Factors that influence project team members to use BIM and IDDs in the construction industry

The purpose of this mixed-methods triangulation research study was to discover factors that influence project teams to use building information modeling (BIM) and integrated design and delivery solutions (IDDS) in construction projects, determine the reasons for slow acceptance of IDDS and BIM by project team members, identify necessary process changes for faster acceptance and use of IDDS and BIM by all project team members in the construction industry, and recommend solutions. The value of the construction industry globally is $5. 6 trillion (McGraw-Hill Construction, 2012a). The organizational structure in the construction industry is rigid and top down, which does not easily permit fast acceptance and seamless use of the latest technology. The construction industry requires open communication, close relationships, expert knowledge, experience, and teamwork among all participants and stakeholders (Sumner & Slattery, 2010). The mixed-methods research study involved collecting data through administrating a Web- based survey with closed- and open-ended questions sent to professionals in the construction industry. The study included simultaneously combined qualitative and quantitative phases. The quantitative and qualitative findings indicated the following factors influence the use of IDDS and BIM by project team members in the construction industry: project requirements, cost, project schedule, project complexity, and BIM and IDDS benefits awareness. Reasons for slow acceptance were lack of software knowledge, BIM and IDDS complexity, and slow learning process. The needed process changes identified were making IDDS and BIM project request-for-proposal and contract requirements. IDDS and BIM requirements should become new construction industry standards to ensure getting quality projects professionally done on time and budget.