Managing Complexity in Construction Projects

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction

1.1.Background of the study

Construction projects have been significant to plan and work in these eras, especially in their contribution to society and development. It has been analyzed that construction projects need to consider certain factors, which the workers, engineers, and manager need to follow during the execution of the construction. These factors include supply chain management, time management, and cost management, among others (Gil et al.,2017). It is found that a difficulty level of a construction project increases together with the scale of construction, the scale of design, along the environment in which it is set up. Construction projects also include some high-level implementation, resources, designing, management, and others, which are all linked with the cost aspect of it. This massive level of operations in the market has created a worth for the overall industry and its contribution to a nation’s economy altogether (Lehtonen et al.,2016). Besides this, it has been noticed based on the research work done by numerous researchers that the problem which is disturbing the productivity of the construction projects and leading to delay in a project time is the cost side of it. According to many researchers, it has also been observed that time is taken in a project and leading to ultimate delay often results in an increase in cost. Surplus time consumption for completing a specific construction project may cause many problems and creates obstacles for the shareholders or the investors who are connected with the projects (Alberti, 2019). To give an example, it has been reported that the construction of Burj Khalifa was completed after exceeding the allocated time, which saddened all the skyscraper companies who were associated with this project as it has significantly augmented the overall cost of the project. A proper initiative is necessary to solve the issue that causes an increase in charge within the construction industry. The interests of the shareholders and stakeholders can be kept intact. Correspondingly, the role of BIM comes into existence. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be considered as the expressive term in the context of technologically advanced, information-centric methods and collaborative methods that are utilized to attain design, construction, and operating the built environment. With the significant advancements in the world of technology, it is noted that the BIM models have become quite sophisticated and rich in terms of data that becomes advantageous for the collaborators, clients, and designers (Wong & Jan 2003). It is mainly owing to the advances in technology it leads to ensure opportunities with the intention to enhance facility management, retrofitting of buildings, and maintenance, among others. It is essentially the extensive use of BIM that helps in reforming the overall construction sector. Likewise, a positive influence can be assured for the construction domain in terms of controlling the project cost. The BIM, in alignment with the current digital environment, helps in making effective design and setting the proper scheduling for a project, which further helps in dealing with construction project delay, failure to which acts as a primary reason for cost failure in construction projects. Notably, it is through the adoption of BIM that enables the development of diverse channels of communication within the workplace. BIM further eliminates traditional and ineffective paper-based methods, which often causes cost hikes in projects (Wetzel & Thabet, 2015). Hence, this research will extensively analyse the role of BIM as an application in controlling the cost of construction projects.

1.2. Research Rationale

The use of technology within the construction sector has been one of the A necessary process that is implemented to deal with various issues prevailing within the industry. Delay, cost increase, human resources, weather, and other problems have surrounded the construction sector. All these issues of the construction industry have, one way or the other, contributed towards an increase in overall project cost more often than not. This further calls for the need to have a practical solution that can directly ensure managing the cost within the construction sector. Consequently, it is necessary for the construction industry to develop some measures and implement some strategies to reduce the valuable time to create a high foundation, which will change the scenario of the entire work and manage cost. The use of BIM in this context comes into existence. There has been a wide range of research conducted in terms of the issues and challenges facing the construction sector and how the same influences the overall operational efficacy and costing of the industry altogether. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive research about how BIM can directly influence the cost management of construction operations. Hence, this is the critical motivation for conducting this research work.

1.3. Research Objectives

The following objectives will be accomplished in the process of conducting this research study.

To critical analyse the role of BIM in managing to cost of the construction sector

To evaluate views and opinions of people from the construction sector about BIM and its application in the construction sector

Determining and evaluating the future directions that can be taken by contractors about reducing or managing cost using BIM in the construction sector

Identify the challenges and benefits of 5D costing with the use of BIM

1.4. Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in the process of completing this research study.

RQ1: How has BIM been presented by existing literature in terms of its current state for its application in cost estimating?

RQ2: In a project led by a contractor, what costing framework will help facilitate 5D BIM costing?

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 Chapter Overview

The current chapter aims to conduct a critical review of relevant literature associated with the chosen research problem. The study provides a critical evaluation of the essential significance of BIM in terms of offering cost-related benefits to the construction projects along with clearly defining its roles towards enabling the project management process to obtain efficiency in productivity and quality of project activities. At the same time, the chapter further sheds light on the importance of implementing BIM-enabled project management processes in the construction process to improve the decision-making capabilities of the project managers and effective risk management practices within a construction project. In this process, a wide range of peer-reviewed journal articles and recent past research works from secondary sources. In addition, the research study also includes relevant theoretical frameworks and models that have been retrieved from the academic materials from both books and online sources. The process provided significant support to conduct the review and draw credible findings relating to the significance of using BIM in the project management process, along with critically understanding its key technological drivers that facilitate organizations to accomplish the project goals and objectives.

2.2 Significance of Using BIM in Construction Projects

According to Kushwaha (2016), BIM is referred to as an intellectual 3-dimensional process, which provides an ample opportunity for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) with good insight in planning, designing, executing, and managing construction projects. Based on the key findings of the author, it has been argued that BIM is fundamentally planned and executed to efficiently design as well as document construction or infrastructure designs. The model is further acknowledged as an efficient technology-based project management tool for organizations to explore the most suitable design options and create visual representations. The process provides a clear and easily understandable method for stakeholders to learn and know about the infrastructure layout of a building. Bryde et al. (2013) also stated that the way of postulating a clear illustration about the infrastructure design led by BIM substantially enables project managers to plan and execute changes required or to bring up significant modification of the layout based on the needs and expectations of the clients. Therefore, the implementation of BIM is also efficient for project managers to improve their decision-making abilities and to increase their skills in the project design and execution process. Mousa et al. (2016) argued that BIM is one of the most advanced and efficient projects management tools in architecture or construction-related projects. According to the key findings of the author, it has been recognized that effective integration of BIM in construction projects can provide widespread scopes and opportunities for project managers to maintain flawless performance in planning, designing, and executing different project management activities. At the same time, the research findings of Miettinen & Paavola (2014) can also be taken into consideration when describing the efficiency of using BIM in construction projects. According to the authors, it has been argued that BIM enables the project management process to maintain a flawless communication process, especially in sharing each aspect of information about project development stages across different groups of stakeholders associated with the project. In this context, it can be said that BIM also enables the project to maintain adequate transparency and makes projects include sufficient credibility. The research study of Miettinen & Paavola (2014) further revealed that the 3D illustration of the construction project using the BIM tool provides a piece of detailed information about each measurable element associated with the project. At the same time, the process further provides a thorough demonstration regarding costs associated with each aspect of the construction process of the project. Therefore, it can be said that the use of BIM kin project management can play a pivotal role in understanding different aspects associated with structural engineering stages along with a piece of clear information about cost and management functions. Lee et al. (2015) also argued that the implementation of BIM in construction projects for building and other infrastructure facilities provides greater efficiency, specifically in shortening project-lifecycle stages. The process eventually leads the entire construction project to substantially gain cost advantages as the model helps to reduce the lifecycle of project stages.

2.3 Use of BIM in Estimating Project Cost

According to Azhar (2011), project cost estimation refers to a process of forecasting quantity, cost as well as the price of the project resources through the project scope. The authors have identified a certain extent of uncertainty involved in the projects, which only helps predict the potential costs associated with different project activities and scenarios related to the project. Concerning the study findings of Xudong & Jie (2007), BIM technology in the project management process contains both geometric and engineering data across the different phases of the project lifecycle of a building or a construction project. Additionally, Elbeltagi et al. (2014) further stated that the model enables to stimulate overall construction of the building with a virtual representation. The author also contributed that the model also provides significant support in making and planning effective decisions regarding cost and resources, and time through obtaining detailed visualization of the future construction project. In this regard, Khemlani (2010) argued that BIM could also be implemented in the preconstruction stage, especially to measure and/or estimate the actual cost of the overall project. Furthermore, it can be used in integration and coordination among different components of the building along with their scheduling data associated with the project. The construction industry plays a vital role in the economic growth of a nation. According to Mohideen (2015), India is one of the fastest-growing economies globally, and the construction industry forms an integral part of its economic development. However, Zhang & Fan (2013) argued that over the years, there had been dramatic changes in the way construction projects are carried out. It has been contended that the construction projects have become much more complex and challenging to manage. In this regard, one of the primary reasons behind these complexities is related to the involvement of stakeholders like architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and financing institutions. Because of the growing complexities related to construction projects, efforts have been constantly laid on determining new ways and methods for the smooth execution of construction projects. In this context, it has been observed that in recent times that there has been a growing focus on the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT). Notably, one of the significant developments related to the use of ICT in the construction industry is linked with the proliferation of BIM (Bryde et al., 2013). In the past few years, a wide range of research has been conducted to examine and understand BIM in the context of the construction industry. As a result of which, there are several definitions of BIM. In the words of Fazlia et al. (2014, p. 1117), BIM is defined as “a set of parametric tools and processes for the creation and maintenance of an integrated collaborative database of multi-dimensional information regarding the design, construction and operations of a building, to improve collaboration between stakeholders, which reduces the time needed for documentation of the project and producing more predictable project outcomes.” On the other hand, Kjartansdóttir, & Snæbjörnsson (2017, p. 15) defined BIM as “a process for combining information and technology to create a digital representation of a project. It Integrates data from many sources and evolves in parallel with the real project across its entire timeline, including design, construction, and in-use operational information”. Numerous studies have been conducted in recent years to explore the benefits and challenges of BIM (Demian & Walters, 2013; Zhang & Fan, 2013). As per Kushwaha (2016), BIM is considered a most promising development for the construction industry, which can be used for accurate virtual modeling leading to digital construction of a building. BIM in construction projects is argued to contribute to proper planning, designing, and operational facility. Similarly, Blanco & Chen (2014) claimed that the use of BIM tools allows construction managers to achieve dynamism, reliability, and effectiveness. Azhar (2011) argued that the construction industry for a long had been faced with the challenges of low productivity reduced efficiency. Notably, the use of the BIM tool is thus considered to provide an invaluable tool that helps in improving productivity as well as efficiency. At the same time, Clevenger et al. (2014) argued that the application of BIM tools helps inaccurate cost estimation and reduces chances of delay in the delivery of the construction projects.

Nonetheless, scholars have also identified specific challenges of the use of BIM in the construction industry. In this regard, one of the significant challenges of BIM is linked with the issue of interoperability. Accordingly, it has been observed that different individuals in construction projects are involved in the use of different types of software and tools. It is thus argued that the use of other means by the project participants has the potential to lead to a lack of data interoperability, which may make the exchange of information challenging (Singh et al., 2017). Another major challenge of BIM implementation in a construction project is related to its high cost. In this regard, the initial cost of implementation of BIM is ascertained to be relatively high, which serves as the potential barrier for its performance in construction projects (Becerik-Gerber & Rice, 2010).

2.4 The Role of 5D BIM Costing in Cost management of Construction Projects

From a general perspective, the 5D BIM process in project management provides significant support to improve the quality level of any specific finished project. According to Smith (2016), it has been argued that the development of 5D capabilities is gaining significant momentum and leading edge in the field of construction projects. It involves an advanced way of demonstrating architectural representation of the building and a different picture of the engineering structure associated with the project. In addition, Reizgeviˇcius et al. (2018) argued that in the project cost estimation process, BIM is an inevitable model as it provides a piece of clear information about the projected costs as well as postulated time for each project management activity. The model provides a clear representation of the activities associated with required resources and the capital of humans needed for any specific work in project management. Therefore, the use of BIM provides a broader scope in project management activities to precisely determine the current and future costs associated with the design as well as construction requirements of the project. In addition, the use of 5D BMI costing is one of the major fundamental factors that enable project managers to understand the required volume of resources along with the costs associated with each activity of the construction project. Nevertheless, the process of displaying a 5D illustration of the project also helps the project managers to measure the required amount of costs associated with human capital in the project.

2.5. Costing framework in facilitating 5D BIM costing

Smith (2017) stated that the BIM model, which possesses objects and assemblies which add dimensions of costs to it, is termed as 5D BIM. The Cost data is unified in the BIM model objects and is associated with estimating software tools. The 5DBIM modelling assists in the creation of the linkage in between elements and possesses the specification as well as the property of every object and part. The 5D BIM modelling helps in extracting accurate information and data that is utilized for the costing. It is an encounter that there is a need for collaborative assistance of people to attain increased impacts from the models. Thus, the main objective of the 5D BIM is to increase the collaboration of the project, which also helps in project management. However, the designers need to produce appropriate information of 3D wherein the construction team shall also review for clashes in order to attain a 5D model virtually. Since 5D software monitors the clash detection, it automatically updates the design change and coordination in the project team. It is stated by Smith (2014) that 5D BIM modelling enhances the project’s visualization and assists the people in working together in order to make effective and also enhances the project’s collaboration as design’s cost is attained at the initial stage of designing with the assistance of 3D, so 5D BIM modelling helps in making the conceptualizing of the project more manageable. The 5D BIM model even assists in taking a more significant number of offers when estimating the budget. This modelling also facilitates lower costs as its efficiency to produce quantities for cost planning is greater than the traditional or manual software. It is even analyzed by Cheunga, Rihana, Taha, Duceb & Kurula (2012) that 5D BIM not only assists in acknowledging the risks at the starting stage but also helps in improving clash detection at the design stage itself. This helps decline the costs that would have been wasted if risks or defects had been attained during the execution stage of the designs. This modelling is also important in construction as it enhances the capability to mitigate the RFI’s in real-time (Smith,2017). 5D modelling has the potential to model the projects before and after the construction, so it also assists in enhancing the estimation of costs in an effective manner. It is stated by Lu, Won, and Cheng (2016) that BIM 5D possesses the extracting quantities through BIM models and thus assists teams in managing the resources linked with project schedules. It is analyzed that the BIM model generates management sheets that possess the quantities of materials needed in the project. The team’s take-out requires quality at the specified period. This assists in minimizing the wastage of projects as there is no need for the dumping of the materials. Moreover, the shortage of materials could be ordered during the time of execution which helps in monitoring wastage and assists in saving materials costs. In addition to that, it is also analyzed by Cheunga, Rihana, Taha, Duceb & Kurula (2012) that since 5D modelling check each portion of projects and review designs at an early stage. Thus, 5D BIM helps provide better advice to costs in every designing phase in an effective manner. It is acknowledged that the 5D model possesses specific nature of the information that could be utilized by printing out the details of the designs and produce reports necessary for other team members. 5D BIM also possesses a higher level of cost details in the early stage of designing. Thus, software providers link the model to the 5D costs library to make detailed costs plans. It can therefore be stated that 5D is highly effective than traditional 2D methods of cost estimation to produce a thorough assessment (Smith, 2014). This model helps in declining errors and also minimizes the time.

2.6. Chapter Summary

Concerning a clear understanding of other literature, the chapter strives to provide a precise evaluation of the role and significance of BIM in project management. Nevertheless, the chapter also includes demonstrating a clear representation of the importance of using BIM in construction, significantly to minimize the possible issues associated with project cost. Based on a clear understanding of the results retrieved from the review, it is evident that BIM is one of the most effective 3D technological tools which enables project management functions to obtain primary scope and opportunities for organizations. Moreover, the tool is also considered as an advanced and more effective instrument for project managers to gain adequate control quality, cost, and time of the future construction project. According to the review, it has been identified that the use of BIM substantially helps project managers to appropriately measure costs associated with different aspects of operations in the construction phases. In this context, the use of the 5D model of visualization critically facilitates managers to identify other areas wherein the project would require, including additional human capital. Nevertheless, it also demonstrates a clear picture of needed changes in construction areas through which the project manager can reduce the possible amount of costs in the project.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

The aim of this research study is to examine whether BIM can be used for improving the accuracy of cost estimating. In order to achieve this aim of the study, the researcher needs to identify and select a suitable set of research methodology. Accordingly, research methodology involves applying systematic and logical processes and procedures for answering the research question and addressing the research problem (Kothari, 2004). Furthermore, it is interesting to note that no specific or absolute research methodology can be applied to all research studies (Saunders et al., 2009). Correspondingly, the selection of the research methodology for its application in the particular research is largely based on the aim and objectives that the research study attempts to achieve as well as the intuition of the researcher involved in conducting the research study. This chapter has been designed to explain and justify the research method that the researcher applies to investigate whether BIM can be used for improving the accuracy of cost estimating and to develop a robust knowledge and understanding about the subject issue being investigated in the study.

3.1 Research Philosophy

Every research study is underpinned by certain assumptions, beliefs, and values popularly known as research philosophy. It provides the researcher with a conceptual framework that guides the researcher in conducting the research study and generating rich insights and understanding about the research issue. In addition, early identification of the research philosophy is also ascertained to aid the researcher in selecting suitable data collection and data analysis techniques. Within the field of research, two common types of research philosophies are frequently used that include positivism and interpretivism (Bajpai, 2011). The positivism research philosophy is grounded on the scientific investigation of the issue considered in the study. Thus the findings obtained from the positivism research study are objective and are verifiable as well. An essential factor that distinguishes the positivism research philosophy from interpretivism research philosophy is that findings generated from the positivism research are independent of the researcher. However, since positivism research involves scientific inquiry, it is highly structured and lacks flexibility (Saunder et al., 2012). Interpretivism research philosophy is opposite to positivism and was developed to overcome the limitations of positivism research. Accordingly, unlike the positivism research philosophy, the interpretivism research philosophy claims that it is impossible to separate a research study from the researcher. This is because this philosophy argues that the active involvement of the researcher is critical for the construction of knowledge and insight about the research issue (Rajaratnam, 2018). Considering both the research philosophies, it can be claimed that this research involves the use of interpretivism research philosophy in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of BIM in improving the accuracy of cost estimating. The interpretivism research philosophy has been considered because this philosophy provides greater flexibility to the researcher in conducting a research study. At the same time, it allows the researcher to develop knowledge based on the meaning attached to the subject under investigation.

3.2 Research Approach

As per Easterby-Smith et al. (2008), it has been argued that not all research studies conducted can deliver the expected outcome. One of the critical reasons that are considered to influence the research outcome is the research approach. In this regard, developing adequate knowledge and understanding regarding the research approach is claimed to help the researcher in selecting the correct research methodology and the types of data required for successfully drawing valid findings. Accordingly, three broad types of research approaches are commonly applied that include deductive, inductive, and abductive research approaches. The reasoned research approach deals with the formulation of research hypotheses and identifies independent and dependent variables. The theories formulated in the deductive research are tested using statistical tools (Gregory & Muntermann, 2011). The abductive research approach is involving the application of ideas pragmatically for generating a detailed understanding of the research issue. Nonetheless, it has been contended that the use of the abductive research approach results in uncertain conclusions (Awuzie & McDermott, 2017). Correspondingly, this research study can be argued to be based on the inductive research approach; the inductive research approach is associated with the investigation and observation of specific data for developing rich insights. Since this study involves using secondary data for the analysis, the study does not distinguish between independent and dependent variables. It is; therefore, inductive research approach has been considered suitable for examining the role of BIM in managing costing of the construction sector as well as for determining whether BIM can be used for improving the accuracy of cost estimating.

3.3 Research Method

A research method is at the center of the research study, and it is essential for the researcher to select the most appropriate research method. Quantitative and qualitative are the two most commonly applied research methods in a research study. Accordingly, it has been noted that there is ongoing debate and argument regarding which quantitative or qualitative research method is suitable for conducting a research study. Correspondingly, to select the appropriate research method for the investigation of the role of BIM in managing costing of the construction sector as well as for determining whether BIM can be used for improving the accuracy of cost estimating, it will be an ideal option to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these two methods. Accordingly, the quantitative research method deals with the quantification of the research problem and involves the use of non-textual or numerical data that are collected using questionnaires and experiments. Accordingly, this method is grounded on the positivism research philosophy, and thus the findings obtained from objective and verifiable at the same time (Creswell, 2013). Nonetheless, it has been argued that since the quantitative research method deals with the quantification of the research issue, it becomes challenging for the researcher to develop detailed insights and understanding using numerical data. At the same time, quantification of the complex problem is not possible. At the same time, the quantitative research method follows a structured approach with no scope for imagination and creativity in the quantitative study (Neuman, 2003). On the other hand, the qualitative research method involves using textual data and is interpretive. Data in qualitative research are collected from secondary sources and interview procedures. The use of the qualitative research method allows the researcher to develop rich meaning and insights about the research issue even if the problem being investigated is complex. However, the findings obtained from the qualitative research are subjective and usually have low generalizability (Creswell, 2013). Considering both the research method, this study is mainly concerned with developing rich and detailed insights and understanding the role of BIM in improving cost estimating rather than developing highly generalizable findings. Hence, this study can be argued to follow the qualitative research method.

3.4 Research Design

Research design is a chronological plan that allows the researcher to combine the various elements of the research study, including research methodology and literature review, to draw research inferences. The selection of the research design is influenced by the purpose of the survey (Rahi, 2017). Thus, based on the purpose of the study, there are three main types of research design that include experimental research design, explanatory research design, and descriptive research design. The exploratory research design is commonly applied in qualitative research and is mainly concerned with the investigation of the research issue that is novel and discovers new knowledge (Painter et al., 2006). On the other hand, explanatory research design deals with establishing a cause-effect relationship and is mainly applied in the quantitative research study (Veal, 2017). Finally, the descriptive research design has been plied to describe the phenomenon and event studied in the study from different perspectives (Saunders et al., 2009). Accordingly, the purpose of this research study is to analyze the role of BIM in managing the costing of the construction sector and determine how BIM improves the accuracy of cost estimating. Correspondingly, the majority of the previous studies have focused on evaluating the role of BIM in the design and creation of visualization of the construction project. In contrast, little attention has been laid on exploring the role of BIM in improving the accuracy of cost estimating. Therefore, this study can be termed an exploratory study and explores the role of BIM in improving the accuracy of price evaluation.

3.5. Data Collection

Data Collection is an essential phase in a research study, and it is imperative for the researcher to collect data relevant to the study topic (Adam, 2017. Accordingly, this study is desk research, which means that this study involves using theoretical and observational data gathered from secondary sources. In this regard, this research study consists of the collection of secondary data and present credible information and facts pertaining to the role of BIM in improving the accuracy of cost estimating. In order to collect the secondary data, the researcher involves the use of different databases, including Emerald insights, Google scholar, and Microsoft search.

3.6. Data Analysis

Data analysis is perhaps the most crucial element of a research study. This is because even if the collected data are relevant and reliable and if the analysis of the data is not performed in an effective manner, it can lead to poor research outcomes. Correspondingly, in this research study, considerable attention has been laid on the selection of the correct research methodology (Flick, 2009). Since this research study is grounded on the qualitative research method. There are various qualitative data analysis tools that are commonly applied by the researcher to analyze the qualitative data. This study involves the use of thematic analysis too. The thematic analysis involves identifying specific themes and patterns based on the review of secondary data, which are then used to interpret the study findings. Accordingly, thematic data analysis tool has been applied in this research study because it is the most widely applied qualitative data analysis tool, and the use of this research method also provides the researcher with greater flexibility which is difficult to achieve using different data analysis tools and techniques (Braun & Clarke, 2019).

3.7 Rigor

When conducting desk research using secondary data, it is crucial for the [researcher to ensure the quality throughout the research process. At the same time, it is vital to note that researchers cannot apply the same criteria that are validity and reliability used to measure the quality of the quantitative research. Nonetheless, it does imply that no requirements can be used to measure the quality of qualitative research study. In this regard, Maher et al. (2018) suggested four criteria for measuring the quality of the qualitative research that includes credibility’, ‘transferability,’ ‘dependability,’ and ‘conformability.’ Accordingly, in this research study, the researcher laid considerable importance on meeting all the four criteria to ensure high quality of the research process.

3.8 Ethical Consideration

The notion of ethics had drawn significant attention among the research community in the last decades. It has become essential for the researcher to ensure a high standard of ethics throughout the research process. In this research study, a high standard of ethics has been maintained and preserved throughout the research study.

Chapter 4: Findings

This chapter presents the interpretation of the findings obtained from the analysis of the primary data collected from a questionnaire survey. To investigations the preliminary data and interpret the findings, this study involves the use of graphs and charts. Accordingly, this chapter is divided into different sub-headings in order to organize the findings obtained to study systematically and logically. Consequently, before conducting the survey questionnaire, informed consent from all the respondents included in the study was received in order to seek their voluntary participation in the study.

4.1 Gender

The 1.0 above indicates the gender of the respondents that were included in the study for collecting primary data on the use of BIM for enhancing the accuracy of cost estimation. Accordingly, the analysis of the data demonstrates that 71.4% of the total surveyed respondents were male while only 28.6% of the respondents were female. This finding indicates that the percentage numbers of the male respondents are high compared to the female respondents. However, this does not signify that more male respondents are increased in the cost estimation activity in the construction industry than female. Rather, it only means that the male respondents are more willing to participate in the survey questionnaire than the female respondents.

4.2 Organization Type

Figure 2.0 above depicts the organization type in which h the respondents included in the study are employed or rendering their services at the time of conducting the survey. In this regard, it has been observed from the analysis of the data that 47.6% of the total respondents include in the study were employed as contractors. In addition, 23.8% of respondents were ascertained to be employed in a consultancy organization. 9.5% of the respondents were employed in organizations that are engaged in contracting. Another 9.5% of respondents were identified to be associated with consultancy. On the other hand, 4.8% of respondents were related to central contractor organization, and another 4.8% respondents were determined to be working in building and project consultancy organization.

4.3 Respondents’ role/ Discipline

Figure 3.0 above indicates the respondent’s roles/disciplines for collecting the primary data in this research study. In this context, it has been observed from the analysis of the primary data that 28.6% of respondents included in the study were working as project managers, 23.8% respondents were construction managers, 19% were quantity surveyors, 9.5% were design consultant, and 9.5% were quantity surveyor. On the other hand, the remaining 11.6% were BIM consultants and QS. This finding suggests that the individuals that were included in the study represented different roles and discipline. The other parts and sentences of the respondents were considered for surveying to collect primary data on the use of BIM for enhancing the accuracy of cost estimation because it helped the researcher to acquire different opinions and responses on the use of BIM in improving the accuracy of cost estimation which is considered to be essential for developing a comprehensive understanding and insights regarding whether BIM can be used for enhancing the accuracy of cost estimation.

4.4 Size of organization

Figure 4.0 above indicates the size of the organizations that were included in the study for the collection of the primary data. Accordingly, it has been observed from the analysis of the primary data that 42.9% of organizations that were included in the study has more than 1000 employees, 23% of the organizations have 50-199 employees, 19% of organizations have 1-49 employees while 14.3% organizations had 200-499 employees. This finding indicates that the study includes organizations of different sizes. The key reason behind including organizations of various sizes is to get the broader picture about the use of BIM across multiple organizations and develop generalizable findings from the study. At the same time, the size of the majority of the organizations included in the research has been found to be significant. Accordingly, it was a deliberate attempt to fit large-sized organizations in the study because the large-sized organizations have more resources to integrate new and advanced technologies such as BIM in their business operations.

4.5 BIM awareness and its use

Figure 5.0 above shows whether the respondents included in the study are aware of the BIM technology and whether their organization uses BIM. In this regard, it has been identified from the analysis of the primary data that 61.9% of the total respondents are aware of the BIM technology and are also actively involved in using the BIM technology. On the other hand, it has been observed that 28.6% of respondents included in the study reported that they are aware of the BIM technology. Still, it claimed that their organization is currently not using BIM technology. Likewise, 9.5% of the total respondents reported that they are not aware of the BIM technology, and thus BIM is not used by their organization. This finding suggests that the majority of the respondents are aware of the BIM technology, and also their organizations are using BIM. Since the majority of the respondents are well aware of the BIM technology, it can be argued that the respondents are more likely to provide valid and accurate responses regarding whether the use of BIM can improve the accuracy of the cost estimation and help the researcher develop a holistic understanding regarding the use of BIM and it impact on the accuracy of cost estimation.

5.6 Training methods used with the BIM

Figure 6.0 above indicates the training method used with BIM in the organization included in this study. Accordingly, it has been noted from the analysis that 38.1% of respondents claimed that the in-house training method was used with BIM. 14.3% of respondents reported that they had developed knowledge about BIM through university courses. 9 Similarly, 9.5% of respondents claimed that the industry-led training method was used with BIM. On the other hand, 38.1% of respondents argued that they had not received any type of training regarding the use of BIM. The finding suggests that though the majority of the respondents that were included in the study had received training about BIM using different methods, a significant proportion of the respondents claimed that they had not received any sort of training. This finding further indicates that BIM is gaining popularity across the construction industry, yet it is not widely used.

4.7 Level of BIM Reached by the organization

Figure 7.0 above indicates the level of BIM reached by the organizations included in the study. In this context, 42.9% of respondents reported that their organization has been able to reach level 3 that involves attaining full collaboration and complete integration between all project disciplines in a cloud-based environment. Similarly, 23.8% of respondents claimed that their organization had reached level 2, where the parties use their data and 3D models when they are produced and coordinated into defeated models subject to BIM protocols. Another 23.8% of respondents reported their organization is at level one in which designers create 3D models and 2D for information production. Finally, 9.5% of respondents affirmed that their organization has not been able to reach any level, which signifies that their organization is currently not using BIM technology.

4.8 Implementation of BIM

Figure 9.0 above indicates the respondent’s views on the implementation of BIM in their organization. Accordingly, it has been observed from the analysis of the data 13 respondents disagreed that there is any resistance to change towards the implementation of the BIM in their organization. On the other hand, 8 respondents agreed that resistance to change is a significant obstacle in the implementation of BIM in their organization. It has been observed from the analysis that 12 respondents disagreed that firms are not familiar enough with BIM use. In contrast, 9 respondents agreed that the firms are not familiar enough with BIM use, and thus they show reluctance towards implementing BIM in their organization. The analysis further demonstrated that 8 respondents disagreed that the traditional method of estimating is still dominant within the industry. On the other hand, 13 respondents agreed that the conventional techniques of estimating are still prevalent within the industry. The analysis indicated that 14 respondents disagreed with the statement that there is a lack of trust in using BIM for cost estimating. In contrast, 7 respondents agreed that there is a lack of confidence in using BIM for price estimating. The further analysis demonstrated that 14 respondents disagreed with the statement that understanding and mitigating liability associated with the implementation is important. On the other hand, 7 respondents agreed that understanding and mitigating liability associated with the implementation is important. Moreover, it has been observed that 14 respondents disagreed with the statement that BIM is too risky from a liability standpoint to warrant its use. On the contrary, 7 respondents agreed that BIM is too difficult from a liability standpoint to warrant its usefulness. The analysis of the data illustrated that 10 respondents disagreed with the statement that BIM does not offer enough financial gain to warrant its use. In contrast, 11 respondents agreed that BIM does not provide enough monetary gain to warrant its usefulness. Additionally, 12 respondents disagreed with the statement that the benefits of BIM implementation do not outweigh the cost of implementing it. In contrast, 9 respondents agreed that the benefits of BIM implementation do not outweigh the cost of implementing it. Moreover, the analysis indicated 14 respondents disagreed that implementation of BIM is essential for establishing the new process workflow and client expectation. On the other hand, 7 respondents agreed that BIM is necessary for establishing the new process workflow and client expectation. Finally, 15 respondents disagreed with the statement that they do not have any concerns regarding the implementation of BIM. On the contrary, 6 respondents agreed that they do not have any concerns regarding the implementation of BIM.

Chapter 5: Discussion

5.1 Significance of Using BIM in Construction Projects

It has been acknowledged from the literature review that BIM is a 3-dimensional process that helps in construction projects. It is accepted that it assists in planning, designing, executing, and also managing the tasks of construction. It has been acknowledged that BIM is planned to design and document construction infrastructure designs effectively. It is known as an effective project management tool that assists an organization in making usage of design options and representation visually. This model is not only found to be beneficial for the designers but is also an effective tool for the stakeholders to review regarding the infrastructure layout of the building. It gives a clear illustration regarding the design of the infrastructure and even helps designers to make any changes prior to the construction process. It is acknowledged that BIM helps project managers to plan changes and bring a significant difference in the layout as per the client’s expectations (Miettinen & Paavola, 2014). It also helps project managers to enhance their decision-making abilities and enhance their skills in the designing and execution process of the project. It has further been analyzed from the literature review that BIM provides widespread scopes and gives opportunities for the managers to attain good performance in planning, designing, and executing various project management activities. It is an effective project management tool that helps in bringing positive change to the organization. This study has also stated that BIM assists in making effective communication and share information regarding project development in various groups of stakeholders linked with the project. BIM is also found to make appropriate transparency and make good credibility. It has been acknowledged that Implementation of BIM in construction project helps in providing greater efficiency in decline project lifecycle stages and also assist in gaining costs advantages as models to decline the lifecycle of the project stages. It has further been acknowledged from the findings attained that BIM is also helpful in estimating project costs and helps in managing them effectively. The usage of BIM is found to play a vital role in acknowledging various aspects linked with the structural engineering stage, along with detailed information regarding the costs and management functions (Miettinen & Paavola, 2014). Hence, it can be stated that BIM facilitates greater efficacy and helps in gaining cost advantage wherein reduce the lifecycle of the project’s stages.

5.2 Use of BIM in Estimating Project Cost

After performing the in-depth analysis of the literature review and findings, it has been analyzed that the construction industry faces major issues to estimate project costs as predicting the potential costs associated with project activities is not possible. The ineffective estimation and calculation of the project cost result in a decline in the performance and functioning of the project. It is acknowledged that there is a number of complexities that are linked with the management of stakeholders such as engineers, suppliers, financing institution and also engineers. Due to the increase in complexities related to construction projects, efforts are made to determine newer construction methods. Moreover, Since the construction industry is found to play an essential role in the economic growth of the nation, the company is making usage of Information Communication technology to deal with it. BIM is found to give support in effective decision making upon costs and also helps in detail visualizing of the construction project (Kushwaha, 2016). However, it is acknowledged that after the application of BIM technology that it possesses both engineering and geometric data in various phases of project lifecycles and construction projects. It is the model which is funded to increase overall building constriction through virtual representation. It has been analyzed that BIM helps in giving support to the planning of the practical decision for costs, resources, and time through detail visualities of construction projects. It is further acknowledged from the literature review that BIM could be implemented in the preconstruction stage mainly to measure and calculate the actual costs of the whole project. It assists in integrating and coordinating different components of building with its scheduling data linked with projects. Since there is an increased focus on Information communication technology in the construction industry, it is stated that BIM helps attain accurate data and thus minimize costs (Demian & Walters, 2013). The construction projects are complex and challenging to manage. It is not easy for construction managers to look after the number of issues linked with construction projects. There is the involvement of a more significant number of stakeholders such as engineers, contractors, architects, suppliers, and financial institutions. Thus, to decline the complexities, BIM helps manage the costs of the projects and deal with uncertainties related to cost management. The BIM is found to create and maintain the integrated collaborative database, which is full of multi-dimensional data regarding the operation, construction, and design of the building. It has the purpose of enhancing collaboration between stakeholders that declines the time required for the project’s documentation and produces predictable outcomes of the project. BIM is found to combine various technologies to create digital representation and helps in evolving real projects across the whole timeline that includes designs, construction, and in-use operational data. Hence, it can be stated that the use of BIM is effective in estimating Project Cost.

5.3 Benefits and Challenges and of Use of BIM

It is acknowledged that BIM is one of the essential developments for the construction industry, which are applied for accurate virtual modelling that results in building digital construction. BIM assists in proper planning, operational facilities, and also designing. It also allows the managers of the construction company to attain dynamism, effectiveness, and reliability. It is acknowledged that the construction industry had faced issues of lower productivity and declined efficiency when the industry did not have BIM. However, BIM has assisted in helping improve productivity and efficiency. Moreover, it is also argued that BIM tools application also assist in the actual estimation of costs and decline to delay in the delivery of the projects. It is also acknowledged from the findings that BIM helps the designers to create 3D models and 2D models for the production of the information (Clevenger, Ozbek, Mahmoud & Fanning, 2014). However, it has been reviewed from the finding and literature review that BIM leads to issues of interoperability. Different individuals are found to make usage of variant software and tools in construction projects that result in miscommunication and disbalance in understanding the project. The use of various mechanisms by project teams leads to a lack of data interoperability which results in issues in exchanging of the information. The higher costs of the BIM implementation in the construction project are also significant issues in the construction project. Moreover, the prices of implementation of BIM are found to be relatively higher than acts as substantial barriers for the usage of the construction projects. It is further acknowledged from the findings that Although BIM implementation helps in practical calculation and measuring of the costs, it can be challenging when training facilities are not given to its employees. The lack of training makes it difficult for the employees and employers to effectively implement it and attain an advantage from it (Kushwaha, 2016). It is also acknowledged that BIM managers face significant challenges while implementing BIM. There are firms that are not familiar with BIM usage, so they lack trust in BI and thus make the usage of traditional methods. It becomes challenging for those company to implement BIM where stakeholder finds them misfit, too risky and of significant concern. Hence, it can be stated that BIM implementation is not an easy task and thus, leads to challenges.

5.4 Role of 5D BIM costing in cost management of construction projects

It is analyzed from the literature review and findings that the 5D BIM process assists in the management of projects that gives support to enhance the quality level of the final projects. The development of 5D capabilities has helped in gaining momentum and leading-edge in construction projects. It is an advanced means to demonstrate the architectural representation with a complex picture of the engineering structure linked with the project. It is also argued that BIM is a model which gives precise data regarding projected costs and time for every project management activity. This model helps in providing a clear representation of activities link with necessary resources. It even needs human capital for particular work in managing the project (Bryde, Broquetas & Volm, 2013). Hence, it can be stated that BIM helps in providing broader scope in the management activities of projects and also specifies existing and future costs linked with the design and construction requirements of projects. It is also acknowledged that 5D BIM costing even helps in enabling the project managers to understand the required resource volume and costs linked with every activity of construction projects. The 5D illustration of the assignment assists the project managers in calculating the necessary amount of expenses related to human capital in projects. It has been acknowledged from the findings that BIM helps in giving valid and accurate responses regarding BIM and also enhances the accuracy level of the costs (Alberti, 2019). Hence, it is found that BIM assists the contractors in estimating the costs in an accurate manner.

5.5 Costing framework in facilitating 5D BIM costing

It has been analyzed from the literature review that after the increased demand and flexibility of the BIM, 5D BIM model have been introduced that possess objects and assemblies that adds costs dimensions to it. The BIM model is found to unify cost data in its software tools. This 5D BIM modelling has helped in the creation of links and also assists in extracting actual data and information that is used for the costs. However, it is acknowledged that the collaborative help of people helps in attaining more significant impacts from the models. It is further accepted from the literature that 5D BIM helps in enhancing the collaboration of projects that even assist in the management of the projects. Moreover, it is also crucial for the designers to generate information of 3D and make practical training to attain knowledge of 5D models. This study has analyzed that as 5D software helps detect clashes, it helps in getting updates regarding the change in designs and team coordination (Kushwaha, 2016). It is analyzed that the 5D BIM model helps in increasing the visualization of the project and even helps its employees to execute together so as to enhance the collaboration of the projects. Since the costs of designs are attained from the starting phase of the plan with the 3D assistance, 5D BIM assists in making the project’s concept easier. This 5D BIM model also helps in taking more significant offers during the time of calculation of the budget. This modelling is effective as its lowers costs and assists in producing quantities for the planning of costs. It is also acknowledged from the study that 5D BIM assisting in meeting risks at starting stage and also helps in enhancing clash detection at the time of designing. The 5D BIM assists in minimize costs that would have been wasted at the execution stage of designs. This model helps in construction as it increases the capability, which resolves the real-time issues of the construction work. The model even assists in improving the estimation of the cost before and after the construction (Banteli & Stevenson, 2017). It has further been analyses from the literature review and findings that BIM 5D helps in extracting the quantities utilizing BIM models and allows teams to execute resources that are linked with the schedules of the project. BIM model makes execution of management sheets that have lists of quantities of materials required in the projects. The team takes the assistance of the amount and manages them by minimizing waste projects. It is stated that since the amount is worked through sheets, when there is a shortage of materials, then materials are ordered at the time of execution. This assists in monitoring wastage and helps in saving costs of materials and declines the logistic charges. This study has also evaluated that 5D modelling also monitors every project’s portion and thus assists in giving practical advice for costs in each of the designing phases correctly (Azhar, 2011). Hence, it has been analyzed from this study that the 5D model helps in designing and producing reports that are necessary for other team members. This helps in the effective execution of the work and attain the right solution.

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations

6.1. Conclusion

The research has demonstrated that the broad-based application of BIM is expected to lead to a new approach for construction sector functioning and planning. The BIM approach is aimed at creating a competitive advantage and precisely calculating costs, which enable contractors to make bids, plan resources, and check the prices for the building project. The study also provided a thorough cost estimate of the adoption of BIM. Construction projects have been evaluated for various criteria to be observed by employees, engineers, and managers throughout construction. It has been shown that together with construction size, design scale, and the environment in which the project is established, a complexity level grows. The application of BIM takes place in this environment. BIM is designed and implemented to efficiently create as well as document building or infrastructure plans, according to some. The study also suggested that the application of BIM is effective in enhancing project managers’ decision-making capabilities and increasing their capabilities in the design and implementation of project management processes. According to the findings of the study, successful BIM integration in construction projects may give project managers a broad range of possibilities and chances for maintaining perfect performance in planning, developing, and executing various project management operations. BIM allows the management of projects to maintain excellent communication processes, in particular, to share information from different stakeholder groups related to the project on each element of the project development phases. The study also discovered that utilizing a BIM tool to create a 3D depiction of a building project gives extensive information on each measurable aspect working on the project. Through BIM, correct amounts of building resources and cost estimations may be rapidly extracted from 3D models directly in a project and efficiently used in any project phase. In addition to a piece of clear information on costs and management roles in the BIM project administration, the diverse factors linked with the structural engineering phases have played a key role. The study further examined that, particularly for shorter project-life cycles, the BIM in construction project buildings and other infrastructure facilities gives more efficiency. This study has further explained that BIM technology includes geometrical data and engineered data for various phases of construction or building project life throughout the cost estimate process. By gaining a thorough representation of the projected building project, the model also assists in making and planning smart decisions about cost, resources, and time. It was also noted that the usage of information communication technology was more focused in recent years. Thus, the BIM proliferation is linked to one of the primary advancements relating to ICT use in the construction sector. BIM is advocated for contributing to properly designing, planning, and operating facilities in the construction project. BIM has been identified as an excellent tool to enhance production and efficiency. On the other hand, the use of BIM technologies helps to estimate the exact costs of building projects and lowers the risks of a delay in the delivery. This research also appears to give a thorough understanding of the use of BIM software for estimating the cost of building projects to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Since various people are involved in the utilization of different software kinds and technologies in building projects, it is therefore stated that the employment of diverse instruments by the project participants might lead to a lack of interoperability, which might challenge the transmission of information. It had been analyzed that the initial cost of the adoption of BIM is relatively high and that this is the possible obstacle for its deployment in construction projects. Based upon this study, the development of 5D capabilities in building projects has been claimed as acquiring considerable pace and maximum advantage. It had been analyzed from the above study, and BIM is an unavoidable model in the cost estimate process as it gives specific information for each project management activity on predicted cost and posited time. The usage of BIM gives a broader scope for project management activities to explicitly identify current and future project design and construction costs. This study also demonstrates that one of the essential variables that enable project managers to comprehend the needed volume of resources and the related expenses of each construction activity is the usage of 5D BMI costs. The display procedure 5D project illustration also assists the project manager in measuring the number of expenditures necessary for the project related to human capital. The 5D BIM modeling has been discovered to help establish the connection between elements and has specifications and properties of all objects and features. In order to get higher outcomes from the models, it is understood that collaborative support from individuals is also necessary. 5D software monitors the collision between the 5D and 3D models and therefore helps to update the design changes and coordinate the project team automatically. It is comprehended from the study that 5D BIM modeling improves the visibility of the project and helps everyone to work together to develop the project more effectively. This modeling also makes it easy to reduce expenses since it is more cost-effective than traditional or manual software to provide cost planning amounts. Accordingly, this research study postulated that 5D BIM not just to helps to recognize hazards in the beginning but also improves the identification of conflicts when at the design stage as well. The study found that the deployment of BIM technologies must be standardized, beginning with the design process. 5D modeling also helps to enhance cost estimates effectively. The research also shows that BIM 5D has extraction amounts using BIM models and so allows teams to identify projects related resources.

The BIM model has also been discovered to create management sheets that provide the amounts of materials required to complete the project. 5D BIM assists in delivering excellent advice to expenses in every designing step effectively by checking each component of assignments and reviewing designs at an early stage. 5D model also has specific kinds of data that may be used when printing the elements of the designs and simply reporting, which is pretty much essential for other team members. Since 5D BIM also has more excellent cost details at a preliminary phase, software vendors may thus integrate the model with the 5D cost library so that precise cost plans can be made. The study also found that 5D is very successful in the details of cost estimates over typical 2D approaches, and this model also aids in reducing and time-consuming mistakes. However, the primary data analysis from the study findings shows that 61,9 percent of all respondents are aware of BIM technology. They also participate actively in utilizing BIM technology depending on BIM technology used by the respondent and the organization. On the other side, 28.6 percent of respondents acknowledged knowing BIM technology but indicated that the BIM technology is presently not used for their business. As a result, it can be claimed that respondents are more willing to offer accurate and correct replies to the question of whether BIM can increase cost estimate accuracy and assist the researcher in developing a comprehensive knowledge of BIM and its effects on cost estimation accuracy. The findings reveal that, while most of the respondents in the survey had obtained BIM training via various techniques, a considerable number of the respondents claimed to have gotten no training at all. This data further demonstrates that the usage of BIM in the construction sector has increased in popularity but is not universally adopted. In this context, most respondents said their organization, which incorporates complete cooperation and integration amongst all project disciplines in a cloud-based environment, reached Level 3. Concerning BIM implementation in an organization, consequently, 13 respondents did not agree to change in their organization in relation to BIM implementation; on the other hand, 8 participants reported that resistance to change is an essential barrier in the organizations. The investigation also found that 14 respondents were not in agreement with a statement of lack of confidence in the use of BIM to estimate the costs, while 7 respondents agreed that they had no confidence in the use of BIM for the same thing. Furthermore, most respondents do not support the advantages of BIM adoption, which does not justify the implementation costs. There was an additional need for training to have the ability to work with BIM fully and to benefit from it. In this context, it had been analyzed from the above study that, The use of BIM in the construction sector is progressing at a rapid rate. Estimation and management of costs are critical instruments for tracking and monitoring construction projects. The necessity of integrating project cost estimation cost monitoring approaches and BIM platforms is highlighted in this research. The integration will provide the depiction of building progress in new aspects. This study shows numerous areas of BIM deemed to be more successful than conventional costing methods for building professionals. Because of the growing customer requirements, construction projects are becoming increasingly challenging and complex in recent days. This study presents a novel technique for building monitoring programs. The suggested monitoring system for the project offers essential information for the successful control of building projects derived from the previous analyses. A methodology has been created to evaluate and visualize the cost performance of construction. To make it possible to track and monitor building progress, a BIM-based visualization system was implemented. In small- to medium-sized projects, the suggested paradigm can successfully be applied. The key benefit of the technology is that the progress of the building and the geographical circumstances may be visualized via nD. To quickly examine and analyse building progress, the system offers project participants a platform. By considerably enhancing construction efficiency, cost estimate in a BIM context would contribute to delivering a better-built environment and achieving cost reductions for projects. Additional industry standardization through building elements and databases for everyday use by designers, architects, building engineers, and cost estimators is essential if quantities are managed. It may also be established based on research and experience that the efficient usage of BIM is based on communication inside the working group. The requirement for continuous communication necessitates a more efficient flow of information. To summarise, in the job of designers both with respect to start-up and the cost estimated, BIM technology brings several simplifying assumptions. It modifies the way a project is being conducted as the workgroup members must have continual interaction. BIM technology is indeed a way to improve cost management and to make cost estimates more productive. The system proposed may be seen as a valuable tool for monitoring building projects and providing visualization support for regulators to make prompt choices relating to costs and progress.

6.2. Recommendation

It is recommended that the construction company should use Clash detection at the time of the constructability process. This will help decline conflicts which could lead to design change and lead to wastage of time and costs and even lead to re-work. Contractors should even give BIM files to the bidders for the purpose of estimation. This will decline the chances of quantity variation as bidders could base their costs on the same information. The BIM files should even possess the ability to represent design intents and minimize expenses. This will help in reducing misunderstanding and minimize contractor contingencies. It is also essential for the construction manager to provide BIM files to the construction contractors for scheduling and the RFI process. This will assist in improving the RFI process as BIM sections can be produced, which will outline the questions asked in the RFI. This will help in enhancing the scheduling aspects of projects and will propose effectual scheduling logic. It is also recommended that Stakeholders of the Construction company should be aware of the implementation of BIM to have an effective operation and attain construction objectives and goals. Training is also of greater importance in BIM implementation, so it is recommended that the Construction company should organize adequate training facilities for employees before the implementation of BIM in the workplace.

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