Analysis of the drivers and benefits of BIM incorporation into quantity surveying profession: academia and students' perspectives

Babatunde, SO; Ekundayo, D; Babalola, O; Jimoh, JA

Abstract

Purpose – Building information modeling (BIM) inclusion in education pedagogy is crucial in preparing skilled graduates for employment in the construction industry. Against this backdrop, studies on BIM education abound in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) programmes in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). However, there is limited empirical studies on BIM potentials in the quantity surveying (QS) profession in HEIs, particularly in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the BIM drivers and benefits as important to the QS profession using an empirical approach.
Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the BIM drivers and benefits in relation to the QS profession, which was employed to design a questionnaire. In order to capture a broad perception, a questionnaire survey was carried out which targeted the academia and final year undergraduate students from two selected universities offering QS honour degree programmes in Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using mean score, standard deviation, and Mann-Whitney test.
Findings – The study identified 12 BIM drivers in relation to the QS profession and the analysis of the ranking revealed that almost all the identified BIM drivers are considered by respondents as important. The study further identified 14 BIM benefits and the analysis of the ranking indicated that all the identified BIM benefits are considered as important. The results of the Mann-Whitney test indicated a very slight statistically significant difference, particularly in one of the selected universities on the ranking of the BIM drivers and benefits as important to the QS profession.
Practical implication – The findings of the study provide empirical evidence on the current perceptions of the drivers and benefits of BIM to QS academia and students as they explore the concept for the advancement of QS profession.
Originality/value – This study would provide practical insights to utilize BIM for QS practice. Also, this study would contribute to improving the QS graduates and professional quantity surveyors understanding of the BIM knowledge applicable to QS profession.
Keywords: BIM, drivers, higher education institutions, quantity surveying, Nigeria

Citation

Babatunde, S., Ekundayo, D., Babalola, O., & Jimoh, J. (2018). Analysis of the drivers and benefits of BIM incorporation into quantity surveying profession: academia and students' perspectives. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(5), 750-766. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-04-2018-0058

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 31, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Oct 10, 2018
• Publication Date: Oct 10, 2018
• Deposit Date: Oct 8, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 19, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
• Print ISSN: 1726-0531
• Publisher: Emerald
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 750-766
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-04-2018-0058
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-04-2018-0058
• Related Public URLs: https://www.emeraldinsight.com/loi/jedt