Developing organizational capabilities to deliver lean and green project outcomes using BIM
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 3 October 2018
Issue publication date: 19 October 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the process through which an organization develops organizational capabilities by tapping the technical skills and social skills of its employees in the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to deliver lean and green project outcomes. The resulting framework for BIM-based organizational capabilities development comprising of three hierarchical layers – technology, process and outcomes – is explained.
Design/methodology/approach
For this study, BIM has been identified as an enabler and a process for achieving lean and green outcomes on construction projects. Based on a detailed literature review, this paper identifies the organizational capabilities needed by the architecture, engineering and construction organizations to effectively implement BIM on construction projects. The study has been conducted through a sequential mixed-method approach involving semi-structured interviews, focus groups and qualitative comparative analyses.
Findings
It was discovered that to attain desired project outcomes, an organization needs to embrace an underlying BIM adoption culture not only within its project teams but also within the organization as a whole. The study also concluded that an integrated approach to BIM usage – connecting it with lean and green initiatives – on construction projects resulted in improved project outcomes, especially ones targeting lean and green aspects of improvements.
Practical implications
The proposed outline for BIM-based organizational capabilities will help the organizations focus on the “human factors” along with the technical factors while striving for successful usage within their organizations.
Originality/value
Using the organizational capabilities matrix, this paper highlights the importance of technical and social skill sets of an individual employee and their role in developing the organizational capabilities to gain the desired lean and green outcomes.
Keywords
Citation
Ahuja, R., Sawhney, A. and Arif, M. (2018), "Developing organizational capabilities to deliver lean and green project outcomes using BIM", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 25 No. 10, pp. 1255-1276. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-08-2017-0175
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited