The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction projects has been a game-changer, revolutionising how contracts, trust, and governance impact project success. A recent study by Nina Lee See Nie from SEGi University’s Graduate School of Business, alongside co-author Bing Yi from Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, explores how BIM enhances project governance and influences overall project performance.
Published in Buildings (2024), this research provides a new perspective on governance dynamics, shifting from traditional static approaches to a more adaptive, technology-driven framework.
Key Insights from the Study
The study, conducted in China’s Sichuan province, analysed 175 survey responses from construction industry professionals using Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis. The research examined two major governance mechanisms—contractual governance (contract completeness and flexibility) and relational governance (trust)—and their impact on project performance.
The findings revealed:
✅ Contract flexibility and trust positively impact project performance.
✅ BIM moderates the relationship between trust and flexibility with project outcomes.
✅ Surprisingly, contract completeness did not show a significant effect on performance.
These results highlight BIM’s role in bridging governance gaps, ensuring that flexible contracts and strong relationships contribute to better project execution.
Why This Matters for the Construction Industry
As construction projects become more complex, relying solely on rigid contractual terms is no longer enough. The study emphasises the importance of integrating BIM technology to create a more dynamic, responsive governance model—one that leverages trust and adaptable contracts to drive efficiency and success.
For construction leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals, this research serves as a roadmap for adopting BIM-driven governance strategies, ensuring that projects remain adaptable, well-coordinated, and high-performing in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
SEGi University’s Role in Digital Construction Research
The contribution of SEGi University’s Nina Lee See Nie to this study reflects SEGi’s commitment to cutting-edge research in business and construction management. As the industry moves towards digital transformation, research like this underscores the importance of strategic governance and technological integration in shaping the future of construction.
With digitalisation redefining industry norms, this study serves as a crucial reference for academics, industry leaders, and policymakers looking to optimise project governance in an era of technological advancement.
🔗 Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103185
This Research Aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Advancing smart construction technologies for efficient project governance.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Enhancing urban development through innovative construction practices.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening collaboration between academia and industry for impactful research and real-world applications.