Barriers to BIM for facilities management adoption in Nigeria: a multivariate analysis

Abstract

PurposeBuilding information modelling (BIM) has been established in the literature as a successful platform that creates an intelligent virtual model for processing data from conceptual design through construction to operational stage of a facility. However, its adoption for facilities management (FM) provision in Nigeria has been slow due to inherent barriers. The aim of this paper is to (1) assess and categorise using factor analysis BIM for FM barriers and (2) model the barriers using stakeholders' personal/professional attributes.Design/methodology/approachAnchored on quantitative research design, 205 copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to key stakeholders and facilities managers in Nigeria's three strategic cities while 135 valid responses were received giving a response rate of 65.8%. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics while multiple regression analysis was used to model the barriers. Kruskal Wallis test was used to test the only hypothesis postulated for the study.FindingsThe study established lack of awareness of BIM for FM, poor supporting infrastructure for Internet services, and lack of education and training as the top three rated barriers militating against adoption of BIM for FM in Nigeria while corruption, widespread mistakes and errors and cultural issues were established as the three least rated barriers. Besides, findings also established eight underlying factors that explained 23 barrier factors used for the study which were subsequently used to develop eight regression models. In effect, gender, professional affiliation, organisation, experience, education, expertise, BIM for FM project type, and location were found to statistically predict the 8 extracted factors driving perceived barriers of BIM for FM adoption in Nigeria.Practical implicationsThe study has provided a framework of barrier factors to help stakeholders identify specific barriers for which appropriate measures can be taken to ameliorate consequences of the perceived barriers. Meanwhile, an improved and rejuvenated advocacy on inherent benefits of BIM for facilities management by frontline stakeholders could potentially steer up interests and increased participation of stakeholders on BIM for FM.Originality/valueThe unique study developed the first ever regression model that links BIM for FM barriers to professional attributes of facilities management stakeholders in Nigeria.

Influence of digitalisation adoption level on construction project delivery in Nigeria

“…This level of response is appropriate to produce a valid statistical sample competent to support the findings and conclusion of the study compared to prominent studies in the region (e.g. 65.8%, Ikediashi et al , 2022).…”

“…Abuja is the capital of Nigeria and the construction hub of the nation with several firms' head offices situated in Abuja. The city has witnessed rapid development in the utilisation of technologies when compared with other parts of the country (Ikediashi et al , 2022). Furthermore, the capital city is home to the highest population of construction firms and professionals in the construction industry in Nigeria.…”

“…A sample size of 183 was achieved using the Taro Yamane formula. Previous studies such as Ekung et al (2019) and Ikediashi et al (2022) utilised the Yamane formula to determine the sample size. Taro's formula is represented as:where “ n ” is the sample size, “N” is the population (105) and “ e ” is the level of confidence (95%).…”

“…The respondents were required to rate the digitalisation tool and their perceived degree of impact on project performance on a five-point Likert scale, where 1 5 very low, 2 5 low, 3 5 indifferent, 4 5 high and 5 5 very high. Ikediashi et al (2022) adopted a five-point Likert scale to determine the critical barriers to BIM for facilities management, hence the reason for the adoption in this study. Before the questionnaire survey, the study adopted the pilot study in operationalising digitalisation in the construction industry.…”