Preliminary building information modelling adoption model in Malaysia: A strategic information technology perspective

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between building information modelling (BIM) adoption from the perspectives of people, process and technology to strategic information technology (IT) in construction mediated by collaborative processes for new BIM entrants. The demand pull for more effective project delivery in the construction industry across the globe has continued to transform design techniques from two-dimensional, three-dimensional (3D) and, currently, BIM. Leverage on IT is pivotal for construction industry development as earmarked by the Malaysian construction industry master plan. BIM uptake by stakeholders in Malaysia construction industry is on a gradual increase. BIM generates and manages building data during its life cycle via 3D, real-time, dynamic building modelling.

BIM model is dependent on collaborative contribution by project teams’ input at various stages. However, challenges such as people, process and technology impede an effective adoption rate in Malaysia. This paper presents a continuation of an ongoing theoretical framework developed, to further investigate the relationship between BIM adoption from perspectives of people, process and technology to strategic IT in construction and collaborative process. To develop the framework, an extensive literature review on factors affecting BIM adoption was carried out. The underlining gap stems from a positivist standpoint in examining human – IT interaction. The model builds on conceptual technology acceptance models incorporating strategic IT implementation and collaborative processes in the industry.

The paper examined factors affecting BIM adoption in Malaysia. The factors are further affected by the environment where BIM is utilised. The paper also presents the mediating effect of collaboration for new BIM entrants. Overall, the theorised hypotheses delineate the strength and significance of the examined relationship within the model. Subsequently, the data will be collected from construction industry professionals (architects, quantity surveyors, engineers and contractors) through the developed survey instrument. The hypotheses will undergo structural equation modelling to analyse the desired statistical power, test for close versus exact fit and complexity of the model.

The findings will delineate the variables with predominant impact on BIM adoption and serves as a guide to future policymaking on BIM implementation in Malaysia.

Current research on BIM in Malaysia is limited to readiness and awareness. This paper extends the need for empirical findings from construction professionals’ perception of BIM. The findings also explain reasons for BIM adoption in new BIM entrants and add to current body of knowledge on IT acceptance model formation.