Evaluation of the organisational capability of the public sector for the implementation of building information modelling on construction projects

Abstract

Organisations are required to possess certain capabilities in order to implement Building Information Modelling (BIM), one of the emerging technologies for overcoming the problem of fragmentation in the construction industry. This study examines the organisational capability attributes required for the implementation of BIM in construction projects, with a view to enhancing the performance of public sector projects. The study adopted a quantitative descriptive analysis based on primary data obtained from public sector organisations in Lagos State, Southwestern Nigeria. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) valid questionnaires, obtained from construction professionals within the organisations, provided quantitative data for the assessment. Data collected were analysed, using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that public sector organisations possess the capability attributes for BIM implementation in building projects at different levels of availability (LAv) and adequacy (LAq), with adequate power supply rated at (LAv = 76.00%; LAq = 75.80%); speedy internet connection (LAv = 70.20%; LAq = 69.80%); change from traditional workflow (LAv = 69.80%; LAq = 64.60%); adequate work environment for workers (LAv = 69.60%; LAq = 64.40%); standardised process (LAv = 66.00%; LAq = 63.40%); sufficient number of workers (LAv = 65.60%) and data-sharing skills (LAv = 65.00%); standardised process (LAq = 63.40%), and collaborative team culture (LAq = 63.00%). The study established that the organisational capability attributes with high availability rating also have high adequacy rating. The research concludes that the general organisational capability attributes of the public sector for BIM on construction projects are not yet sufficiently developed and thus suggests the need to strengthen specific capability attributes that are required to implement BIM.