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KB7052_Dissertation_Majed_W18026676-Copy.pdf
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Project Report
KB7052 – Master’s Research Project
Investigation the Readiness of Saudi Construction SMEs for BIM Implementation
Majed Albishri
W18026676
Construction Project Management with BIM
Supervisor Name: Ray Elysee
20th of May 2021
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Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Environment
KB7052 Research Project Research Declaration Form
I declare the following:
1. That the material contained in my dissertation/journal paper is the result of my work and that due acknowledgement has been given in the bibliography and references to all sources be they printed, digital, or personal, using the Cite Them Right bibliographic referencing system.
2. The word count of my dissertation is 9,400 words. 3. I agree to an entire digital copy or sections of my dissertation/journal paper
being placed on the Blackboard module if deemed appropriate, to allow future students and academic staff the opportunity to see examples of past students’ dissertations/journal papers.
4. I agree to my dissertation/journal paper being submitted to a plagiarism detection service where it will be stored in a database and compared against work submitted from this or any other module in Northumbria University and from other UK, EU, and international institutions using the service. In the event of the service detecting a high degree of similarity between the content of my dissertation/journal paper and the documents contained within the database, this will be reported back to my supervisor, examiners, and internal moderators, who may decide to undertake further investigation that may ultimately lead to disciplinary action (according to ARTA), should an instance of academic misconduct be detected.
5. I have read the Northumbria University policy statements on ethics and governance and confirm that ethical issues have been considered, evaluated, and appropriately addressed during my research and during the production of my dissertation/journal paper.
6. I agree to the module tutor nominating my dissertation/journal paper on my behalf for appropriate academic with the CIOB, RICS, IMechE, and APM, etc.
Signed (Student Number): W18026676 / Majed Abdullah Albishri
Date: 15th of May 2021
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Contents
List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... iv
List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... iv
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1: Background to study ................................................................................................... 1
1.2: Justification for study ................................................................................................. 2
1.3: Aim ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.4: Objectives ................................................................................................................... 2
1.5: Research questions ..................................................................................................... 2
1.6: Prelude to chapters ..................................................................................................... 3
2 Literature review ......................................................................................................... 4
2.1: Definitions and Maturity Levels of BIM .................................................................... 4
2.2: Benefits and Barriers to BIM ..................................................................................... 4
2.3: History of BIM ........................................................................................................... 5
2.4: BIM Usage in SMEs ................................................................................................... 6
2.5: BIM Global Usage ...................................................................................................... 7
2.6: BIM usage in MENA ................................................................................................. 7
2.7: BIM usage in KSA ..................................................................................................... 8
2.8: BIM Readiness Assessment Concepts and Models .................................................... 9
2.9: Concluding remarks & gap analysis ......................................................................... 11
3 Methodology ............................................................................................................... 12
3.1: Ontology and Epistemology ..................................................................................... 12
3.2: Mixed method ........................................................................................................... 12
3.3: Ethical approval ........................................................................................................ 14
4 Results & Analysis ..................................................................................................... 15
4.1. Quantitative results & analysis ................................................................................. 15
4.2. Qualitative results & analysis ................................................................................... 20
4.3. Triangulation (External reliability) ........................................................................... 26
5 Discussion ................................................................................................................... 28
6 Conclusion & Recommendations ............................................................................. 31
References .......................................................................................................................... 33
Appendix ............................................................................................................................ 41
Appendix A: .................................................................................................................... 41
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Appendix A1: Project Management Record ................................................................ 41
Appendix A2: Gantt Chart ........................................................................................... 43
Appendix A3: Ethics Approval .................................................................................... 44
Appendix B: Additional information ............................................................................... 47
Appendix B1: Figures .................................................................................................. 47
Appendix B2: Tables ................................................................................................... 49
Appendix B3: Survey Questionnaire (Google Form) .................................................. 51
Appendix B4: Internal Reliability of the Survey Questionnaire.................................. 58
Appendix C: Interviewees’ transcripts ............................................................................ 59
Appendix D: Interview notes .......................................................................................... 69
Appendix E: Applying codes .......................................................................................... 72
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List of Figures Figure 1: Participant profiles/demographics ....................................................................... 15
Figure 2: BIM awareness in KSA-AEC-SMEs ................................................................... 16
Figure 3: Criteria for BIM adoption in KSA-AEC-SMEs .................................................. 18
Figure 4: Saudi National Issues ........................................................................................... 19
List of Tables Table 2-1 : Readiness assessment criteria framework of BIM (Haron, 2013) .................... 10
Table 4-1: Interviewee profiles ........................................................................................... 21
Table 4-2: Overall themes/codes originating in interviews transcripts ............................... 23
Table 4-3: Sub-themes appearing from the government theme in Table 4-2...................... 23
*Notice: Adding letter ‘A’ after the number of Figure and/or Table in the text (e.g., Figure 3A) refers to it being available only in the appendix, which can be easily directed to by pressing Ctrl + left click of mouse.
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1 Introduction The current research intends to understand whether a certain sector within a developing
country is prepared for accommodating a new system. In that regard, the AEC (Architecture,
Engineering, and Construction) sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) which rivals
its oil sector (Al-Yami and Sanni-Anibire, 2019) is considered. However, as the SMEs
(Small and Medium Enterprises) are the backbone of the economy, this subsector (KSA-
AEC-SMEs) has been chosen for the investigation. The new system under consideration is
a necessary component of modern-day AEC projects, named BIM (Building Information
Modelling) which aids in collaboration, information sharing, enhanced 3D design, and
efficiency. It is an amalgamation of practices, policies, technologies, and processes that has
radically changed how AEC projects are grasped, designed, and operate (Hardin and
McCool, 2015). In advance of deploying this system, policy makers deserve to know and
understand how prepared the country’s AEC-SMEs subsector is so as to modify policy
accordingly, especially in light of the recent VISION 2030 development program which
digitalises the AEC sector (BIM Forum, 2020).
1.1: Background to study As Saudi Arabia is a developing country with a recent development program (VISION
2030), much investment is being allocated for progressing the country forward. A part of
this national program is the automation, digitalisation, and streamlining of operations and
processes for added efficiency in all industries, especially the crucial ones such as the
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). On that basis, this research intends to
evaluate the readiness of Saudi Construction SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) to
implement Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM is a broad concept which outlines
the process of establishing and administering digital data, information, and knowledge
regarding a structure via a common digital illustration to enable design, construction,
operations, and management of the construction project for producing a dependable
foundation for decision-making in the AEC (Designing Buildings, 2021). It has already been
a topic of discussion in the Saudi development program (Vision 2030) with many forums
assigned to it (BIM Forum, 2020).
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1.2: Justification for study BIM implementation has now become a necessary part of AEC projects in developed
nations (Sacks et al., 2018). However, for developing countries such as Saudi Arabia, it does
not have the position it deserves (Aljobaly and Banawi, 2020). Although there is massive
research on BIM benefits globally and even partial uses of it in Saudi Arabia, very few, if
any, research has been done to see whether the country can manage an implementation of
BIM for the AEC-SMEs. This is important as SMEs in any country contribute massively to
the economy and Saudi AEC sector is a thriving one. Moreover, the Saudi VISION 2030
development program will consider using IT packages such as BIM to modernise the
country. That is why it is necessary for policy makers to have an evaluation of the readiness
of the country for BIM implementation, especially as BIM is being considered an element
of this national development (BIM Forum, 2020). Therefore, this research can contribute to
incorporation of BIM in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).
1.3: Aim Exploring how ripe the Saudi SMEs within the AEC industry are for implementation of
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
1.4: Objectives 1-To appraise and explore relevant literature related to BIM with distinct focus upon the
area of BIM preparedness
2-Understanding the current attitude towards BIM in Saudi Arabia
3-To understand the readiness criteria of the Saudi Arabian AEC-based SMEs
4-Understanding what obstacles exist in the country for BIM adoption
5-Obtaining knowledge as to the necessities of BIM in Saudi Arabia
6-Formulating an evaluation measurement (questionnaire and interviews) to assess
readiness for KSA-AEC-SMEs
7- Gaining insight into the potential KSA has for BIM adoption towards a possible forecast
of progress in the future
1.5: Research questions 1-Is Saudi Arabia ready for BIM implementation for its AEC-SMEs?
2-Can the VISION 2030 assist BIM implementation in the country?
3-Will the Saudization campaign to use indigenous specialists harm BIM implementation?
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1.6: Prelude to chapters The dissertation starts with Chapter 1 introducing the topic, presenting the main pillars of
the dissertation. Chapter 2 conducts a thorough scrutinization of available literature,
exposing gaps. Thereafter, Chapter 3 delves into the methodology and methods that are used
for achieving the objectives and research questions. Afterwards, presenting the results
achieved, Chapter 4 will analyze them via descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Chapter 5 discusses the implications of these results and presents what they mean for BIM
in KSA-SMEs. Finally, Chapter 6 will sum up all that is done and try to offer
recommendations for future research and the KSA government.
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2 Literature review The literature review shall start by discussing various conceptualizations of BIM (Building
Information Modelling). Thereafter, the benefits and barriers to BIM adoption in KSA-AEC
is discussed, followed by a short history. Subsequently, its use in SMEs (Small and Medium
Enterprises) is explained with its global usage ensuing. Then, its usage in MENA (Middle
East and North Africa) is considered. BIM’s specific use in KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
is the main point of focus coming later with readiness models afterwards. Finally, the review
culminates in a gap analysis.
2.1: Definitions and Maturity Levels of BIM Designing Buildings (2021) views BIM as a wide concept which illustrates the process of
forming and controlling digital information regarding a constructed asset (e.g., Bridge,
tunnel, dam, motorway, or building). The National Institute of Building Sciences (2021),
however, articulates that BIM is indeed a digital depiction of the operational/physical
features of an AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) structure, offering a
platform for sharing information collaboratively in real time regarding the structure which
establishes a solid groundwork for decisions throughout the project life cycle end to end. It
would seem that Succar (2009, p. 357) has offered quite a comprehensive description,
delineating BIM as, “a set of interacting policies, processes and technologies generating a
methodology to manage the essential building design and project data in digital format
throughout the building’s life-cycle.” It must be remembered that the concept of BIM is not
a static entity and operates on a continuum, referred to as BIM maturity levels. As the
progress from level 0 moves forward to higher levels, the AEC industry becomes more
digitalised, automatic, collaborative, with better information sharing. BIM maturity levels
used within UK (Tekla Campus, 2021) are described in Figure 1A (Appendix B1).
2.2: Benefits and Barriers to BIM There are many confirmed advantages to Building Information Modeling (BIM) such as
aiding continuous improvement, cooperation between stakeholders, and virtual simulation
of AEC activities. Moreover, BIM offers elaborate details virtually and the necessary
information for informed decision making. BIM supports logistics, design, and information
sharing for better understanding of the structure, not to forget assistance in maintenance and
facilities management subsequent to project completion (Lu et al., 2014). Smith (2014) has
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a more focused view in regards to BIM benefits, referring particularly to the simulation BIM
offers, emphasizing that stake holders can assess and observe the various components of the
construction in real time from any place (Smith, 2014; Bryde, Broquetas and Volm, 2013)
(A tabulated view of BIM advantages can be seen in Appendix B2 Table 1A).
On the other hand, similar to the implementation of any new system or method, obstacles
emerge. In the case of BIM, they can be classified into three main types: Individual
problems, commercial issues, and technical obstacles. For instance, in the domain of
individual obstacles, Al-Yami and Sanni-Anibire (2019) point to the problems of very little
training and guidelines being available to potential BIM learners while Wu et al. (2021) and
Ahmed, Emam and Farrell (2014) point to the issues of comfort with existing systems and
resistance to change. Commercially, whether BIM is a success for every firm has come
under question as Lu and Korman (2010) state that not all companies are convinced whether
the cost/benefit analysis is positive for the implementation of BIM. On the technical front,
lack of competent specialists will harm BIM adoption (Wu et al., 2021). In addition, where
and when the technological infrastructure of a country can accept and sustain BIM is another
question (Bui, Merschbrock and Munkvold, 2016) (A tabulated list of BIM barriers is
presented in Appendix B2 Table 2A).
2.3: History of BIM The evolution of BIM and various developments which contributed to it, including the
scientists who led its innovations, have had global dimensions. To track BIM’s roots, the
systems that led to BIM being born emerge from concepts such as Computer-Aided
Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) around the 1960s. Dr. Patrick
J. Hanratty designed Pronto in 1957, the 1st commercial CAM software. Shortly afterwards
in 1961, he experimented with computer-generated graphics, developing Design Automated
by Computer (DAC) which was the 1st CAM/CAD system with interactive graphics. In
1963, the 1st CAD with graphical user interface was created (Sketchpad) by Ivan Sutherland
at MIT. It initiated a path for human computer interaction and was a step forward in
computer graphics (Cherkaoui, 2017).
However, it was not until 1975 where Charles Eastman posited the closest model, thus far,
to the modern BIM. He wrote an article describing a model titled, ‘Building Description
System (BDS)’, describing notions such as parametric design and top-grade computable 3D
illustrations using a single-integrated-database for graphical/quantifiable calculations.
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Eastman did not stop there and in 1977, built GLIDE (Graphical Language for Interactive
Design), displaying nearly all of the attributes of the contemporary BIM. The Cold War
instigated a shocking turn of events in BIM development when in 1982, Gábor Bojár started
developing ArchiCAD in Communist Hungary which later became the 1st BIM application
compatible to PCs (Cherkaoui, 2017).
As far as terminology, Robert Aish was the first person to use ‘Building Modelling’ in one
of his articles in 1986. Afterwards, in 1992, the first time the phrase ‘Building Information
Model’ was used occurred in the journal ‘Automation in Construction’ by F. Tolman and
G.A. Van Nederveen. Moving forward, Onuma, in 1999 Japan, encouraged virtual groups
to work on BIM online, creating database-driven BIM planning systems (Cherkaoui, 2017).
During 2000, Charles River Software developed Revit, which transformed BIM by utilizing
a parametric change engine and forming a platform that permitted time attribute to be
included. Afterwards, NavisWorks created JetStream in 2001. It was a 3D-design review
application presenting tools for 3D CAD navigation, coordination, and cooperation,
allowing for problem detection and simulation. Thereafter, Autodesk, a formidable
company in this field (who purchased Revit and NavisWorks) created Formit in 2012, a
program that empowers BIM model on mobile devices. These were the fundamental
developments in BIM (Cherkaoui, 2017).
2.4: BIM Usage in SMEs Since SMEs have a prominent role in the economies, it is important to consider BIM
implementation in AEC-SMEs. Normally, the construction industry is composed of several
companies, wherein mostly are SMEs (Dainty et al., 2017). For the AEC sector to
recommend proper guidelines when implementing new systems such as BIM, it is important
to contemplate BIM acceptance by SMEs (Boktor, Hanna and Menassa, 2013). Even though
larger firms are eager to welcome BIM, SMEs appear to be lingering (McGraw Hill
Construction, 2012; Hong et al., 2016). In accordance with McGraw Hill Construction
(2012), the quantity of big firms implementing BIM is 3-times more than tinier businesses.
Financial barriers were an impediment as the expense of applying even the 1st-level of BIM
was difficult, especially when a sizeable amount of capital was required to be devoted across
a small period (Li et al., 2019). Furthermore, owing to the inadequate studies focused on
implementation by SMEs, they seemed to show slight fascination with BIM (Vidalakis,
Abanda and Oti, 2020).
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2.5: BIM Global Usage Although BIM usage has been spreading all around the world, its implementation is still
slow in construction as compared to manufacturing and engineering. In the United States,
the General Services Administration (GSA), which is in charge of all federal projects, has
endorsed BIM. They have instituted instructions and standards for BIM such as the national
BIM standard (GSA, 2020). The United Kingdom has also started a BIM execution plan in
order to convert the UK AEC sector to an international leader. The aim was to have BIM on
all governmental projects by 2016 (HM Government, 2012; Withers, 2012). For that
purpose, the BIM Task Force was initiated to assist with companies to adapt their practices
towards BIM (McGraw Hill Construction, 2014).
Moving towards Southeast Asia, the BCA (Building and Construction Authority) in
Singapore had required all public projects to be done via BIM by 2015 (Smith, 2014). The
government also put in place a CPCF (Construction Productivity and Capability Fund) for
supporting this initiative. Interestingly, Japanese firms consistently reported a positive ROI
(Return on Investment) when using BIM (McGraw Hill Construction, 2014). Unlike Japan,
the Chinese AEC sector is not very far ahead in BIM implementation with only 15% of
companies adopting it in 2012 (Smith, 2014). Overall, what has been seen internationally is
that there are several factors which influence BIM adoption: Government mandates,
leadership of industrial associations, national/international standards, BIM
databases/libraries, BIM protocols, BIM legal contracts, BIM education at universities, BIM
training at institutes, BIM research, and business changes (Smith, 2014).
2.6: BIM usage in MENA The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has a thriving AEC sector with mega/complex
projects growing swiftly because of the rising populace and the high requirement for
infrastructure. With multi-national firms involved in these projects, a share of expertise and
systems inevitably occurs (i.e., BIM) (Gerges et al., 2017). Among these states, Dubai was
the first to decree BIM usage in large-scale projects (Matarneh and Hamed, 2017). Even so,
adoption of BIM in MENA has been largely voluntary as BuildingSmart (2011) reported
that roughly 25% of personnel are exploiting some aspects of BIM, such as its enhanced
quality control (QC), efficiency, and decline in design miscalculations. Gerges et al. (2017)
has a similar figure, finding that in MENA, BIM acceptance is not agreeable as just 20% of
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AEC companies are utilizing BIM or are engaged in BIM implementation process at any
level.
Generally, among MENA countries, UAE tops in terms of BIM usage, and even UAE is
still plagued by a lack of standards, ambiguity in execution fees, and unclear profitability
(Mehran, 2016). Egypt comes after UAE because of infrastructure projects. In 3rd place,
Qatar is seen with an upsurge in BIM realization since 2010, pushing ahead of KSA in 4th
place. Gerges et al. (2017) had found that the highest used BIM tool in MENA was noticed
to be Revit, but with AutoCAD coming after. Moreover, the key impediments to BIM
application were firstly, ‘resistance to change’, with others such as ‘extra costs’, and
‘shortage of specialists’ (64% of people capable of BIM are self-tutored (BuildingSmart
(2011)) coming after.
2.7: BIM usage in KSA Even though BIM is being applied in KSA, it is nevertheless understood to be in its initial
phases (BuildingSmart, 2011; Awwad and Ammoury, 2013; Al-Yami and Sanni-Anibire,
2019) and it could be contended that BIM execution in the country’s AEC industry continues
to be fairly slow (Sodangi, Salman and Shaawat, 2016). Al-Yami and Sanni-Anibire (2019)
and Sodangi, Salman and Shaawat (2016) stated that in the KSA, the adoption of BIM in
AEC is only by some huge firms. In fact, subcontractors who represent the bulk of AEC
firms are far behind. Al-Yami and Sanni-Anibire (2019) and Sodangi, Salman, and Shaawat
(2016) additionally remarked that the even very few massive AEC corporations which
utilise BIM in their most important projects are usually restricted to its rudimentary
functionalities, indicating an AEC sector which is quite inexperienced when it comes to full-
fledged BIM usage.
Al Naim (2018) has explored how/if KSA AEC firms are applying BIM for gaining
competitive advantage. His research points to several factors such as shortage in BIM
knowledge and misconceptions towards BIM. However, he does not focus on Saudi AEC-
SMEs, nor the issue of their readiness strictly for BIM adoption. Al-Hammadi and Tian
(2020) also investigate BIM in KSA focusing on its current status and barriers to
implementation, but again, they do not concentrate on AEC-SMEs and their preparation for
BIM acceptance. Their study is in alignment with Al Naim (2018) in seeing low familiarity
of BIM as a problem. On the other hand, Elhendawi, Smith and Elbeltagi (2019) search for
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an implementation methodology for BIM in KSA, based on stakeholder perception of
elements influencing its adoption.
Different to the mentioned studies in KSA, Almutiri (2016) focuses on an interesting issue
of creating a curricular framework for inserting BIM in the kingdom’s academic courses.
Additionally, Aljobaly and Banawi (2020) examine the country’s existing AEC
operations/processes, infrastructure/facilities, and policies/laws. One of their findings was
that absence of a documented procedure is the main explanation why BIM is not embraced
by many firms. Unfortunately, this study did not discuss SMEs at length and focused on the
whole KSA AEC industry. The only study that somewhat focused on KSA’s AEC-SMEs
was of Sodangi, Salman and Saleem (2017) who explored awareness of Saudi
subcontractors of BIM, not emphasizing much on preparedness for implementation of BIM
on national scale.
As with every new system or method, there will be challenges that impede its adoption. It
was found that within KSA, there would be individual, process, commercial,
technological/technical, and administrative/governmental challenges. Individual
impediments include resistance to change (Almutiri, 2016; Al-Yami and Sanni-Anibire,
2019) and shortage of training (Banawi, 2017; Marefat, Toosi and Mahmoudi Hasankhanlo,
2019) KSA suffers in BIM adoption. Difficulties in processes encompass bugs and
complexities that occur due to alterations in processes to adapt to the new BIM (Saleh, 2015;
Arayici et al., 2011) while Elhendawi et al. (2019) point to uncertain ROI (Return on
Investment) as a significant commercial hurdle. Technically however, Matarneh and Hamed
(2017) indicate shortage of instructions in BIM adoption with Construction Week (2013)
signalling absence of BIM specialists. Finally, administratively, Al-Hammadi and Tian
(2020) refer to inadequate government backing for BIM initiatives.
2.8: BIM Readiness Assessment Concepts and Models Readiness or how ripe an organization is for receiving a new system has been considered
through a variety of frameworks and paradigms. Largely, within IT (Information
Technology) or IS (Information Systems) domains, consistent with Alshawi (2007),
readiness assessment points to an administrative appraisal instrument to determine the
readiness gap in the organisation before the new system (e.g., BIM) is invested on. It is
meant to detect the existing capacity of the organisation contrasting with the desired
capacity. Saleh and Alshawi (2005) state a more advanced framework for readiness
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assessment as they believe when deciding to deploy an ICT system, the organization must
first appraise its ability in regards to work environment, structures, and processes which are
relevant to incorporating the new system. This appraisal must also consider the degree of
change needed and resources required for the system’s integration to the organization.
As far as having a more comprehensive model for readiness assessment, the one offered by
Haron (2013) in Table 2.1 can be considered which reflects various points of view in regards
to implementation of IT/IS/ICT/E-commerce systems, specifically BIM.
Table 2.1 : Readiness assessment criteria framework of BIM (Haron, 2013)
Moreover, another readiness assessment model similar to Haron (2013), but with more
specifics, is offered by Owen (2009) consistent with IDDS (Integrated Design and Delivery
Solution) (Table 3A in Appendix B2).
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2.9: Concluding remarks & gap analysis The reason that Saudi Arabia’s SMEs are being focused on in this thesis is that they compose
the biggest part of the country’s AEC sector, are massively contributing to the economy,
and the few huge AEC firms which have already accepted BIM to a certain extent (basic)
are slowly moving up the ladder towards full implementation gradually. So, targeting SMEs
is a justifiable endeavour, especially that the Saudi VISION 2030, which is a national
development program, necessitates BIM (BIM Forum, 2020). As seen, there is literature on
Saudi Arabia in regards to BIM implementation, barriers, awareness, possible benefits, and
status. However, there appears to be a considerable gap in regards to the readiness of the
AEC-SMEs for implementation of BIM.
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3 Methodology
3.1: Ontology and Epistemology Every research has its own ontology and epistemology. Ontology focuses on the nature of
being and social entities. It questions if entities must be viewed as objective, having an
external reality to the people dealing with them, or if entities must be considered as shaped
by the perceptions of people. The former is labelled objectivist and the latter
constructionist/constructivist ontology. Objectivism is a stance in research that posits
phenomena’s independent existence from people, where constructionism advocates that
phenomena are constantly in touch with people and defined by them. In the current research,
as human subjects are being consulted for their input and they each have their own
constructions relating to if and how KSA-AEC-SMEs can accommodate BIM, the
research’s ontological position is constructivist (Bryman, 2016).
On the other hand, epistemology of any research concerns itself with how one knows what
one knows, and simply put, the nature of knowledge. Epistemology has two main positions
in research: positivism which advocates having a rigorous research necessitates
confirmation by the senses, especially observation, with no amount of subjectivity involved.
In this position, only if knowledge has been derived from senses, can it be objective, and
therefore valuable. Interpretivism, which is precisely the opposite of positivism, focuses on
how people can interpret the world and how their knowledge can be different based on that
interpretation and understanding of happenings. Interpretivism places value on the
subjectivity of humans and how that subjectivity creates knowledge. As for this thesis, since
people are being asked for their views and these views differ from each other based on their
background, experience, and exposure to technology implementation in the KSA, the
epistemology would be interpretivism (Bryman, 2016).
3.2: Mixed method Since the research intended to explore a phenomenon, it was conceived that a mixed method
(qualitative and quantitative) would be suitable. The data collection methods were chosen
to be interviews (qualitative) and surveys (quantitative) which were later on compared for
validity via triangulation. The premise behind using mixed methods was that the same topic
of enquiry (readiness for BIM acceptance) could be investigated from two different
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perspectives which provided more diverse techniques and a more comprehensive viewpoint
to answer the research questions. Moreover, a thorough study of available literature was
done which was also compared with the results of the qualitative interviews and quantitative
surveys as to assess discrepancies. The sample of the study was intended to be 50 employees
of Saudi AEC-SMEs. The sampling was chosen to be convenience sampling which allowed
any person to participate based on his/her availability, and also allowed members of staff
within companies who were willing to participate to choose according to their free time and
interest. This type of sampling has flaws, but due to the economic problems the world is
undergoing, the current pandemic (Covid-19), and psychological complications emanating
from both, it was suitable.
The surveys were in forms of true-false questions, multiple choice, and Likert scale. These
quantitative results were to be inputted into a statistical package (i.e., SPSS) as to be
analysed via descriptive statistics (i.e., visual). An interpretation was done based on the
graphs depicting these analyses. The data collection was done via sending emails to potential
AEC-SME employees in Saudi Arabia who might have wanted to participate in this study
and afterwards, surveys were sent to them via an interface (Google Form).
In terms of the interviews, they were conducted in Arabic via an online medium (e.g., Skype)
due to the social distancing measures and difficulty in travel. These interviews were done
in the Arabic language as to induce a sense of ease and comfort for the participants. A
recorder was used for recording the interaction and later on transcribed and thereafter,
translated into English by the researcher himself. The interviews were semi-structured based
on a set number of questions, but with flexibility for follow-up questions by the researcher
and clarifications if the interviewees required it. A basic form of thematic analysis was used
for interpreting results of the interviews and later on, inductive reasoning used for extracting
interpretations from them. From the whole population of Saudi SME employees, the
research aimed at 50 surveys and 10 interviews which their results were later compared.
Particularly, from the 50 survey participants, 10 interviews were chosen based on their
convenience.
Notably, as the researcher has been an engineer in the Saudi AEC industry for 16 years, he
is considered an insider researcher (Bryman, 2016) with vast amounts of knowledge relating
to the KSA-AEC-SME to make contact with possible participants.
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3.3: Ethical approval Before initiating the research, obtaining ethical approval from Northumbria university was
done via the online portal and assistance from the supervisor. Prior to commencing the
questionnaires and interviews, an opening statement and consent transcript was positioned
at the beginning of the survey questionnaire which offered comprehensive information
regarding the study and its implications. In addition, it provided the participants an
opportunity to offer their consent for the survey, acknowledging their free will to participate
and leave the study at their own discretion. It also informed participants of issues pertaining
to confidentiality and anonymity so as to ensure participant personal information would not
be divulged outside the domain of Northumbria University. Specifically, the researcher and
his supervisor would have access to the data only. As for anonymity, every participant was
assigned a number so that their names would not be attached to their surveys or interviews.
In order to store the data, such as video recordings of the interviews, in a safe and reliable
manner, the data was put in the researcher’s cloud, laptop, and USB stick; all of which were
password protected and ensured security protocols. The reason for the data being stored in
three separate spaces, was added safety if any data was lost due to unforeseen circumstances.
At the end of the survey, the participants also have an opportunity to give their consent to
participate in the interviews willingly and without any duress (Appendix A3).
15
4 Results & Analysis Within this section, the qualitative (semi-structured interviews) and quantitative
(questionnaires) results shall be presented and analysed (thematic analysis for qualitative
and visual descriptive analysis for quantitative) for obtaining greater insights into the
findings. Triangulation shall be done to assure validity.
4.1. Quantitative results & analysis During the quantitative analysis, data was collected online from the questionnaire where the
working professionals were asked different questions on their views to assess readiness of
KSA-AEC-SMEs for BIM adoption. A total of 31 participants from different SMEs in the
Saudi construction industry have provided their responses. Figure 1 below shows the
features of the participants. Descriptive statistics (i.e., visual) offers simple summaries
regarding a sample and the observations obtained.
Figure 1: Participant profiles/demographics (Author’s illustration based on questionnaires’ responses)
16
The response to the research has been substantial as from the targeted 50 respondents, 37
replied. From the 37 potential participants who were approached from the Saudi
construction industry, one eventually refused after reviewing the survey questions, and 6
were outside the scope (2 micro and 3 large enterprises). Therefore, 31 were acceptable
which comprised SMEs as Figure 1 above shows. It also shows that the highest number of
participants were civil engineers and project managers with 58% of participants having a
working experience of 11-20 years. This participant profile was compatible for the purpose
of the research as the occupational mix together with the experience range can offer a clear
picture of what is going on in the KSA-AEC-SMEs.
Figure 2: BIM awareness in KSA-AEC-SMEs (Author’s illustration)
Figure 2 above displays various dimensions of BIM awareness among participants including
their direct knowledge of the concept, relevant software they are familiar with, their view
regarding the requirement of the country for BIM, and the trend of BIM consciousness. It is
clear that familiarity is moderate, the application they are more familiar with AutoCAD,
most believe BIM to be a requirement for the country, and the trend of BIM consciousness
on the rise. These indications portrayed an environment which is welcoming of BIM
adoption.
17
Moving onwards to benefits of BIM, most of the respondents were of the idea that the 3D
graphics of BIM would offer great service to KSA-AEC-SMEs, BIM helping company
competitiveness encourages firms to implement it, and also BIM assists in collaboration and
reduced risk. Although not a direct indicator of the readiness of a sector for BIM
implementation, Figure 2A (Appendix B1) portrays a positive image of the KSA-AEC-
SMEs towards it.
On the other hand, the respondents were asked regarding disadvantages and obstacles of
BIM, represented in Figure 3A (Appendix B1) which paints a grim picture for the
preparedness of KSA-AEC-SMEs in accepting BIM. Understandably, most respondents felt
that resistance to change will be high, costs associated with its implementation discouraging,
few specialists in the sector impeding, low commitment from top management hindering,
low demand from clients demotivating, and academic establishments not having related
courses disheartening. Overall, the obstacles to BIM implementation were substantial and
require consideration, pointing to the sector needing significant planning as to accommodate
BIM.
Figure 3 below describes various criteria related to preparedness of a sector for BIM
adoption. In terms of spirit, most staff are apparently looking forward to this new
technology, which is optimistic, as they believe on job BIM training will be offered. It is
also constructive that most feel analysing current operations is necessary and following
international standards for a systematic BIM implementation is the way forward.
Furthermore, sufficient support to staff, which is crucial, exists for BIM deployment while
most agree the top management are ready to welcome change towards BIM. The figure
additionally shows that sophistication of company software/hardware is acceptable while a
majority consider infrastructure being ready for change towards BIM.
18
Figure 3: Criteria for BIM adoption in KSA-AEC-SMEs (Author’s illustration based on questionnaires’ responses)
19
Figure 4 below portrays national matters in regards to BIM such as the Saudization process
and Vision 2030. What is understood is that the will for BIM adoption certainly exists, but
hesitation remains.
Figure 4: Saudi National Issues (Author’s illustration based on questionnaires’ responses)
The respondents were mostly in agreement with Saudi VISION 2030 as a force that can
assist BIM awareness and implementation while responses were somewhat balanced on
whether Saudization’s reduction of foreign specialists would delay BIM adoption. It is quite
fortunate that 71% of respondents believe the KSA government should take an active role
in BIM execution and 97% think having BIM as a module at academic institutions is a must.
These previous two issues are very promising for future of BIM in the kingdom and assist
in BIM readiness, especially while BIM becoming a leader in MENA was predicted to take
1-5 years by 45% of respondents. However, a significant amount of the respondent
population opted for ‘Neutral’ when they were asked regarding the readiness of KSA AEC-
SMEs to incorporate BIM and even the agree and disagree bars were equally 23%. This
20
shows that there is still hesitation within staff of KSA-AEC-SMEs, even though promising
trends are witnessed in the questionnaires.
Internal Reliability of the study tool The reliability of the questionnaire is intended to give the same result as if the questionnaire
was redistributed more than once under the same conditions. In other words, it refers to
consistency in results with no significant change in case it is redistributed to the sample
members several times during a certain time. For that purpose, the researcher verified the
reliability of the study’s questionnaire by using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient. This test is
frequently employed to measure internal reliability and nowadays, its usage has increased
due to integration with computer applications as a function for quantitative data analysis
such as SPSS (Bryman, 2016). Accordingly, the researcher used the Cronbach alpha method
to measure the reliability of the resolution, as shown in Table 5A (Appendix B4).
It is clear from the results shown in the table that the value of the Cronbach alpha coefficient
ranges from 79.0% to 86.6%, meaning that it is high for each part of the resolution, and the
value of the alpha coefficient for all paragraphs of the questionnaire 86.2% was also very
high. Overall, it indicates that the reliability coefficient is high, enabling the usage of the
questionnaire with confidence.
4.2. Qualitative results & analysis The project aimed to interview 10 people form the respondents that filled that
questionnaires. However, 5 members of the KSA-AEC-SMEs who are involved at different
levels in those organisations agreed to the interviews. The interviews were done free from
any coercion and the interviewees had the right to leave any time they preferred. This
subsection uses thematic analysis as to delve deep into the interviews and understand if the
KSA-AEC-SME sector is indeed ready for BIM acceptance.
Interviewee profiles/demographics
The details of the interviewees, including their titles and their affiliations within their
respective companies can offer an insight into what their perspectives are in answering
questions in the interviews. As can be seen from the Table 4.1 below, respondent profiles
are coded for anonymity and were used as such throughout the analysis.
21
Table 4.1: Interviewee profiles
Thematic analysis does not have a rigid universal template, but typically obliges the scientist
to scrutinise the qualitative findings (in the case of this thesis, 5 interview transcripts) to
derive critical themes that are prominent inside the transcripts and also amongst them. A
core technique for detecting themes is by coding the interview transcripts. In this process,
the transcripts are split into their components and tags assigned to them. The scientist studies
and re-studies the transcripts, looking for appearances and reappearances of these tags and
also interrelations amongst them. This kind of analysis empowers the scientist to understand
the transcripts via dividing them into groupings, finding the frequency of the groupings,
connecting them together and also to the research questions, theoretical framework, and
literature review. Moreover, the scientist shrinks the quantity of info in order to decipher
them via categorizing textual material into themes or classes (Bryman, 2016). Precisely
speaking, this thesis deployed a modified form of the thematic analysis recommended by
Fereday and Muir-Cochrane (2006) encompassing the succeeding stages:
1. Creating the code manual in which probable groups (codes) are outlined before
scrutinising the 5 interview transcripts affiliated with the project aims, objectives,
research questions, and the context of KSA-AEC-SMEs. Additional codes can and will
be recognised by reviewing the 5 interview transcripts in the 4th stage.
2. Ascertaining if the codes are reliable by obtaining the assistance of an independent
scientist for reading the interviews and appraising if the codes are compatible with the
interview transcripts.
22
3. Summarizing the info plus recognising preliminary themes in which the interviews are
watched, transcripts are studied, made concise, and key themes inside them categorised,
ensuring the essence has been inserted in the scientist’s subconscious and documented.
4. Employing the array of codes and supplementary coding wherein the pre-described
codes are imposed onto the 5 interview transcripts to identify which segment
corresponds with which code and also discovering fresh codes.
5. Linking the codes where themes, literature review, research questions, and the
theoretical framework are connected as to obtain a general comprehension.
6. Verifying coded themes wherein the preceding stages are inspected with the thesis
supervisor for ensuring the scientist did not inadvertently create codes/themes which
are not illustrative of the interview transcripts by repetitions of check-ups.
As mentioned before, for this project, the semi-structured interview (Appendix C) was
utilised, allowing the interviewer to ask interviewees a list of predetermined but open-ended
inquiries. In order to analyse these semi-structured interviews according to the 6 stages
stated, the following ensued:
1. Possible codes, groupings, or themes: BIM awareness, benefits, obstacles, outlook
towards BIM, systems transformation, government involvement, Saudization, Vision
2030, 3D-Modeling, competitiveness, BIM knowledge, BIM necessity, BIM suitability,
BIM applications, BIM motivation/commitment, resistance, finance, training,
standardization of BIM, BIM at university.
2. The above-mentioned codes/themes have been provided to an impartial anonymous
academic immersed in research on social sciences and humanities within Newcastle
University as to ensure they are applicable to the interview transcripts. The academic
recommended using lesser codes which are more inclusive which would make the
procedure easier. He also indicated omitting codes that are not strongly applicable.
Consequently, the subsequent all-encompassing codes emerged: government, benefits,
obstacles, change, personnel
3. Each of the 5 interview transcripts have been studied, reviewed, committed to memory,
with crucial components written from every interviewee for absorbing the essence of
the narratives (Appendix D).
4. Employing pre-specified codes (stage 1), enhanced by an outside specialist (stage 2) to
the 5 interview transcripts (inserting additional codes if needed) (Appendix E).
23
Table 4.2: Overall themes/codes originating in interviews transcripts
Table 4.2 above shows the number of times a theme/code has arisen throughout the
interview transcripts of the 5 interviewees from the KSA-AEC-SMEs. For instance,
government related themes have come up 32 times overall in the 5 interviewee transcripts
while change related themes have appeared 14 times in the transcript of interviewee No. 1.
Table 4.3: Sub-themes appearing from the government theme in Table 4.2
Table 4.3 demonstrates the amount of sub-themes regarding whether the Saudi government
has a positive, negative, or no impact on BIM readiness in KSA-AEC-SMEs. For example,
the government having negative impact on KSA-AEC-SMEs appeared 4 times overall in all
5 interviews whilst in the transcript from interviewee 5, the theme of government having
negative impact on readiness came up once.
24
Table 4.4 A (Appendix E) exhibits total sub-themes in regards to whether understanding and
awareness of BIM will lead to KSA-AEC-SMEs being more ready for its implementation.
As seen, being aware of BIM causing BIM readiness in the KSA-AEC-SEMs has emerged
more than 1.5 times the number of it not being a contributive factor. Obviously, this shows
there is a direct relation between awareness and the readiness of this sector for
implementation. Intriguingly, the only interviewee who saw awareness not being a
contributing factor to readiness more then it being an influential factor was No. 2.
Table 4.5A (Appendix E) demonstrates the number of sub-themes regarding whether the
perceived benefits from BIM will have a positive role or no role in the KSA-AEC-SMEs
being ready for its implementation. As seen, BIM advantages having a positive role has
emerged 6 times in the transcript of interviewee number 3 while the total times that BIM
benefits have been seen as having no role in the readiness of the sector has come up 13 times
in all 5 interviewees’ transcripts.
Table 4.6A (Appendix E) demonstrates the number of sub-themes regarding whether the
perceived obstacles and difficulties from BIM will have a negative role or no role in the
KSA-AEC-SMEs being ready for its implementation. As viewed, BIM drawbacks having a
negative role has emerged 7 times in the transcript of interviewee number 4 while the total
times that BIM drawbacks have been seen as having no role in the readiness of the sector
has come up 20 times in all 5 interviewees’ transcripts.
Table 4.7A (Appendix E) demonstrates the quantity of sub-themes regarding whether the
change and transformation to BIM will be straightforward and viable or not in the context
of the readiness of KSA-AEC-SMEs for BIM adoption. What is shown is that within
interviewee number 1&5’s transcripts, the number of times themes portraying change
towards BIM as easy/feasible is equal to the number of times change towards BIM has been
seen as difficult and unfeasible. This shows that even the interviewees themselves are not
absolutely certain on whether they have full grasp of all the factors involved in the readiness
of KSA-AEC-SMEs for BIM implementation. It can also show that there are many factors
involved amidst the change process that can balance each other.
Table 4.8A (Appendix E) illustrates the number of sub-themes relating to whether personnel
in KSA-AEC-SMEs have a more open constructive view of BIM for implementation or
25
negative view. As witnessed, the overall number of times negative outlooks have emerged
overall within the 5 interviews is 24 compared to 54 which is promising.
5. Integrating Tables 4.2-4.8A, the 5 interview transcripts, research questions, theoretical
framework, literature review, and exploring patterns, relationships, meaning in a
combination of various elements creating an intelligible whole (Appendix E). Following
the aforementioned integration and examination, it can be established that although there
are inconsistencies within the data, overall patterns and interpretations can be obtained.
Table 4.2 points to the theme of government in BIM readiness for KSA-AEC-SMEs
being the most prominent with the theme obstacles being the smallest. This can allude to
the importance of government involvement for implementation of BIM in the KSA-AEC-
SMEs. It can also show that obstacles are not a strong enough factor to derail BIM
implementation, which is somewhat in contradiction with Figure 3A and can show
responses in interviews and surveys can vary, depending on state of mind or other factors.
Table 4.3 seconds the idea of government being a strong factor but points to it as having
a very constructive role for BIM implementation. Furthermore, Table 4.4A shows that
besides one interviewee (No. 2), all interviewees believe that having awareness and
knowledge about BIM will indeed be an effective factor for the Saudi construction
sectors, especially, SMEs, to be more prepared for BIM deployment. Table 4.5A is quite
interesting as it shows that while the benefits of BIM do have a positive role in BIM
adoption as would be expected, however, the number of times the theme of benefits
having no role has come up half the number of them being constructive. This is
interesting as it shows that countering BIM benefits, there are other factors which can
derail its implementation as BIM benefits having no role in its adoption has come up a
staggering 13 times. Related to Table 4.5A is Table 4.6A where the number of times BIM
obstacles having negative impact on BIM adoption has come up exactly the same number
as BIM obstacles having no effect on BIM implementation. This is quite odd, but it shows
that BIM obstacles are not the only factors that are influential in BIM adoption.
Table 4.7A displays the views of the interviewees in terms of the feasibility and ease of
change towards BIM. As observed, it shows that the number of times this change is seen
as hard is very close to this change being seen as easy, although slightly higher. This
would give a thin pessimistic view on whether change towards BIM could be done,
although the difference is 3 which is not huge. Following on that and arriving to Table
26
4.8A, it is seen that the outlook of human resources within KSA-AEC-SMEs is very
constructive towards BIM adoption with the number of themes being positive more than
twice as those being negative.
When Tables 4.7A&4.8A are put together, it can be deduced that the small problems
pertaining to change and transformation towards BIM can be neutralised by the positive
outlook people have towards it. In case Tables 4.5A&4.6A are combined together, one
can easily see that the benefits of BIM have much more of an encouraging force towards
BIM adoption as compared with its obstacles having a deterring force. Combining Tables
4.3&4.7A can show that the Saudi government can play a very active role in reducing
the hardships relating to change and transformation of companies for BIM
implementation while combining Table 4.5A&4.6A&4.8A alludes to the reason that
personnel have such a positive outlook to BIM is in fact its various benefits simply
outweigh its obstacles. In addition, if Tables 4.3&4.4A&4.5A are integrated, one can
assume that if awareness of officials in the Saudi government increases towards BIM
benefits, that could be the best manner to effectively implement BIM on a nationwide
scale. On the other hand, in case Tables 4.4&4.6A&4.7A are considered together, one
can deduce that if the KSA-AEC-SME sector is more aware of the problems associated
with BIM implementation, perhaps its adoption would be easier.
6. The supervisor is consulted to ascertain the process meets academic standards and to
ensure no unsuitable themes have been utilised. This is accomplished via objective and
impartial evaluating of all themes for professionalism to be retained.
4.3. Triangulation (External reliability) Triangulation involves employing more than one method/data source for studying social
occurrences. Denzin (1970) referred to the term in general sense, describing an outlook that
utilizes numerous observers, conceptual viewpoints, resources for data, and methods; the
latter being of more focus recently. The meaning used for it nowadays was initially
abstracted by Webb et al. (1966) as to enhance the confidence in results. More and more,
triangulation is employed to the process of cross-checking results obtained from qualitative
and quantitative research (Deacon, Bryman and Fenton, 1998). Another angle represents
triangulation as greater validity, referring to the long-established belief that qualitative and
quantitative research, when merged, cannot corroborate outcomes.
27
Basically, it means that when a certain phenomenon is measured by more than one way,
confidence in results is higher. In the context of this thesis, the qualitative interviews and
qualitative questionnaires are mirrored as to verify their corroboration. When viewing the
thematic analysis and descriptive statistics (graphs) on aggregate, what is seen is that there
are promising trends and high positivity and even hope for BIM in the KSA-AEC-SMEs.
Both show that enthusiasm, drive, and faith almost exist on every level, from staff to
company management, to government involvement, albeit relative inconsistencies within
each of the qualitative and quantitative results individually and when compared with each
other.
It would seem that KSA-AEC-SMEs are ready for change towards BIM as far as their desire
to improve, especially as the country in undergoing the Vision 2030 development program.
However, there is hesitation, uncertainty, and doubt due to the barriers this change involves.
Both the qualitative and quantitative results show that hesitation exists and as much as the
ambition to improve systems and operations exist idealistically, there are serious realistic
barriers which must be considered. This section will not repeat the qualitative and
quantitative findings, but will add that when compared and considered on aggregate, they
are relatively consistent, both internally with themselves and externally when compared
with the results of the other method which points to the results having acceptable confidence.
28
5 Discussion This chapter attempts to relate the research findings to the literature review, show the
implications of the findings, justify how these findings were reached, and how the research
questions and objectives were met. On relating findings to literature, it would appear that
the KSA-AEC-SMEs need to improve their conceptual understanding of BIM as currently
it is very limited, especially when compared to the comprehensive comprehension that
Succar (2009) offers. However, they have quite an acceptable view of its benefits such as
the ones described by Lu et al. (2014) and Smith (2014). Similarly, their view on obstacles
to BIM is quite thorough such as the ones explained by Al-Yami and Sanni-Anibire (2019),
Ahmed, Emam and Farrell (2014), Lu and Korman (2010), Memon et al. (2014), Bernstein
and Pittman (2005), and Bui, Merschbrock, and Munkvold (2016). The participants of the
study have also clearly pointed out that BIM is more difficult for smaller firms, repeating
what was declared by McGraw Hill Construction (2012) and Hong et al. (2016).
When considering BIM research in the MENA region, the results of this research resounded
BuildingSmart (2011) in that not all aspects of BIM are known or utilised within KSA-AEC-
SMEs. However, as for agreeability towards BIM, the results of this research are different
than the one performed by Gerges et al. (2017) who state agreeability towards BIM in
MENA is low as this research showed high agreement and positive outlook towards BIM.
In another departure from the research done by Gerges et al. (2017), they state that Revit is
the most used BIM tool with AutoCAD following after while this study showed precisely
the opposite. Moreover, the research results do confirm what BuildingSmart (2011), Awwad
and Ammoury (2013), and Al-Yami and Sanni-Anibire (2019) say in terms of Saudi Arabia
being in initial phases of BIM execution, with large firms mostly adopting it, congruent with
Al-Yami and Sanni-Anibire (2019) and Sodangi, Salman and Shaawat (2016), and only in
basic levels.
Moreover, Al Naim (2018) and Al-Hammadi and Tian (2020) who research BIM in Saudi
Arabia did find low familiarity with BIM a hindrance as was reaffirmed in this research’s
results as well. This research also strongly agrees with Almutiri (2016) on inserting BIM on
the academic curriculum as 97% of participants saw this being productive. The studies by
Aljobaly and Banawi (2020) and Matarneh and Hamed (2017) which saw a lack of
instructions and documentation as a strong hindrance to BIM execution in Saudi Arabia
29
were reiterated by this research as 58% agreed this guidance is necessary and 26% strongly
agreed to it. This research also showed that resistance to change would be a considerable
obstacle which was iterated by Almutiri (2016). One area which this study’s results differ
with the literature is that participants felt fairly confident that they would receive relevant
support and training in regards to BIM from their companies but this was refuted for Saudi
Arabia in research done by Banawi (2017) and Marefat, Toosi and Mahmoudi Hasankhanlo
(2019).
While the results do echo Elhendawi’s et al. (2019) financial concerns attributable to BIM
and low number of specialists noted by Construction Week (2013) as barriers, they do not
reverberate Al-Hammadi and Tian’s (2020) notions that government support is low for this
endeavour. For instance, interviewee 2, in responding to the question regarding whether the
government will take steps to facilitate BIM implementation, replied, “Of course, I see that
the Kingdom is taking rapid steps in the fields of engineering”. Finally, the results show
that participants from the KSA-AEC-SMEs do have an acceptable understanding in regards
to appraisal of systems prior to any transformation being initiated as to assess whether they
can accept and sustain it. This is in line with the frameworks discussed by Alshawi (2007)
and Saleh and Alshawi (2005) for readiness. Overall, the results mostly displayed
consistency with other findings from literature except in areas of abstract BIM
conceptualisation, amenability towards BIM, corporate support for BIM, and governmental
backing for BIM.
In terms of implications for the country, the Kingdom has desired improving its IT systems,
such as BIM, as part of the Vision 2030 development scheme (Aljobaly and Banawi, 2020),
which by large, this study’s results showed there is ample support for. However, what this
research shows to Saudi authorities and AEC leaders is that between desire and the steps
needed to reach it, there is substantial distance. The results show that a step by step
framework is lacking that would ensure confidence within the KSA-AEC-SMEs on the
feasibility of implementing BIM. This was clear in responses of interviewees 3 and 5 as they
claimed in regards to BIM that, “I expect that there will be a study and plan to implement it
(BIM) in suitable manner for all” and “I think it (BIM) needs a road map for adoption”
respectively.
30
The researcher’s interpretation of results points to a serious feasibility study being required
as to devise practical short term and long term goals for upgrading systems to BIM. The
research was successful in offering a picture for relevant authorities on where the KSA-
AEC-SMEs stand on the issue and explains their worries. What the current study does not
provide is that comprehensive plan of action. However, this study shows that the KSA-AEC-
SMEs are not quite ready as of yet, even though there is huge potential for this national
change of systems towards BIM. The reason is simply that there is fear and concern on how
this will be achieved in practice, especially at this scale, and even if/when accomplished,
what guarantee is there that this change can be sustained.
The study managed to achieve its aim, exploring readiness of KSA-AEC-SMEs for
implementation of BIM, as much as time, word count, and the pandemic allowed, which
seriously limited the scope of the study. Moreover, as to satisfy the objectives, it appraised
literature applicable to BIM readiness for adoption. The prevailing attitude nowadays
towards BIM has been made visible. An exploration of readiness criteria, both in the
literature, and in the qualitative/quantitative results is performed relevant for KSA-AEC-
SMEs. There has been a clear understanding of potential and current obstacles to BIM
implementation, in addition to the various requirements the sector has for accepting BIM.
Insight has been gained from the interviews and questionnaires as to provide a prediction
for adoption of BIM in the sector. The research questions were also answered in regards to
the sector being ready or not for BIM implementation, as it was found that there is the will,
but not yet the means. There is also belief that Vision 2030 will assist BIM adoption with
the Saudization campaign having no substantial impact on it. The aim, objectives, and
research questions were met using reputable methods of literature appraisal, questionnaires,
and interviews. Furthermore, triangulation was done to ensure external reliability and
Cronbach’s test for internal reliability.
31
6 Conclusion & Recommendations The thesis conducted a thorough investigation (considering the limitations) as to obtain a
grasp of the readiness of KSA-AEC-SMEs for BIM adoption. For that matter, theories
pertaining to implementation of new systems within organizations were explored,
paradigms of readiness criteria for incorporating new systems appraised and compared,
studies related to Saudi Arabian AEC sector and BIM adoption were consulted. Moreover,
the various paradigms of readiness criteria for entry of new systems to organizations were
used in order to design the interviews and questionnaires. Specifically, the interviews and
questionnaires have components and sections attributed to the main criteria recognised in
various readiness models (i.e., people, process, technology, management). The primary data
were analysed via thematic analysis and SPSS graphs.
What was understood was that there is general consensus on the KSA-AEC-SMEs sector
needing BIM, but this desired target was being hindered by realistic practical hurdles. The
kingdom seems to be ready for BIM adoption as long as there is clear-cut plan in incremental
stages that would ensure concerns of stakeholders are taken into account. When arriving at
this conclusion, various issues were considered. For instance, there seems to be a relatively
positive trend within the graphs of the questionnaire (besides Figure 3A-Obstacles to BIM)
that portray the KSA-AEC-SMEs as ready for BIM until the last graph (Figure 4A) which
specifically asks the respondents their views on the sector’s BIM readiness. This last graph
shows a very balanced view where most participants are neutral in their answers and two
approximately equal portions of positive and negative answers are seen. This anomaly can
be explained in the interview answers as they show there are many concerns which could
not be expressed by the rigid questionnaires, the respondents were more comfortable
expressing them in interviews, or they simply did not remember them while filling the
questionnaires as interviews naturally delve deeper than surveys which one has to simply
click boxes. The interviews together with BIM obstacles show the reason for the last graph
of the survey becoming balanced is that the attitude towards BIM and realistic means for
attaining it is not in alignment.
Overall, the triangulation showed that the country can accept and welcome BIM in theory
and there would be no reason to think otherwise, as long as there is a thorough investigation
and feasibility study prior to its national implementation which is described below in the
recommendations.
32
The recommendations of this thesis are as follows:
• A committee comprising all relevant stakeholders be created, especially with
representatives from the government, educational sector, the KSA-AEC-SMEs
• This committee must generate a multi-dimensional plan which considers stakeholder
concerns and exploits the positive energy from the Vision 2030 movement for
adopting BIM.
• There must a national generic plan on macro level which takes into account KSA-
AEC-SMEs concerns as a sector, in addition to many micro customised plans
specifically pertaining to concerns of each SME. That means consultants must be
sent to each SME for requirements gathering.
• Future research must be conducted to evaluate readiness of KSA-AEC-SMEs using
a metrics system so the customised plans for each SME are targeted
• This plan must have short/long-term goals and milestones, and its progress
monitored by the committee
• As to ensure all future engineering graduates entering the AEC sector are
academically exposed to BIM, inserting the module within the university curriculum
is necessary. This module must be updated constantly as to have the latest
modifications of BIM
33
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Appendix
Appendix A:
Appendix A1: Project Management Record
Meeting record (Attendance) sheet.
42
43
Appendix A2: Gantt Chart
44
Appendix A3: Ethics Approval
Include scan of Ethics Online ‘Approval’ email
45
46
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Appendix B: Additional information
Appendix B1: Figures
Figure 1A: Maturity levels for BIM adoption in UK-AEC with features (Tekla Campus, 2021)
Figure 2A: BIM benefits for KSA-AEC-SMEs
48
Figure 3A: BIM obstacles for KSA-AEC-SMEs
Figure 4A: Readiness of KSA-AEC-SMEs
49
Appendix B2: Tables
Table 1A: BIM’s benefits are described (Alhumayn, 2018, p. 75)
Table 2A: Barriers to BIM implementation (Alhumayn, 2018, pp. 77-8)
50
Table 3A: BIM readiness model based on IDDS inspired from Owen (2009)
51
Appendix B3: Survey Questionnaire (Google Form)
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Appendix B4: Internal Reliability of the Survey Questionnaire
Table 5A: Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient (Author’s illustration from SPSS based on questionnaires’
responses)
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Appendix C: Interviewees’ transcripts
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62
63
64
65
66
67
68
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Appendix D: Interview notes
70
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Appendix E: Applying codes
Table 4.4A: Sub-themes appearing from awareness & understanding theme in Table 4.2
Table 4.5A: Sub-themes appearing from the benefits theme in Table 4.2
73
Table 4.6A: Sub-themes appearing from the obstacles theme in Table 4.2
Table 4.7A: Sub-themes appearing from the change theme in Table 4.2
Table 4.8A: Sub-themes appearing from the personnel theme in Table 4.2
- 1 Introduction
- 1.1: Background to study
- 1.2: Justification for study
- 1.3: Aim
- 1.4: Objectives
- 1.5: Research questions
- 1.6: Prelude to chapters
- 2 Literature review
- 2.1: Definitions and Maturity Levels of BIM
- 2.2: Benefits and Barriers to BIM
- 2.3: History of BIM
- 2.4: BIM Usage in SMEs
- 2.5: BIM Global Usage
- 2.6: BIM usage in MENA
- 2.7: BIM usage in KSA
- 2.8: BIM Readiness Assessment Concepts and Models
- 2.9: Concluding remarks & gap analysis
- 3 Methodology
- 3.1: Ontology and Epistemology
- 3.2: Mixed method
- 3.3: Ethical approval
- 4 Results & Analysis
- 4.1. Quantitative results & analysis
- 4.2. Qualitative results & analysis
- 4.3. Triangulation (External reliability)
- 5 Discussion
- 6 Conclusion & Recommendations
- References
- Appendix
- Appendix A:
- Appendix A1: Project Management Record
- Appendix A2: Gantt Chart
- Appendix A3: Ethics Approval
- Appendix B: Additional information
- Appendix B1: Figures
- Figure 1A: Maturity levels for BIM adoption in UK-AEC with features (Tekla Campus, 2021)
- Figure 2A: BIM benefits for KSA-AEC-SMEs
- Figure 3A: BIM obstacles for KSA-AEC-SMEs
- Figure 4A: Readiness of KSA-AEC-SMEs
- Appendix B2: Tables
- Table 1A: BIM’s benefits are described (Alhumayn, 2018, p. 75)
- Table 2A: Barriers to BIM implementation (Alhumayn, 2018, pp. 77-8)
- Table 3A: BIM readiness model based on IDDS inspired from Owen (2009)
- Appendix B3: Survey Questionnaire (Google Form)
- Appendix B4: Internal Reliability of the Survey Questionnaire
- Table 5A: Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient (Author’s illustration from SPSS based on questionnaires’ responses)
- Appendix C: Interviewees’ transcripts
- Appendix D: Interview notes
- Appendix E: Applying codes
- Table 4.4A: Sub-themes appearing from awareness & understanding theme in Table 4.2
- Table 4.5A: Sub-themes appearing from the benefits theme in Table 4.2
- Table 4.6A: Sub-themes appearing from the obstacles theme in Table 4.2
- Table 4.7A: Sub-themes appearing from the change theme in Table 4.2
- Table 4.8A: Sub-themes appearing from the personnel theme in Table 4.2
