October 2015
The first national survey to benchmark the level of Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption in Ireland revealed that 67% of the industry sample possessed confidence in their skills and knowledge to deliver BIM. While only 6% reported no confidence the remaining 27% reported a general knowledge of BIM and a gradual improvement in BIM skills. 75% of the sample reported an increase in demand for BIM in Ireland. The authors sought to report on the extent to which the digital transition of Ireland’s construction sector is underway. A survey questionnaire was selected to allow for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. Industry leaders from private sector organisations operating in the construction sector were nominated to complete the first national survey to benchmark the level of BIM adoption in Ireland today. A sample size of the 100 most influential leaders In Architecture, Engineering and Contracting were selected with the co-operation of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI), Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Society of Chartered Surveyors in Ireland (SCSI), Engineers Ireland and the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (RIAI). The questionnaire was modelled on the NBS BIM Survey to allow for comparative analysis at a later date but was shortened to facilitate ease of completion. A response rate of 68% was achieved which was significant. Table 1 opposite confirms the spread of the responses from different disciplines, which shows good spread of representation.
Organisation Type
Nr
Architecture
10
Engineering Consultancy
21
Quantity Surveyors
8
Main contractor
17
Specialist Contractor
10
Other
2
Total
68 Table 1 – Breakdown of Responses
What is your role with the company? 90% of respondents reported that their role was at Director/Principal/Associate level, which would indicate that responses could be reliably construed as being strategic data that could be relied upon for benchmarking purposes.
How would you describe your business’s current awareness of Building Information Modelling? 85% of the sample reported that they were aware of and currently using BIM.
Are you aware of the UK BIM Mandate? As expected, the majority of respondents were acutely aware of the mandate.
How confident are you of the knowledge and skills in your organisation in respect to BIM? 67% of responses indicated that they possessed confidence in respect to BIM knowledge and skills, with only 6% reporting no confidence. The remaining 27% reported a general knowledge of BIM and a gradual improvement in BIM skills. Leadership in Transition Survey Report - October 2015
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