Developing Standard BIM Execution Plans for Complex Construction Projects

1. Introduction

The introduction Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a fundamental element in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sector. It provides a digital model that facilitates decision-making throughout all stages of a construction project, starting from the initial idea to the final demolition. Especially for large-scale construction projects that are known for their intricate nature, extensive size, and significant financial risks, BIM is not just an improvement but an essential requirement. Efficiency and accuracy in these projects require strict management, coordination, and communication among numerous stakeholders, making the use of BIM tools and methodologies essential. [1,2,3,4,5,6]

BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) are crucial in this context. They offer a systematic framework that directs the incorporation of BIM into different stages of construction management. Although the significance of standardizing BEPs in the construction sector is acknowledged, the implementation has been irregular and lacking consistency. This lack of consistency can result in substantial inefficiencies, misunderstandings, and errors throughout the construction process. [7,8]

In order to address this significant deficiency, the current study was undertaken to investigate the current state of implementation of Business Ethics and Practices (BEP) in large-scale construction projects. This study conducted an extensive survey of 87 professionals in the industry to evaluate the perceived significance of various sections of Building Energy Performance (BEPs), the incorporation of practices within project lifecycles, and the degree of familiarity and satisfaction with existing Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards. The survey was aimed at professionals from various fields in the construction industry, guaranteeing a wide and comprehensive viewpoint. [9,12]

The results unveiled a significant degree of agreement regarding the fundamental essence of BEPs, with a particular emphasis on the significance of management and project objectives. This was accompanied by an acknowledgment of the necessity for incorporating BEPs into project cycles at an earlier stage in order to optimize their efficacy. Furthermore, the study emphasized the need for substantial enhancements in aligning BEPs with local standards, improving document management, and promoting collaborative practices. These observations emphasize the need for a standardized and adaptable strategy for BIM execution planning, which can effectively tackle the distinct challenges encountered in large-scale construction projects.[10]

Implementing standardized Best Execution Practices (BEPs) has the potential to significantly improve the clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness of project management in the AECO industry. Through the establishment of standardized protocols and procedures, projects can effectively circumvent the challenges of miscommunication and delays, resulting in improved outcomes and decreased costs. Furthermore, the process of standardization can help to streamline the incorporation of new technologies and methodologies, thereby improving the capabilities of Building Information Modeling (BIM). [32]

This paper adds to the ongoing discussion on enhancing BIM implementation in large-scale construction by presenting empirical evidence on the current practices and difficulties in BEP utilization. Additionally, it suggests making iterative revisions and improvements to BEP frameworks in order to promote a more efficient integration of BIM in the construction sector. The objective is to establish a base that not only fulfills the current operational requirements of large-scale projects but also allows for future advancements in construction technology.

2. Methodology

This research adopts a multi-faceted research design that incorporates Scientometric analysis to scrutinize the current state of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plans (BEPs) and their alignment with international standards. The methodological approach is detailed as follows in Figure 1:

• Literature Review: An exhaustive literature review was undertaken, leveraging databases such as Web of Science and Scopus to identify pertinent publications from the period 2018 to 2023. The objective was to delineate prevailing trends and foundational concepts within the realm of BIM Execution Plans, ensuring a comprehensive and globally representative analysis.
• Document Analysis: The research involved a critical examination of 36 BEP documents, chosen for their pivotal contributions to the domain. These documents, sourced from diverse global entities, were evaluated against international standards and guidelines. The analysis concentrated on aspects such as content structure, practice methods, contractual stipulations, and project-specific characteristics.
• Scientometric Analysis: This component included citation and keyword analysis to delineate the intellectual terrain of BEP research. This analysis was instrumental in identifying key authors, institutions, and seminal publications, thereby shedding light on the evolution of the field and its key scholarly contributions.
• Factor Frequency Analysis: This analysis was employed to scrutinize the fundamental and ancillary elements of BEPs, identifying both commonalities and discrepancies across various documents. This approach facilitated a nuanced understanding of the standardization efforts within the field.
• Data Collection: Comprehensive data collection was conducted from an array of sources, including academic institutions, governmental agencies, national standard bodies, and industry professionals. This extensive gathering of data was crucial for capturing the varied methodologies and practices employed in BEP implementation.
• Comparative Analysis: An in-depth comparative analysis was performed, which synthesized the insights garnered and was discussed extensively in the results section of the study.

2.1. Literature Review

The adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the construction industry has been increasingly recognized as a transformative force, particularly for large-scale construction projects. The literature on BIM emphasizes its potential to enhance transparency, efficiency, and collaboration across various stages of the construction lifecycle. However, a critical aspect that continues to challenge industry professionals is the standardization of BIM Execution Plans (BEPs), which are essential for managing the complexities inherent in mega construction projects. [39]

Recent studies highlight that while BIM offers substantial benefits in terms of project management and operational efficiency, the lack of standardized BEPs can lead to significant barriers in implementation. The proposed BEP framework derived from the comprehensive analysis of 36 globally recognized BEP documents addresses these inconsistencies by integrating the most frequently occurring elements identified across diverse BEP guidelines. This framework includes detailed management structures, project goals, roles and responsibilities, technology infrastructure needs, and quality control processes, all of which are designed to be adaptable to various project requirements while maintaining a standardized approach.

A significant body of research has focused on the elements of BEPs. According to Antunes and Elliott (2019) [19], the effective implementation of BIM requires a clear understanding of project goals, roles and responsibilities, as well as collaboration procedures and quality control measures. These components are essential to ensuring that BIM technologies are used effectively to support project outcomes.

The literature also discusses the impact of BIM on project coordination and information management. For instance, Galitskaya (2019) [13] points out that BIM facilitates improved coordination between different project teams, which is crucial in mega projects involving multiple stakeholders. The ability to manage and synchronize vast amounts of project data in a BIM environment can significantly reduce errors and rework, enhancing overall project quality.

However, the integration of BIM into existing project management frameworks remains a challenge. Studies like those by Çekin and Seyis (2020) [20], have attempted to address these challenges by proposing frameworks that align BIM execution planning with international standards like ISO 19650. These frameworks aim to standardize the processes involved in BIM execution planning, thus providing a clearer pathway for its adoption in the construction industry.

Despite the potential benefits of standardized BEP frameworks, the research by Synek (2018) [32]. indicates that the actual adoption and implementation of these frameworks are not widespread. The barriers to adoption include a lack of understanding of the benefits of BIM, the perceived complexity of implementing new systems, and resistance to change from traditional project management approaches. [24].

In conclusion, while BIM is poised to revolutionize the construction industry, the standardization of BEP remains a crucial step that requires more focused research and development. [14,36] The literature suggests that standardized BEP frameworks can facilitate better integration of BIM into construction projects, leading to improved project outcomes and efficiency. The ongoing evolution of BIM technologies and methodologies will likely continue to influence the development of new standards and practices in the field. [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18], The BEP is often incorporated into the project contract to establish clear expectations and responsibilities, ensuring that all parties are aligned on BIM processes and deliverables. By defining roles, workflows, and data exchange protocols, the BEP helps to mitigate risks and enhance project outcomes. [14,15,16,17,18]

Integrating risk management within the BEP involves identifying potential project risks, assessing their impact, and establishing mitigation strategies. This proactive approach enhances collaboration, minimizes uncertainties, and improves project outcomes. By addressing risks early, the BEP helps ensure the project's efficiency and success. [28,34,44,46].

2.2. Document Analysis

The study entailed a meticulous analysis of 36 Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plans (BEPs), chosen for their significant contributions to the field. The documents were obtained from various international organizations, covering a diverse array of mandates, guidelines, and protocols. The analysis concentrated on various crucial facets:

Content Structure: The documents underwent analysis to determine their content structure, specifically examining how information was structured and presented within each BEP.

Practice Methods: The analysis examined the methods and practices suggested in the documents, evaluating their suitability and efficacy in real-life situations.

Data Collection: A comprehensive collection of data was obtained from academic institutions, government bodies, national standards agencies, and industry professionals. The comprehensive data collection was crucial for comprehending the varied approaches and practices in implementing BEP.

2.3. Scientometric Analysis

This study performs a comprehensive Scientometric analysis by utilizing the Web of Science and Scopus databases to investigate the development of scientific subjects and patterns within the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plans (BEP) from 2020 to 2023. This era is distinguished by significant progress in Business Process Engineering (BEP). The analysis employs citation and keyword analysis to chart the academic terrain, pinpointing prominent authors, institutions, and influential works that have influenced BIM standards and practices. The knowledge acquired from this analysis is crucial in guiding future strategies and initiatives to establish standardized BIM Execution Plans. The literature review of the study presents a comprehensive summary of the existing research and application of BEP content and structure in BIM projects. It emphasizes a significant lack of specialized literature on the factors that influence the progress of BEPs. The absence of standardized protocols for the development of BEPs is recognized as a notable hindrance, leading to inconsistent and inefficient project implementation.

2.3.1. Analysis of the Simultaneous Presence of the Most Important Keywords

Keyword co-occurrence analysis is a powerful method for visually representing the evolution and modifications of scientific topics over time. Figure 2 visually displays the author keywords that are frequently used in BIM Execution Plan studies, as recorded by the Web of Science between 2020 and 2023. The chosen time frame corresponds to the period with the greatest number of publications on BEP, amounting to a total of 36 documents. The visualization depicts the frequency of occurrence of these keywords, providing insights into the dominant areas of research.

Figure 2 displays a vibrant network diagram created by VOS viewer, a tool used for constructing and visualizing bibliometric networks. The purpose of this analysis is to visually represent the occurrence and relationship between keywords in a specific dataset related to BIM research. The term "BIM" is prominently positioned, signifying its central importance to the research, while other significant terms such as "framework," "construction," and "design" are grouped around it.

Figure 3, obtained using the VOS viewer tool, visually displays the main themes found in BIM Execution Plan research from 2020 to 2023, as recorded in the Scopus database. The complex network of keywords demonstrates the ever-changing nature of this discipline, emphasizing the close connection between terms such as 'architectural design,' 'construction industry,' and 'building information modelling,' which frequently co-occur. The diagram, characterized by diverse color clusters, illustrates the extensive and interdisciplinary nature of BIM research. It is based on the examination of 68 documents, which highlight the specific areas of interest and scholarly focus within the academic community.

The list of the identified documents present in Table 1, totaling thirty-six (36), that have been identified, compared, and analyzed. The findings highlight the crucial elements necessary for the development of BEPs. A thorough elucidation allows all parties involved to understand the project's objectives, process, allocated responsibilities, data prerequisites, and specifications for the final output. Hence, the Business Execution Plan (BEP) framework can function as a roadmap for the progress and improvement of BEP. The study's findings offer a comprehensive range of parameters for researchers and practitioners to develop tools that improve the effectiveness of implementing BIM projects.

Through the examination of thirty-six (36) BEPs, it was revealed that nearly all of them exhibit a common theoretical framework.

The presentation of the content and the titles of the chapters exhibited dissimilarities. The Building Execution Plan (BEP) provides a detailed outline of project information, project goals, BIM objectives, BIM uses roles and responsibilities, BIM process design, BIM information exchange, collaboration procedures, model structure, quality control, technology infrastructure needs, and project deliverables.

Table 2 displays the frequency of sub-elements in the reviewed documents that have a percentage higher than 50%. The factor is determined by the equation provided:

$$Factor=\frac{\mathrm{N}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{b}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{r} \mathrm{o}\mathrm{f} \mathrm{e}\mathrm{l}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{t} \mathrm{o}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{e}}{\mathrm{T}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{l} \mathrm{n}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{b}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{r} \mathrm{o}\mathrm{f} \mathrm{D}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{s}\left(36\right)}$$

(1)

Figure 4 displays the frequency of occurrence of the sub-element's topics in the reviewed documents. This is done to identify the topics with the highest percentage, which will be chosen as the main elements for the proposed BIM execution plan framework. Figure 8 displays the elements in the document comparison that have the highest percentage.

The table is a structured compilation of key topics frequently addressed in the literature pertaining to BIM Execution Plan (BEP) standardization. It categorizes 40 distinct aspects ranging from foundational elements like "BIM Project Execution Plan overview" to more specialized topics such as "federated model color scheme." This tabulation serves as a reference point for the distribution of focus areas within the body of BEP literature, highlighting the multifaceted nature of BIM implementation and management in construction projects. Figure 4 illustrates a bar chart detailing the frequency of occurrence for various sub-elements within the topics covered in the reviewed BIM Execution Plan documents. The chart presents a descending order of frequency, starting with the most commonly occurring sub-elements on the left. The percentages above each bar indicate the proportion of documents that mention each sub-element, providing a clear visual representation of which aspects within the BIM Execution Plans are given the most emphasis in the literature. [23].

2.3.2. Pareto Analysis

Pareto Analysis, a statistical technique in decision-making, is based on the Pareto Principle, which posits that for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. This method is integral to identifying the most significant factors in a set of data, which in the context of BIM Execution Plans, helps prioritize the standardization efforts. By focusing on the few critical elements that cause the most significant impact, researchers and practitioners can streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and drive substantial improvements in project outcomes

Table 3. Pareto Analysis of BEP Sub-Elements by Frequency and Impact.

	Sub-elements	Number of Sub-elements	percentage	percent 80%
1	BIM Use	29	7%	80%
2	BIM Model and Level of Development	26	14%	80%
3	Project information	25	20%	80%
4	Model Coordination Procedures	25	26%	80%
5	Project Goals and Objectives	23	32%	80%
6	Collaboration procedures	20	37%	80%
7	Roles and Responsibility	20	42%	80%
8	Common Data Environment	20	47%	80%
9	BIM Project Execution Plan Overview	20	51%	80%
10	Master information delivery plan	20	56%	80%
11	Model structure	19	61%	80%
12	Software requirements	19	66%	80%
13	Project deliverables	19	71%	80%
14	Project Phases / Milestones	19	75%	80%
15	File Naming Conventions	18	80%	80%
16	Measurement and coordinate systems	18	84%	80%
17	Key project contacts	16	88%	80%
18	Quality Management	16	92%	80%
19	Methods & Procedure	16	96%	80%
20	Hardware	16	100%	80%
	Total	404

Table 3. Pareto Analysis of BEP Sub-Elements by Frequency and Impact.

	Sub-elements	Number of Sub-elements	percentage	percent 80%
1	BIM Use	29	7%	80%
2	BIM Model and Level of Development	26	14%	80%
3	Project information	25	20%	80%
4	Model Coordination Procedures	25	26%	80%
5	Project Goals and Objectives	23	32%	80%
6	Collaboration procedures	20	37%	80%
7	Roles and Responsibility	20	42%	80%
8	Common Data Environment	20	47%	80%
9	BIM Project Execution Plan Overview	20	51%	80%
10	Master information delivery plan	20	56%	80%
11	Model structure	19	61%	80%
12	Software requirements	19	66%	80%
13	Project deliverables	19	71%	80%
14	Project Phases / Milestones	19	75%	80%
15	File Naming Conventions	18	80%	80%
16	Measurement and coordinate systems	18	84%	80%
17	Key project contacts	16	88%	80%
18	Quality Management	16	92%	80%
19	Methods & Procedure	16	96%	80%
20	Hardware	16	100%	80%
	Total	404

The Pareto analysis, displaying the number and relative importance of sub-elements within BIM Execution Plans. The blue bars indicate the number of occurrences of each sub-element in the reviewed documents, while the orange line charts the cumulative percentage, highlighting that a small number of sub-elements account for a large percentage of the focus in BIM documentation. This analysis is a strategic tool for identifying key areas for standardization and improvement. in the Pareto analysis figure, the sub-elements that surpass the 80% (BIM Use, BIM Model and Level of Development, Project information, Model Coordination and Project Goals and objective) threshold are of particular significance as they comprise the core content within the BIM Execution Plans. These critical elements are the primary contributors to the substance of the documentation, representing the majority of what is deemed essential in the literature. Identifying these allows for focused improvements in areas that will yield the most substantial impact on the standardization of BIM Execution Plans.

The proposed framework, which requires validation through a literature review, is as follows based on the results and analysis of the provided data.

Table 4. The proposed framework.

Document Release History
Definition	Abbreviation
	Other Definitions
BIM Project Execution Plan Overview	Executive Summary
	Vision Statement
	References
Project information	Project Description
	Project Stakeholders
	Project Scope of Work in details
	Project Masterplan
	Buildings Key plan
	Key Project Contacts
	Key Project BIM Management
Management	Project phases/ Milestones
	Key Roles and Responsibilities
	Project Deliverables
	Project Information Model Delivery Strategy
	Task information delivery plan (TIDP)
	Master information delivery plan (MIDP)
Project Goals / BIM Uses	Major BIM Uses
	BIM Workflow
	Level of Development (LOD)
	Level of Development Matrix
Technical Requirements	Exchange Formats
	Software Needs / Scope
	Hardware Needs
	Data Security
	IT Upgrades
	Training
Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan.	Quality Assurance / Quality Control
	Design content Check
	Visual / Coordination Check
	Standards Check
	Interference Check
	Clash Criteria
	Model Size
	Model Warnings
	Information exchange
	Coordination Process
	Clash Matrix

Table 4. The proposed framework.

Document Release History
Definition	Abbreviation
	Other Definitions
BIM Project Execution Plan Overview	Executive Summary
	Vision Statement
	References
Project information	Project Description
	Project Stakeholders
	Project Scope of Work in details
	Project Masterplan
	Buildings Key plan
	Key Project Contacts
	Key Project BIM Management
Management	Project phases/ Milestones
	Key Roles and Responsibilities
	Project Deliverables
	Project Information Model Delivery Strategy
	Task information delivery plan (TIDP)
	Master information delivery plan (MIDP)
Project Goals / BIM Uses	Major BIM Uses
	BIM Workflow
	Level of Development (LOD)
	Level of Development Matrix
Technical Requirements	Exchange Formats
	Software Needs / Scope
	Hardware Needs
	Data Security
	IT Upgrades
	Training
Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan.	Quality Assurance / Quality Control
	Design content Check
	Visual / Coordination Check
	Standards Check
	Interference Check
	Clash Criteria
	Model Size
	Model Warnings
	Information exchange
	Coordination Process
	Clash Matrix

2.4. Validation of the Proposed BEP Framework

Online questionnaires have gained popularity as a favored method in both the research community and the business world (Wu and Issa, 2013) [32]. The questionnaire's structure was designed to ensure data comparability, precise data recording, and streamlined data processing. Survey respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement on a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The questions focused on their knowledge and understanding of the current status and issues related to BEPs.

2.5. Data Collection

This research employed an internet-based survey methodology to efficiently gather data from a diverse range of industry professionals. Online questionnaires have gained popularity in academic and commercial research because they can efficiently collect substantial amounts of data while maintaining the comparability and accuracy of the recorded responses.

This study utilized a structured questionnaire to collect data on professionals' knowledge and comprehension of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plans (BEPs) throughout different phases of large-scale construction projects. The survey consisted of questions that were assessed using a Likert-type scale, where participants indicated their level of agreement on a scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The selection of this scale was made in order to measure the levels of opinion regarding various aspects associated with BEPs.

Considerable attention was given to topics including the present state of BEP implementation, the perceived significance of various sections of the BEPs, and the level of satisfaction with existing BIM standards. The survey specifically focused on professionals from various disciplines within the construction industry, guaranteeing a wide-ranging and thorough collection of data points for analysis.

The survey data was utilized to enhance the BIM Execution Plan framework, incorporating practical application and addressing challenges acknowledged by professionals. This approach not only connected the theoretical framework to practical reality but also emphasized areas for enhancing the standardization and integration of BEPs into project management workflows. This data collection method was crucial for comprehending the wide-ranging viewpoints within the industry and identifying crucial areas for improvement in BIM execution planning.

3. Results

This Section discusses the findings of the survey questionnaire which was related to the implementation of building information modeling (BIM) Execution Plan (BEPs). The study runs the descriptive statistics, demographic/respondent ratings, RII - Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis, and reliability and confidence analysis to test the execution plan framework. The questionnaire extracted the opinions of the construction management personnel’s regarding the questionnaire was distributed in different project sizes in Egypt and Saudi Arabia as the two booming construction market in the MENA region. The sample size is calculated as the following equation:

SS (sample size) = (z^2 * p (1 - p) / e^2

(2)

Where z = 1.64 at 95% confidence, p = 0.20, e = 0.80

SS (sample size) = (1.64^2 * 0.2(1 - 0.2)) / 0.08^2 = 68

SS new=SS / (1 + (SS - 1) / pop) where, population = 850,000

(3)

Where pop is the population which is considered for this research as the number of all engineers in the construction industry in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the number of pops is 850,000, by using the equation.

3.1. Descriptive Statistics

This descriptive statistical summary presents survey data on Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plans (BEPs) in Egyptian mega-construction projects (as an example of those in the MENA region). Respondents strongly agree that all sections of the proposed BEP Framework are essential for project success, with mean scores ranging from 4.45 to 4.68 on a 5-point scale. The "Management Section" and "Project Goals/BIM Uses Section" are the most important, scoring 4.67 each. A mean score of 4.68 indicates high agreement on the importance of standardizing BIM Execution Plans for mega construction projects in Egypt. BEP familiarity averages 3.92 among respondents. BIM Execution Plans are integrated into the project lifecycle at various stages, with a lower mean score of 1.64, suggesting earlier integration may be rare. Due to a low mean of 1.30, respondents' BIM experience with mega construction projects varies.

Demographically, the survey shows various construction industry experience, company sizes, and sectors. The mean current occupation and mega construction experience scores of 4.60 and 3.16 indicate a diverse group of professionals. This diversity is reflected in the average 3.07 years of construction experience. The proposed BEP workflow for BIM mega projects received a satisfactory mean score of 4.14, indicating a consensus on the BEP's importance. However, alignment with current BIM standards and workflow in Egypt has a lower mean score of 3.71, suggesting room for improvement or standardization and implementation gaps. These findings highlight the importance of BEPs in project execution and the need for standardization, early integration, and addressing Egypt's unique BIM mega project challenges.

Table 5. Descriptive statistics.

Survey questions	N	Mean	SD	Variance
How important do you think the Definition Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.45	.818	.669
How important do you think the BIM Project Execution Plan Overview Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.51	.713	.509
How important do you think the Project Information Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.55	.695	.483
How important do you think the Management Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.67	.604	.364
How important do you think the Project Goals/BIM Uses Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.67	.604	.364
How important do you think the Technical Requirements Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.63	.649	.421
How important do you think the Quality assurance/Quality Control Plan Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.64	.647	.418
At what stages of the project lifecycle do you integrate BIM Execution Plans?	87	1.64	1.023	1.046
Have you ever worked on a mega construction project in Egypt that used BIM?	87	1.30	.460	.212
How familiar are you with BIM Execution Plans (BEPs)?	87	3.92	.930	.866
How important do you think standardization of BIM Execution Plans is for mega construction projects?	87	4.68	.707	.500
How often do you refer to a BIM Execution Plan during the construction process?	87	3.89	1.028	1.056
How satisfied are you with the proposed BIM Execution Plan workflow for implementation in BIM mega projects?	87	4.14	1.091	1.190
How well does the proposed BIM Execution Plan align with the current BIM standards and Workflow?	87	3.71	1.247	1.556
In which sector does you describe your company?	87	2.11	.599	.359
In which sector does your company seek construction work?	87	2.61	.653	.427
In your experience, does the outlined workflow address the unique challenges of BIM mega projects?	87	4.13	1.065	1.135
What is the category of your current organization?	87	3.40	2.037	4.150
What is the level of your current occupation?	87	4.60	2.099	4.406
What is your highest level of education?	87	1.49	.663	.439
What type of mega construction do you have experience in?	87	3.16	2.332	5.439
Which of the following best describes your role in the construction industry?	87	2.24	1.303	1.697
Years of experience in the construction sector?	87	3.07	1.159	1.344
Your Company Size	87	4.01	1.688	2.849
Valid N (list-wise)	87

Table 5. Descriptive statistics.

Survey questions	N	Mean	SD	Variance
How important do you think the Definition Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.45	.818	.669
How important do you think the BIM Project Execution Plan Overview Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.51	.713	.509
How important do you think the Project Information Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.55	.695	.483
How important do you think the Management Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.67	.604	.364
How important do you think the Project Goals/BIM Uses Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.67	.604	.364
How important do you think the Technical Requirements Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.63	.649	.421
How important do you think the Quality assurance/Quality Control Plan Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87	4.64	.647	.418
At what stages of the project lifecycle do you integrate BIM Execution Plans?	87	1.64	1.023	1.046
Have you ever worked on a mega construction project in Egypt that used BIM?	87	1.30	.460	.212
How familiar are you with BIM Execution Plans (BEPs)?	87	3.92	.930	.866
How important do you think standardization of BIM Execution Plans is for mega construction projects?	87	4.68	.707	.500
How often do you refer to a BIM Execution Plan during the construction process?	87	3.89	1.028	1.056
How satisfied are you with the proposed BIM Execution Plan workflow for implementation in BIM mega projects?	87	4.14	1.091	1.190
How well does the proposed BIM Execution Plan align with the current BIM standards and Workflow?	87	3.71	1.247	1.556
In which sector does you describe your company?	87	2.11	.599	.359
In which sector does your company seek construction work?	87	2.61	.653	.427
In your experience, does the outlined workflow address the unique challenges of BIM mega projects?	87	4.13	1.065	1.135
What is the category of your current organization?	87	3.40	2.037	4.150
What is the level of your current occupation?	87	4.60	2.099	4.406
What is your highest level of education?	87	1.49	.663	.439
What type of mega construction do you have experience in?	87	3.16	2.332	5.439
Which of the following best describes your role in the construction industry?	87	2.24	1.303	1.697
Years of experience in the construction sector?	87	3.07	1.159	1.344
Your Company Size	87	4.01	1.688	2.849
Valid N (list-wise)	87

Table 6. RII – Relative importance index analysis.

Proposed Framework for BIM Executive Plans (BEPs)	RII
How important do you think the Definition Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	68
How important do you think the BIM Project Execution Plan Overview Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	69.2
How important do you think the Project Information Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	93.2
How important do you think the Management Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	94
How important do you think the Project Goals/BIM Uses Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	89.2
How important do you think the Technical Requirements Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87.6
How important do you think the Quality assurance/Quality Control Plan Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	85.2

Table 6. RII – Relative importance index analysis.

Proposed Framework for BIM Executive Plans (BEPs)	RII
How important do you think the Definition Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	68
How important do you think the BIM Project Execution Plan Overview Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	69.2
How important do you think the Project Information Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	93.2
How important do you think the Management Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	94
How important do you think the Project Goals/BIM Uses Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	89.2
How important do you think the Technical Requirements Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	87.6
How important do you think the Quality assurance/Quality Control Plan Section in the Proposed BEP Framework is?	85.2

Table 7. Responses ratings based on respondents.

Categories	Frequency	Percent
Role in the construction industry
Architect	31	35.6
Civil Engineer	30	34.5
Electrical Engineer	8	9.2
Mechanical Engineer	10	11.5
Other	8	9.2
Years of experience in the construction industry
0-5 Years	10	11.5
5-10 Years	15	17.2
10-15 Years	31	35.6
15-20 Years	21	24.1
>20 Years	10	11.5
Category of the organization
General engineering consultants	26	29.9
Project management consultants	3	3.4
General contractor	24	27.6
Specialized contractor	4	4.6
Owner	9	10.3
BIM Services	16	18.4
Other	5	5.7
Education
Bachelor's degree	52	59.8
Master's degree	27	31.0
PhD	8	9.2
In which sector does your company operate?
Public	11	12.6
Private	55	63.2
Both	21	24.1
In which sector does your company seek construction work?
Public	7	8.0
Private	21	24.1
Both	58	66.7
Company size
1-10	3	3.4
10-50	21	24.1
50-100	15	17.2
100-250	7	8.0
250-1000	15	17.2
>1000	26	29.9
Level of occupation
Junior level	4	4.6
Senior level	22	25.3
Project Engineer	1	1.1
Projects Manager	13	14.9
BIM Coordinator	9	10.3
BIM Manager	16	18.4
Top management	20	23.0
Other	2	2.3
Mega construction experience
Residential	34	39.1
Commercial	10	11.5
Infrastructure	10	11.5
Mixed-use	11	12.6
Complex	2	2.3
Hospital	6	6.9
Educational Building	11	12.6
Other	3	3.4
Familiarity with BIM Execution Plans (BEPs)
Not familiar at all	1	1.1
Somewhat familiar	6	6.9
Moderately familiar	17	19.5
Very familiar	38	43.7
Extremely familiar	25	28.7
At what stages of the project lifecycle do you integrate BIM Execution Plans?
Design Stage	59	67.8
Tender Stage	6	6.9
Construction Stage	17	19.5
Operation Stage	4	4.6
Have you ever worked on a mega construction project that used BIM?
Yes	61	70.1
No	26	29.9
How often do you refer to a BIM Execution Plan during the construction process?
Never	3	3.4
Rarely	6	6.9
Occasionally	15	17.2
Frequently	37	42.5
Always	26	29.9
How important do you think standardization of BIM Execution Plans is for mega construction projects?
Somewhat important	2	2.3
Moderately important	6	6.9
Very important	10	11.5
Extremely important	69	79.3
In your experience, does the outlined workflow address the unique challenges of BIM mega projects?
No, not at all	2	2.3
Not Sure	4	4.6
Partially	20	23.0
Often	16	18.4
Completely	45	51.7

Table 7. Responses ratings based on respondents.

Categories	Frequency	Percent
Role in the construction industry
Architect	31	35.6
Civil Engineer	30	34.5
Electrical Engineer	8	9.2
Mechanical Engineer	10	11.5
Other	8	9.2
Years of experience in the construction industry
0-5 Years	10	11.5
5-10 Years	15	17.2
10-15 Years	31	35.6
15-20 Years	21	24.1
>20 Years	10	11.5
Category of the organization
General engineering consultants	26	29.9
Project management consultants	3	3.4
General contractor	24	27.6
Specialized contractor	4	4.6
Owner	9	10.3
BIM Services	16	18.4
Other	5	5.7
Education
Bachelor's degree	52	59.8
Master's degree	27	31.0
PhD	8	9.2
In which sector does your company operate?
Public	11	12.6
Private	55	63.2
Both	21	24.1
In which sector does your company seek construction work?
Public	7	8.0
Private	21	24.1
Both	58	66.7
Company size
1-10	3	3.4
10-50	21	24.1
50-100	15	17.2
100-250	7	8.0
250-1000	15	17.2
>1000	26	29.9
Level of occupation
Junior level	4	4.6
Senior level	22	25.3
Project Engineer	1	1.1
Projects Manager	13	14.9
BIM Coordinator	9	10.3
BIM Manager	16	18.4
Top management	20	23.0
Other	2	2.3
Mega construction experience
Residential	34	39.1
Commercial	10	11.5
Infrastructure	10	11.5
Mixed-use	11	12.6
Complex	2	2.3
Hospital	6	6.9
Educational Building	11	12.6
Other	3	3.4
Familiarity with BIM Execution Plans (BEPs)
Not familiar at all	1	1.1
Somewhat familiar	6	6.9
Moderately familiar	17	19.5
Very familiar	38	43.7
Extremely familiar	25	28.7
At what stages of the project lifecycle do you integrate BIM Execution Plans?
Design Stage	59	67.8
Tender Stage	6	6.9
Construction Stage	17	19.5
Operation Stage	4	4.6
Have you ever worked on a mega construction project that used BIM?
Yes	61	70.1
No	26	29.9
How often do you refer to a BIM Execution Plan during the construction process?
Never	3	3.4
Rarely	6	6.9
Occasionally	15	17.2
Frequently	37	42.5
Always	26	29.9
How important do you think standardization of BIM Execution Plans is for mega construction projects?
Somewhat important	2	2.3
Moderately important	6	6.9
Very important	10	11.5
Extremely important	69	79.3
In your experience, does the outlined workflow address the unique challenges of BIM mega projects?
No, not at all	2	2.3
Not Sure	4	4.6
Partially	20	23.0
Often	16	18.4
Completely	45	51.7

3.2. Classification According to the Experience

Table 8's analysis of variance (ANOVA) provides nuanced insights into how construction experience influences the perceived importance of various sections within the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plan (BEP) framework. The average scores for each section of the BEP show minor variations among different levels of experience, indicating that respondents generally agree on the significance of these sections regardless of their experience in the construction industry. Respondents with 0-5 years of experience rated the "Management Section" and "Project Goals/BIM Uses Section" highest, with mean scores of 4.80. This indicates that early career professionals recognize the significance of effective management and clear goal setting in BIM projects. The section titled "Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan" received the highest average score of 4.93 from respondents who have 5-10 years of experience. This suggests that there is a strong emphasis on maintaining high quality at this stage of their careers. [28,29,30,31].

An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to investigate the statistical significance of differences in mean scores for the importance of different sections of the Business Execution Plan (BEP) among respondents with varying levels of construction experience. The analyzed sections comprised the Definition Section, BIM Project Execution Plan Overview Section, Project Information Section, Management Section, Project Goals/BIM Uses Section, Technical Requirements Section, and Quality assurance/Quality Control Plan Section.The F-values and p-values obtained from the ANOVA tests are utilized to ascertain whether the experience levels have a significant impact on the ratings of BEP sections. The p-value determines whether we should reject or not reject the null hypothesis, which asserts that there is no variation in the means of the groups and any observed variation is a result of random fluctuations. [28,29,30,31].

3.2.1. Interpretation of Significance Values

• All sections that were tested yielded significance values (p-values) greater than 0.05, with a range from 0.189 to 0.692. This suggests that there are no statistically significant disparities in how individuals with varying levels of experience perceive the significance of BEP sections.
• The absence of substantial disparities implies that the perceived significance of BEP sections is uniformly acknowledged among individuals with different levels of experience, indicating a widespread agreement among professionals irrespective of their tenure in the field.

3.3. Reliability

A popular statistical measure of scale or test item internal consistency or reliability is Cronbach's alpha. In the proposed Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plan Specification (BEPS) framework, Cronbach's alpha of .935 and .941, with 7 items, indicate excellent internal consistency.

Table 9. Cronbach alpha.

Cronbach's Alpha	Cronbach's Alpha Based on Standardized Items	Number of Items
.935	.941	7

Table 9. Cronbach alpha.

Cronbach's Alpha	Cronbach's Alpha Based on Standardized Items	Number of Items
.935	.941	7

3.4. Qualitative Feedback about BIM Execution Plans (BEPs)

The study also obtained feedback from the participants regarding BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) in Egypt. The respondents' findings regarding BEPs are presented in Table 10. The survey's qualitative feedback on the proposed BIM Execution Plan (BEP) framework for mega projects in Egypt provides valuable recommendations and highlights areas of improvement identified by industry professionals. The respondents have identified various areas that need improvement in order to better align with the Egyptian BIM standards. These areas include making management changes, clarifying document ownership, ensuring Cobie compliance, and enhancing collaboration and interoperability. These suggestions emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive and flexible Business Execution Plan (BEP) that is customized to suit the unique requirements of various project categories. The inclusion of technology requirements, stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and data management and exchange protocols in the framework demonstrates a deeper comprehension of the intricate nature of BIM and the necessity for a thorough approach to project execution planning. Moreover, the feedback underscores the significance of streamlining the workflow to facilitate implementation and establish national standards for practices, thereby ensuring uniformity and effectiveness in the industry.

4. Discussion

The results of this study demonstrate a strong agreement among construction experts regarding the crucial importance of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plans (BEPs) in large-scale construction projects. The survey data demonstrates a notable consistency in the perceived significance of various sections of BEPs, irrespective of respondents' levels of experience. The Management and Project Goals/BIM Uses sections stand out for consistently receiving high importance ratings.

4.1. Analysis within the Framework of Prior Research

Upon comparing these findings with prior research, it becomes apparent that the significance of organized management and well-defined project objectives corresponds with the wider body of literature on project management and BIM implementation. Prior studies have highlighted the importance of well-defined responsibilities and standardized procedures to improve the results and effectiveness of construction projects that utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM). The present study strengthens this perspective by empirically verifying these factors through input from the industry, emphasizing a widespread acknowledgement of their significance across various levels of expertise.

4.2. Proposed Hypotheses for Investigation

The proposed hypotheses suggested that the use of standardized and adaptable BIM Execution Plans would be crucial for enhancing efficiency and effectively handling the intricacies of large-scale construction projects. The survey results confirm these hypotheses, as the data shows a significant dependence on Best Execution Practices (BEPs) for the success of projects. The results also suggest the need for more standardized practices, especially in the initial stages of projects, to reduce possible inefficiencies and misalignments.

4.3. Significance of Results

The results indicate that although the significance of BEPs is acknowledged, there are deficiencies in their prompt incorporation and uniformity across projects. This misalignment may result in inefficiencies and a lack of coherence in project implementation. Hence, it is evident that there is a requirement to promote a uniform methodology for BEPs, while also accommodating the flexibility to cater to individual project requirements and regional norms. This may entail creating a more extensive framework for the implementation of BEP that incorporates the most effective methods identified in this and prior research.

4.5. The Developed Framework

The "Developed Framework" delineates the organized elements of a Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plan (BEP) for extensive construction projects. The framework is methodically structured into multiple primary sections, each focusing on distinct aspects of BIM execution planning. The following steps are outlined in the table, presented in a simplified manner for better understanding:

The following are the sequential stages of the developed framework:

4.5.1. Definition

• Abbreviations: Lists standard abbreviations used within the plan.
• Other Definitions: Provides definitions of key terms relevant to the project.

4.5.2. BIM Project Execution Plan Overview

• Executive Summary: Brief overview of the BIM execution strategy.
• Vision Statement: Outlines the project’s vision and strategic goals.
• References: Lists documents, standards, and resources referenced in the BEP.

4.5.3. Project Information

• Project Description: General description of the project.
• Project Stakeholders: Identification of all parties involved in the project.
• Project Scope of Work in Details: Detailed scope including tasks and deliverables.
• Project Masterplan, Buildings Key Plan, Key Project Contacts, Key Project
• BIM Management: Layouts and contact information essential for project management.

4.5.4. Management

• Project Phases/Milestones, Key Roles and Responsibilities, Project Deliverables, Project Information Model Delivery Strategy, Task Information Delivery Plan (TIDP), Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP): Detailed management plans outlining the project timeline, responsibilities, deliverables, and information delivery strategies

4.5.5. Project Goals / BIM Uses

• Major BIM Uses, Level of Information Needed (LOIN), Level of Development (LOD), Level of Information (LOI): Specifies the BIM usage goals and the required levels of information and development.

4.5.6. Model Process & Project Standards (Methods & Procedure)

• Volume Strategy, Project Models Breakdown, Naming Conventions, Annotations, Dimensions, Abbreviations and Symbols “Drawing Standards”, Project Units and Datum, Model Authoring: Standards and procedures for model creation and management.

4.5.7. Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan

• Detailed QA/QC processes like design content check, visual/coordination check, standards check, interference check, clash criteria, model size, model warnings, information exchange, coordination process, clash matrix.

4.5.8. Collaborations

• Collaboration Strategy, Schedule of Information Exchange, Schedule of Meetings, Common Data Environment (CDE): Framework for collaboration among stakeholders, including schedules and data sharing environments.

4.5.9. Technical Requirements

• Exchange Formats, Software Needs/Scope, Hardware Needs, Data Security, IT Upgrades, Training: Specifies the technical requirements including software, hardware, data security measures, and necessary training.

5. Conclusions

The research embarked on an extensive exploration of BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) within the mega construction sector, revealing critical insights into the current practices, challenges, and the imperative need for standardized processes. Through the administration of a comprehensive questionnaire among 87 industry professionals, the study highlighted a strong consensus on the essential nature of structured and standardized BEPs to tackle the complexity of large-scale projects effectively. The analysis underscored the importance of management and clear project goals, which are pivotal in navigating the complexities of mega projects. The feedback from the survey indicated a significant gap in early integration and standardization, which the updated BEP framework aims to address. By refining the framework based on empirical data and professional feedback, this study contributes to narrowing the gap between theoretical BIM standards and practical application in the field. This contribution to BIM literature and practice is significant as it provides a verification and refined framework that enhances the clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness of BIM implementation in mega projects.The research not only aids in advancing the understanding and application of BIM but also sets a precedent for future studies to explore iterative improvements and contextual adaptations of BEP standardization. The results suggest that while significant progress has been made in recognizing the importance of BEPs, continuous efforts are required to ensure their effective implementation across different project stages and contexts.