Mustapha Munir, Arto Kiviniemi, Stephen Jones and Stephen Finnegan
There is a need to develop the understanding of asset owners concerning the constraints of building information modelling (BIM) implementation, and its subsequent value…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a need to develop the understanding of asset owners concerning the constraints of building information modelling (BIM) implementation, and its subsequent value realisation activities in asset management (AM) cannot be overstated. This is because the life cycle cost of a built asset is three times more than construction costs and five times more than the initial investment outlays. Hence, this paper investigated and identified the key issues and challenges of realising BIM business value in AM.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted an explorative and deductive approach. A qualitative four-stage research design strategy was adopted using 10 semi-structured interviews and document analysis to collect data. These were analysed through qualitative thematic analysis.
Findings
The study identified 15 key barriers and classified them from the perspective BIM governance dimensions, namely people, process and technology. Furthermore, the study identified that more process-based challenges are experienced than people or technology. Of the identified challenges, three are people-related, eight are process-related and four are technology-related.
Practical implications
The analysed results focussed on the development of the understanding of asset owners, policymakers and researchers regarding the complex challenges that hinder BIM utilisation and value realisation in AM. The findings of this paper support progress towards enhanced BIM adoption in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry by highlighting the significance of the identified challenges, their nature (people-, process- or technology-based) and the resultant effect on BIM business value realisation during asset operations.
Originality/value
The original contribution of this study was the exploration and identification of the current challenges experienced by asset owners in implementing BIM during asset operations and how these affect the derivation of BIM business value.
Details
Keywords
Yang Zou, Arto Kiviniemi and Stephen W. Jones
The purpose of this paper is to address the current theoretical gap in integrating knowledge and experience into Building Information Model (BIM) for risk management of bridge…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the current theoretical gap in integrating knowledge and experience into Building Information Model (BIM) for risk management of bridge projects by developing a tailored Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) and formalising an active link between the resulting RBS and BIM.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-step approach is used in this study to develop a tailored RBS for bridge projects and a conceptual model for the linkage between the RBS and BIM. First, the integrated bridge information model is in concept separated into four levels of contents (LOCs) and six technical systems based on analysis of the Industry Foundation Classes specification, a critical review of previous studies and authors’ project experience. The second step develops a knowledge-based risk database through an extensive collection of risk data, a process of data mining, and further assessment and translation of data. A critical analysis is conducted in the last step to determine on which level the different risks should be allocated to bridge projects and to propose a conceptual model for linking the tailored RBS to the four LOCs and six technical systems of BIM.
Findings
The findings suggest that the traditional method and BIM can be merged as an integrated solution for risk management by establishing the linkage between RBS and BIM. This solution can take advantage of both the traditional method and BIM for managing risks. On the one hand, RBS enables risk information to be stored in a formal structure, used and communicated effectively. On the other hand, some features of BIM such as 3D visualisation and 4D construction scheduling can facilitate the risk identification, analysis, and communication at an early project stage.
Research limitations/implications
A limitation is that RBS is a qualitative technique and only plays a limited role in quantitative risk analysis. As a result, when implementing this proposed method, further techniques may be needed for assisting quantitative risk analysis, evaluation, and treatment. Another limitation is that the proposed method has not yet been implemented for validation in practice. Hence, recommendations for future research are to: improve the quantitative risk analysis and treatment capabilities of this proposed solution; develop computer tools to support the solution; integrate the linkage into a traditional workflow; and test this solution in some small and large projects for validation.
Practical implications
Through linking risk information to BIM, project participants could check and review the linked information for identifying potential risks and seeking possible mitigation measures, when project information is being transferred between different people or forwarded to the next phase.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the theoretical development for aligning traditional methods and BIM for risk management, by introducing a new conceptual model for linking RBS to BIM.
Details
Keywords
Mustapha Munir, Arto Kiviniemi, Stephen Finnegan and Stephen W. Jones
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the processes, tools and techniques of strategic asset information management (AIM) for built assets, and how the asset information…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the processes, tools and techniques of strategic asset information management (AIM) for built assets, and how the asset information content enhances the proficiency of asset managers to effectively manage their assets throughout their life cycle by utilising building information modelling (BIM) and asset management (AM) systems. For most asset managers, the problem is not the lack of information about their assets, but the abundance of it, and most especially the absence of established processes and protocols to effectively manage large sets of asset data. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a strategy to control and manage this information in order for asset managers to harness its potential and realise value from their organisation’s information assets..
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study strategy was used to investigate the effective management of asset data in an AIM system. Seven sets of interviews were conducted and nine respondents were interviewed. These were analysed through qualitative thematic analysis using the NVivo software.
Findings
The paper identifies six dimensions of value that BIM contributes to AM, which are: management, commerce, efficiency, industry, user and technology value. Also, the paper demonstrates that there is real value to be derived by the asset owner from the effective management of asset information. The study highlights that the value of BIM is not inherent but would require many other processes to deliver value to the organisation.
Originality/value
The key value of the paper is that it identifies important techniques for managing asset data and how asset information is collected, organised, stored, controlled, analysed, secured, shared and reported within a virtual AIM system for strategic management-based decisions.
Details
Keywords
Mustapha Munir, Arto Kiviniemi and Stephen W. Jones
Currently, building information modelling (BIM) is largely seen as a 3D model, not as an information model or information management tool. This wrong perception of BIM and low…
Abstract
Purpose
Currently, building information modelling (BIM) is largely seen as a 3D model, not as an information model or information management tool. This wrong perception of BIM and low interest in 3D asset management (AM) is one of the major reasons for the slow adoption by clients in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The purpose of this paper is to identify the techniques and strategies of streamlining AM systems for BIM-based integration, and how the information is captured from physical assets towards BIM-based integration for clients to derive value from BIM investments.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study strategy was used to study the strategic implementation process of integrating BIM with AM systems and the business value of BIM in AM by a large asset owner in the UK.
Findings
The paper identifies key strategies in the adoption of BIM-based processes by an asset owner, the implementation process, the challenges and the benefits attained. Several barriers were identified as the challenges of adopting BIM-based processes in AM: complexity and cost associated with BIM; irrelevance of 3D geometric data in AM processes; nature of asset ownership structure; managing the asset handover process; managing change within the organisation. Organisations will have to consider the following issues in streaming asset information with BIM: the development for a clear strategy prior to adoption; connecting the strategy to the business goals; and conducting the discovery exercise to identify organisational information needs.
Originality/value
The research addresses a significant gap in the development of techniques and strategies for asset owners to streamline BIM with AM systems and derive business value from such integration. The research context is a case study involving a large owner-operator in the UK that has been able to derive value from BIM systems in their AM processes. The key value of the paper is improving asset owners’ understanding of BIM in AM by demonstrating the implementation strategies, linkage to organisational objectives, challenges, value management process and business value of BIM in AM. Another contribution of the paper is improving the understanding of BIM, which is usually viewed as 3D models and that 3D geometric data do not have much value for AM tasks.
Details
Keywords
Mustapha Munir, Arto Kiviniemi, Stephen W. Jones and Stephen Finnegan
The purpose of this paper is to investigate and identify the activity systems that drive building information modelling (BIM) business value in asset management (AM). The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate and identify the activity systems that drive building information modelling (BIM) business value in asset management (AM). The utilisation of BIM has widened in scope, functionality, flexibility and interoperability to support the AM business process. However, research concerning BIM business value in AM has been inadequate despite its considerable potential and significance in the attainment of organisational objectives. The realisation of BIM business value requires a concerted effort by the asset owner to be able to determine and appraise the critical activities that drive business value in AM.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a qualitative research approach based on a multi-case study strategy that aimed to identify the key business processes that drive BIM business value in AM. The study involved a three-stage research design using interviews and document analysis to facilitate a cross-case analysis from the perspective of the activity systems and dimensions of BIM governance.
Findings
The paper identified six critical activity systems that drive BIM business value for an asset owner: BIM strategy, contract management, lifecycle management, maintenance management, work-order management and value realisation management. The study found that the most developed activity system is the BIM strategy, and the least is value realisation management across all cases. Also, the paper points out that the most proficient BIM governance dimension is process, and the least is people across the three cases. The study noted that the ability of an asset owner to realise BIM business value has maturity undertones and that the asset owner could derive BIM business value, if the six activity systems are effectively executed and continuously improved to an advanced stage of maturity.
Originality/value
An original contribution of the study is the development of the understanding of asset owners in relation to the discovery of key activity systems that drive BIM business value in AM. Another significant contribution of this paper is the demonstration of a novel approach to evaluate organisational maturity of asset owners from the perspectives of the activity systems and BIM governance dimensions of people, process and technology.
Details
Keywords
Salla Palos, Arto Kiviniemi and Johanna Kuusisto
It has been argued that product data libraries have the potential to improve global real-estate development and increase productivity. Product data libraries provide the basis to…
Abstract
Purpose
It has been argued that product data libraries have the potential to improve global real-estate development and increase productivity. Product data libraries provide the basis to support diverse national classification systems and different languages. The aim of this paper is to identify product data management (PDM) systematics and recommend future development needs to building product libraries, focusing on the functional shortcomings and data processing deficiencies found in the current libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review of state-of-the-art practices of BIM within the construction industry was conducted including product libraries, supply chains, guidelines, industry tools and practices, and general use of BIM. Findings from the literature review were complemented with insights from the academia and industry by obtaining data through focused interviews with experts who were chosen based on their prestige and reference.
Findings
As a result of the studies performed for this article, roadmaps are proposed for product library implementation globally. The role of standardization in implementing BIM-compatible product libraries is highlighted.
Originality/value
This article covers the state-of-the-art practices of PDM in BIM libraries, which is useful for the development of coherent BIM libraries for the AEC industry worldwide.
Details
Keywords
Ari Pennanen, Glenn Ballard and Yrjänä Haahtela
Target costing determines the cost of a building before design. The cost of the product is based on the customer's requirements for the product's performance and the customer's…
Abstract
Purpose
Target costing determines the cost of a building before design. The cost of the product is based on the customer's requirements for the product's performance and the customer's willingness to pay for such performance. However, if the designers cannot achieve the target cost, the benefits of target costing are wasted. The purpose of this paper is to describe design steering, a methodology for managing design process to achieve target cost and purposed value for the customer.
Design/methodology/approach
The design steering concept steers the complex design process by knowledge management and rapid cost feedback loops, especially in the very early stages of design. Traditional estimating together with CAD systems cannot produce feedback because of the cumulative nature of design. This paper introduces advanced building information modelling (BIM) that supports project management in cost and quality management. As CAD systems start from zero, this BIM starts from the full content. The BIM constructs all the quantities and costs of the building components before the design starts, basing on the client's needs. The model acts as a “defending champion” in relation to the designer's proposals during the design.
Findings
Design steering concept is already in commercial use with encouraging results. A case study explains how design steering affects to designers' decision making. Design steering has helped mutual understanding between the designers and management enabling to achieve the target cost.
Research limitations/implications
At the moment more transparency on goals, processes and information models of clients, project managers and designers are needed in order to support the commitment process of the participants.
Originality/value
Design process has not been earlier dealt with from top to bottom, but from bottom to top. New BIM technologies enable both perspectives.