Problematic issues emerging during BIM implementation process in construction organizations

Purpose Building information modeling (BIM) is a popular technology in modern construction, but its implementation faces numerous difficulties, which are known as problematic issues of BIM implementation (PIBIs). This study aims to identify and analyze PIBIs based on the perceptions of practitioners in Vietnamese BIM-implemented construction contractors and similar BIM adoption-level countries. Design/methodology/approach The research is conducted in three stages. After a comprehensive literature review, PIBIs are identified and ranked based on the Delphi method and questionnaire survey. Next, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to provide a hierarchy of system PIBIs. Finally, the driving and dependence power of PIBIs are determined using Fuzzy-Matrice d'Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis. Findings This study evaluates 32 PIBIs for small and medium contractors (SMCs) and 28 PIBIs for large contractors (LCs) in Vietnam. This study also develops a systematic framework for contextual relationships and analyzes the relationships among PIBIs using ISM-Fuzzy MICMAC analysis. The results show that different standards or techniques, modeling software limitations and information management significantly impacted LCs, while a lack of senior leadership support and incompatible software affected SMCs, causing other PIBIs. Originality/value This study is among the first attempts to investigate the problematic issues emerging during the BIM implementation process at the organizational level in Vietnam as well as other developing countries. The study results could be considered valuable references for BIM practitioners. Furthermore, this knowledge can enable contractors to avoid problems while adopting BIM, thereby increasing their ability to implement BIM successfully and using critical resources more efficiently.