Exploring the application of BIM in Tanzanian public sector projects using social network analysis

Purpose The present study employs social network analysis (SNA) to demonstrate the extent to which various building information modeling (BIM) functions can be used to address significant issues faced by the Tanzanian public sector construction projects. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted secondary data obtained from a comprehensive literature review on core BIM functions and the underlying issues faced by the Tanzanian public sector construction projects. This study then adopted SNA for associating the BIM functions with relevant construction issues. Findings For Objective 1, the findings revealed that BIM can address 68% of significant issues faced by the Tanzanian public sector construction projects. For Objective 2, the findings revealed that the identified functions mainly addressed issues in the early phases of the project. Finally, for Objective 3, the most effective function was “spatial coordination.” Research limitations/implications This literature-based study does not fully capture both the current contextual issues faced by the industry and the BIM capability of stakeholders involved. In addition, this research does not distinguish between public project size and type which can influence the types of issues faced and consequently the use of BIM function. Accordingly, the research presented in this study needs to be complemented by on-the-ground feedback of industry stakeholders and needs to investigate how project size and type impacts the types of issues that emerge and the use of BIM. Practical implications With respect to practice, the findings of the present study highlight key BIM functions practitioners can begin to target. Social implications In Tanzania, public sector construction projects contribute greatly to social development of Tanzania's population. Owing to the current state of public sector projects underperforming and the negative impact the projects have on the country's development, an intervention measure such as BIM has the potential to enhance the effective and efficient delivery of these projects and thereby promote the social development of the country's population. Originality/value With respect to theory, this study demonstrates how core functions of BIM can be mapped with various construction-related issues in order to evaluate the efficacies of the BIM-based investments for improving overall performance in the public sector projects. With respect to practice, the method illustrated in the present study can be applied by policymakers and practitioners to identify core BIM functions to target to address pressing contextual issues faced by public sector projects in the respective contexts.