Building Information Modeling Technology Capabilities: Operationalizing the Multidimensional Construct

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper can be accepted due to corrections and modifications.

Author Response

Thanks for your comments. We sincerely appreciate your recoginition on our corrections and modifications. 

We will have a complete and thorough proofreading to improve the sections of Discussion and Analysis and Results according to your feedbacks and the standards required for the final publication.

Thanks again.

Reviewer 2 Report

"Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technology Capabilities: Operationalizing the Multidimensional Construct" is an article that makes a significant contribution to the fields of engineering and architecture. The article provides a critical review of the existing literature on the subject.

The analysis presented in the paper is comprehensive and well-structured. Their discussion on how the multidimensional construct can be operationalized provides valuable insights for scholars interested in the effective implementation of BIM.

The authors provide a comprehensive overview of BIM capabilities. The categorization of these capabilities into three distinctive categories represents a significant step forward in understanding and applying BIM. This categorization provides a clear framework to guide future studies and research, paving the way for further knowledge development in the field.

Author Response

We appreciate your very encouraging comments. We will have a complete and thorough proofreading to align the manuscript with the standards required for the final publication.

Once again, we express our sincere gratitude. 

Reviewer 3 Report

The paper deals with Building Information Modelling Technology (BIM) in terms of capabilities. The work has some potentially good results. However, the issue of study is that it has been built in terms of theoretical studies only although they work mentioned "practical" but it is not there! 

This has resulted in some weakness in the results as well as the overall contribution to knowledge. 

Another weakness point is that the study did not include any theoretical comparison in terms of computer tools using BIM which has recently been debatable issue

It is recommended that the paper might be accepted after major improvement in study specially the part of method used and contribution 

Author Response

Point 1: The paper deals with Building Information Modelling Technology (BIM) in terms of capabilities. The work has some potentially good results. However, the issue of study is that it has been built in terms of theoretical studies only although they work mentioned "practical" but it is not there!

 

Response 1:

 

Thanks for your constructive suggestions.

 

Our research aims at conceptualizing and developing of a multi-dimensional measurement scale for BIM technology capabilities. Although our study did not specifically involve architectural practice cases, it is firmly rooted in a substantial practical foundation during the process:

Firstly, At the initial stage of our research, we conducted in-depth interviews with nine experts who have been actively involved in the practical application of BIM technology in the construction industry. These interviews, averaging 60-70 minutes in each session, yielded comprehensive transcripts totaling 90,000 words which are reflecting their practical wisdom. The primary purpose of the interview was to validate and further enrich the existing 33 features characterizing BIM technology capabilities.

Secondly, our research incorporated two rounds of questionnaire surveys which are designed to encompass individuals with direct, authentic experiences concerning BIM technology. In the first round, we strategically targeted key subjects who have rich experiences in the study and application of BIM technology within the Chinese context. These groups encompassed corporate technical personnel, BIM consulting and training professionals, university faculty members who actively involved in BIM education, and students pursuing BIM-related coursework. In the second round, to focus on scale validation and the acquisition of the most precise practical responses, we distributed questionnaires to individuals who are actively deploying BIM technology in their professional capacities. Employing a systematic snowball sampling approach, we ensured that the questionnaires reached individuals possessing genuine and extensive BIM usage experience. This survey enlisted participants from 41 companies which are located in 23 cities across China.

Based on these efforts, we provides meaningful practical implications for our experts, as well as theoretical contributions to the literature.

 

 

Point 2: Another weakness point is that the study did not include any theoretical comparison in terms of computer tools using BIM which has recently been debatable issue.

 

Response 2:

 

Thanks again for your constructive comments.

 

Since the purpose of this research is to develop the measurement sale of BIM technology capabilities at the enterprise level, we didn’t have a theoretical comparison among computer tools using BIM technology. Rather, we briefly mentioned the relevant theories associated with the enterprise-level technology capabilities and their relationship with the above-average return. To help you better understand our theoretical foundation of developing the measurement scale, we provide a more exhaustive elaboration on the theoretical comparison among the theories of the strategic value of IT and its creation of competitive advantage. Please refer to the following paragraph (p.3).

 

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Over time, the strategic value of IT on organizations has captivated considerable attention from both scholars and practitioners [24-27]. In a similar vein, Bhatt and Grover (2005) [25] conducted an extensive review of the trajectory of IT research concerning competitive advantage, shedding light on classical, economic, complementary resources, and the Resource-Based View (RBV) perspectives. Likewise, BIM, classified as an enterprise-level information technology, has also attracted scholarly investigation by addressing its fundamental technological underpinnings [28,29], facets of economic value creation [30], and dimensions of competitiveness [31]. However, the uncertainties and ambiguities surrounding the returns on investment and the underexploited potential benefits of BIM technology have emerged as shared concerns within both ivory tower and the industry, paralleling Carr's (2003) [32] argument concerning the diminished economic contribution of IT. Bhatt and Grover (2005) [25] advocated for the assessment of IT's significance through the lens of RBV, as IT underscores the capacity for leveraging capabilities rather than undifferentiated IT assets. Huang [19] and King [33] further argue that firms exhibit considerable disparities in their ability to cultivate IT capabilities, transcending the mere expenditure on disparate IT components.

Consequently, IT capabilities are constructed as a dynamic, organization-wide competence, going beyond a specific array of intricate technical functionalities, to encompass an enterprise-wide competence characterized by combining the technological and organizational resources.

In line with the RBV perspective, we conceptually define BIM technology capabilities as the strategic competence which are applicable to teams and enterprises alike. BIM technology capabilities stands as a significant resource and competency poised to empower teams and enterprises in achieving and sustaining a strategic competitive advantage

 

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We also addressed the issue in the discussion session.

 

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To advance the field, we have integrated insights from works by Law et al. (1998) [10], Bharadwaj et al. (1999) [23], Olowa et al. (2022) [20], Polite et al. (2012) [11], Huang et al. (2014) [19], Bhatt and Grover (2005) [25] and King (2003) [33]. Consequently, we decided to use the notion of BIM technology capabilities to further develop the measurement scale of it. Thus, drawing upon the resource-based view (RBV) framework, we conceptualize BIM technology capabilities as a strategic competency that aids teams and enterprises in attaining and preserving a sustainable competitive advantage

 

We have added the following references:

24.Porte, M.E. Technology and competitive advantage[J]. Journal of business strategy, 1985, 5(3): 60-78.

25.Bhatt, G.D.; Grover, V. Types of information technology capabilities and their role in competitive advantage: An empirical study[J]. Journal of management information systems, 2005, 22(2): 253-277.

26.Fink, L. How do IT capabilities create strategic value? Toward greater integration of insights from reductionistic and holistic approaches[J]. European Journal of Information Systems, 2011, 20(1): 16-33.

27.Erkmen, T.; Günsel, A.; Altındağ, E. The role of innovative climate in the relationship between sustainable IT capabilities and firm performance[J]. Sustainability, 2020, 12(10): 4058.

28.Arayici, Y.; Coates, P.; Koskela, L.; et al. Technology adoption in the BIM implementation for lean architectural practice[J]. Automation in construction, 2011, 20(2): 189-195.

29.Afsari, K.; Eastman, C.M.; Shelden, D.R. Cloud-based BIM data transmission: current status and challenges[C]//ISARC. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction. IAARC Publications, 2016, 33: 1.

30.Reizgevičius, M.; Ustinovičius, L.; Cibulskienė, D.; et al. Promoting sustainability through investment in Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies: A design company perspective[J]. Sustainability, 2018, 10(3): 600.

31.Reza, H.M.; Pärn, E.A.; Edwards D.J.; et al. Roadmap to mature BIM use in Australian SMEs: Competitive dynamics perspective[J]. Journal of Management in Engineering, 2018, 34(5): 05018008.

32.Carr, N.G. IT doesn't matter[J]. Educause Review, 2003, 38: 24-38.

33.King, W.R. IT capabilities, business processes, and impact on the bottom line[M]//IS Management Handbook. Auerbach Publications, 2003: 41-44.

 

Thanks again for your kind and constructive comments and suggestions. Our manuscript has been greatly improved, and we do appreciate it very much.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Authors addressed all comments raised and can be accepted in the present form