Improving Outcomes in Construction Projects

A great question, Rami! BIM has been around for a long time, yet there are many organizations who don't utilize it. I suspect it may be a combination of cost and the learning curve. For the IPD, we are hoping that this curriculum starts a groundswell in that direction. It removes the adversarial aspect where all parties have skin in the game. This should drive better outcomes.

I would suspect cost is one of the biggest obstacles, especially for larger companies that have been around a long time such that digital transformation requires maintaining multiple systems with separate sets of people skilled at using them. It's typically over 2 years for employees to become comfortable and fully competent using new systems so there is often a lot of risk involved before the company can see improvements on the balance sheets from a major overhaul. I have seen large firms write off billions on miracle systems that didn't deliver the massive savings advertised.

Construction is also an industry where you have a lot of "old school" businesses and employees where there is a lot of resistance to change. We have tried implementing more intuitive manufacturing instructions using computer aided tools but find resistance from mechanics who want everything printed out on paper and believe the additional information available just ads confusion. I suspect that businesses in the ME are relatively newer overall due to the timeline of large scale development in the region (pyramids not withstanding). Many older companies still use materials management systems originating from Henry Ford, converted to primitive 1980s computers, and then kept running with duct tape and bailing wire ever since. It can be easier to implement new technology without all that long term baggage.

I think a critical component is having a lightweight user interface for those who only need a specific view of the integrated data. Supply chains run deep and different uses interface with different parts of the larger database. Generating custom views of the bigger picture for specific job roles requires less training to effectively use the technology while providing all the information people need to do their work yet not so much extra information that it becomes overwhelming.

In my own experience regarding BIM deployment in construction projects in Singapore, a push from the government or statutory requirement, similar to health and safety, might help so that the industrial players must abide by the regulations. Of course, sufficient time must be given for adoption and adjustment as well as some monetary incentives might help.

Thanks Rami!
Re: "How can the construction industry leverage collaborative project delivery methods such as integrated project delivery (IPD) and building information modeling (BIM) to streamline project delivery and improve outcomes?"

Based on various studies of projects/programs that miss their contractual requirements for scope, schedule and budget, we learn that . . .initially. . . the technology used accounted for less than 5 to 10% of the loss.

At least 75% or more of the losses were caused by lack of knowledge and skill
"How to play nice with others."

i.e., People, process, and lack of leadership that matters.

Cheers,
Bill
p.s. If I may suggest, BEFORE replying to this brief note, go to "Google Scholar" and checkout the assertions made above.