Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a technological innovation currently at the forefront of digital transformation in the built environment. To achieve satisfactory outcomes with BIM, adopters need to find the most appropriate implementation strategy that is economically efficient. The research discussed here explores why and how distribution of effort spent on various tasks over project life cycle can be used as a metric for assessing and improving the performance of BIM implementation. Using quantitative data collected from a single in-depth case study of a BIM-enabled design and build project and subsequent interviews with three project actors and 11 BIM experts, to validate and triangulate the findings, we explore the use of effort data to analyze and visualize effort distribution patterns. The visualizations revealed the dynamics of team collaboration and task interdependences in BIM-enabled work and their impact on effort distribution. Lack of timely input by the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers influenced unusual patterns in the distribution of efforts indicating potential sources of inefficiency and unnecessary costs in the BIM process; thereby revealing the pivotal role of procurement structure and suggesting the need for timely involvement of key project participants. The contribution of this work is twofold. Methodologically, effort distribution analytics can provide insights that managers can use to improve BIM implementation process. Theoretically, the findings can be used to support informed decision-making, control cost, optimize resources, manage cash flow and to structure fees. ... Read more

BIM implementation can affect the project coordination mechanisms in unexpected ways, even in widely-applied project procurement structures. Apart from the chosen procurement approach, the BIM technology and the distribution of roles in the project team influence and shape the project coordination. This paper aims to explore the emerging coordination structures and processes from BIM implementation in design-build procurement. An exploratory comparative case study has been undertaken. The findings included two main coordination mechanisms: a centralized and decentralized structure and a hierarchical ver-sus participative decision-making processes. These two patterns subsequently open a debate about the rela-tions between BIM implementation and business models in AEC and particularly the emergence of specialized all-around BIM firms versus BIM-knowledgeable engineering firms. ... Read more

Various procurement methods have been proposed as being more appropriate for implementing BIM. Simultaneously, BIM implementation affects the project coordination. Whereas many approaches to BIM implementation have considered integrated procurement, not all are applicable to various local markets. Particularly in the Netherlands, BIM implementation is characterized by 'ground-up' and self-regulated initiatives. This paper aims to explore and identify the relationship between design-build procurement and the emerging coordination structures from BIM. Exploratory case study research has been undertaken. The findings included two main coordination structures: centralized and decentralized. These two structures subsequently carry implications for various construction firms and their respective business models, as well as BIM implementation in general. ... Read more