BIM

It is Building Information Modelling (BIM) this was introduced to the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in the early years of 2000s. 

BIM has been defined in various ways as it involves various elements and means many things to different stakeholders. However the term BIM is generally used to describe activities, tools, processes and technologies used to manage information modelling through the life cycle of a building or infrastructure project. 

BIM management has been promoted for value, cost and carbon improvement. BIM awareness has increased in the last decade worldwide and particularly in the UK since the Government mandate which required fully collaborative 3D BIM as a minimum by 2016, with electronic project information and documentation. 

The National Building Specification (NBS) BIM reports, which have been monitoring the adoption of BIM in the UK over time, have conveyed a noticeable growth in awareness and use of BIM since 2011. 

A large number of empirical studies on BIM focused on large architectural practices working on significant complex mega projects. However, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs) form the majority of the AEC sector. Recent research has highlighted the need for critical perspectives on BIM, taking into consideration different-sized firms. Thus NPS is here to support BIM adoption by SMEs in AEC sector.