Developing Managerial and Digital

Competencies Trough BIM Technologies in

Construction Industry

P. Mesaros*, T. Mandicak*, A. Mesarosova** and M. Behun***

*Technical University ofKosice, Faculty of Civil Engineering / Department of Construction Technology and
Management,Kosice, Slovakia
** Polytechnic University of Valencia / Dept. of Audiovisual Communication, Documentation and History of Art,

Valencia, Spain
*** Technical University ofKosice. Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies / Institute of

Earth Resources, Kosice, Slovakia

peter.mesaros@tuke.sk, tomas.mandicak@tuke.sk, mesarosova.alena@mail.com , marcel.behun@tuke.sk

Abstract-Information, knowledge and skills
current digital economy very important. The individual
skills of managers in many cases represent a competitive
advantage over other companies. Developing managerial
and digital competencies represent one of
conditions for success construction company. Nowadays,
there are many ways of developing managerial and digital
competencies. Progressive technology may be one way to
achieve this. Building Information Modelling is a tool for
supporting the management of construction projects in
various fields. Paper discuses the issue of
managerial and digital competencies through
technologies in construction industry. The main objective of
the research and this paper is to confirm the statement that
BIM technology supports better management
construction industry and that BIM technology develops
managerial and digital competencies, it means that BIM
improve their managerial and digital skills.
I. INTRODUCTION
Managers and their managerial or digital competencies
could affect to the competitiveness and economic
performance of each company [1]. Although the
development of managerial competence is often the only
answer to the acute problem and it's not supported by
long-term strategy. The main problem is that companies
do not have enough managers who know to learn of their
own work and effectively engage the intellectual and
emotional capital represented by their co-workers [2].
The issue of the development of digital competences in
the current environment is an integral part of the
knowledge society initiatives, social, economic but also
political dimension [3]. Opinion of the European
Commission points out that the competitiveness and
innovative capacity of European industry is increasingly
dependent on the strategic and effective use of new
information and communication technologies as well as
knowledge, skills, competencies of the European
workforce and citizens [4]. The use of information and
communication technologies increases proven knowledge.
That's true in every field.
The construction field is reinforced by growing
demands of practice material, technological,
are in the environmental, energy performance of buildings in the
context of maintaining a balance with economic efficiency
and sustainability of preparation and construction of the
current economic situation [5]. This complex and difficult
the main integrated process must be based on collecting, evaluating
and optimizing the relevant information in
multidimensional nature (often in digital form) and the
availability of advanced information and communication
tools and methods of information processing in the form
of integrated design and effective management of the
developing planning and construction process [6]. Several solutions
BIM are being implemented to support the development of
digital competences in the area of integrated design and
management of construction projects. For this purpose it is
in
used the BIM technology.
II. CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT THROUGH
BIM
Managerial and digital competences have been
examined in several countries worldwide. According to
the European Commission's survey, the largest
requirements are for working with data and knowledge
[7]. In general, more research points to the need for
effective work with the data necessary for proper decision
making on the basis of relevant information. Extensive
research was conducted in the United Kingdom in
January. Research was realized by Department for
Business innovation and Skills of United Kingdom. This
research answered on questions as: What is the current
demand for digital skills across the economy and what are
the different types of digital skills requirements?
According this research, the use of digital channels also
improves the way public services are delivered at the
national and local levels [8]. According to Capgemini
Consulting, 90 % of companies said lack digital skills of
their managers [9]. In spite of this fact, only 46 % of
companies are investing in developing digital skills. From
this research is known that, existing efforts to develop
skills are out of sync only 4 % of enterprises align their
training efforts with their digital strategy. Almost 77 % of
small and medium-sized enterprises in United Kingdom
not having a basic digital skills [8]. Based on research
conducted by the Department for Business innovation and
Skills of United Kingdom, 35% percent of construction
companies began to provide training for the acquisition of
digital competence in new technology. To a large extent,
the number of training coincides with a number of large
construction companies. This number is still low. For
comparison, 60% of establishments in education sector
began to provide training for the acquisition of digital
competence in new technology. The current state of
business and digital competences in Slovakia has been
mapped in the survey conducted by Mesarosova and
Mesaros [3]. The research with titled "Identification of
key competencies of university students for the needs of
knowledge society development in Slovakia" shows
current state of digital skills of students in Slovakia. But,
this research was not realized in construction sector, only
in education.
Data and knowledge are important for process
management in each area [10]. A certain level of digital
competencies and skills is essential for the use of
intelligent information systems for buildings. These
systems are capable of generating solutions (analysis,
design, patterns, designs, and calculations) based on the
integration of information related to the preparation and
design of buildings, the construction process management,
economics, construction and many other areas. Great
importance is to monitor the requirements that are needed
for the selected sector [8]. All sectors requirements this
digital skills (see figure 1). Several studies indicate that
the construction requirements are mainly to 3D printing,
CAD systems and Building Information Modeling. The
construction sector is progressing day by day. Production
methods are more difficult and more complicated every
day. Civil engineers and managers need better skills in
project management and quality assessment. These
aspects and tasks increasingly require digital literacy in
the form of software solutions designed to improve
decision making. Grovo describes eight core digital skills
essential ofr the 21th century workforce. It includes
follow: working with documents, project management and
collaboration, attention management, communication,
research in filed, digital etiquette, platform flexibility and
security [11]. Digital and managerial competencies are
closely linked in each area. The construction industry is
doing similarly. Use of new technologies to develop
Figure I. Requirements on digital skills in all sectors
digital and managerial competencies and it gives support
for decision making in construction industry. The use of
progressive technologies in the construction industry
should increase digital and managerial competencies.
Managers of construction companies have more
information to make good decisions. Building Information
Modeling (BIM). is support tool for decision making in
the construction industry.
BIM represent tool that cans positive affect to
increasing digital skills by using. In the context of
construction industry, BIM means the process of
delivering assets using well-structured digital information.
that all the necessary parties have Access to this digital
information has all the necessary participants or
stakeholders [12]. According to Grovo, that describes
eight core digital skills, which it can be application on
BIM technologies in construction industry. BIM allows
users to work effectively with documents, for example
project documentation. BIM is an appropriate tool for
project collaboration and project management.
Simultaneously it is attention tool for protectants,
investors, but for contractor and sub-contractor too.
Communication is very important in managing anything.
This is one of the basic skills of every manager. BIM
technology also helps communications. BIM environment
it is appropriate to clarify the specific things in the project
documentation for the participants of construction project.
BIM is a flexible platform.
Based on defined core 8 digital skills that can increase
the use of BIM, it can be defmed the main benefits of BIM
(see figure 2). These benefits include: coordination and
collaboration (that is one of managerial skills of
managers), it can detection of conflicts. Another benefits
of BIM linked with achieving managerial and digital skills
are following [13]:
• high level of customization and flexibility,
• cost optimization and schedule optimization,
• life cycle management,
• better drafting (cost reduction, quality
assumption).
Management of construction projects requires
knowledge requirements in technology and management.
Very important are the specific skills of managers in the
management process. Therefore, it is necessary to place
emphasis on managerial competence. Decision-making is
Benefits of
Figure 2. Requirements on digital skills in all sectors [13]
a challenging process. It should be based on facts. The
need of managerial and digital competences and skills is
required in other areas of management in construction
industry, such as human resources management,
management of materials and finance management. In
conjunction with BIM technology it has raised the
question whether a BIM tool that will ensure the
developing managerial of digital skills in construction
industry in Slovakia environment.
III. METHODOLOGY
A. Problem statement and objective of research
Issue management and digital competence is a very
current topic. Digital and managerial skills lead to better
results in the construction industry. How can the use of
progressive technologies affect to the management of
construction projects and thus obtaining managerial and
digital competencies? BIM is a tool for decision support in
construction industry. Based on the elaboration of the
problem in the context of research set the following basic
research questions:
• How do progressive technologies support for
better management in construction industry? And
how do BIM technology support for better
management in construction industry?
• What is affect of BIM technology to the
managerial and digital skills of managers?
Based on these key research questions were stated
objectives of this research, which is formulated as follows:
• confirm or refute the claim that BIM technology
supports better management in construction
industry,
• confum or refute the claim that BIM technology
practices managerial and digital competencies, it
means that BIM improve their managerial and
digital skills and give answer to the question,
how much.
B. Methodical procedure of processing research
All research was conducted in chronological order as
follows fi ure 3 .
I
Identification of research areas and selection of data processing
methods. Determination of basic research Questions.
Identification of research hypotheses.
Data evaluation and interpretation of results.
Evaluation of Research hypothesis and drawing conclusions.
Figure 3. Requirements on digital skills in all sectors
C. Collection of data
The questionnaire is the major source of research data
collecting. The questionnaire was designed and distributed
in electronic form. It was based on Formees platform.
Total were interviewed 1276 of respondents (participants
of construction projects). On the questionnaire survey
participated 125 of respondents, but only 55 companies
completed the entire questionnaire to use in our research.
It represents 4.31% return rate.
D. Research sample
The survey sample consists 55 of Slovak construction
companies (participants in construction projects). Size of
the company, company owner (impact of foreign private
equity) and participant of construction project are
important factors underlying the research investigation.
Table 1 shows the breakdown of the research sample
based on the key research factors.
TABLET.
RESEARCH SAMPLE
Company size
12 21,82%
17 30,91%
19 34,55%
Number in%
44 80,00 %
II 20,00%
Number in%
28 50,91%
14 23,64%
9 18,18%
4 7,27%
E. Data processing
The exploitation rate or influence rate represents often
used in the evaluation of data which are subject to review
of information and communication technologies and their
impact on the selected area [14]. The evaluation
methodology was also used in this research. It is a method
that allows to quantify the use of, or impact on selected
basis of factors. This method was used in evaluating the
use of BIM technology in Slovak construction industry
and the degree of influence BIM technology to increasing
digital and managerial competencies of managers in
Slovak construction industry. Likert scale in the range
from 1 (nothing influence) to 5 (maximal influence) was
used to determine response. The result was quantified
exploitation rate, or influence rate. Statistical significance
was tested by Kruskal - Wallis test at the significance
level a = 0.05. Kruskal - Wallis test (Kruskal - Wallis
ANOVA) is a direct generalization of the Wilcoxon two­
sample test case for more independent sample.
F. Research Hypoteses
Hypotheses HI-H3 were based on research questions.
These are:
HI: Construction company size has an significant effect
on improving the management process used by BIM
technologies, and thereby improving acqUisItion
managerial and digital competences of managers.
H2: Use of foreign private equity has an effect on
improving the management process used by BIM
technologies, and thereby improving acquisition
managerial and digital competences of managers.
H3: Participant of construction project has an effect on
improving the management process used by BIM
technologies, and thereby improving acquisition
managerial and digital competences of managers.
G. Testing of hypotheses
Verification established hypotheses proceeds to the
creation of so-called exploitation rate, or influence rate.
Based on the definition of 3.5 as the reference value can
be inferred [15]:
• significant (rate of use or influence> 3.5),
• not significant (rate of use or influence :s 3.5).
Kruskal - Wallis test, which has been further specified
in the "data processing", subsequently verified statistical
significance.
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Global trend in the use of BIM is growing. Abroad,
large construction companies use this tool more widely.
The situation in Slovakia is different in something. It was
noticed increased trend in the use of BIM technology in
Slovakia construction industry. But the rate of use of BIM
technology is still low (see figure 4). Not one of the focus
groups reached a value of 3.5 and more according to Chii
and Liu-Yang. Thus, the use of BIM technology in
Slovakia construction industry is not significant. Micro
construction companies using BIM technology in the
smallest degree. It reached exploitation level only 1,23.
Large construction companies use this tool more widely.
Exploitation rate achieve value of 2,87 in this group. In
spite of this fact, it still a low value, not significant. The
situation is similar in the assessment in terms of
participants in the construction project. The greatest
exploitation level achieved the group of investors and
developers. It's value reached 2,75. Contractors achieved
exploitation level 2,68. Other participants did not value
more than 2.
Enterprises with use of foreign private equity also did
not achieve greater value. It's only 2,83. Generally, this
results shown on very low use of BIM technology in
Slovakia construction industry.
However, an important point of view is the increase in
managerial and digital skills by using BIM technology.
Thus were asked the basic research questions. Based on
mUltiple sources was the assumption that the use of BIM
technology can have a positive impact on developing
managerial and digital skills of managers. Figure 5 shows
results of BIM technology using impact. Based on these
results we can say that the use of BIM technology has
positive impact on the developing of managerial and
digital skills. Each research group (except
microcompanies) has reached a value of influence rate
more than 3,5. This result is very significant. Influence
rate of large construction companies achieved value 4,34
Based on these results we can say that the use of BIM
technology developing managerial and digital skills of
managers and Construction company size has an effect on
improving the management process used by BIM
technologies, and thereby improving acquisition
managerial and digital competences of managers. This
statement is confirmed by Kruskal-Wallis test (see table
2). Hypotheses 1 was accepted at the significance level a
= 0.05.
5
4,5
4
4,34
3,5
3 3,53
3,35
2,5 2,87
2
1,5
1
0,5
o
Figure 5. Developing managerial and digital competences of managers
by BIM technology(company size view)

TABLE 2.
Investor/developer
KRUSKAL-WALLlS TEST (COMPANY SIZE VIEW)
Projecta nt/ architect
Sub-contracto r
on ranking, Variable - size of
Contractor
1
Foreign private equity
Code Number Exploitation
Slovak private equity
of valid level
Microcompanies res onses
Small companies 7 4,34
Medium-sized companies
Large companies 2 12 3,53

o 1 2 3 4
3 17 3,35
Figure 4. Use of BIM in Slovak construction industry
4 19 2,87
 The situation is similar when looking at the use of
3,75
foreign private equity. Influence rate of construction
3,7 3,73
companies use of foreign private equity achieved value
4,58 (figure 6). That means significant developing 3,65
3,67
managerial and digital skills. Influence rate of 3,6
construction companies use of Slovak private equity 3,55
3,57
achieved value 3,47. Based on this facts, it is possible 3,5
accepted statement, that the use of foreign private equity 3,45 3,49
has an effect on improving the management process used
3,4
by BIM technologies, and thereby improving acquisition
3,35
managerial and digital competences of managers. This
statement is confirmed by Kruskal-Wallis test (see table
3). Hypotheses 2 was accepted at the significance level a
= 0.05.
The situation is different when looking at the
participants of construction project. Influence rate of
contractor achieved value 3,67 (figure 7). Influence rate of
sub-contractor achieved value only 3,49. Influence rate of Figure 7. Developing managerial and digital competences of managers
protectants and architects achieved value 3,57 and by BIM technology(participants of construction project view)
influence rate of investors and developers achieved value
3,73. It was the highest value. As we can see, the
differences are minimal. That means not significant TABLE 4.
results. Based on this facts, it is not possible accepted KRUSKAL-WALLIS TEST
statement, that the participants of construction project has (PARTICIPANTS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT VIEW)
an effect on improving the management process used by Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA
BIM technologies, and thereby improving acquisition
based on ranking, Variable -
managerial and digital competences of managers. This
participants of construction
statement is rejected by Kruskal-Wallis test (see table 4).
Hypotheses 3 was rejected at the significance level a =
0.05. Exploitation
level
res onses
5 1 28 3,98
4,5 2 14 3,78
4,58 3 9 2,93
4
4 4 2,57
3,5
3,47
3 Generally, based on the evaluation of research results it
2,5
can be concluded that the use of BIM technology
developing managerial and digital skills of managers in
2 Slovak construction industry. When comparing individual
1,5 skills, the use of BIM technology has an impact on
developing of managerial skills at 4,21 and digital skills at
1 3,95 (figure 8). Both of value representing significant
0,5 impact.
0 4,3
Slovak private equity Foreign private equity
4,2
4,21
Figure 6. Developing managerial and digital competences of managers
by BIM technology(company owner view) 4, 1

TABLE 3. 4
KRUSKAL-WALLIS TEST (COMPANY OWNER VIEW)
Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA based 3,9 3,95
on ranking, Variable - use of
3,8
Managerial skills Digital skills

Figure 8. Developing managerial and digital competences of managers

by BIM technology
 V. CONCLUSION
Good managerial and digital competencies of managers
represent competitive advantage of every company.
Developing managerial and digital skills is difficult
process. New information and communication
technologies offer a new approach to information and to
be improved. The research pointed to the possibility of
developing managerial and digital competencies trough
BIM technologies. The research shows that BIM
technology as a support tool for developing managerial
and digital skills in construction industry. The research
also quantified how much it can improve these
competencies. The research confirmed the factors that
influence it. It is company size and use of foreign private
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The paper presented a partial research result of project
"Identification of key competencies of university students
for the needs of knowledge society development in
Slovakia", which is supported by the Ministry of
Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak
Republic in supplying incentives for research and
development from the state budget in accordance with Act
no. 185/2009 Z. z. on incentives for research and
development and on supplementing Act. 595/2003 Z. z.
Income Tax, as amended by Act no. 40/2011 Z. z.
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