Impact of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on Change Order Management in Public Sector Construction Projects: A Quantitative Study in Quantity Surveying

Project Abstract

This study investigates the influence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on change order management within public sector construction projects, adopting a quantitative approach to quantify effects, determinants, and outcomes relevant to quantity surveying practice. The research aims to bridge gaps in empirical evidence by examining how BIM-enabled processes affect the frequency, duration, cost, and overall management quality of change orders, as well as the perceptions of project stakeholders such as quantity surveyors, engineers, contractors, and project managers. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting professionals involved in public sector procurement and delivery in multiple jurisdictions to ensure generalizability across regulatory frameworks and project typologies. A structured questionnaire, developed from an extensive literature review and refined through a pilot study, captured data on BIM adoption levels (modelling depth, interoperability, and collaboration tools), change order drivers (design defects, scope changes, unforeseen conditions), and performance metrics (change order cost overruns, time delays, dispute frequency, and claim accuracy). Reliability analyses confirmed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.8 for key scales), and validity was established through content validity by expert panels and convergent validity via factor analysis. Descriptive statistics characterized current BIM maturity and change order practices in public projects, while inferential techniques, including multiple regression and structural equation modeling (SEM), tested hypothesized relationships BIM maturity negatively associates with change order frequency and duration; improved clash detection and improved design coordination reduce change order severity; enhanced data traceability and cost estimation accuracy mitigate financial impact and disputes; and interoperability between BIM platforms and traditional quantity surveying workflows mediates the relationship between BIM use and change order outcomes. The study also explores moderating effects of project size, contract type, and procurement method on BIM’s impact, as well as the role of organizational readiness and training in realizing benefits. Findings indicate that higher BIM maturity significantly lowers change order incidence, accelerates decision-making, and improves the predictability of cost implications, thereby reducing litigation risk and fostering transparent stakeholder communication. However, the magnitude of benefits is contingent upon effective governance, standardized protocols, and skilled personnel capable of leveraging BIM data for change management, cost estimation, and value engineering. The results provide actionable guidance for public sector agencies, project executives, and quantity surveyors (1) invest in BIM-enabled change management workflows with integrated cost management modules; (2) establish standardized data schemas and interoperability standards across design, engineering, and construction teams; (3) implement continuous training programs in BIM for estimators and contract admin personnel; (4) align procurement and contracting strategies to capitalize on BIM-derived insights; and (5) monitor performance metrics to iteratively improve change order governance. The study contributes to the literature by offering robust empirical evidence on BIM’s role in optimizing change order management in the public sector, highlighting conditions under which BIM investments translate into measurable cost and time savings, and outlining a roadmap for scalable, data-driven quantity surveying practice.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

---

A simple, plain-language look at how digital modeling (BIM) helps manage changes in building projects funded by the public sector. The project will examine how using BIM affects the way changes are requested, approved, and priced, and how it changes the role of quantity surveyors in tracking costs.

---

---

The Problem It Addresses

---

Public projects often face many changes that can cause delays and budget overruns. Traditional ways of handling changes can be slow and prone to disputes. This study asks whether BIM can streamline change orders, improve cost accuracy, and reduce waste in public-sector construction.

---

---

Objectives of the Project

---

1. Explain what BIM is in simple terms and how it differs from traditional drawings.
2. Identify common change order causes in public projects.
3. Measure how BIM affects time, cost estimation, and communication during changes.
4. Analyze data from real projects to compare BIM-enabled vs. non-BIM projects.
5. Provide practical guidelines for quantity surveyors and project teams.

---

---

What You Will Do Step by Step

---

Step 1: review basic literature on BIM and change orders. Step 2: collect data from public-sector projects (documents, timelines, costs). Step 3: categorize changes and related costs. Step 4: compare projects using BIM with those not using BIM. Step 5: analyze results with simple statistical methods. Step 6: discuss findings in clear terms and outline recommendations.

---

---

---

---

Expected Outcome

We expect to find that BIM helps reduce the time and cost impact of change orders in public projects and improves transparency and cost tracking for quantity surveyors. The study should provide practical steps for implementing BIM to manage changes more effectively.