MINIMIZING CONFLICTS DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE BY USING

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING

MOHD FAIZ BIN SHAPIAI

A capstone project report submitted in partial fulfilment of the

requirements for the award of the degree of

Master of Project Management

Faculty of Civil Engineering

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

JANUARY 2015

iii

To Farah Azmin who stood beside her husband at every single step of the way,

to Amsyar Darwisy who sacrificed precious time, attention and love with his father,

and to people around me especially my parents who constantly encouraged,

supported and committed to me

iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Alhamdulillah, praise to Allah the Almighty God who gave me truly strength

to me for completing this thesis. Deepest and sincere appreciations to Dr. Mohamad

Syazli bin Fathi who has been an ideal capstone supervisor for his advices, criticisms

and encouragement in aiding the writing of this capstone project report in countless

ways. I also want to thank you to PWDM supervisor, Ir. Ahmad Ridzuan bin Abu

Bakar for his advices and guidance in project management field especially in

Building Information Modeling knowledge.

Thanks in advanced also to the examiners and panels for their suggestions

and constructive comments in making this thesis the same as it is presented here. I

am also indebted to Faculty of Civil Engineering, School of Graduate Studies

(Engineering) for their assistance and professionalism throughout the duration of the

course was conducted. Special thanks to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in

supplying and information especially for their assistance in supplying the relevant

literatures.

Gratitude is also owed to various people namely family, friends, colleagues

and students group of MAZ09 who not giving up to help and support along the way

to the successful completion of this capstone project report. Last but not least, special

thanks are expressly dedicated to Complex Project Management Branch, Public

Work of Department Malaysia (PWDM) for their substantial funding contribution

and cooperation to the completion of this capstone project report.

ABSTRACT

Public Works Department of Malaysia (PWDM) is one of the main

governments’ technical agency in Malaysia. PWDM has supervised numerous

government projects but still faces problems such as delays and variations due to

conflicts during construction. The main study is to investigate the effectiveness of

applying Building Information Modeling (BIM) in managing conflicts during

construction. The results of the analysis were established from surveys of questionnaires,

interviews and lastly from PWDM’s own database. The analysis was based on mixed

method which combines the qualitative and quantitative analysis approach and finally

comparing it with literatures that discusses conventional projects and projects using

BIM. This study which focuses on the conflicts during construction, finds that conflicts

are attributed to the lack of communication and coordination which eventually

contributes to the project delay. This study was conducted in order to find the root cause

of the problem and proposing an action plan that utilises the BIM approach in order to

properly manage conflicts during the construction stage. It has also come into attention

that although the proposed measures for conflict management through BIM is practical

and feasible, it will still encounter some resistance. This form of resistance has been

identified and appears in the form of cognitive, resources, motivational and political. The

results have also provided evidence that through BIM utilisation, conflicts during the

construction stage can be minimized. Other beneficial factors of applying BIM are

improved communication and coordination among the projects stakeholders. This

research study has also encountered some challenges due to the limitation of BIM

expertise and the small number of PWDM projects that actually utilises the concept of

BIM. It is with great hope that this research study will spur and generate greater interest

for those whom are involved in BIM and Architecture, Engineering and Construction

(AEC) industry as it provides an extension of BIM’s current knowledge base especially

in the aspect of construction stage conflict reduction.

v

ABSTRAK

Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Malaysia merupakan salah sebuah agensi teknikal

kerajaan yang utama di Malaysia. JKR telah banyak menyelia projek-projek kerajaan

tetapi masih menghadapi masalah seperti projek lewat dan perubahan kerja yang

disebabkan oleh konflik semasa pembinaan. Tujuan utama kajian ini adalah untuk

mengkaji keberkesanan penggunaan Building Information Modeling (BIM) dalam

menguruskan konflik semasa pembinaan. Keputusan analisis adalah berdasarkan

kajian soal selidik, temubual dan juga daripada pangkalan data JKR iaitu berdasarkan

kaedah analisis kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Hasil keputusan analisis adalah

bersandarkan kajian literatur yang berkaitan iaitu antara projek konvesional dengan

projek yang menggunakan BIM. Hasil utama kajian keatas konflik semasa

pembinaan menunjukkan ia boleh berlaku akibat daripada komunikasi dan koordinasi

yang kurang berkesan dan menyumbang kearah kelewatan projek. Hasil dapatan

kajian digunakan untuk pelaksanaan pelan cadangan dengan menggunakan

pendekatan BIM dalam menguruskan konflik semasa pembinaan. Namun terdapat

beberapa kekangan yang telah dikenalpasti dalam melaksanakan pelan cadangan

tersebut iaitu dari aspek halangan kognitif, sumber, motivasi dan politik. Keputusan

juga menunjukkan bahawa pelaksanaan BIM dapat membantu mengurangkan konflik

semasa pembinaan. Selain faktor tersebut, penggunaan BIM juga dapat

meningkatkan komunikasi dan koordinasi antara semua pihak yang terlibat. Kajian

ini mendapati terdapat kekangan dalam melaksanakan kajian ini dimana pakar BIM

dan projek JKR yang menggunakan kaedah BIM adalah masih terhad di Malaysia.

Adalah menjadi harapan, kajian ini akan menjadi salah satu sumber rujukan dan

inspirasi bagi mereka yang terlibat dalam BIM dan industri Arkitek, Kejuruteraan

dan Pembinaan (AEC) khususnya, kerana kaedah ini merangkumi ilmu asas dalam

BIM terutama dalam mengurangkan konflik semasa pembinaan.

vi

vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE

PAGE

DECLARATION

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

ABSTRAK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

LIST OF APPENDICES

ii

iii

iv

v

vi

vii

xii

xiv

xvi

xvii

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Background of the Problem 3

1.3 Problem Statement 7

1.4 Research Questions 10

1.5 The Aim and Objectives of the Study 11

1.6 Scope of Study 11

1.7 Significance of the Study 12

1.8 Research Structure 13

viii

2 LITERATURE REVIEW 15

2.1 Introduction 15

2.2 Variation in Construction 15

2.3 Problems Due to Conflicts During

Construction Stage

18

2.4 Building Information Modeling 22

2.4.1 BIM and its Definition 22

2.4.2 The Use of BIM 24

2.4.3 Benefits of BIM 27

2.5 Previous Study 29

2.5.1 BIM Projects at Hong Kong, Macau

and Singapore Case Study

29

2.5.2 BIM Project at St. Silas CE Primary

School Case Study

30

2.5.3 BIM Projects in Hilton Aquarium,

Atlanta and One Island East, Hong

Kong Case Study

31

2.6 Relation of Stakeholder Satisfaction With

Conflict and Variation/Delay Between

Conventional Project and BIM Project

32

2.7 Implementation of BIM in PWDM 34

2.8 Summary 36

3 METHODOLOGY 37

3.1 Introduction 37

3.2 Research Design 39

3.3 Data Collection 40

3.3.1 PWDM Projects Data 40

3.3.2 Questionnaire Survey and

Distribution

41

3.3.3 Interview With Experience Panel

43

ix

3.4 Data Analysis 45

3.4.1 Reliability Test 45

3.4.2 Normality Test 46

3.4.3 Frequency Analysis 46

3.4.4 Mean Average Index 46

3.4.5 Relative Importance Index (RII) 47

3.5 Summary 48

4 DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS 49

4.1 Introduction 49

4.2 Findings of PWDM Data Projects 49

4.2.1 Batu Pahat Hospital : Package B –

Upgrading of OT, Emergency Ward,

HDW, Blood Bank, Lab, CSSD &

CT Scan and Registration

50

4.2.2 Shah Alam Hospital : Package II -

Building Works

52

4.2.3 National Cancer Institute, Putrajaya 54

4.3 Interview Data and Analysis 57

4.3.1 Expert Interview Analysis 58

4.4 Questionnaire Survey and Analysis 59

4.4.1 Demographic Profile 59

4.4.2 Knowledge Level in Building

Information Modeling

65

4.4.3 Implementing BIM in Project 66

4.4.4 Questionnaire Survey Analysis 67

4.4.5 Frequency and Mean Score Analysis 70

4.4.6 Relative Importance Index (RII) 73

4.5 Summary 74

x

5 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION 76

5.1 Introduction 76

5.2 Understanding the Conflicts 76

5.2.1 Conflict in Construction 77

5.2.2 Type of Conflicts 78

5.2.3 Factor of Conflicts 80

5.2.4 Causes of Conflicts 82

5.2.5 Summary of Conflict Stage 84

5.3 Comparing the Conflicts 87

5.3.1 Conflict Consequences 87

5.3.2 Conflict Overcome 89

5.3.3 Benefit of BIM in Project 91

5.4 Recommendation 93

5.4.1 Root Cause Analysis 94

5.4.2 Benefit Matrix 96

5.4.3 Strategy in Managing Conflicts 97

5.4.4 Recommendation in Managing

Conflicts

100

5.5 Resistances 103

5.5.1 Cognitive Hurdles 104

5.5.2 Resources Hurdles 104

5.5.3 Motivational Hurdles 105

5.5.4 Political Hurdles 106

5.6 Summary 106

6 CONCLUSION 109

6.1 Introduction 109

6.2 Conclusion 109

6.2.1 Objective 1: Identifying Conflicts

During Construction

110

6.2.2 Objective 2: Comparing the

Conflicts Between Conventional

Project and BIM Project

111

xi

6.2.3 Objective 3: Making a

Recommendation of Managing

Conflicts

112

6.3 Limitation of Study 113

6.4 Recommendation for Further Study 113

6.5 Conclusion Remark 114

REFERENCES 115

Appendices A-H 121-146

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. TITLE

PAGE

2.1 Table of Various Causes of Variation and Their

Categorization

17

2.2 Summary of The Literature on the Potential

Problems in Executing D&B Projects in the

Construction

20

2.3 Data and Information of Two Projects

Implementing BIM

32

2.4 PWDM Pioneer Projects Using BIM and Its

Objectives

34

3.1 Interview Questions for Conventional Projects 44

4.1 Batu Pahat Hospital Project Information 50

4.2 Shah Alam Hospital Project Information 52

4.3 National Cancer Institute Project Information 54

4.4 Basic Information of Expert Panel 58

4.5 Cronbach’s Alpha Value 68

4.6 Skewness and Kurtosis Value for Section B 69

4.7 Skewness and Kurtosis Value for Section C 69

4.8 Likert Scale – Measurement of Agree and Disagree 70

4.9 Section B – Frequency and Mean Score Analysis 71

4.10 Section C – Frequency and Mean Score Analysis 72

4.11 Section B - Relative Importance Index (RII) 73

4.12 Section C - Relative Importance Index (RII) 74

5.1 Ranking for Conflict in Construction 77

xii

xiii

5.2 Ranking for Type of Conflicts in Construction 79

5.3 Table of Various Statements Related to the Type of

Conflicts

80

5.4 Ranking for Factor of Conflict in Construction 80

5.5 Table of Various Statements Related to Type of

Conflicts

82

5.6 Ranking for Causes of Conflicts in Construction 83

5.7 Table of Various Statements Related to Types of

Conflicts

84

5.8 Ranking for Conflict Stages During Construction 84

5.9 Ranking for Conflict Consequences in

Conventional Projects

87

5.10 Ranking for Conflict Overcome in Projects 89

5.11 Ranking for Benefits of BIM in Projects 91

5.12 Benefits of BIM in the NCI Project 93

5.13 Action Plan by Using BIM 94

5.14 Possible Solution for Managing Conflicts by Using

BIM

95

5.15 Benefit Matrix – QW, TW, BO And SE 96

5.16 ERRC Grid – Elements to Minimize the Conflicts

by Using BIM in PWDM Projects During

Construction Stage

98

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURES NO. TITLE

PAGE

1.1 BIM Cycle Phases 2

1.2 Flow Chart of Basic Work Process in

Implementing PWDM Project Delivery

6

1.3 BIM Benefits Contributing the Most Value 9

2.1 Timeline of BIM Definition by Researchers 22

2.2 Timeline of BIM Definition by Researchers 23

2.3 The components of a BIM use 25

2.4 The BIM use purposes 25

2.5 Table of BIM use Characteristic 25

2.6 BIM Uses on each project stages 26

2.7 Flowchart on how the BIM uses can be applied to

a project

27

2.8 Five Projects Utilising BIM in Hong Kong, Macau

and Singapore

30

2.9 CLD of Satisfaction of Stakeholder by using BIM

and Conventional in the Project

33

2.10 BIM projects in PWDM 34

3.1 Schematic of Research Approach 38

3.2 Research Schedule of Work Programme 39

3.3 Likert Scale 43

4.1 Financial progress for Batu Pahat hospital 51

4.2 Financial progress for Shah Alam hospital

53

xiv

xv

4.3 Financial progress for National Cancer Institute

project

56

4.4 Respondent’s Gender Profile 60

4.5 Respondent’s Age Profile 60

4.6 Respondent’s Education Profile 61

4.7 Respondent’s Profession Profile 62

4.8 Respondent’s Experience in Project/Construction

Profile

62

4.9 Respondent’s Professional Involvement Profile 63

4.10 Respondent’s JKR Staff and Non-JKR Staff

Profile

64

4.11 Respondent’s JKR Sector Profile 64

4.12 Respondent’s Grade Profile of JKR Staff 65

4.13 Level of knowledge in BIM of Respondents 66

4.14 Organization Implementing BIM by Respondents 67

4.15 Likert Scale – Level of Agree and Disagree 70

5.1 Summary of Conflict Stages 86

5.2 Four Action Framework in BOS 97

5.3 Strategic Canvas for Minimizing Conflicts by

Using BIM

99

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AEC Architect, engineering and construction

BIM Building Information Modeling

BOS Blue Ocean Strategy

CLD Causal Loop Diagram

EOT Extension of time

HODT Head of Design Team

HOPT Head of Project Team

IBS Industrial Building System

ICT Information and communication technology

JKR Jabatan Kerja Raya

LAD Liquidated Ascertain Damages

M&E Mechanical and electrical

NCI National Cancer Institute

PSG Problem Solve Governance

PWDM Public Work of Department Malaysia

RII Relative importance index

RISP Registered IBS System Provider

RMK-9 Rancangan Malaysia ke-9

SKALA Sistem Kawal dan Lapor

SPSS Statistic Package for Social Science

VO Variation order

xvi

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX TITLE

PAGE

A Research Schedule 121

B Sample of Questionnaire 122

C Picture of Batu Pahat Hospital 131

D Picture of Shah Alam Hospital 132

E Picture of National Institute Cancer 133

F Picture of BIM Uses in NCI Project 134

G Summary of Interview with Expert Analysis 139

H Root Cause Analysis 146

xvii

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

The construction industry is in need to move forward through ‗change‘; from

the traditional or conventional method to the Building Information Modelling (BIM)

method. This involves the entire project phase, from the project planning up until the

completion and handing it over to the operators. Wong et al. (2013) stated that ―Due

to low productivity levels in the construction industry, there is a continuous urge for

its improvement by using those innovative techniques and methods already adopted

by other industries‖.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a modern technology which was

introduced by the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. In

Malaysia, BIM had formally surfaced during the early year of 2007 by the Public

Works Department (Latiffi et al., 2013). There are many definitions of BIM and

according to Penn State Department Architectural Engineering (2010), ―Building

Information Modelling (BIM) is a process focused on the development, use and

transfer of a digital information model of a building project to improve the design,

construction and operations of a project or portfolio of facilities.‖

2

Figure 1.1 shown the BIM cycle phases, based on an article linking about the

daily life of BIM (Dispenza, 2010), which can carry information downstream all the

way from the planning phase up until its operational and maintenance phases.

Figure 1.1: BIM Cycle Phases (Adopted from Buildipedia.com., 2010)

Public Works Department of Malaysia (PWDM), also known as Jabatan

Kerja Raya (JKR) started using BIM in their pilot projects, which were the National

Cancer Institute of Malaysia, followed by SMK Meru Raya (Ipoh, Perak), SK

Tanjung Minyak 2 (Melaka), SPRM Administration Building (Shah Alam, Selangor)

and Klinik Kesihatan Maran,-KK Jenis 5 (Maran, Pahang) (Latiffi et al., 2013).

Latiffi et al. (2013) also states that the intention of BIM application in these pilot

projects are to facilitate problems solving during the construction stage, as the aims

of BIM is to prevent disputes between the different construction players and parties.

According to Peter et al. (1997), disputes require quick resolutions and it is extension

from the conflicts if it is not properly managed.

As interest in the BIM workflow is growing immensely amongst industry

players (Rooney, 2014), many agencies including the public sector are looking

forward to inspire and influence designers and contractors to team up and getting

actively involved in applying the BIM method. Being a technical agency, PWDM

3

has initiated to kick-off the pilot projects in order to identify the benefits of using

BIM (JKR, 2014).

The intention of this research is to explore BIM potential in reducing

conflicts during the construction stage since that a common project environment

hugely draws in potential conflicts (Verma, 1998). These conflicts come in the form

of scope change, design variation and drawing discrepancies among disciplines due

to the lack of communication and coordination during the planning and design stage.

(Mohamud, 2014).

1.2 Background of the Problem

Generally, project faces problems during the construction stage (Verma,

1998) and this will eventually lead to cost and time overruns (So, 2004). A study by

Memon et al. (2011) on causative factors leading to construction cost overrun and

delay in time for projects in Malaysia is mainly due to these factors:

Poor design

Unrealistic contract requirements and duration

Lack of experience

Late delivery of materials and equipment

Poor relationship between the management and labour

Delay in the preparation and approval of drawings

Inadequate planning and scheduling

Poor site management and supervision resulting in errors during construction.

According to Whitfield and Blackwell (2012), the main cause of conflicts is

due to the misunderstanding from poor communication practices in the project.

4

In the PWDM organization, the Business Sector is divided into several

branches which is responsible in managing projects given by the clients (government

sector), which involves the planning stage up until handover. Projects are led by the

Head of Project Team (HOPT). The clients will award the projects with an agreed

completion time, cost, quality and scope of work. The Expert Sector will be

appointed by HOPT as the Head of Design Team (HODT) with each disciplines

(Architect, Civil & Structure, Geotechnical, Electrical, Mechanical, Quantity

Surveyor, etc.) required to fulfil the project‘s design within the agreed time, cost,

quality and scope.

When the scope is given by the client, the architect will start with the concept

design and the client is required to approve the concept design before the architect

can proceed with the preliminary design. This is provided that the ‗confirmed

proposed site‘, reasonable cost and reasonable time duration has been incorporated in

the design. But this has not been the case and HODT‘s are pressured by the HOPT‘s

to complete the design within a short period of time without beforehand properly

completing and finalizing the projects brief. Delay by the client in finalising the

architect‘s concept design has also contributed to the delay and problems of the

successive design stage efforts.

The situation above also occurs in the design and build method, which is

faced by the consultants, contractors, clients and PWDM‘s project team. The client

needs to provide the project brief to the HOPT within the agreed time, cost, quality

and scope. The appointment of HODT is to ensure that the statements of needs are

prepared and completed before appointment of any contractors. Contractors are

appointed to execute the project, starting from the design stage up until the handover

stage (including the defect and liability period). The concept design comes from the

HODT‘s architect to verify that the project is within the agreed cost given by the

client. If the project brief, especially the projects scope of work is not completed

during the planning stage; the projects concept design and need statement will not be

clearly defined.

During the design stage, it is common that the consultants and the contractors

do not put serious attention to the design coordination amongst the design

5

disciplines. It is also a fact that sometimes the HOPT is forced to pressure these

parties to complete the design works within a short period of time.

In addition, conventional projects as well as design and build projects also

experiences the same problem during the early stage of a project. Whenever the

HOPT holds a coordination/technical meeting of projects, the meeting objectives are

not agreed or met, even though in the presence of the clients. In certain occasions,

roles and responsibilities of HOPT‘s and HODT‘s with the clients are not clear

resulting in ineffective communication.

Figure 1.2 indicates a flow chart of basic work process in implementing

project delivery based on Quality Management System (JKR,2014).

6

Figure 1.2: Flow Chart of Basic Work Process in Implementing PWDM Project

Delivery

In PWDM, conflicts mainly occurs during the construction stage and this will

lead to delay in project completion. A study by Mohamud (2013) found that there are

Project given by the Client

HOPT receive Project Brief

HOPT appoint HODT‘s

Method in Implementing of project

(In-house-conventional/Consultant-conventional/Design and Build)

HODT Architect start a concept design

based on project brief and prepare

preliminary cost estimation

Procurement Stage if

using Design & Build

method

HODT‘s Preparing

Preliminary Design

HODT‘s Preparing

Detailed Design

Construction

Handing Over

Procurement Stage if

using Conventional

method

Preparing Need

Statement/Term of

Reference

7

three (3) main factors on each categories of delay that may occur in projects during

the planning and design stage. These factors are:

a. Client related

A. Slowness in decision making process

B. Change order

C. Client interference

b. Consultant/Designer

A. Poor communication and coordination

B. Poor monitoring and control of progress of work

C. Errors and discrepancies in design documents

From the study done by Mohamud (2013), it is shown that, one of the

important factors in consultant/designer category is errors and discrepancies in

design documents that will lead to delay during the construction stage.

Although PWDM has introduced new approaches such as Registered IBS

System Provider (RISP) and Problem Solve Governance (PSG), projects are still

experiencing delays due to the internal and external problems resulting in improper

implementation of the approaches. (JKR, 2014).

1.3 Problem Statement

PWDM is a technical agency that has supervised a vast number of projects

which includes the planning stage up until the projects handover. A total number of

810 building projects for RMK9 and RMK10 registered in ‗Sistem Kawal Lapor‘ in

2013 (SKALA, 2014). On Jun 1st, 2009, Utusan (2009) has reported that 80% of

PWDM projects are delayed and this hasleft a negative impression in the public‘s eye

in regards to the organization. Even though all of the projects were completed, there

is a major issue in projects completion delay. According to the SKALA report

8

(2013), an estimation of 57% of projects were delayed from the list of 216 projects

which were in the construction phase (Mohamud, 2014).

Several reasons have been identified which had contributed to the delay of

projects by researchers (Luh et al., 2006). Some of the delay factors which may be

related to this study are:

a. Delays in design works and frequent changes in orders/design (Arditi

et al., 1985)

b. Increases in the scope of the work (Semple et al., 1994)

c. Changes of design (Ogunlana et al., 1996)

d. Poor design and changes in orders/design (Al-Monami, 2000)

e. Inadequate early planning of the project (Faridi and El-Sayegh, 2006)

According to Mohamud (2014), the top five (5) most important causes of

project delay in PWDM are:

a. Poor site management and supervision

b. Financial difficulties – poor cash flow management

c. Inadequate contractor experience

d. Poor communication and coordination

e. Slow in the decision making process

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of applying BIM

in managing conflicts during the construction stage. The study area is to focus and

locate these conflicts that can potentially contribute to the delay and variation of

PWDM projects. It will also emphasize on the lack of coordination within the

projects planning and design stages. From the results and findings, we will try to

explore BIM‘s potential in managing these conflicts in order to ensure a more

efficient coordination and communication among the project team members and

parties. Hence, minimizing conflicts during the construction stage.

9

Figure 1.3: BIM Benefits Contributing the Most Value (McGraw Hill, 2009)

Figure 1.3 shows the top benefits contributing the most value to a project,

taken from the McGraw Hill (2009). The top benefits of using BIM are:

i. Reduced conflicts during construction

ii. Improved collective understanding of design intent

iii. Improved overall project quality

iv. Reduced changes during construction

v. Reduced number of Request for Information (RFIs)

vi. Better cost control/predictability

The most immediate benefits of utilising BIM in projects is that it produces

better designs and increases efficiency and productivity (Batcheler and Preger,

2011). The design and construction documentations are closely linked, and the time

to produce these documents have been reduced significantly through the application

of BIM. This was achieved by the reduction in time required to evaluate different

alternatives thus minimizing the time to execute these design changes. This is

particularly important to the clients as it maximize the cumulative benefits of BIM

through enhancing the efficiency in project delivery, reducing risks and optimising

10

client‘s satisfaction (Batcheler and Preger, 2011). Apart from efficiency and

productivity, BIM facilitates to optimize project coordination amongst various

disciplines (Autodesk, 2011).

Findings from the study indicates that conflicts will more likely contribute to

project delay and variations to PWDM projects. This is due to the lack of efficient

and effective project communication and coordination. From the analysis results,

conflicts are likely to be reduced by applying BIM as it also helps to ensure a better

communication and coordination amongst project stakeholders. Hence, preventing

the project from further delays and variations.

1.4 Research Questions

The research questions of this study must be relevant and significant in order

to provide solutions to the common problems experienced by the AEC industries and

specifically, within PWDM. The questions relevant to this study are:

i. What is conflict in respective to project construction

ii. What are the problems that triggers conflicts during the construction?

iii. What are the factors contributing to delays and variations during

construction stage?

iv. Why conflicts occur in projects during construction stage?

v. How to overcome these conflicts which occurs during the construction

stage?

vi. What is BIM and how is BIM relevant to projects during the construction

stage?

vii. Why use BIM in to reduce conflicts during the construction stage?

viii. How is BIM able to reduce these conflicts?

ix. How to manage the conflicts by applying BIM?

x. Is there any resistance to implement BIM?

11

1.5 The Aim and Objectives of the Study

The focal objective of this study effort is to investigate the effectiveness of

applying BIM in managing conflicts during the construction stage. The study will

address the followings:

a. To identify conflicts occurring during construction stage for conventional

projects and BIM projects

b. To compare the conflicts between conventional projects and BIM projects

c. To make recommendations on managing conflicts in order to reduce the

conflicts related problems

1.6 Scope of Study

The scope of this study is limited to hospital projects that have been delivered

by PWDM only. This is due to the reason that up until the year 2014, there was only

one project that has been completed which utilises the BIM approach; that is the

National Cancer Institute, Putrajaya. The project was awarded as a design and build

contract. Therefore, only design and build hospital projects from RMK-9 are

comparable to the completed BIM-utilised project. All of the projects data will be

gathered from the PWDM database, ―Sistem Kawal & Lapor‖ (SKALA). The data

will be gathered and separated into conventional projects and BIM projects. These

two group data‘s will be compared to the variation orders that has been put forward

due to the conflicts arising during the construction stage.

12

1.7 Significance of the Study

The significance of the study is divided into three categories which is aimed

at closing the gap between problems in a project environment by minimizing

conflicts during the construction stage through the application of BIM.

i. For PWDM

The study of this capstone project is to show that by using BIM tools in

PWDM projects, there will be an improvement throughout the PWDM project

phases. This improvement will be visible especially in the communication and

coordination amongst project team parties which focuses on reducing conflicts

during the construction stage.

ii. For PWDM Staff

It is hoped that the study will provide benefits and useful information on the

implementation of BIM methodology within PWDM projects and eventually creating

greater awareness and readiness when they themselves are actively involved in future

BIM related projects.

iii. Significance to Knowledge

The findings of this study would be of interest for those whom are involved

directly in BIM and also the construction industry as it extends the current

knowledge base for BIM. This is mainly due to its capability in reducing conflicts

hence, providing greater benefits to the construction industry. It is also hoped that in

the near future, the topic of BIM can be further explored by other researchers.

13

1.8 Research Structure

This research study, also known as the capstone project will specifically

focus on PWDM. The first chapter will briefly discuss about the Introduction,

Problem Statement, Research Questions that will provide Aim and Objectives of the

research and the scope of the study. Most importantly is the significance of the study

towards providing benefits to PWDM and its staff.

Chapter 2 will be the Literature Review which will discuss scholars and

academic findings related to this study. The sub-topics for this chapter is:

Variation and conflicts during construction phase,

What is BIM?

Relationship between stakeholder satisfactions by implementing

BIM in projects.

Previous study and implementations of BIM within PWDM will also be

discussed briefly in this chapter in order to further understand BIM projects and its

benefits.

Research Methodology will be covered in Chapter 3. The focus is to provide

a step by step guideline for the researcher in order to successfully achieve the aims

and objectives of this capstone project. The methodology of this study is firstly

kicking off by collecting data and information. Then, secondly the data and

information will be analysed by using qualitative and quantitative method of research

design. Finally, the recommendations in that has been found through this research

study will be proposed in Chapter 4.

Chapter 4 mainly discusses the analysis and results of the study. The analysis

and result will be done comprehensively in regards to the conflicts through

comparison between conventional projects and BIM projects. Apart from that, the

analysis also will be considering the questionnaires taken by the stakeholders

especially their experiences in conducting conventional projects and BIM projects.

14

Furthermore, the discussion of the results and recommendations will be

covered in Chapter 5 through the proposal of a strategic canvas in order to minimize

the conflicts during construction through the application of BIM.

Last but not least, Chapter 6 will be the conclusion of this study in regards to

the initial aims and the objectives whilst also including the limitations of the study.

REFERENCES

A. Bakar A. A. (2013). JKR BIM Technical Paper, JKR Civil Engineer Committee

Meeting. 13th September. Renaissance Hotel, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

A. Bakar A. A., (2014). Preparation of Final Draft JKR BIM Guide and Standard

Meeting, JKR BIM Committee Meeting. 13th November. Cawangan

Pengurusan Projek Kompleks, JKR Headquarters, Menara PJD, Kuala

Lumpur.

A. Karim N. (2014). Building Information Modeling Awareness and Readiness at

Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia, Master in Project Management, University of

Technology Malaysia, Skudai.

A. Zaki A. B., (2013). Causal Loop Diagram, System Thinking Course for Master of

Project Management. 14-15th September. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,

Kuala Lumpur.

Latiffi A., Mohd S., Kasim N. and Fathi M. S. (2013). Building Information

Modeling (BIM) Application in Malaysian Construction Industry.

International Journal of Construction Engineering Management, 2(4A), 1-6,

viewed July 7, 2014 from http://journal.sapub.org/ijcem

Abdullah S. A., Sulaiman N. and Latiffi A. (2014). Building Information Modeling

(BIM) from the perspective of Facilities Management (FM) in Malaysia.

International Real Estate Research Symposium 2014 (IRERS), 29-30 April.

Ministry of Finance Malaysia.

Acharya N. K. and Lee Y. D. (2006). Conflicting factors in construction projects:

Korean perspective. Engineering, Construction and Architectural

Management, 13(6), 543-566.

Ali K N and et al. (2013). Building Information Modelling Awareness and Readiness.

University of Technology Malaysia, Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia.

116

Anderson Jr. L. L. and Polkinghorn B. (2008). Managing Conflict in Construction

Megaprojects: Leadership and Third-Party Principles. Conflict Resolution

Quarterly, 26(2), 167-198.

Arain F. M., Assaf S., and Pheng L. S. (2011). Causes of Discrepancies between

Design and Construction. Architectural Science Review, 47(3), 237-249.

Ashcraft H. W., (2008). Building Information Modeling: A Framework for

Collaboration, Construction Lawyer, 28(3).

Autodesk (2003). Building Information Modeling in Practice. Autodesk Building

Solutions, Autodesk Inc., pp. 2, viewed 4 August 2014 from

http://www.ddscad.com/BIM ___In_Practice.pdf

Autodesk (2011). Realizing the Benefits of BIM, Autodesk Building Information

Modeling, Autodesk Inc., pp. 1-12

Azhar S., Nadeem A., N Mok J. Y., and Y Leung B. H. (2008). Building Information

Modeling (BIM): A New Paradigm for Visual Interactive Modeling and

Simulation for Construction Projects. First International Conference on

Construction in Developing Countries (ICCIDC-I), 4-5 August. Karachi,

Pakistan, pp. 436-446.

Batcheler B and Preger A. (2011). The Unmistakable Benefits of BIM Enhanced

With PIM. National Institute of Building Sciences buildingSMART alliance,

Journal of Building Information Modeling, pp. 22-23.

Balfour Beatty (2012). St. Silas CE Primary School-Using BIM to deliver

Stakeholder Engagement, Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, viewed 4

August 2014, from http://www.balfourbeattycsuk.com/capabilities/building-

information-modelling/

BIM Malaysia Steering Committee (2013). BIM Malaysia Steering Committee

Inaugural Meeting, Kuala Lumpur, 23 September.

Dada M. O. (2013). Conflicts in Construction Projects Procured Under Traditional

and Integrated Systems: A Correlation Analysis. International Journal of

Constrcution Supply Chain Management, 3(1), 1-15.

Demian P. and Walters D. (2013). The Advantages of Information Management

Through Building Information Modeling. Construction Management and

Economics, DOI:10,1080/01446193.2013.777754.

Dispenza K. (2010). The Daily Life of Building Information Modeling (BIM),

Buildipedia.com, viewed 7 July 2014, from http://buildipedia.com/aec-

117

pros/design-news/the-daily-life-of-building-information-modeling-

bim?print=1&tmpl=component

Dreu D. and Weingart L. R. (2003). Task Versus Relationship Conflict, Team

Performance, and Team MemberSatisfaction: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of

Applied Psychology, 88(4), 741-749.

Elizabeth Fanning (2005). Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, Practical

Assessment. Research & Evaluation, 10(2), 1-14.

Fisher M. and Tatum C. B. (1997). Characteristic of Design-relevant Constructability

Knowledge. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management,

123(123), 253-260.

Ismail A., Pourrostam T., Soleymanzadeh A., and Ghouyounchizad M. (2012).

Factors Causing Variation Orders and their Effects in Roadway Construction

Projects. Research Journal of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology,

pp. 4949-4972.

ISO Standard (2010). ISO 29481-1:2010(E). Switzerland: The International

Organization for Standardization.

Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia (2014). JKR BIM website, viewed 3 August 2014, from

http://172.20.1.63/bim/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Ite

mid

Kim W. Chan and Renée Mauborgne. (2005). Blue Ocean Strategy. Harvard

Business School Publishing Corporation, USA

Kreider R. G. and Messner J. I. (2013). The Uses of BIM-Classifying and Selecting

BIM Uses. (Version 0.9), The Pennsylvania University, University Park, PA,

USA: Penn State Computer Integrated Construction, pp.6 from

http://bim.psu.edu.

Lam E. W. M. and Chan A. P. C. (2013). Potential Problems of Running Design-

build Projects in Construction. HKIE Transaction, 10(3), 8-14.

Luke G. J. (2007). An Assessment of the service quality expectations and perceptions

of the patients of Awali Hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Unpublished

masters dissertation, Rhodes Investec Business School.

M Azlan A. A. (2013). JKR BIM Road Map, JKR BIM Road Map Conference-

Industry Engagement. 4th April. Dewan Tan Sri Mahfuz, JKR Malaysia,

Kuala Lumpur. viewed 3 August 2014, from http://

172.20.1.63/bim/index.php?option =com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid

118

McGraw Hill (2008). SmartMarket Report: Building Information Modeling (BIM) –

Transforming Design and Construction to Achieve Greater Industry

Productivity. New York: McGraw Hill Construction, pp. 2.

McGraw Hill (2009). SmartMarket Report: The Business Value of BIM-Getting

Building Information Modeling to the Bottom Line. New York: McGraw Hill

Construction, pp. 22.

Memon A. H., A. Rahman, I. and A. Azis A. A. (2011). Preliminary Study on

Causative Factors Leading to Construction Cost Overrun. International

Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering & Technology, 2(1), 57-71.

Messner J. I., (2013). The Uses of BIM. Penn State University, viewed 4 August

2014, from http://bim.psu.edu/Uses/

Mohamud M. Z. (2014). Method to Resolve Building Project Delay, Faculty of Civil

Engineering, Master in Project Management, University of Technology

Malaysia, Skudai.

National BIM Standard (2007), (cited in Tammy L M 2008). Building Information

Modeling and the Interactive Capability Maturity Model, University of

Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, pp. 2.

National BIM Standard (2010). What is a BIM. National Institute of Building

Science buildingSMART alliance, retrieved August 4, 2014 from

http://www.nationalbimstandard.org/faq.php

Owolabi J. D., Amusan L. M., Oloke C. O., Olusanya O., Tunji O. P. (2014). Causes

and Effect of Delay on Project Construction Delivery Time. International

Journal of Education and Research, 2(4), 197-208.

Onyegiri I., Nwachukwu C. C. and Jamike O. (2011), Information and

Communication Technology in the Construction Industry. American Journal

of Scientific and Industrial Research, 2(3), 461-468.

Oxford University (2014). Oxford Learner’s Dictionary of Academic English.

Oxford University Press.

Penn State Department Architectural Engineering (2010). BIM Project Execution

Planning Guide. (Version 2.0). The Pennsylvania State University, USA.

Penttila (2006) (as cited in Succar 2009). The Five Components of BIM Performance

Measurement, University of Newcastle, NSW Australia, pp.2.

119

Per Anker Jensen and Elvar Ingi Johannesson (2013). Building information

modelling in Denmark and Iceland, Engineering. Construction and

Architectural Management, 20(1), 99-110.

Peter Fenn, David Lowe and Christopher Speck (1997). Conflict and Dispute in

Construction. Construction Management and Economics, 15(6), 513-518.

Rooney K. (2014). BIM Education–Global-Summary-2013. (Version 1.0).

Construction Information System Limited, NATSPEC, Australia

Ruben Ndihokubwayo (2008). An Analysis of the Impact of Variation Orders on

Project Performance. Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Sekaran U. (2003). Research Method for Business: A Skill Building Approach. (4th

Edition), John Wiley & Sons.

Sikan, H. (1999). Variation Orders in Construction Contract. Department of Quantity

Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknology Malaysia,

Journal Alam Bina. 02, 48-53.

SKALA (2014). Sistem Pengurusan Projek JKR (SKALA), Jabatan Kerja Raya

Malaysia, retrieved August 3, 2014 from http://skala.jkr.gov.my/

So C. K. (2004). Conflict and Cross Effect in Fire Services Installation and Building

Constrcution in New Projects. International Journal on Engineering

Performance-Based Fire Codes. 6(4), 322-332.

Succar (2009). The Five Components of BIM Performance Measurement. University

of Newcastle, NSW Australia, pp.2.

Sunday O. A. (2010). Impact of Variation Orders on Public Construction Projects,

26th Annual ARCOM Conference. 6-8 September. Ministry of National

Development, Independence House, Victoria. In: Egbu, C. (Ed) Procs, Leeds,

UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, pp. 101-110.

Verma V. K. (1998). Conflict Management. Project Management Institute Project

Management Handbook, Chapter 22, 353-376.

Whitfield J. and Blackwell W. (2012). Conflict in Construction. Construction

Management and Economics, 497-503.

120

Wong Andy K. D., Wong Francis K. W. and Nadeem A. (2009). Attributes of

Building Information Modeling and Its Development in Hong Kong. The

HKIE Transactions, 16(2), 38-45.

Wong Andy K. D., Wong Francis K. W. and Nadeem A. (2013). Attributes of

Building Information Modeling Implementations in Various Countries.

Architectural Engineering and Design Management. 6(4), 288-302.

80 peratus projek JKR lewat. (2009, June 1). Utusan Online, Retrieved July 9, 2014,

from http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2009&dt=0601&pub=

Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_08.htm