The Use of Building Information Modelling by Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises: The Case of Central South Africa

H. A. Deacon () and H. Botha
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H. A. Deacon: University of the Free State
H. Botha: University of the Free State

A chapter in Sustainable Education and Development – Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation, 2023, pp 81-93 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Purpose: The paper identifies the benefits and challenges that impact the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) by small to medium-sized enterprises in South Africa, as well as the organizational barriers and benefits that contribute to the utilization of BIM by these types of organizations. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was based on a literature review and survey, with the survey consisting of a questionnaire that was issued to 130 construction professionals. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed by using descriptive statistics protocols and the findings were then compared against the existing literature. Findings: The results indicated that BIM is seldom used by small to medium-sized enterprises, with many respondents’ that specifically work for such organizations having never engaged with it. The foremost barrier was a lack of support from senior management for its implementation, while the main benefit was better project planning due to visualization. Research Limitations/Implications: The survey was geographically limited to respondents from central South Africa, namely the Free State and Gauteng provinces. The survey response rate was also only 24%, which may not be enough to generalize the findings. Practical Implication: It is therefore evident that BIM will only be successfully adopted by small and medium-sized firms when the government supports it, and clients request its use. If this is not addressed, the AEC industry will further enforce its current underlying ‘BIM imbalance’ in favour of large practices. Social Implication: Culturally, firms that focus on smaller projects do not generally use BIM as they feel it is an overkill for the nature of their work. Originality/Value: The study enhances the current body of knowledge on BIM by enabling practitioners in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry to determine if its use is practical for their organizations.

Keywords: Barriers; Benefits; construction; BIM; SMEs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-25998-2_7

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-25998-2_7

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