Identifying critical success factors (CSFs) for building information modelling (BIM) implementation of architects in the Turkish construction industry

Purpose This study aims to determine the critical success factors (CSFs) for architects in the construction industries of developing countries like Türkiye regarding the effective implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies using structural equation modelling (SEM). Design/methodology/approach A multi-stage methodology is utilized. Firstly, a group of influencing factors for BIM implementation is identified through a systematic literature review, then structured through the Ishikawa diagram and grouped into five categories. A questionnaire addressing these factors is conducted with architects in the Turkish construction industry. Through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the critical success factors among the influencing factors are identified. Based on the revised factor categories, three distinct driver-centered conceptual models are proposed and tested with SEM to explore direct or indirect relations between those categories. Findings Of the 14 out of 22 influencing factors that are observed to be critical success factors for architects in the construction industry, which are grouped into four categories: human, technical, financial and environmental. The SEM measurements show that the technical factors-driven model is most explanatory for architects' BIM adoption in Türkiye, influencing financial and environmental factors and indirectly influencing human factors through these paths. Originality/value The study addresses BIM implementation by focusing on CSFs influential for architects and their pivotal role in transitional periods of construction industries in developing countries like Türkiye. It proposes a conceptual model that elaborates on the internal dynamics between different factor groups in BIM adoption.