Optimizing Facility Management Through the Implementation of Building Information Modelling(BIM)
Chapter One
Objectives of study
Main Objectives:
The aim of this research is to explore the nature and occurrence in terms of the extent of BIM utilization in Facilities Management in Nigeria, the challenges and the determinants of BIM adoption.
Other Objectives
- To determine the levels and extent of BIM utilization in Optimizing facility management.
- To identify the challenges faced by Facilities Management practitioners in utilizing BIM for practice in
- To find out and evaluate the determinants for the adoption of BIM for Facilities Management practice in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to conduct a literature review on the level of BIM utilization and its adoption globally and Nigeria in particular. This will include providing a summary of relevant academic literature related to Facilities Management (FM). Furthermore, exploring all aspects and functions of a Facilities Management unit, with a focus on literature related to the utilization of technology in Facilities Management.
The discussion on technology in FM elaborates on programs that are used for storing, sharing and managing information in all aspects of FM. The concept of BIM is then introduced, together with its applications and tools, after which the chapter reviews BIM as a tool in Facility Management and the use of BIM in Nigeria, with a focus on the level of BIM use and the determinant associated with the adoption of BIM.
Conceptual Review
Facilities Management
FM has gradually gained a position as a discipline and profession within the property and construction industry. This importance is highlighted by the establishment of professional FM institutions globally such as IFMA in the USA, JFMA in Japan, BIFM in the UK, FMA in Australia, and NFMA in Nigeria (Tay and Ooi, 2015).
FM as a growing profession in the built environment has evolved over time owing to different views and definitions. Becker, (2010), states that “FM is the coordination of all efforts related to planning, designing and managing buildings and their systems, equipment and furniture to enhance the organisation’s ability to compete successfully in a rapidly changing world”.
FM is the process needed to support and enhance an organisation’s core business by making sure that its buildings, systems and services provide a quality, cost- effective environment for people and processes (Chotipanich, 2017).
It is an integrated approach to operating, maintaining, improving and adapting the buildings and infrastructure of an organisation in order to create an environment that strongly supports the primary objectives of that organisation (Rondeau et al., 2012). On the other hand, the Nigerian FM Association ascertains that FM enables sustainable enterprise performance through the whole life management of productive workplaces and effective business support services (Atkin and Brooks, 2015).
In addition, FM can be seen as the application of the total quality techniques used for improving quality, adding value and reducing the risk associated with building occupation and support services delivery (Alexandra, 2015), with the primary function of the process being resource management at strategic and operational levels of support (Liu and Su, 2013).
This study adopts the definition of FM based on the work of (Figgis, 2020, pp 1), which states that:
“FM’ is a simple and an accurate label for the work done to ensure that a building or building complex works efficiently and effectively, that it meets the needs of the people active inside it”).
In the past, organisations such as universities, colleges, hospitals and government departments focused mainly on building operation and maintenance, together with general office services (Kiprotich, 2014). Such organisations have had to focus on limited resources to ensure that their buildings, systems and services support core operations and processes, as well as contribute to achieving their strategic objectives (Alexander, 2015). Within those activities, organisations find that they need more structured approaches to improve daily routine tasks for designing, constructing, maintaining, relocating and disposing of facilities (Rondeau et al., 2012).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter discusses the methodology which was used in this research. The research methodology was chosen to satisfy the research aim and objectives which help to accomplish this research study. The chapter includes information about the research plan/strategy, population, sample size, data collection technique, interview and questionnaire design and development, face validity of the questionnaire, pre- testing of the questionnaire, pilot study, final content and application of the questionnaire, and analytical methods of data.
Research design
The research strategy is the general plan for how and what data should be collected and how the results should be analysed (Bryman and Bell, 2011). The chosen research plan will influence the type and the quality of the collected data Ghauri and Gronhaug, (2010). To investigate the research questions about BIM utilization in Facilities Management in Nigeria, a mixed quantitative and qualitative methodological approach was adopted. The mixed methods approach combines qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques (Creswell and Plano-Clack, 2011). In addition, the data is analysed and integrated using both qualitative and quantitative methods (Creswell and Tashakkori, 2020).
The methodical choice for the mixed method uses a mix of two approaches; Hartman, Fischer and Haymaker, (2022) – who advocate the use of a more qualitative approach when exploring the use of technology in the construction industry. And Howard et al., (2015) who suggested the use of a quantitative approach. The rationale of using a mixed method approach is that it provides strength which offsets the weaknesses of both qualitative and quantitative methods (Morgan, 2013; Davies and Hughes, 2014).
Target population
The data was collected in 2016. The research population included facilities management professionals registered with optimizing facility management Management Association (NFMA). The population from which a sample was drawn for this research comprised 950 FM practitioners registered with NFMA, amongst which 360 are based in Port Harcourt, which is the geographical scope of the study. Port Harcourt is one of the cities in Nigeria.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Introduction
This research, aimed at determining the level of BIM utilization and the determinants of adoption in FM is Nigeria. Chapter four presents an analysis of all the data collected via interviews and an internet web questionnaire. Qualtrics survey software, SPSS 24 and Ms Excel 2020 were used to collect and analyse data. A small sample of four industry expects took part in the interviews. Furthermore, 38 out of the 94 practitioners who were invited took part and completed the online survey.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSION
The aim of this research was to explore the nature and occurrence in terms of the extent of BIM utilization in FM in Nigeria and the barriers of BIM adoption. It was important to note that the use of BIM during the design and construction phase has been comprehensively discussed and researched in literature. However, literature on BIM for FM is not adequately discussed. The gap in literature was identified and the research problem was presented as follows: There is limited research on the adoption of BIM in the Facilities Management sector in Nigeria, leading to poor foundational knowledge, undocumented lessons, and an inaccurate picture of the current BIM adoption status of the local Facilities Management sector and the attendant challenges.
The literature review demonstrated that there are many benefits together with potential areas of BIM utilization in FM. Even though BIM in FM has various benefits, there are several barriers that are hindering the use of BIM in FM. The most prominent Barriers were cost, and organisational culture conduct related. Furthermore, the literature review provided evidence that BIM for FM can be used in facility planning, real estate and operations and maintenance management. However, the findings illustrate that BIM users utilize BIM for facilities planning and maintenance management. The discussion, chapter 4 presented the findings in relations to literature review. Findings on FM services, BIM utilization and the determinants of BIM adoption where highlighted.
Addressing the research objectives
The first objective was to determine the levels and extent of BIM utilization in Facilities Management practice among FM practitioners in Nigeria. As such, it is important to note that FM practitioners in Nigeria are still receiving, sharing and storing FM information in paper format. Those who use BIM find that BIM for FM does not have enough information for FM. Some of the information that they require for FM must be captured manually into the system and it is costly and time consuming to capture/input all the necessary data into a BIM model.
The findings of the research further suggest that FM practitioners are not taking the initiative to use BIM and that they do not understand how BIM can improve their work. For FM practitioner to start using BIM there is need for the industry to educate the practitioners on the benefits of BIM in FM. The maturity levels model that was discussed in literature assisted in the understanding of how the AEC industry is approaching BIM. However, the maturity matrix does not contain significant information in relation to BIM in FM. Therefore, the level of BIM utilization in FM cannot be solely based on the matrix.
The second objective was to determine the adoption of BIM relative to various aspects of Facilities Management practice. The fact that only 20% of the respondents had used or are using BIM indicates that the adoption of BIM in FM is very slow. Areas of BIM use in Nigeria included facilities planning and building operation management. Those application areas included locating components, facilitating real-time data, checking maintainability and automatically creating digital assets. To fast-track the adoption of BIM, organisations can encourage FM practitioners to start using BIM in those areas as they are viewed as easy areas of BIM implementation.
The third objective was to explore the barriers for the adoption of BIM for FM practise in Nigeria: The top four determinants of BIM adoption as indicated by those who had not used BIM were presented. This research proved that within these top four determinants, “Non-availability of opportunity to use BIM” was one of the top determinants. It is evident that adoption of BIM in FM is lagging behind the adoption of BIM in design and construction. To bridge this gap in literature it was important to understand the individuals’ perception on the use and the adoption of BIM for Facilities Management practise in Nigeria. Drawing on the UTAUT, this research identified factors affecting the adoption of BIM. The results showed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social factors have strong effects on behavioural intention.
Addressing the question and problem statement
From the survey, there is a small number of people who are currently using BIM. Although the percentage is low 20% the nature of BIM utilization in FM Practice in Nigeria resemble that of developed countries.
Summary of findings
Although FM practitioners are aware of BIM only a few are using BIM. The survey findings indicate that there is a low up-take of BIM in FM in Nigeria. Majority of the respondents identified cost and resistance to change as some of the factors which are hindering BIM adoption in Nigeria. FM practitioners have been reluctant to use BIM for FM as it requires large amount of manual data input. The results of this research suggest that the use of BIM in FM in Nigeria is lagging behind the use of BIM in FM in developing countries. Respondents had similar views regarding BIM for FM having insufficient information for FM.
BIM is an innovation, therefore a conceptual framework for technology acceptance was used to create a holistic understanding of how individuals adopt technology Through the UTAUT instrument, this research demonstrated that a strong relationship between Performance Expectancy and Behavioural Intention suggests that practitioners regard BIM as a tool which can be used to increase productivity, increase work performance and enable individuals to complete tasks faster. This perception can be seen as an encouraging factor towards the implementation of BIM in FM in Nigeria.
Secondly, the p-value of Social Influence towards Behavioural Intention was significant, meaning that the adoption of BIM in FM can be influenced by organisations and senior management, if senior management supports the use of BIM in FM, the use of BIM will gain momentum and bridge the gap between the use of BIM in design and construction.
Thirdly, Attitude was not part of the original UTAUT model but Howard et al., (2015) included it. Thus, this research also included attitude as a variable. The results confirm that Attitude has a large effect on Use Behaviour. Similarly, the feeling towards working with BIM was more important than the idea that using BIM is good in determining intent to adopt BIM.
In conclusion, it might be more realistic to also recognise that most companies manage old buildings, and that most of the old buildings do not have digital data. These results in FM practitioners using the traditional methods to receive, store, manage and share FM information. Some of the FM systems used currently may not be compatible with BIM and may therefore hinder interoperability with BIM tools. Therefore, the adoption of BIM in FM in Nigeria may take longer than expected.
Implications of findings
- BIM in developing countries is gaining momentum, however in Nigeria it is lagging behind. If the up-take of BIM in Nigeria does not pick up, FM companies in Nigeria will continue to be marginalised;
- Lack of skilled FM professionals who can use BIM and lack of sufficient FM information within BIM is contributing to the slow up-take of BIM in Nigeria; and
- Continuous use of traditional methods is limiting BIM exposure and inhibits collaboration amongst AEC Industry experts should develop strategies to encourage and reduce the amount of information received in paper format.
Recommendations based on finding implications
- BIM for FM can be adapted for multiple A case study on the implementation of BIM in the context of Nigeria should be developed to illustrate the benefits of BIM in FM. The results can be communicated to various stakeholders within FM;
- Once a study has been completed the government and clients must impose the use of BIM for all their projects. This will speed up BIM adoptions in Nigeria;
- The appropriate resources must be made available to ensure planning It is important to encourage open communication channels between design, construction and FM industries on the use of BIM. Open communication will encourage collaboration and the use of BIM to its full benefits;
- Identify the following application areas – locating components, facilitating real- time data, checking maintainability and automatically creating digital assets, as easy areas of BIM
- Reduce the cost of training and software so that FM practitioners can afford BIM for FM; and
- Introduce BIM training at university level to reduce the cost of training that must be carried by the client and increase the number of skilled
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