The adoption of building information modeling (BIM) in project management in Ghana

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Date
NOVEMBER, 2019
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Abstract
Building Information Modeling (BIM) was developed in an effort to improve the coordination between disciplines in the construction sector. The Ghanaian Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry has started adopting BIM in projects but at a low level. Considering the role project management practitioners play in the success of projects, this study sought to investigate the adoption of BIM in project management in the AEC sector mainly in the Ashanti region in Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to determine the level of knowledge and expertise of project management practitioners in BIM, identify the project management knowledge areas for which BIM is employed and determine the barriers that affect the adoption of BIM in project management activities. Using a questionnaire as the survey instrument, relevant data was obtained from twentythree project management practitioners through purposive sampling and statistically analyzed. The results of the study showed that level of knowledge and expertise of project management practitioners in BIM were averagely low even though most of the experts were aware of BIM. Also, although current BIM usage was relatively low, it was realized that overall, BIM application in project management activities was perceived to be useful in project management knowledge areas especially in Project Integration Management (PIM), Project Scope Management (PScM), Project Cost Management (PCoM), Project Schedule Management (PShM) and Project Quality Management (PQM). Moreover, the study further determined that the reluctance of project management practitioners to change their old working practices, the lack of trained professionals and the cost of procuring BIM technology were the top three barriers that affected the adoption of BIM in project management in the AEC industry. In the recommendation, project management practitioners were therefore encouraged to embrace new technology, find cost-effective and innovative ways of procuring BIM technology and finally engage in formal training in order to improve the adoption of BIM in the Ghanaian AEC sector
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Construction Technology And Management, Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology Kumasi in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of a Master of Science Degree in Project Management.
Keywords
Adoption, Building Information Modeling, Project Management
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