PhD Study : Building Information Modelling (BIM): an approach to supporting modal shifts in human journeying for Northern Ireland.

Summary

This scholarship is linked to the Northern Ireland Programme for Government.

HYPOTHESIS

Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be used to construct and communicate complex journeying options to inform and influence commuter choice.

BACKGROUND

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is used extensively to electronically represent the integrated design and construction of complex buildings and infrastructure projects in urban and rural environments. An example is the Crossrail project in London (see above). Despite the vital role BIM plays in modern construction, very little research has been done to investigate how the approach could be adopted to support Government agencies in the communication and influencing of modal shifts in journeying options across disparate infrastructures in Northern Ireland. BIM represents a powerful means to effectively communicate and explain journeying options to inform and influence commuter choice. By aligning integrated platforms of complex information, BIM can generate specific and simulated data on sequencing, scheduling, constraints (clash detection) and cost. Executed well, BIM could have a profound influence on the commuter’s decision-making process such as, whether or not to adopt a new mode of transport; how to plan and manage new and existing journeys as well as encourage changes to life-style choices.

This PhD study will seek to determine how BIM could effectively inform policy-makers in determining a better understanding of the decision-making process occurring within modal shifts in human journeying and help prevent poor policy implementation thereby enabling commuters to make the best decisions possible.

AIMS

This PhD research proposed will be carried out to explore the potential benefits of BIM in supporting new strategies to implement modal shifts in infrastructure. The aim of the study will be:

*to increase policy-makers’ and scholars’ awareness about the importance of BIM as a fresh approach to communicating complex journeying options across and between infrastructures, and

*to provide guidance on how BIM can be used to support shifts in commuter decision-making and encourage changes to life-style choices.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Eadie, R and Rice M. (2016), Level 6 Building Information Modelling (BIM) Civil Engineering Curriculum, in Proceedings of the 6th International Education, Science and Innovations conference, Pernik, Bulgaria, European Polytechnical University 10-11 June 2016 (This was a paper presented in the plenary session).

Murphy, M. E. and Nahod, M. M. (2016), Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. (Pending publication) http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/products/journals/journals.htm?id=ecam

Eadie, R., Browne, M., Odeyinka, H., McKeown, C., & McNiff, S. (2015). A survey of current status of and perceived changes required for BIM adoption in the UK. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 5(1), 4-21.

Murphy, M., Perera, S., and Heaney, SG (2015) Innovation management model: a tool for sustained implementation of product innovation into construction projects. Construction Management and Economics, 33 (3). pp. 209-232.

Eadie. R, McLernon, T., and Patton, A. (2015) An Investigation into the Legal Issues Relating to Building Information Modelling (BIM),  in Proceedings of RICS AUBEA 2015, Sydney Australia, 8-10 July 2015, 8pp.

Eadie, R., Comiskey, D., & McKane, M. (2014). Teaching BIM in a multidisciplinary department. Proceeding of Education, Science and Innovations.

Murphy, M. E. (2014). Implementing innovation: a stakeholder competency-based approach for BIM. Construction Innovation, 14(4), 433-452.

Eadie, R., Odeyinka, H., Browne, M., McKeown, C., & Yohanis, M. (2014). Building information modelling adoption: an analysis of the barriers to implementation. Journal of Engineering and Architecture, 2(1), 77-101.

Eadie, R, Heanen, A and Hall, J (2014) Civil Engineering and the Interoperability between Building Information Modelling (BIM) and E-Procurement, In: Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Civil Engineering Design and Construction (Science and Practice), Varna, Bulgaria.

Eadie, R., Browne, M., Odeyinka, H., McKeown, C., & McNiff, S. (2013). BIM implementation throughout the UK construction project lifecycle: An analysis. Automation in Construction, 36, 145-151.

Eadie, R., Odeyinka, H., Browne, M., McKeown, C., & Yohanis, M. (2013). An analysis of the drivers for adopting building information modelling. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 18(17), 338-352.

Murphy, M. E. Heaney G. and Perera S. (2013) Modelling construction innovation constraints: A tool for sustaining innovation in projects; In: Hajdu, M.: Skibniewski, M. (eds.) Proceedings, Creative Construction Conference 2013, 6-9 July 2013, Budapest, Hungary, pp.: 525-535

Murphy, et al., (2011) A methodology for evaluating construction innovation constraints through project stakeholder competencies and FMEA, Journal of Construction Innovation, Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Vol. 11 Iss: 4, pp.416 – 440

Murphy M, Perera R.S. and Heaney S.G. (2008), Building Design Innovation: Expansion of Classification Linkages Through Case Study Analysis Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 6, No. 2, ISSN 1726-0531 pp 99-111.

Murphy et al., (2006) Effecting sustained innovation in the construction procurement process Proceedings from the 2nd International Conference of Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Conference for Construction Innovation, Gold Coast, Australia pp161, 12-14th March.

Book chapters: Murphy M, Heaney S.G. and Perera R.S. (2006), Developing a Methodology for Effecting Sustained Building Design Innovation in the Construction Procurement Process Chapter 12 pp 99 - 102, Edited by Brown, K., K. Hampson and P. Brandon. 2006 Clients Driving Construction Innovation: Moving Ideas into Practice. Brisbane: Australia, Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation, Icon.Net Pty Ltd. ISBN 1-7410712-8-3.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living