 95–108 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leedy, P.D., Ormrod, J.E.: Practical Research Planning and Design, 11th edn. Pearson, London (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Pengfei, Zheng, Shengqin, Si, Hongyun, Ke, Xu.: Critical challenges for BIM adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises: evidence from China. Adv. Civ. Eng. 2019, 1–14 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9482350

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, S., **e, B., Tivendal, L., Liu, C.: Critical barriers to BIM implementation in the AEC industry. Int. J. Mark. Stud. 7(6), 162–171 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Makowski, P., Kamari, A., Kirkegaard, P.H.: BIM-adoption within small and medium enterprises (SMEs): an existing BIM-gap in the building sector. In: 36th CIB W78 Conference, pp. pp. 265–274. CIB, Newcastle, United Kingdom, 18–20 September 2019

    Google Scholar 

  • Maree, K., Pietersen, J.: Sampling. In: Maree, K. (ed.) First steps in research, 3rd edn., pp. 214–224. Van Schaik Publishers, Pretoria (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthews, J., Love, P.E., Heinemann, S., Chandler, R., Rumsey, C., Olatunji, O.: Real time progress management: Re-engineering processes for cloud-based BIM in construction. Autom. Constr. 58, 38–47 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mehran, D.: Exploring the adoption of BIM in the UAE construction industry for AEC firms. In: International Conference on Sustainable Design, Engineering and Construction, pp. 1110–1118. Elsevier Procedia, Tempe, United States of America, 18–20 May 2016

    Google Scholar 

  • Milyutina, M. A. (2018). Introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technologies in Construction. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1015(4)

    Google Scholar 

  • Morlhon, R., Pellerin, R., Bourgault, M.: Building information modeling implementation through maturity evaluation and critical success factors management. Procedia Technol. 16, 1126–1134 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olatunji, S.O., Olawumi, T.O., Awodele, O.A.: Achieving value for money (VFM) in construction projects. J. Civ. Environ. Res. 9(2), 54–64 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  • Olawumi, T.O., Chan, D.W.: Building information modelling and project information management framework for construction projects. J. Civ. Eng. Manag. 25(1), 53–75 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • RICS: International BIM Implementation Guide. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, London (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  • RICS: The Future of BIM: Digital Transformation in the UK Construction and Infrastructure Sector. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, London (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodgers, C., Hosseini, M.R., Chileshe, N., Rameezdeen, R.: Building information modelling (BIM) within the South Australian construction related small and medium sized enterprises: Awareness, practices and drivers. In: 36th CIB W78 Conference, 18–20 September, Newcastle, United Kingdom. 31st Annual ARCOM Conference, pp. 691–700. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, Lincoln, United Kingdom, 7–9 September (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rokooei, S.: Building information modeling in project management: necessities, challenges and outcomes. Procedia. Soc. Behav. Sci. 210, 87–95 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sacks, R., Eastman, C., Lee, G., Teicholz, P.: BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers, 3rd edn. Wiley, Hoboken (2018)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Saka, A.B., Chan, D.W.: Profound barriers to building information modelling (BIM) adoption in construction small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): an interpretive structural modelling approach. Constr. Innov. 20(2), 261–284 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saka, A.B., Chan, D.W., Siu, F.M.: Adoption of building information modelling in small and medium-sized enterprises in develo** countries: a system dynamics approach. World Building Congress. CIB, Hong Kong, China, 17–21 June 2019

    Google Scholar 

  • Sawhney, A., Khanzode, A.R., Tiwari, S.: Building Information Modelling for Project Managers. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, London (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, D.K., Tardif, M.: Building Information Modeling: A Strategic Implementation Guide for Architects, Engineers, Constructors, and Real Estate Asset Managers. Wiley, Hoboken (2009)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, P.: BIM implementation - global strategies. Procedia Eng. 85, 482–492 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sompolgrunk, A., Banihashemi, S., Mohandes, S.R.: Building information modelling (BIM) and the return on investment: a systematic analysis. Constr. Innov. 22 (2022)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sullivan, G.M., Artino, A.R., Jr.: Analyzing and interpreting data from Likert-type scales. J. Grad. Med. Educ. 5(4), 541–542 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tezel, A., Taggart, M., Koskela, L., Tzortzopoulos, P., Hanahoe, J., Kelly, M.: Lean construction and BIM in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in construction: a systematic literature review. Can. J. Civ. Eng. 47(2), 186–201 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ullah, K., Lill, I., Witt, E.: An overview of BIM adoption in the construction industry: benefits and barriers. In: 10th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organization, pp. 297–303. Emerald Insight, Tallinn, Estonia, 7–8 May (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vidalakis, C., Abanda, F.H., Oti, A.H.: BIM adoption and implementation: focusing on SMEs. Constr. Innov. 20(1), 128–147 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wierzbicki, M., De Silva, C.W., Krug, D.H.: BIM - history and trends. In: 11th International Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality. Bauhaus-Universität, Weimar, Germany, 3–4 November 2011

    Google Scholar 

  • Won, J., Lee, G., Dossick, C., Messner, J.: Where to focus for successful adoption of building information modeling within organization. J. Constr. Eng. Manag. 139(11) (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, W., Issa, R.: BIM education for new career options: an initial investigation. In: BIM Academic Symposium. The National Institute of Building Sciences, Washington, D.C., Unites States of America, 7–11 January 2013a

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, W., Issa, R.: Impacts of BIM on talent acquisition in the construction industry. In: 29th ARCOM Conference, pp. 35–45. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, Reading, United Kingdom, 2–4 September 2013b

    Google Scholar 

  • Zikmund, W.G.: Business Research Methods, 7th edn. Thomson/South-Western, Nashville (2002)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

    H. A. Deacon & H. Botha

Authors
  1. H. A. Deacon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. H. Botha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to H. A. Deacon .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. CIDB Centre of Excellence, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Clinton Aigbavboa

  2. University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

    Joseph N. Mojekwu

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), Gauteng, South Africa

    Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

  4. Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana

    Lawrence Atepor

  5. Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Emmanuel Adinyira

  6. Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Gabriel Nani

  7. Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana

    Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Deacon, H.A., Botha, H. (2023). The Use of Building Information Modelling by Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises: The Case of Central South Africa. In: Aigbavboa, C., et al. Sustainable Education and Development – Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation. ARCA 2022. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25998-2_7

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation