Abstract:
Complexity of construction industry makes it inevitable to avoid disputes among project team
members. Diversified nature of team members is identified as a main source of disputes which
impose negativity to projects. Even though there is a visible connection between BIM
implementation and dispute minimization, people tend to refuse accepting this valuable
technology. Therefore, the research is mainly focused on identifying the applicability of BIM
technology to minimize disputes within construction projects that arise due to diversified
nature of team members. This research aim was approached through a qualitative research
strategy by collecting data from qualitative observational study in the form of desk research
and semi-structured interviews conducted with industry experts. The qualitative data was
analyzed using content analysis to develop a conceptual framework which directed the study
towards its aim. The research findings exposed encouraging team work; establishing a vision
and providing goals formed by a central scientific idea; creating good communication within
project teams; engaging qualified and experienced personnel; increasing levels of trust within
the team; establishing effective problem solving mechanisms; and encouraging intellectual
disagreement as the main causes of disputes that arise due to diversified nature of team
members. Moreover, research disclosed the main techniques that can be used to implement the
each identified main methods of dispute minimization. Accordingly, a conceptual framework
was developed to identify the applicability of BIM technology in minimizing disputes among
project team members. Additionally, the research findings were validated through expert
opinions in order to make the outcome more reliable. The developed conceptual framework
provides a basis for decision making in initial stage of building construction projects where
decision for adopting BIM technology emerge. Moreover, further research directions can be
suggested towards the areas such as concerning a different context for the same research
problem and using different units of analysis.
