Building information modelling (BIM) readiness of construction professionals: the context of the Seychelles construction industry

Adam, Vincent; Manu, Patrick; Mahamadu, Abdul Majeed; Dziekonski, Krzysztof; Kissi, Ernest; Emuze, Fidelis; Lee, Simon

Abstract

Purpose: Although building information modelling (BIM) adoption in developed countries has largely been incentivised by government, in developing countries, adoption is often driven by desires of industry professionals, which is dependent on awareness of BIM and availability of skills among the professionals. Thus, BIM awareness and competence among professionals have become useful baseline measures of BIM readiness. To ascertain BIM readiness within the Seychelles construction industry, this study aims to investigate the level of BIM awareness and level of BIM competence among construction professionals. Design/methodology/approach: The study involved a questionnaire survey of construction professionals (n = 96) and data analysis using both descriptive statistics and association analysis. Findings: The results indicate a moderate level of BIM awareness, but a low level of engagement in BIM education/training. Also, the professionals have very low BIM technical skills, notably the ability to use BIM-related tools and to perform BIM-related task. Furthermore, this study suggests that the experience of working on collaborative projects could be a useful premise for BIM implementation among construction professionals. Originality/value: The implication is that construction professionals in the Seychelles need to start readying themselves for greater BIM adoption by taking steps to address the BIM technical skills deficiencies and the low engagement in BIM education/training.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 26, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Feb 26, 2021
• Publication Date: Apr 12, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jun 14, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
• Print ISSN: 1726-0531
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 823-840
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2020-0379
• Keywords: construction management; Seychelles; developing countries; competence; BIM; Building information modelling; association analysis; built environment research
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9409177
• Publisher URL: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JEDT-09-2020-0379/full/html