Search

International audience; Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption is significantly increasing and is highly supported by governmental bodies because it has great potential for the construction sector. Nevertheless, some firms do not know how to proceed for implementation. Many design firms have also already adopted BIM, so feedback is now available: several research on BIM implementation have shown that there is a lack of understanding of implementation process and a need for guidelines. Moreover, these research work, case studies and action-research have not been cross-referenced in any significant way to deduce generic and adapted guidelines for firms that are now embracing BIM implementation. In this paper, guidelines for doing a four-phases BIM implementation plan are proposed, by referencing, cross-checking, comparing, and synthetizing case studies of BIM implementation in design firms and change management literature.

Desempenho, sustentabilidade ambiental de edifícios e BIM (Building Information Modeling) são assuntos em evidência no subsetor Edificações. A proposta deste artigo é analisar as características e o posicionamento de um grupo de sete empresas de projeto de edifícios da cidade de São Paulo, participantes de um programa dedicado ao desenvolvimento gerencial de empresas de projeto, diante das novas demandas de desempenho, sustentabilidade ambiental e BIM, em sua interação com o mercado e clientes. O trabalho de pesquisa foi realizado em duas fases. A Fase 1 teve como objetivo verificar se as demandas estavam sendo consideradas pelas empresas, e intervir para evidenciar a importância de considerá-las estrategicamente, na busca de sua preparação para atender ao mercado. O método de pesquisa utilizado nessa fase foi a pesquisa-ação. A Fase 2 de pesquisa consistiu na aplicação de um questionário, via correio eletrônico, para realizar uma verificação pós-intervenção dos pesquisadores sobre o posicionamento das empresas em relação a essas demandas. Apesar de reconhecer os pontos a trabalhar referentes às demandas, parte das empresas insiste em uma postura passiva diante delas. Recomenda-se que todas as empresas trabalhem seu planejamento estratégico e definam sua atuação, considerando seus pontos fortes e fracos, ameaças e oportunidades. Recomenda-se ainda que as empresas analisem se estão preparadas para atender às demandas e verifiquem a necessidade de alteração de seus processos, capacitação, treinamento interno e equipamentos, além de parcerias com os clientes.

Knowledge is the new strategic imperative of organizations. The ability to manage knowledge is a crucial part of any organizations operational processes. The creation and diffusion of knowledge have become ever more important factors in competitiveness. This paper investigates the Knowledge Management and flow information and in small design firms. It is divided into three main parts. The first part of this paper describes the importance of Knowledge Management for organizations are described together with responsibilities needed to ensure successful Knowledge Management implementations and the Spiral of Organizational Knowledge Creation conception. The second part approaches literature available about process and organizational structure and information flow related to Brazilian design firms. Finally, this paper presents a case study of small design office of Civil Engineering identifying organizational process, verifying the types of communication practices and identifying the types of dynamic process of The Spiral of Organizational Knowledge Creation, KM strategy and dynamic through Knowledge Transfer.

This study investigates the internationalization process of Brazilian brand design firms. The following research question inspired the study: What are the characteristics of the internationalization of these firms? The study, of a technical nature, is based on secondary sources, complemented by personal interviews with specialists. The results show that the design sector in Brazil is still very fragmented, and that internationalization of design firms is incipient.

Desempenho, sustentabilidade ambiental de edifícios e BIM (Building Information Modeling) são assuntos em evidência no subsetor Edificações. A proposta deste artigo é analisar as características e o posicionamento de um grupo de sete empresas de projeto de edifícios da cidade de São Paulo, participantes de um programa dedicado ao desenvolvimento gerencial de empresas de projeto, diante das novas demandas de desempenho, sustentabilidade ambiental e BIM, em sua interação com o mercado e clientes. O trabalho de pesquisa foi realizado em duas fases. A Fase 1 teve como objetivo verificar se as demandas estavam sendo consideradas pelas empresas, e intervir para evidenciar a importância de considerá-las estrategicamente, na busca de sua preparação para atender ao mercado. O método de pesquisa utilizado nessa fase foi a pesquisa-ação. A Fase 2 de pesquisa consistiu na aplicação de um questionário, via correio eletrônico, para realizar uma verificação pós-intervenção dos pesquisadores sobre o posicionamento das empresas em relação a essas demandas. Apesar de reconhecer os pontos a trabalhar referentes às demandas, parte das empresas insiste em uma postura passiva diante delas. Recomenda-se que todas as empresas trabalhem seu planejamento estratégico e definam sua atuação, considerando seus pontos fortes e fracos, ameaças e oportunidades. Recomenda-se ainda que as empresas analisem se estão preparadas para atender às demandas e verifiquem a necessidade de alteração de seus processos, capacitação, treinamento interno e equipamentos, além de parcerias com os clientes. Performance, environmental sustainability of buildings and BIM (Building Information Modeling) are topics in evidence in the Buildings subsector. Our aim is to analyze the characteristics and positioning of a group of seven building design firms in São Paulo city, participating in a management development program for design firms, regarding the new demands for performance, environmental sustainability and BIM, in their interaction with the market and clients. The research was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 aimed to verify if the demands were being considered by firms and to act in order to highlight the importance of considering them strategically in their preparation to meet the market. The research method used in this phase was the action research. Phase 2 consisted in the application of a questionnaire via webmail to carry out a post intervention analysis by researchers about the firms positioning in relation to these demands. Despite the recognizing the work points related to the demands, some firms persist in a passive behavior regarding them. We recommended that firms work their strategic planning and define their core business, considering their strengths and weaknesses, threats and opportunities. Also, it is recommended that firms assess whether they are prepared to meet the demands and verify the need of change in their processes, staff qualification, internal training and equipment, as well as partnership with clients.

This study has been conducted on behalf of Vectura Consulting AB with the purpose to examine how different actors perceive the dimensions of sustainability and sustainable construction. The purpose is also to provide an understanding of existing barriers and opportunities for sustainable construction within the industry and exemplify with different directions for the actors in order to develop sustainability. The study has approach the research problem by using systems theory, developed by Checkland, to identify the relevant system. Other systems theories has been used as an theoretical framework in order to identify barriers and opportunities, which in this study are based on Hughes’s theory about reverse salients and salients. Interviews with a selection of different actors in the industry and prior research have in this study served as empirics and the perspective of the systems theory defines the necessary tools to be used. The study shows that no consistency prevails regarding the definition of sustainability among the actors. Although, the environmental aspect of sustainability is prioritized by a majority of the actors oppose to social and economic aspects. Furthermore, for some of the actors economy is governing while for others it is decisive. Sustainable construction is characterized by a long-term parallel process with incentives such as branding, recruiting, and optimized operations. Moreover, the study indicates a willingness among the actors to define the concept of sustainability in order to achieve an industry wide definition. Such a definition would be of benefit for simplifying procurement and developing sustainable construction. The study identified two barriers and two opportunities. The actors agrees on that the procurement regulations of the Swedish infrastructure authority “Trafikverket” in combination with contracts defined by multiple products, and the objectives of Trafikverket, are the two main barriers for holding back the development of sustainability in the industry. However, Trafikverket’s goal to increase the number of contracts based on function is seen as an opportunity as it enables creativity and innovation and a possible side effect of sustainable development. In addition, side bids from different actors are considered as a driver that will accelerate Trafikverket’s work regarding sustainability and especially sustainable construction. Finally, the authors give examples of directions for the industry to enhance sustainable construction and by doing so the authors connect vision with practice.

Learning is considered to be a sophisticated process and a source of competitive advantage. Learning is essential in project-based environments. The one-of-a-kind structure of the operations of architectural design firms triggers special learning needs and requires a continuous learning activity. Learning is considered to improve an architectural design firm’s efficiency by recognizing the role of individuals in enhancing the firm’s objectives. However, theoretical research on individual professionals’ learning process in the architectural design is rather uncommon. The process of individual learning is composed of (1) data acquisition (2) assessment of the acquired information and (3) implementation of the knowledge gained in a group setting. Ten factors were identified to assess the effectiveness of the learning processes of professionals. This study is the first study in the field of architecture that presents a conceptual model about the factors that affect the effectiveness of the learning process of professionals.

La scelta del tema dell’evoluzione del design applicato al mondo delle imprese è legata a un lavoro di Giorgio Eminente (1991) e a una serie di richiami e di rimandi in proposito, in occasione di incontri nel corso del tempo, complici le riunioni dell’Aidea. Ci piace ricordarlo con questo scritto su un argomento che per certo gli era caro sul piano culturale e affine su quello della sensibilità intellettuale. È anche un’occasione per apprezzare lo stato dell’arte su un tema rilevante ma negletto, poco affrontato negli studi di economia e di organizzazione aziendale.

Looking at design through the eyes of economics and management

Design, collaboration with a network of design firms, and knowledge management are the secret of success for design-conscious firms

Investing is not enough. The whole organization needs to be aware of the strategic importance of design