Integrating Lean Construction and BIM for Facilities Management: A Paradigm for Perpetuating Lean Benefits in the Qatar Construction Industry.

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework for effective Facilities Management (FM) in developing countries through exploring the benefits, barriers and success factors associated with the synergy between Lean Construction (LC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). This was accomplished by using a mixed method approach comprising literature reviews, surveys, interviews (structured and semi-structured) and framework development. The Qatari construction industry was used as an illustrative case study. Key findings of this research show that Facilities Management can be improved by capitalizing on the synergy between Lean Construction and BIM. In addition, the wide-ranging responses from the majority of participants in the construction industry in Qatar revealed that integration of Lean Construction, BIM, and Facilities Management requires a collaborative effort among construction companies that will hinge on success factors such as: sharing of training for employee development, continuous improvement, and leadership. This integration was also found to face challenges that include: culture and language barriers; high implementation costs; inadequate organizational infrastructure; and less trained, skilled, and educated staff. Based on extensive literature reviews, survey responses, and input from the synergy between Lean Construction and BIM, a 4-level strategic conceptual framework for Facilities Management was designed in the form of interactive matrices between; Lean Construction and BIM, Lean Construction and Facilities Management, BIM and Facilities Management, and BIM, Lean Construction, and Facilities Management, and an implemental level framework was designed between BIM functions and Operations and Maintenance principles. The framework was validated through a mix of structured and semi-structured interviews, which led to the identification of important themes and development of a generic model for the proposed conceptual framework. Overall, the study showed that BIM and Lean Construction principles can be integrated to fulfill the desired targets of an effective Facilities Management framework. Implementation of such a framework is expected to provide a new perspective on Facilities Management that perpetuates lean benefits throughout the life cycle of a constructed facility. This is expected to maximize value in the built environment to the satisfaction of facility owners, users, and customers.