The mediating effects of cost estimates reliability on BIM adoption: SEM model analysis

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis to evaluate the mediating effects of cost estimates reliability towards the Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology adoption. Using results from a survey by questionnaire, SEM analysis employing SPSS-AMOS application is to assess the relationships amongst the studied constructs (Improved Information, Perceived Benefits, BIM Adoption and Cost Estimates Reliability) by testing three hypotheses. The SEM model was established with its validation through the assessment on its uni-dimensionality, validity, reliability, and fitness index, prior to the hypotheses testing. There are two effects possibly involved in the constructs’ relationships, namely direct and indirect effects, in which were examined using Sobel Mediation Test. The results showed that from all mediating relationships developed amongst the constructs, only Cost Estimates Reliability construct demonstrates its role as partial mediator in the direct relationship between Improved Information and BIM adoption constructs. Whilst the other two hypotheses failed the test, indicating no mediation is possible in between the related constructs relationships. The analysis confirmed that the BIM capabilities could provide better mechanism in understanding project information to establish more reliable cost estimates. It could then improve the estimators’ skills and knowledge throughout the whole cost estimating process, hence potentially motivating them towards adopting the BIM technology.