Acceptance of building information modelling: A survey of professionals in the construction industry in Ghana

Building Information Modelling (BIM) can contribute significantly to the successful implementation of construction projects. This paper tests the level of acceptance of BIM in the construction industry in Ghana using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). TAM postulates that the level of success of an information system can be determined by user acceptance of the system, measured by factors including: perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), attitudes towards using (ATU) and behavioural intentions to use (BUI) the system. Based on the TAM constructs, hypotheses were developed, questionnaire designed, and a survey was conducted among professionals within the construction industry. 200 questionnaires were distributed, with 125 responses obtained and analysed. Professionals’ behavioural intention to use BIM was determined by their attitude towards using BIM and perceived usefulness of BIM. Generally, the study has revealed that there is high level of acceptance of BIM among respondents. The findings enrich the understanding of user acceptance of BIM in the Ghanaian construction industry. If the factors identified are considered, it will successfully lead to significant acceptance and subsequent adoption of BIM in the Ghanaian construction industry. There is the need to create awareness on the importance and use of BIM among professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry, through workshops and seminars. It would also help if attention were to be paid to the technology in the curricular of academic institutions offering construction related programmes. Clients should be encouraged to demand for BIM in their projects. © 2018 The author(s).