Building information modeling (BIM) adoption and implementation in Ghana
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Date
2021-06-23
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Abstract
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been in the Architectural Engineering and Construction
(AEC) industry over the world for the past decade and has gain roots in the developed countries.
Countries who have advanced in the use of BIM have already benefited from its advantages which
include productivity, reduction of errors and value for money. In developing countries and for that
matter Ghana, the awareness and use of BIM is very low, therefore having a negative effect on the
AEC industry. There is therefore the need to promote BIM awareness in the country. This thesis
looks at the advantages of BIM, BIM patronization among AEC professionals and how to help
increase BIM adoption and implementation among professionals. Professionals within the AEC
industry of Ghana were identified. These professionals included Civil Engineers, Architects,
Quantity Surveyors, and Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing Engineers; who are members of their
respective professional bodies such as Ghana Institute of Engineers, Ghana Institute of Architects,
Ghana Institution of Surveyors and others. Snowball sampling was used in identify these
professionals. A sample of 30 professionals was obtained from Kumasi including those in the
private and public sectors. These professionals were selected on the bases of their experience and
the complexity of the projects they are handling or have handled. Survey questionnaires were
distributed among these professionals where they provided answers to the questionnaires which
served as the source of data. Snowball sampling method was used in collecting data from these
professionals. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Relative Importance
Index method. From the analysis it was established that the usage of BIM among the AEC
professionals is low. The challenges to the low patronization of BIM in Ghana was looked and the
challenges included lack of BIM experts within the industry, poor technological edge, resistance
at the operational level, cultural resistance, limited BIM knowledge, lack of financial resources,iii
lack of demand from clients, management perceiving no need for BIM, no collaboration with other
professionals and the procurement system. Measures to overcome these challenges were also
discussed in this thesis and the following recommendations were made; participation of relevant
professional bodies, government support through legislation, integration of BIM into the academic
curricular and making BIM softwares / tools available.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Construction Technology and Management, College of
Art and Built Environment in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science in Construction Management.
Keywords
Building Information Modeling (BIM), Ghana