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The construction industry accounts for 9% of global GDP. Efforts at addressing construction’s inherent inefficiencies have over the last decade increasingly involved the deployment of web-based collaborative tools. Consequently, much research has been devoted to assessing these platforms; including interoperability, workflow management and technological limits. What has not been considered to date are the views of web-based tool users themselves as to the functionality, potency and usability of the various platforms available on the market. Currently, there are 5,300,000 documented users of web-based collaborative tools. If web-based collaboration is to be further enhanced, the views of users must be known. This study explores this dimension. Financeonline’s top six tools were considered: CoCostruct, PlanGrid, Autodesk BIM 360, Procore, e-builder and Aconex. Around 200 reviews for each tool were collected from ‘Business Software Reviews from Software Advice,’ resulting in a total dataset of 1,152 complete reviews. Text-mining analysis was applied to this dataset, using RapidMiner Studio 7.5. Thirty key terms with a frequency of over 100 occurrences were retrieved; terms such as software, manage, inform, support, easy use, function, track and friendly. These constitute the subject of the reviews. These terms were then analyzed for sentiment qualifiers; either positive or negative. A total of 804 sentiments were positive, 322 negative and 26 neutral. This study thus highlights that while 70% of user reviews of web-based collaborative tools are positive, there remains much room for improvement. Areas for improvement are also indicated by this study.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a modified model for collaboration in BIM-based construction networks (BbCNs). Though BIM is increasingly adopted and implemented across the construction industry, the problems associated with the lack of collaboration among teams in BbCNs remain a major hindrance to reaping the full potential of BIM. Previous studies have been conceptual in nature. This paper, therefore, attempts to modify and validate existing conceptual models that describe collaboration in BbCNs. Design/methodology/approach: To modify the conceptual model for collaboration in BbCNs, qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with BIM experts in the industry were collected and analysed using qualitative methods including the use of NVivo software. Findings: The proposed model includes influential factors and their sub-factors to collaboration in BbCNs, as well as considering their indicators. Findings reveal that several overlooked concepts, particularly unfavourable BIM contractual arrangements, act as the root causes of the unwillingness of team members in BbCNs to engage in collaborative efforts. Research limitations/implications: The study's findings must be viewed in light of several limitations. First, the interviewees in this study were based in Australia hence their perceptions of BIM collaboration are reflective of the sociotechnical setting of BIM-enabled projects in this country. Also, the findings are based on the perception of experts in the field, rather than analysis of performance measures or quantitative assessment of associations among collaboration outcomes and various factors. This, however, provides the field with fertile grounds for future research. Practical implications: The study benefits researchers by shifting the collaboration discourse in BIM-enabled projects from technology-related issues to the people and contractual-related domains. Moreover, the developed qualitative model provides industry professionals wi

Purpose: This position paper urges a drive towards clarity in the key definitions, terminologies and habits of speech associated with digital engineering and building information modelling (BIM). The ultimate goal of the paper is to facilitate the move towards arriving at an ideal definition for both concepts. Design/methodology/approach: This paper takes the “explanation building” review approach in providing prescriptive guidelines to researchers and industry practitioners. The aim of the review is to draw upon existing studies to identify, describe and find application of principles in a real-world context. Findings: The paper highlights the definitional challenges surrounding digital engineering and BIM in Australia, to evoke a debate on BIM and digital engineering boundaries, how and why these two concepts may be linked, and how they relate to emerging concepts. Originality/value: This is the first scholarly attempt to clarify the definition of digital engineering and address the confusion between the concepts of BIM and digital engineering.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is inherently a team-based activity and possessing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) to collaborate across various disciplines and organisations are central for BIM-ready graduates. There is, nevertheless, no systematic attempt to analyse the current approaches to teaching collaboration KSAs across tertiary education institutions. This study is an attempt to provide an account of the current approaches taken by leading universities for training and educating collaboration, as a part of their BIM education programs. To this end, 63 articles on BIM education were identified, of which 18 were used to extract their practices to teaching collaboration. The content analysis of these studies revealed that the practices identified can be presented under 4 broad categories including Instructional approach, Prerequisites, Marking and evaluation, and Feedback, in which each category has various sub-categories. As the first in its kind, the present study provides an analysis and synthesis of the best practices for teaching educating collaboration, and therefore, assists educators and curriculum builders in integrating collaboration KSAs into BIM education in construction-related curricula.

© 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers. This study develops an integrated model of the main contextual factors that affect sustainable delivery of megaprojects in Iran. The inputs to the model are based on a comprehensive literature review affecting the "triple bottom line" of sustainability, as measured in economic, environmental, and social costs. Innovation diffusion theory and extralogical laws of imitation inform the theoretical points of departure. The model inputs were customized for the context of Iran, and a structural equation model was developed, using data collected from 101 survey questionnaires. The findings identify a wide range of factors that directly impact megaproject sustainability, and these may be used by policymakers and practitioners within the Iranian construction industry to better manage sustainability outcomes. Principally, megaprojects would benefit from (1) the generation of sustainability awareness at the evaluation phase, (2) tackling corruption at the preparation phase, and (3) consolidating responsible project management practices at the usage phase. Moreover, these lessons may be more broadly applicable across the entire construction supply chain in Iran, as well as being transferable to other developing countries.

© 2018, Tsinghua University Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. This study reports on developing an innovative approach for the parametric analysis of daylighting and visual comfort, through a sun responsive shading system. The objective is estimating the annual daylight metrics and indoor glare discomfort. To this end, a review of the literature was carried out on three key concepts: smart facades, visual comfort, and parametric design, in order to develop a dynamic pattern of an oriental system for enhancing the daylight and visual performance. Afterwards, two geometrical components (Rosette modules and louvers) were applied, using Grasshopper plug-in for Rhino and daylighting plug-in DIVA, to investigate the indoor daylight quality through different geometrical and physical properties. This resulted in generating 6480 design variants, when several variables (rotation, distance to facade, time hours, transmittance properties and colors) that affect incoming daylight as well as visual comfort performance in a single office space in the hot-arid climate of Tehran were taken into account. Interactive correlations between the overall performance of kinetic patterns and visual performance were investigated through an optimization process. Analyses showed that the proposed approach is capable of significantly improving the shading flexibility to control daylight metrics and glare, via a full potential adaptive pattern to achieve the maximum visual comfort level based on LEEDv4 certificate.

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. The construction industry is under pressure as to reduce the sizable quantities of construction waste generated during construction operations. Modular coordination (MC) and parametric design both have great potentials in reducing waste at the design stage. And anecdotal evidence suggests that great volumes of waste can be reduced through integration of parametric design into MC. The issue of proposing workflows in this context, however, is under-researched, and practical applications, if any, are at the rhetorical stage. To accomplish this, an integration attempt is made in this study to provide the details of a developed-and-experimented workflow for this purpose; a generative algorithm is developed through the Rhinoceros 3D–Grasshopper platform, subject to MC rules. Two sets of horizontal and vertical modules are obtained from a prototype model, while an evolutionary solver function is applied in reducing the generated construction waste volume. According to a pre-defined standard specification, different modular design variants that fully conform to the design constraints in modules array are developed, providing an operational workflow in construction waste reduction at the design stage. Introducing this workflow, and how the proposed workflow reduces the volume of post-optimization paneling waste by 2% at its minimum are the major findings here. The insights derived from this study, would promote the interest of both the construction practitioners and researchers; the practicality of integrating parametric design into MC is proven.

© 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers. This study develops an integrated model of the main contextual factors that affect sustainable delivery of megaprojects in Iran. The inputs to the model are based on a comprehensive literature review affecting the "triple bottom line" of sustainability, as measured in economic, environmental, and social costs. Innovation diffusion theory and extralogical laws of imitation inform the theoretical points of departure. The model inputs were customized for the context of Iran, and a structural equation model was developed, using data collected from 101 survey questionnaires. The findings identify a wide range of factors that directly impact megaproject sustainability, and these may be used by policymakers and practitioners within the Iranian construction industry to better manage sustainability outcomes. Principally, megaprojects would benefit from (1) the generation of sustainability awareness at the evaluation phase, (2) tackling corruption at the preparation phase, and (3) consolidating responsible project management practices at the usage phase. Moreover, these lessons may be more broadly applicable across the entire construction supply chain in Iran, as well as being transferable to other developing countries.

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. The construction industry is under pressure as to reduce the sizable quantities of construction waste generated during construction operations. Modular coordination (MC) and parametric design both have great potentials in reducing waste at the design stage. And anecdotal evidence suggests that great volumes of waste can be reduced through integration of parametric design into MC. The issue of proposing workflows in this context, however, is under-researched, and practical applications, if any, are at the rhetorical stage. To accomplish this, an integration attempt is made in this study to provide the details of a developed-and-experimented workflow for this purpose; a generative algorithm is developed through the Rhinoceros 3D–Grasshopper platform, subject to MC rules. Two sets of horizontal and vertical modules are obtained from a prototype model, while an evolutionary solver function is applied in reducing the generated construction waste volume. According to a pre-defined standard specification, different modular design variants that fully conform to the design constraints in modules array are developed, providing an operational workflow in construction waste reduction at the design stage. Introducing this workflow, and how the proposed workflow reduces the volume of post-optimization paneling waste by 2% at its minimum are the major findings here. The insights derived from this study, would promote the interest of both the construction practitioners and researchers; the practicality of integrating parametric design into MC is proven.

© 2018, Tsinghua University Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. This study reports on developing an innovative approach for the parametric analysis of daylighting and visual comfort, through a sun responsive shading system. The objective is estimating the annual daylight metrics and indoor glare discomfort. To this end, a review of the literature was carried out on three key concepts: smart facades, visual comfort, and parametric design, in order to develop a dynamic pattern of an oriental system for enhancing the daylight and visual performance. Afterwards, two geometrical components (Rosette modules and louvers) were applied, using Grasshopper plug-in for Rhino and daylighting plug-in DIVA, to investigate the indoor daylight quality through different geometrical and physical properties. This resulted in generating 6480 design variants, when several variables (rotation, distance to facade, time hours, transmittance properties and colors) that affect incoming daylight as well as visual comfort performance in a single office space in the hot-arid climate of Tehran were taken into account. Interactive correlations between the overall performance of kinetic patterns and visual performance were investigated through an optimization process. Analyses showed that the proposed approach is capable of significantly improving the shading flexibility to control daylight metrics and glare, via a full potential adaptive pattern to achieve the maximum visual comfort level based on LEEDv4 certificate.

© 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers. Building information modeling (BIM) has developed as the definitive technology for managing construction projects. With its rise, the corresponding role of BIM manager has emerged as a necessary adjunct role in coordinating BIM-enabled projects. The ascent of the BIM manager has attracted a significant body of research, investigating the various competencies and responsibilities required of the role. While BIM is here to stay, a recent study, however, asserts that a distinct role oriented around BIM is transitory, which represents a significant departure from accepted assumptions regarding the viability of the BIM manager role. This research sets out to test the likelihood of a long-term market demand for the BIM manager, as a distinct role, based on a robust quantitative analysis of open-source data from a rich empirical dataset of global relevance for North America, Europe, and Australasia. Text mining methods are used. A total of 199 BIM-related jobs were retrieved from 14 of the most relevant job websites, representing the global English speaking job markets. Key knowledge, skills, and abilities that are attributes of BIM jobs were extracted and analyzed. Analysis reveals that there is no significant difference between the roles BIM manager and BIM coordinator. Moreover, the findings highlight that these two BIM roles align with that of project manager. Most importantly, analysis shows that BIM roles supplement the lack of BIM expertise within the role of project manager, and that, as BIM capabilities are increasingly absorbed by project managers, the rationale for an independent BIM expert will fade. The corollary is that BIM roles are a stopgap measure that can be expected to disappear as project managers absorb requisite BIM skills. The practical implication for construction engineering HR departments is that the prevailing policy of retaining dedicated BIM managers into the longer-term future should shift to one in

© 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers. Building information modeling (BIM) has developed as the definitive technology for managing construction projects. With its rise, the corresponding role of BIM manager has emerged as a necessary adjunct role in coordinating BIM-enabled projects. The ascent of the BIM manager has attracted a significant body of research, investigating the various competencies and responsibilities required of the role. While BIM is here to stay, a recent study, however, asserts that a distinct role oriented around BIM is transitory, which represents a significant departure from accepted assumptions regarding the viability of the BIM manager role. This research sets out to test the likelihood of a long-term market demand for the BIM manager, as a distinct role, based on a robust quantitative analysis of open-source data from a rich empirical dataset of global relevance for North America, Europe, and Australasia. Text mining methods are used. A total of 199 BIM-related jobs were retrieved from 14 of the most relevant job websites, representing the global English speaking job markets. Key knowledge, skills, and abilities that are attributes of BIM jobs were extracted and analyzed. Analysis reveals that there is no significant difference between the roles BIM manager and BIM coordinator. Moreover, the findings highlight that these two BIM roles align with that of project manager. Most importantly, analysis shows that BIM roles supplement the lack of BIM expertise within the role of project manager, and that, as BIM capabilities are increasingly absorbed by project managers, the rationale for an independent BIM expert will fade. The corollary is that BIM roles are a stopgap measure that can be expected to disappear as project managers absorb requisite BIM skills. The practical implication for construction engineering HR departments is that the prevailing policy of retaining dedicated BIM managers into the longer-term future should shift to one in

The study aims at mapping the intellectual discourse that has emerged from Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM) conference within the last 11 years. To this end, the 1505 studies indexed in Scopus were examined through scientometric analyses of citation networks. The findings show that the most prominent areas of research including “sustainable development”, “health and safety” and “architectural design” have been predominantly conducted from a project management perspective. New fields of research such as Building Information Modelling have gained momentum with several years of delay after their emergence across the construction context. Besides, published studies in ARCOM have for the most part cited studies from journals allocated to managerial areas of construction management as well as management and business journals. Technology and engineering journals nevertheless turned out to have a noticeably lower share of citation. Moreover, the network of collaborations among countries indicated the dominance of the UK and Australia and underrepresentation of North American, emerging markets and developing countries. By providing a view from a meta-perspective, the study exposes the areas in need of extra attention, provides directions for defining future research themes and suggests remedial solutions for addressing the spotted problems.

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd, APM and IPMA This study looks at the critical success factors (CSFs) affecting integration of sustainability into project management practices of construction projects in developing countries. Having innovation diffusion theory as the theoretical point of departure, CSFs pertaining to the triple bottom line of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) were identified through a comprehensive review of literature. These were customised for the context of developing countries by conducting 16 semi-structured interviews and were presented in form of a conceptual model. The model was validated through a survey returning 101 completed questionnaires with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) as the method of analysis. This study contributes to the field by presenting one of the first studies in its kind focusing on CSFs for integration of sustainability into project management practices for construction projects within the context of developing countries.

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd Anecdotal evidence refers to impacts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an enabler of sustainable delivery of construction projects. This study aims to explore such claims through reflecting on and sharing the experiences of project managers in a developing country. It used a ‘sequential exploratory design’ (qual→Quan) mixed method approach containing sixteen semi-structured interviews followed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis of 101 survey questionnaires conducted in Iran using a hierarchical component model. The findings are presented as a model that quantifies the impacts of ICT on sustainability in delivering construction projects. Results show that process optimization, media substitution, and externalization of control are the means through which sustainability by ICT could be achieved. Having Iran, as the context, the study contributes to the field in two ways. First, the potential to use ICT as a vehicle to facilitate sustainable delivery of construction projects is quantitatively assessed. Second, several ICT-based solutions are proposed to assist in smoothing this transition.

© 2017 The Authors. In response to the growing attention to sustainable built environment, this study aims at introducing an approach in construction waste optimization through integrating parametric design with offsite construction methodology. To this end, a generative algorithm was developed within the integrated platform of Rhino and Grasshopper software based on modular coordination rules and ASTM international standards as the design constraints in modules array. Two sets of horizontal and vertical modules were obtained from a prototype model while an evolutionary solver function was employed for optimizing the generated waste. This resulted in developing different modular design variants which generate the minimum amount of waste while being fully compliant with international standards. This study contributes to the field by presenting one of the first studies in its kind focusing on the integration of parametric design into offsite construction methodology through the lenses of construction waste optimization.

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd Anecdotal evidence refers to impacts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an enabler of sustainable delivery of construction projects. This study aims to explore such claims through reflecting on and sharing the experiences of project managers in a developing country. It used a ‘sequential exploratory design’ (qual→Quan) mixed method approach containing sixteen semi-structured interviews followed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis of 101 survey questionnaires conducted in Iran using a hierarchical component model. The findings are presented as a model that quantifies the impacts of ICT on sustainability in delivering construction projects. Results show that process optimization, media substitution, and externalization of control are the means through which sustainability by ICT could be achieved. Having Iran, as the context, the study contributes to the field in two ways. First, the potential to use ICT as a vehicle to facilitate sustainable delivery of construction projects is quantitatively assessed. Second, several ICT-based solutions are proposed to assist in smoothing this transition.

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd, APM and IPMA This study looks at the critical success factors (CSFs) affecting integration of sustainability into project management practices of construction projects in developing countries. Having innovation diffusion theory as the theoretical point of departure, CSFs pertaining to the triple bottom line of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) were identified through a comprehensive review of literature. These were customised for the context of developing countries by conducting 16 semi-structured interviews and were presented in form of a conceptual model. The model was validated through a survey returning 101 completed questionnaires with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) as the method of analysis. This study contributes to the field by presenting one of the first studies in its kind focusing on CSFs for integration of sustainability into project management practices for construction projects within the context of developing countries.

© 2017 The Authors. In response to the growing attention to sustainable built environment, this study aims at introducing an approach in construction waste optimization through integrating parametric design with offsite construction methodology. To this end, a generative algorithm was developed within the integrated platform of Rhino and Grasshopper software based on modular coordination rules and ASTM international standards as the design constraints in modules array. Two sets of horizontal and vertical modules were obtained from a prototype model while an evolutionary solver function was employed for optimizing the generated waste. This resulted in developing different modular design variants which generate the minimum amount of waste while being fully compliant with international standards. This study contributes to the field by presenting one of the first studies in its kind focusing on the integration of parametric design into offsite construction methodology through the lenses of construction waste optimization.

This study draws upon a questionnaire survey distributed amongst SMEs in Australia to offer an insight into the main barriers to BIM adoption within Australian SMEs. Based on analyses of 78 completed questionnaires from non-adopters, the main barriers making SMEs shy away from BIM adoption are discussed. The findings show that currently around 42% of Australian SMEs are engaged with BIM. It comes to light that lack of knowledge and resources within SMEs is not a major barrier for Australian SMEs. In essence, the main barriers stem from lack of interests of clients and subcontractors working for SMEs alongside the risks associated with an uncertain return on investment (ROI) for BIM as perceived by key players in SMEs. The study contributes to the field by providing an updated insight into the status quo of BIM in Australian SMEs and spots the main barriers to target for promoting BIM adoption across Australian SMEs.

This study draws upon a questionnaire survey distributed amongst SMEs in Australia to offer an insight into the main barriers to BIM adoption within Australian SMEs. Based on analyses of 78 completed questionnaires from non-adopters, the main barriers making SMEs shy away from BIM adoption are discussed. The findings show that currently around 42% of Australian SMEs are engaged with BIM. It comes to light that lack of knowledge and resources within SMEs is not a major barrier for Australian SMEs. In essence, the main barriers stem from lack of interests of clients and subcontractors working for SMEs alongside the risks associated with an uncertain return on investment (ROI) for BIM as perceived by key players in SMEs. The study contributes to the field by providing an updated insight into the status quo of BIM in Australian SMEs and spots the main barriers to target for promoting BIM adoption across Australian SMEs.