INFORMATION LETTER
Principal Investigator/s/researcher: Andile Ntokozo Sangweni, Master’s Candidate, BSc. (Hons) in Quantity Surveyor, BTech: Quantity Surveying, ND: Building
Co-Investigator/s/supervisor/s: Co-supervisor- Prof Ayodeji Olatunji Aiyetan (Main Supervisor) & Dr Zakheeya Armoed (Co-supervisor)
Brief Introduction and Purpose of the Study:
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become a pivotal technology in the global Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, enhancing collaboration throughout project lifecycles. To align with industry needs, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) globally have started incorporating BIM into their curricula to prepare graduates for the modern demands of the AEC sector. However, in South Africa, BIM adoption in HEIs lags behind due to challenges such as a lack of qualified faculty and effective implementation strategies. This gap in adoption is compounded by insufficient research focused on addressing these issues within the South African educational context. Therefore, this study aims to explore the current state of BIM adoption in South African HEIs, identifying key barriers and potential benefits to inform better integration strategies.
Dear Research Participants,
You are cordially invited to participate in a research study conducted as part of a Master’s degree qualification requirement at the Durban University of Technology, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, within the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary and anonymous, requiring approximately 15–20 minutes to complete. You may withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. There are no anticipated risks or costs associated with participation. Strict ethical standards will be upheld to ensure confidentiality and protect your privacy. All data collected will be used exclusively for research purposes, analyzed by the researcher, and included in a dissertation that will be securely stored at the Durban University of Technology for five years before being destroyed.
Although no financial compensation will be provided, your participation is highly valued and sincerely appreciated.
The questionnaire would consist of the following sections:
Section A: Biographical Information
Section B: Assessment of the Current State of BIM adoption in South African Higher Education Institutions
Section C: Building Information Modelling (BIM) hindering factors
Section D: Benefits of BIM Integration into the AEC Programmes
Section E: Strategies for Enhancing BIM Integration into the AEC Curriculum
Section F: Open-ended Questions
For more information regarding this research project, please contact the researcher at 21555575@dut4life.ac.za, the
Prof Ayodeji Olatunji Aiyetan (Main Supervisor) at ayodejia@dut.ac.za, or the Institutional Research Ethics Administrator on 031 373 2375. Complaints can be reported to the Acting Director: Research and Postgraduate Support on researchdirector@dut.ac.za.
Thank you for your attention.