Decision Analysis of Institutional and Technical BIM Implementation for SMEs

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31181/jscda31202575

Keywords:

Building information modelling, BIM, Small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, IT implementation, BIM software, Decision analysis

Abstract

Notwithstanding BIM’s established reputation for enhancing project coordination, reducing errors, and augmenting long-term efficiency, its adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains inconsistent and fragmented. Statistical techniques, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Spearman’s correlation analysis, were used with a questionnaire survey that yielded 59 valid responses to underpin the study. The primary obstacles identified by the study include elevated software and training costs, insufficient governmental guidance, restricted technical expertise, and an ambiguous return on investment. Conversely, SMEs are inclined to adopt BIM when provided with appropriate incentives, including financial subsidies, practical training, and clearer regulations. The research indicated the hesitance of SMEs to use BIM software stems more from intrinsic constraints and an aversion to risk than from a dismissal of innovation. This study establishes the need for a dual strategy—first, reducing tangible obstacles and second, enhancing perceived value—to facilitate SMEs’ adoption of BIM. In the construction industry’s most resource-limited areas, it offers academic and practical perspectives for promoting digital transformation.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Dainty, A., Leiringer, R., Fernie, S., & Harty, C. (2017). BIM and the small construction firm: a critical perspective. Building Research & Information, 45(6), 696–709. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2017.1293940

Wang, X. (2012). BIM Handbook: A guide to Building Information Modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors. Construction Economics and Building, 12(3), 101–102. https://doi.org/10.5130/ajceb.v12i3.2749

Cheng, J. C. P., Law, K. H., Bjornsson, H., Jones, A., & Sriram, R. (2010). A service oriented framework for construction supply chain integration. Automation in Construction, 19(2), 245–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2009.10.003

Ayinla, K. O., & Adamu, Z. (2018). Bridging the digital divide gap in BIM technology adoption. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 25(10), 1398–1416. https://doi.org/10.1108/ecam-05-2017-0091

Chmeit, R., Lyu, J., & Pitt, M. (2024). Implementation Challenges of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Participating in Public Projects in Qatar. Computer and Decision Making: An International Journal, 1, 252–279. https://doi.org/10.59543/comdem.v1i.11035

Babatunde, S. O., Udeaja, C., & Adekunle, A. O. (2021). Barriers to BIM implementation and ways forward to improve its adoption in the Nigerian AEC firms. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(1), 48-71. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-05-2019-0047

Sexton, M., & Barrett, P. (2004). The role of technology transfer in innovation within small construction firms. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 11(5), 342–348. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980410558539

Osunsanmi, T. O., Aigbavboa, C. O., Thwala, W. D. D., & Molusiwa, R. (2021). Modelling construction 4.0 as a vaccine for ensuring construction supply chain resilience amid COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1108/jedt-07-2021-0384

Staniewski, M. W., Nowacki, R., & Awruk, K. (2016). Entrepreneurship and innovativeness of small and medium-sized construction enterprises. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 12(3), 861–877. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-016-0385-8

Lam, T. T., Mahdjoubi, L., & Mason, J. (2017). A framework to assist in the analysis of risks and rewards of adopting BIM for SMEs in the UK. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 23(6), 740–752. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2017.1281840

Takim, R., Harris, M., & Nawawi, A. H. (2013). Building Information Modeling (BIM): A New Paradigm for Quality of Life Within Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry. *Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 101*, 23–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.07.175

Ghaffarianhoseini, A., Tookey, J., Ghaffarianhoseini, A., Naismith, N., Azhar, S., Efimova, O., & Raahemifar, K. (2017). Building Information Modelling (BIM) uptake: Clear benefits, understanding its implementation, risks and challenges. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 75, 1046–1053. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032116308413

Abdirad, H. (2016). Metric-based BIM implementation assessment: a review of research and practice. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 13(1), 52–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2016.1183474

Poirier, E., Staub-French, S., & Forgues, D. (2015). Embedded contexts of innovation. Construction Innovation, 15(1), 42–65. https://doi.org/10.1108/ci-01-2014-0013

Lembangan, M. O., & Nurdiah, E. A. (2025). A Review of BIM Implementation in Indonesia’s Smart Cities: Challenges and Opportunities. Advances in Civil Engineering and Sustainable Architecture, 7(1), 46–59. https://doi.org/10.9744/acesa.v7i1.14569

Piroozfar, P., Farr, E. R. P., Zadeh, A. H. M., Timoteo Inacio, S., Kilgallon, S., & Jin, R. (2019). Facilitating Building Information Modelling (BIM) Using Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): a UK Perspective. Journal of Building Engineering, 26, 100907. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100907

Jiang, L., Shi, J., & Wang, C. (2022). Multi-ontology fusion and rule development to facilitate automated code compliance checking using BIM and rule-based reasoning. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 51, 101449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2021.101449

Caskey, K. R., Hunt, I., & Browne, J. (2001). Enabling SMEs to take full advantage of e-business. Production Planning & Control, 12(5), 548–557. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537280110042891

Eadie, R., Browne, M., Odeyinka, H., McKeown, C., & McNiff, S. (2013). BIM implementation throughout the UK construction project lifecycle: An analysis. Automation in Construction, 36, 145–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2013.09.001

Tezel, A., Koskela, L., & Aziz, Z. (2018). Current condition and future directions for lean construction in highways projects: A small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) perspective. International Journal of Project Management, 36(2), 267–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.10.004

Love, P. E. D., & Irani, Z. (2004). An exploratory study of information technology evaluation and benefits management practices of SMEs in the construction industry. Information & Management, 42(1), 227–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2003.12.011

Yalcinkaya, M., & Singh, V. (2015). Patterns and trends in Building Information Modeling (BIM) research: A Latent Semantic Analysis. Automation in Construction, 59, 68–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2015.07.012

Zhao, X. (2017). A scientometric review of global BIM research: Analysis and visualization. Automation in Construction, 80, 37–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.04.002

Abanda, F. H., Vidalakis, C., Oti, A. H., & Tah, J. H. M. (2015). A critical analysis of Building Information Modelling systems used in construction projects. Advances in Engineering Software, 90, 183–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advengsoft.2015.08.009

Pihkala, T., Varamaki, E., & Vesalainen, J. (1999). Virtual organization and the SMEs: a review and model development. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 11(4), 335–349. https://doi.org/10.1080/089856299283146

Pelletier, C., & Cloutier, L. M. (2019). Conceptualising digital transformation in SMEs: an ecosystemic perspective. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 26(6/7), 855–876. https://doi.org/10.1108/jsbed-05-2019-0144

Alreshidi, E., Mourshed, M., & Rezgui, Y. (2017). Factors for effective BIM governance. Journal of Building Engineering, 10, 89–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2017.02.006

Singh, N., & Anees, M. (2025). Digital Transformation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Drivers, Barriers, and Strategic Implications for Sustainable Growth. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i4.54817

Azhar, S. (2011). Building Information Modeling (BIM): Trends, Benefits, Risks, and Challenges for the AEC Industry. Leadership and Management in Engineering, 11(3), 241–252. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)lm.1943-5630.0000127

Hosseini, M. R., Banihashemi, S., Chileshe, N., Namzadi, M. O., Udaeja, C., Rameezdeen, R., & McCuen, T. (2016). BIM adoption within Australian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): an innovation diffusion model. Construction Economics and Building, 16(3), 71–86. https://doi.org/10.5130/ajceb.v16i3.5159

Warren, T. (1999). Book Review: Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. Sociological Research Online, 4(2), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1177/136078049900400202

Lee, S., Yu, J., & Jeong, D. (2015). BIM Acceptance Model in Construction Organizations. Journal of Management in Engineering, 31(3), 04014048. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)me.1943-5479.0000252

Doloi, H., Sawhney, A., Iyer, K. C., & Rentala, S. (2012). Analysing factors affecting delays in Indian construction projects. International Journal of Project Management, 30(4), 479–489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2011.10.004

Cho, H.-C., & Abe, S. (2013). Is two-tailed testing for directional research hypotheses tests legitimate? Journal of Business Research, 66(9), 1261–1266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2012.02.023

Jung, S. (2013). Exploratory factor analysis with small sample sizes: A comparison of three approaches. Behavioural Processes, 97, 90–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2012.11.016

Khosrowshahi, F., & Arayici, Y. (2012). Roadmap for implementation of BIM in the UK construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 19(6), 610–635. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699981211277531

Dos Santos, B., & Sussman, L. (2000). Improving the return on IT investment: the productivity paradox. International Journal of Information Management, 20(6), 429–440. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0268-4012(00)00037-2

Luthra, S., & Mangla, S. K. (2018). Evaluating Challenges to Industry 4.0 Initiatives for Supply Chain Sustainability in Emerging Economies. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 117, 168–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2018.04.018

Watkins, M. W. (2018). Exploratory Factor Analysis: A Guide to Best Practice. Journal of Black Psychology, 44(3), 219–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095798418771807

Yong, A. G., and Pearce, S. (2013). A Beginner’s Guide to Factor Analysis: Focusing on Exploratory Factor Analysis. Tutorials in Quantitative Methods for Psychology, 9(2), 79–94. https://doi.org/10.20982/tqmp.09.2.p079

Lewis, J. R. (1994). Sample Sizes for Usability Studies: Additional Considerations. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 36(2), 368–378. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872089403600215

Ilvonen, I., Thalmann, S., Manhart, M., & Sillaber, C. (2018). Reconciling digital transformation and knowledge protection: a research agenda. Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 16(2), 235–244. https://doi.org/10.1080/14778238.2018.1445427

Posillico, J. J., Edwards, D. J., Roberts, C., & Shelbourn, M. (2021). Curriculum development in the higher education literature: A synthesis focusing on construction management programmes. Industry and Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/09504222211044894

Mahamadu, A.-M., Mahdjoubi, L., Booth, C., Manu, P., & Manu, E. (2019). Building information modelling (BIM) capability and delivery success on construction projects. Construction Innovation, 19(2), 170–192. https://doi.org/10.1108/ci-03-2018-0016

Published

2025-10-27

How to Cite

Chen, Y., Lyu, J., Garcia-Sterling, Y., & Pitt, M. (2025). Decision Analysis of Institutional and Technical BIM Implementation for SMEs. Journal of Soft Computing and Decision Analytics, 3(1), 171-184. https://doi.org/10.31181/jscda31202575