Knowledge-based decision support for BIM adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies

Abstract

BIM is often considered to be unsuitable and there are no systematic approaches to guiding suitability decisions in construction SMEs, especially in developing economies. Thus, this paper evaluated key decision-making factors (DMFs) for BIM-based projects in SMEs. Data was collected through interviews, a Delphi survey and analysed with Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE). The result revealed that contractual factors, client requirements and project features are the most important DMF categories. Suitability Decision Support Index (SDSI) was computed, and action plans were compiled. These serve as a decision support engine and a knowledge base in developing a Knowledge-Based Decision Support System (KBDSS). The KBDSS validation showed that it is a useful tool for providing reliable decision support for SMEs. The findings provide solid empirical support for the evaluation of BIM in SMEs from a decision-making perspective. It has significant implications for policy and research and provides ground for technology suitability theory.