Consulting Business Workflow and Design Performance Metrics for BIM Based Construction Design in Nigeria

Abstract

Extant literature has confirmed the unavoidability of changes to the design of construction projects. These changes have also been identified as major reasons for project cost, quality, and time failure. Despite BIM’s documented capabilities to enhance project success, its implementation remains unsatisfactory in Nigeria. This paper, therefore, examines the impacts of BIM-based design workflow in consulting business on construction project design performance. Using questionnaire as the research instrument, quantitative survey research was adopted to collect data from consulting organizations. Analysis revealed sequential and concurrent workflows as the most used and preferred, respectively. Design coordination, information, and communication are enhanced with sequential workflow within a firm, while concurrent metrics are enhanced when collaborating with other firms. Both workflows are jointly declared suitable for the timely delivery of designs. The study, therefore, recommended retraining of professionals on sequential and concurrent workflows because of their appropriateness for efficient design within and among firms.

Unpacking Demographics-Based Impediments to Professionalization in the South African Built Environment

“…Companies are seeing the necessity of hiring a workforce that mirrors the present demographics of a diverse society [7]. This is viewed as a significant competitive advantage for companies in terms of attracting and maintaining the most skilled human resources, considering the prevailing trends in workforce composition [64,65]. A staff that encompasses a range of backgrounds and perspectives is essential for promoting innovation, nurturing creativity, and establishing comprehensive business strategies.…”

Assessment of Fee Variability among Built Environment Professionals in South Africa: A Comparative Analysis

“…To this end, it is neither in the client's interest nor in the project's interest for the consulting professional to be selected based on the lowest charge rather than the quality of service. It neither benefits the client nor the project [25,26]. The significant degree of disparities across consulting businesses suggested that while some consulting firms could claim an increase in earnings, most consulting firms reported a reduction in earnings.…”

“…It is, however, unanimously agreed that the satisfaction of project stakeholders is imperative to project performance and the success of infrastructure delivery. Previous studies have attributed motivation and effort on projects by professionals to be linked with the satisfaction of professionals, as fee reduction invariably affects quality [26,27]. However, beyond mostly anecdotal and descriptive reporting on the fundamental role that fee structure plays in determining project success, nothing has been carried out to explore the extent to which project performance and fee structure are empirically associated.…”