Design of a Competency Framework for BIM-Based Collaboration among Construction Professionals in Delta State

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) improves the efficiency and worldwide collaboration in the construction industry but its application in Nigeria and particularly in Delta state is minimal because of the lack of an organized competency model. This loophole limits the successful BIM teamwork and denies the professionals opportunities to acquire requisite skills. The purpose of the study is to come up with a BIM-based collaboration competency designed to suit the Delta State construction scenario. The survey design was a quantitative survey design by utilizing structured questionnaires that were given to 200 construction professionals, which were architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and project managers. The tool further elicited the technical, managerial, and relational competencies, existing cooperative practices, and obstacles in the development of competencies. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (mean scores, standard deviations and level of agreement). It was found that such technical skills as BIM software proficiency and model coordination had the highest mean positions, then came managerial competencies associated with schedule planning and BIM standards compliance. Relational competencies (such as communication, teamwork and adaptability) were also broadly accepted as essential in the development of trust and facilitation of interdisciplinary collaboration. Barriers identified by the respondents as major ones were the lack of access to licensed BIM software, the lack of training opportunities, the lack of digital infrastructure, and the lack of inter-organisational trust. To facilitate a more comprehensive adoption of BIM in the Delta State construction industry, a context-based BIM competency framework was created to inform training, standardised collaboration, and wider adoption of BIM.