Assessing the Impact of Building Information Modeling on Cost Management Efficiency

Thesis Abstract

The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) into construction project management has emerged as a transformative approach aimed at enhancing project efficiency, particularly in cost management. Despite its widespread adoption in developed countries, its impact on cost management efficiency within developing contexts remains insufficiently documented. This study aims to empirically assess the influence of BIM implementation on cost management practices among construction firms, with a specific focus on identifying key factors that mediate or moderate this relationship. The research objectives include evaluating the extent of BIM adoption, analyzing its association with cost control and reduction, and exploring the perceptions of project stakeholders regarding its effectiveness in cost management processes. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to gather quantitative data from a stratified random sample of 150 construction firms operating in the metropolitan region. The target respondents consisted of project managers, cost estimators, and design coordinators with at least two years of experience utilizing BIM tools. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire developed through literature scrutiny and validated via a pilot test, ensuring content validity and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.88). Supplementary qualitative insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 15 key informants, providing contextual understanding of BIM practices. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis to determine the strength and significance of relationships among variables. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data to complement and interpret the numerical findings, aligning with the interpretivist paradigm. The expected findings indicate that higher levels of BIM adoption are positively associated with improvements in cost estimation accuracy, variance reduction, and overall cost control efficiency. The regression models are anticipated to reveal that BIM significantly predicts cost management outcomes, with project complexity and stakeholder collaboration acting as significant moderating variables. Additionally, barriers such as inadequate training and technological resistance are identified as impediments to realizing full benefits of BIM. These results are expected to substantiate the theoretical framework grounded in the Technology-Organizational-Process (TOP) model, emphasizing the interplay between technological adoption and organizational readiness in achieving optimal project performance. This study’s contribution to knowledge lies in providing the first comprehensive empirical evidence on BIM’s role in enhancing cost management efficiency within a developing country context. It advances existing understanding by elucidating the specific mechanisms through which BIM influences cost control in construction projects and highlights contextual factors influencing adoption outcomes. The findings will serve as a valuable reference for practitioners, policymakers, and academic scholars interested in leveraging digital tools for improved project viability. The study concludes that BIM significantly influences cost management efficiency when adequately integrated into project workflows, supported by appropriate training and organizational change management. Recommendations include enhancing capacity-building initiatives, developing standardized BIM protocols tailored to local contexts, and fostering collaborative stakeholder engagement. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and extend the analysis to include project performance metrics beyond cost, such as time and quality, to provide a holistic understanding of BIM’s benefits. Ultimately, this research underscores the strategic importance of BIM as a catalyst for cost excellence in construction, advocating for its broader adoption and institutionalization in project delivery frameworks.