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Article
Publication date: 8 July 2019

Karim Farghaly, F.H. Abanda, Christos Vidalakis and Graham Wood

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the transfer of information from the building information modelling (BIM) models to either conventional or advanced asset management…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the transfer of information from the building information modelling (BIM) models to either conventional or advanced asset management platforms using Linked Data. To achieve this aim, a process for generating Linked Data in the asset management context and its integration with BIM data is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design employs a participatory action research (PAR) approach. The PAR approach utilized two qualitative data collection methods, namely; focus group and interviews to identify and evaluate the required standards for the mapping of different domains. Also prototyping which is an approach of Software Development Methodology is utilized to develop the ontologies and Linked Data.

Findings

The proposed process offers a comprehensive description of the required standards and classifications in construction domain, related vocabularies and object-oriented links to ensure the effective data integration between different domains. Also the proposed process demonstrates the different stages, tools, best practices and guidelines to develop Linked Data, armed with a comprehensive use case Linked Data generation about building assets that consume energy.

Originality/value

The Linked Data generation and publications in the domain of AECO is still in its infancy and it also needs methodological guidelines to support its evolution towards maturity in its processes and applications. This research concentrates on the Linked Data applications with BIM to link across domains where few studies have been conducted.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2019

Christos Vidalakis, Fonbeyin Henry Abanda and Akponanabofa Henry Oti

To reach its full potential, Building Information Modelling (BIM) should be implemented throughout the supply chain. The purpose of this study is to explore BIM implementation and…

3551

Abstract

Purpose

To reach its full potential, Building Information Modelling (BIM) should be implemented throughout the supply chain. The purpose of this study is to explore BIM implementation and adoption among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UK Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. The paper addresses two key issues: the slow rate and lack of homogeneity of BIM adoption in the SME sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate BIM uptake and test for correlations between organisational features and BIM aspects. The sample includes data from SMEs based in the South East of England, which are then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The results show that, although SMEs have some understanding of BIM-related concepts, their familiarity with existing BIM software support systems is particularly low. Limited financial capacity is identified as the primary barrier to BIM adoption while knowledge exchange initiatives are the most useful measure in facilitating further implementation. The variations of SMEs in the adoption and implementation of BIM are mostly affected by company size, professional discipline and offered services. The paper also demonstrates that a one-size-fits-all approach to BIM implementation in the AEC sector has limited potential.

Originality/value

The heterogeneity of SMEs in the AEC sector has been considered to a very limited extent. This paper considers the nature, characteristics and core business areas of SMEs as factors affecting BIM adoption and implementation.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2011

Christos Vidalakis, John E. Tookey and James Sommerville

The purpose of this paper is to consider the applicability of logistics management in construction and facilitate a better understanding of construction supply chains by studying…

5473

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the applicability of logistics management in construction and facilitate a better understanding of construction supply chains by studying the logistical functions of builders' merchants.

Design/methodology/approach

Given that logistics application in construction is still in its infancy, conceptual understanding of the problem is a prerequisite. Thus, a grounded theory approach is followed utilising pre‐existing data as a means of building a model faithful to evidence. The model is analysed by following a discrete‐event simulation modelling approach.

Findings

This research demonstrates that examining supply chains from a logistics viewpoint can provide significant insight into the performance of construction supply chains. The analysis also shows that logistics costs are exponentially related to the levels of material demand and number of vehicle movements.

Research limitations/implications

The developed model has to be further investigated and tested for different scenarios. Supplementary refinements of the model are necessary in order to allow the generalisation of the results and the development of an analytical planning tool.

Practical implications

This research illustrates the increased potential of construction for benefiting from an improved capability within logistics which can lead to further developments within the field of logistics in the industry.

Originality/value

This paper considers the significant function of builders' merchants in the supply chains in order to balance the contractor‐centric research efforts that dominate existing literature and take into consideration the holistic nature of supply chain management and its operational aspects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2013

Christos Vidalakis, Ming Sun and Aspasia Papa

The aim of the paper is to explore the relationship between the quality and value of higher education facilities through comparing the views of different user groups and…

2325

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to explore the relationship between the quality and value of higher education facilities through comparing the views of different user groups and professionals involved in the procurement and design of such facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a mixed methods approach incorporating a number of interviews and a questionnaire survey, underpinned by the recommendations and input of an expert panel.

Findings

The results reveal the potential of facilities management and maintenance to create value for higher education institutions (HEIs) and students, perhaps even greater than the construction of new high‐profile facilities, by facilitating student recruitment and improving the student learning experience.

Research limitations

The sample includes data from a single HEI. Although this was deemed necessary so as to reduce the impact of externalities, the adopted approach has to be applied to a wider sample of HEIs in order to claim more generalisable findings.

Practical implications

The paper provides a better understanding of the relationship between the quality and value of higher education facilities. This can potentially support HEIs to achieve improved value for money from their facilities and free up resources to be reinvested in other aspects of student experience.

Originality/value

Considering the subjective nature of value the paper incorporates views from a number of different interest groups. These views are correlated with different facility quality standards to provide a holistic approach to assessing the value of higher education facilities.

Details

Facilities, vol. 31 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2011

Christos Vidalakis, John E. Tookey and James Sommerville

The purpose of this paper is to present a logistical analysis of construction supply chains by assessing the impact of varying demand on the performance of builders' merchants'…

3270

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a logistical analysis of construction supply chains by assessing the impact of varying demand on the performance of builders' merchants' logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking into consideration that the vast majority of construction materials are distributed through intermediary organisations, the paper focuses on the logistics of builders' merchants. The study follows a field study approach to develop a conceptual logistics model facilitating experimentation using simulation modelling.

Findings

The paper highlights the importance of incorporating intermediary organisations in the study of construction supply chains and reveals the implications of varying demand on logistics performance related to inventory and transportation costs.

Research limitations/implications

In order to limit assumptions associated with individual company characteristics, the sample has included data from one builder's merchant company. To allow external benchmarking, the suggested approach has to be applied to a wider sample.

Practical implications

The paper provides a practical understanding in terms of the function of intermediary organisations in construction supply chains and the application of logistics management in construction.

Originality/value

Considering the complexity involved in construction supply chain operations, the value of this research is twofold. First, the research contributes to an interdisciplinary approach to the study of construction supply chains and second, provides a risk‐free environment for modelling supply chain cost performance.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 4 January 2013

141

Abstract

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 11 January 2011

Ronald McCaffer

405

Abstract

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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