Design of a Competency Framework for BIM-Based Collaboration among Construction Professionals in Delta State

Building Information Modelling (BIM) improves the efficiency and worldwide collaboration in the construction industry but its application in Nigeria and particularly in Delta state is minimal because of the lack of an organized competency model. This loophole limits the successful BIM teamwork and denies the professionals opportunities to acquire requisite skills. The purpose of the study is to come up with a BIM-based collaboration competency designed to suit the Delta State construction scenario. The survey design was a quantitative survey design by utilizing structured questionnaires that were given to 200 construction professionals, which were architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and project managers. The tool further elicited the technical, managerial, and relational competencies, existing cooperative practices, and obstacles in the development of competencies. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (mean scores, standard deviations and level of agreement). It was found that such technical skills as BIM software proficiency and model coordination had the highest mean positions, then came managerial competencies associated with schedule planning and BIM standards compliance. Relational competencies (such as communication, teamwork and adaptability) were also broadly accepted as essential in the development of trust and facilitation of interdisciplinary collaboration. Barriers identified by the respondents as major ones were the lack of access to licensed BIM software, the lack of training opportunities, the lack of digital infrastructure, and the lack of inter-organisational trust. To facilitate a more comprehensive adoption of BIM in the Delta State construction industry, a context-based BIM competency framework was created to inform training, standardised collaboration, and wider adoption of BIM.

Building Information Modelling (BIM), Competency Framework, Collaboration

1. Abugu, C. (2025). Integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM) for effective construction planning, execution, and lifecycle management. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(2), 4347–4364. 10.55248/gengpi.6.0125.0621. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Agwa, T., & Çelik, T. (2025). From barriers to breakthroughs: A deep dive into BIM integration challenges. Buildings, 15(7), 1116. 10.3390/buildings15071116. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ahankoob, A., Abbasnejad, B., & Aranda-Mena, G. (2025). Building Information Modelling (BIM) Acceptance and Learning Experiences in Undergraduate Construction Education: A Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Perspective—An Australian Case Study. Buildings, 15(11), 1804. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111804 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Bahrain, N., Sakrani, S. N. R., & Maidin, A. (2023). Communication barriers in the work environment: Understanding impact and challenges. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(11), 1–13. 10.6007/IJARBSS/v13-i11/19498. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Bamgbose, O. A., Ogunbayo, B. F., & Aigbavboa, C. O. (2024). Barriers to BIM adoption in SMEs: Perspectives from the Nigerian construction industry. Buildings, 14(2), 538. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020538 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Benayoune, A. (2024). Competency-based framework development and implementation: Current and future perspectives. Information Management and Business Review, 16(3), 606–615. 10.22610/imbr.v16i3(I).4013. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Chmeit, R., Lyu, J., & Pitt, M. (2024). Implementation challenges of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in SMEs participating in public projects in Qatar. Computer and Decision Making, 1, 252–279. 10.59543/comdem.v1i.11035. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Ham, N., & Yuh, O.-K. (2023). Performance analysis and assessment of BIM-based construction support with priority queuing policy. Buildings, 13(1), 153. 10.3390/buildings13010153. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Kim, K. P., Freda, R., & Whang, S.-W. (2025). Effective BIM Curriculum Development for Construction Management Program Transformation Through a Change Management Lens. Buildings, 15(15), 2775. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152775 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Lee, S., Chung, S., Kwon, S., Cho, C.-S., & Lee, K. (2021). Assessment of BIM Competencies and Correlation Analysis between Competencies and Career Characteristics of FAB Construction Project Participants. Applied Sciences, 11(18), 8468. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188468 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Manzoor, B., Charef, R., Antwi-Afari, M. F., Alotaibi, K. S., & Harirchian, E. (2025). Revolutionizing construction safety: Unveiling the digital potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Buildings, 15(5), 828. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050828 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Miao, C., Wang, H., Meng, X., Hou, X., Yan, Y., Liu, S., & He, Y. (2024). BIM-supported knowledge collaboration: A case study of a highway project in China. Sustainability, 16(20), 9074. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16209074 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Mirhosseini, S. A., Kiani Mavi, R., Kiani Mavi, N., Abbasnejad, B., & Rayani, F. (2020). Interrelations among Leadership Competencies of BIM Leaders: A Fuzzy DEMATEL-ANP Approach. Sustainability, 12(18), 7830. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187830 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Okwose, I., et al. (2025). Application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for enhancing safety and environmental performance on construction sites in Nigeria. World Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 3, 11–26. 10.31586/wjcea.2025.6205. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Olanrewaju, O., Chileshe, N., Sunday, B., & Sandanayake, M. (2020). Investigating the barriers to BIM implementation in the Nigerian construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 27(10), 2931–2958. 10.1108/ECAM-01-2020-0042. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Olaseni, I. (2019). Advancing building engineering through BIM-driven collaboration in complex infrastructure and high-rise construction projects. International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research, 8(12), 487–500. 10.7753/IJCATR0812.1007. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Oraee, M., Hosseini, M. R., Edwards, D., & Papadonikolaki, E. (2021). Collaboration in BIM-based construction networks: A qualitative model of influential factors. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management (ahead of print). 10.1108/ECAM-10-2020-0865. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Oyedijo, A., Adams, K., & Koukpaki, S. (2021). Supply chain management systems in Africa: Insights from Nigeria. 10.1007/978-3-030-70538-1_8. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Semaan, J., Underwood, J., & Hyde, J. (2021). An Investigation of Work-Based Education and Training Needs for Effective BIM Adoption and Implementation: An Organisational Upskilling Model. Applied Sciences, 11(18), 8646. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188646 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Yi, B., & Nie, N. L. S. (2024). Effects of contractual and relational governance on project performance: The role of BIM application level. Buildings, 14(10), 3185. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103185 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Geophysical Investigation for Marl Exploration Using Vertical Electrical Sounding in Akpokponke Ibii Afikpo Southeast Nigeria
• Logging Data-Driven Geomechanical Parameter Estimation Using Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
• Seismic Refraction Tomography for Engineering Site Characterization in Awka, Southeastern Nigeria