A project management framework for enhanced productivity performance using building information modelling

Abstract

Although the Singapore government has mandated submissions of building plans in building information modelling (BIM) format since July 2013, this does not yet seem to lead to enhanced productivity performance. BIM collaboration between designers and downstream contractors appears to remain inadequate. While many studies have been conducted on using BIM for better project outcomes, studies that relate BIM with the identification of non-value adding activities in the project lifecycle and the reduction of the resulting wastes are at infancy stage. This paper aims to propose a project management framework for enhancing the productivity of building projects in Singapore, which forms Phase I of an ongoing research project. A two-pronged approach is presented. Firstly, non-value adding activities in the current project delivery process that uses BIM partially in Singapore are identified by comparing the typical current process with full BIM-based processes; such activities are cut down after process transformation in terms of people, process, and technology. Secondly, time savings derived from reducing the wastes caused by these activities are quantified. The proposed framework was validated by a case study of a local residential project. It was concluded that this framework provides a valuable tool for project teams to enhance productivity performance.

Investigating Critical Non-Value Adding Activities and Their Resulting Wastes in BIM-Based Project Delivery

“…Because of the word limit, this paper could only present the NVA BIM implementation activities and their resulting wastes in building project delivery in Singapore. In phase I of the research project, Liao et al [14] analyzed key BIM implementation activities in the current, partial BIM-based delivery and compared them with their counterparts in an integrated project delivery (IPD) in terms of project phasing and major stakeholders (not presented here). The IPD has materialized as an approach that can most effectively and fully facilitate BIM implementation in building projects, according to Porwal and Hewage [7], the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) [29], and Piroozfar et al [30].…”

“…"Insufficient communication between architect and engineers" (N4.2) in the construction documentation phase was the fourth distinctive activity, with a mean score of 3.73 in the downstream parties and 3.17 in the upfront stakeholders. This was because the consultants might think their designs already met relevant requirements, and, in contrast, the contractors tended not to trust in the designs [14]. The post-survey interviewees emphasized that, actually, in many cases, the consultants' models were messy.…”

Identifying factors for incorporating spatial data into BIM using the Delphi method

“…Free, easy-to-learn, flexible and up-to-date tools were seen to encourage unsophisticated users to embrace new technologies (Nilsiam andPearce, 2017, Mele andPoli, 2017). Technological support refers to the existence of a common data environment and effective data sharing tools among the BIM team members, made available by a technology provider or research institute can facilitate adoption of the new technology (Alreshidi et al, 2017, Liao et al, 2017. In contrast, the inability of the current technology used by industry players to keep pace with the advancement of new technology has been cited as the reason for slow advancement from old to new technology (Alshammari et al, 2018).…”

“…The construction industry is challenged to adopt Building Information Modeling (BIM) to improve its performance and to achieve sustainability in the industry (Arayici et al, 2011). Also known as n-Dimensional (n-D) Modeling or Virtual Prototyping Technology (Azhar et al, 2015), BIM refers to a digital presentation that integrates various sets processes, technologies and players in a building or facility lifecycle, aimed at increasing productivity and improving performance (Thomson, 2016, Liao et al, 2017. The visualisation in a 3D model under BIM improves understanding of the proposed project (Liao et al, 2017).…”

“…Adoption of new technology or processes remains challenging in the construction industry (Nor'Aini Yusof, 2017), which is known to be lagging behind in adopting new ideas, technologies and processes. Therefore, it would not be surprising if BIM technology received a slow response from the industry players (Rogers et al, 2015, Liao et al, 2017. At the same time, innovations in the construction industry are not all the same, and each innovation has different influencing factors and outcomes (Lai et al, 2016).…”