Adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) by Small and Medium UK Construction Enterprises (SMEs).

Abstract Purpose of this paper There is no unanimous agreement on a sole gain for adopting and implementing BIM (Building Information Modelling) will provide SMEs, which employed less than 250 people and perceptions of rewards have been seen to be impacted by the context of the individual. However, a general benefits can be inherent in its adoption except that all are focused predominantly on larger firms working on larger projects. There is less research conducted to establish a body of knowledge which allows SMEs to decide with greater certainty whether the adoption of BIM is suitable for their organisation due to the lack of current clarity on the issue. Design/methodology/approach This research investigates how BIM can be adopted by small and medium UK construction enterprise. It adopt an online-based questionnaire with both closed and open questions completed to fulfil the research objectives. The sample consists of 52 participants, working for SMEs within the construction industry. Findings The research demonstrates that occupation, experience, sector type, typical project size and organisation type all influenced perceptions of BIM, however these distinctions cause minor variances and the highest-ranked gain/benefit remain consistent throughout. The perceive challenges for BIM adoption for SMEs include: Lack of awareness, cultural resistance to change, the initial need for upskilling, training and recruitment, lack of organisational structure to support BIM, interoperability issues and concerns relating to return on investment. What is original/value of paper The research concludes that BIM would improve most SMEs and it should be implemented in the long-term. However, in the current environment it has not achieve its potential benefits except where multiple stakeholders are willing and able to use the technology, it is evident the construction industry has not matured to this stage, particularly for SMEs.