Building Information Modelling (BIM) for the Built Environment

Background

In the context of construction, building information modelling (BIM) is the process of delivering and operating built assets using well-structured digital information that all the necessary parties have access to. It is a way of working, rather a physical object or an entity. Operating in this way – often referred to as ‘working in a BIM environment’ – requires all parties to collaborate and share the information they create in a mutually accessible online space known as a common data environment or (CDE). This way, everyone who needs to access the information can. That collection of data is known as an ‘information model’. Information models can be used to inform all stages of a built asset’s lifecycle, from inception right through to operation and renewal. British Standards Institution (BSI), Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) and the UK BIM Alliance are developing resources in the form of ISO standards, guidance, an information protocol, and a learning outcomes framework to support individuals and organizations in the UK and internationally to understand the fundamental principles of information management using building information modelling in projects.

Scenario

Application of module material to a project/organisation

As Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have yet to fully adopt BIM. This assignment is focused on the principles, potential and way forward for BIM in SMEs in the construction industry. You have been employed as a project BIM Manager by an SME to launch an extensive program for the Development of an Infrastructure project. The design and construction consultants (architects, engineers, contractors etc.) for the project have not yet been appointed.

The assignment requires the following overarching questions to be addressed:

1. As part of your role, you have been asked to critically evaluate the term Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the context of local, national, and global developments.
2. You should discuss the available UK standards, protocols, documentation, etc. and explain their purpose, contents, and requirements specifically to the delivery of a BIM project. Analyse the decisions necessary to be made during different stages of project lifecycle with a flow chart.
3. Analyse the drivers/enablers and challenges/barriers of using BIM for SMEs.
4. Evaluate the roles required to successfully deliver a BIM project and discuss the BIM managers role during various phases of the project lifecycle.
5. Identify the possible future developments within the BIM job role.

In addressing these overarching questions, students are required to demonstrate an understanding of BIM in the context of SMEs by:

1. Developing a critical synthesis of the relevant background literature that incorporates the core concepts and principles studied throughout the programme (e.g. challenges and opportunities, business value/proposition, drivers and enablers, collaboration principles, etc.) in relation to BIM and SMEs
2. Developing potential strategies for SME

Your report must be presented in the following format:

• It must be word-processed, and all pages must be numbered
• It must include a reference list and/or bibliography, listing the sources used in the preparation of the report, in addition to in-text citations
• Use APA 7th (Harvard) style of referencing – https://www.salford.ac.uk/skills-for-learning/home/using-and-referencing-information/referencing
• Your word count must be stated at the start of the report