What is it about?

This study investigates how Building Information Modelling (BIM) shapes the viability of medium, small, and micro-scale construction firms (MSMSCFs) in a developing-country context. Drawing on survey data from Nigerian construction firms, the analysis applies principal component techniques to isolate the most critical viability drivers. The study identifies ten key factors that underpin firm viability, with BIM adoption significantly strengthening six of them. Notably, BIM is shown to enhance service quality, client satisfaction, professional performance, and procurement efficiency while also offering potential to mitigate corruption and improve payment processes. Overall, the study positions BIM not merely as a technological upgrade but as a strategic enabler of organisational sustainability and sectoral development, urging stakeholders to accelerate its adoption to strengthen MSMSCFs' competitiveness and resilience.

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Why is it important?

Small and medium construction firms are the backbone of infrastructure in developing economies, and smart tools can boost their survivability. This research shows how Building Information Modelling (BIM) not only boosts efficiency and client satisfaction but also helps curb corruption and strengthen viability. BIM isn’t just technology; it’s a catalyst for resilience and growth in the construction sector, as it enables firms to adapt to challenges, improve project management, and enhance collaboration among stakeholders.

Perspectives

Modern construction is undergoing a radical digital transformation. Recent breakthroughs in Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are no longer the exclusive playground of industry giants. Instead, they are becoming essential toolkits for Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Construction Firms (MSMSCFs); the very backbone of the construction sector. For these smaller enterprises, the path to a strategic edge lies in "smart" adoption. By embracing scalable, budget-friendly innovations such as cloud-based BIM for seamless team coordination and AI-driven analytics for precise risk prediction, firms can punch well above their weight. Meanwhile, IoT-enabled wearables are revolutionising on-site safety, providing real-time monitoring that protects workers and slashes insurance risks. This shift is about more than just gadgets; it is about survival and efficiency. Incremental digital integration significantly boosts productivity and transparency while eliminating the costly rework and waste that often plague traditional projects. By weaving these technologies into their daily operations, small and medium firms can sharpen their competitive edge, deliver superior service, and secure their future in an increasingly digitalised global market.

Dr. Olubimbola Oladimeji
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

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This page is a summary of: The Influence of Building Information Modelling Adoption in the Viability of Medium, Small and Micro Scale Construction Firms (MSMSCFs), Buildings, April 2023, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/buildings13041087.
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