The path to the enhancement of collaborative management performance via the application of PC-BIM integration in China based on DEMATEL-ISM

Purpose This paper aims to explore the impact and correlation of the integrated application of BIM on collaborative management effectiveness in prefabricated projects and to reveal the dynamic mechanism and the path of action for effectiveness enhancement. Design/methodology/approach Based on the literature research method, questionnaire surveys, principal component analysis and factor analysis method for data collection, 15 factors are finally identified based on the data from two rounds of questionnaire survey and the cause-effect diagram and multilevel step-up structural modelling of the factor system are constructed through DEMATEL-ISM. Findings The results show that there is a complex correlation between the 15 factors affecting the improvement of collaborative management effectiveness under the integrated application of PC-BIM, which can be classified into six levels. Three key drivers were identified: “Increased degree of Information synergy”, “Increased level of organizational synergy” and “Optimization of operating modes”. Based on the four influence categories, a collaborative management performance enhancement model is constructed, which visually demonstrates the path of performance enhancement and further proves that different PC-BIM integrated application solutions have different effects on collaborative management performance enhancement. Originality/value This study will increase the knowledge of PC-BIM integrated applications: it comprehensively and systematically discusses the impact of PC-BIM integrated application on the improvement of collaborative management performance and its correlation and provides a rational basis for the development of PC-BIM integration application programmes in real projects.