Recognise and critically appraise the role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the collaborative digital built environment
Assessment Information/Brief 2023-24
Module title
Building Information Modelling
CRN
50569, 50570A
Level
7
Assessment title
Weighting within module
This assessment is worth 100% of the overall module mark.
Module
Leader/Assessment set by
Submission deadline date and time
For coursework assessments only: students with a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP) or Carer Support Plan should check your plan to see if an extension to this submission date has been agreed.
How to submit
You must submit your assessment electronically through Turnitin® Further information and support for students using Turnitin® can be found here:
http://www.salford.ac.uk/library/help/blackboardand-collaborate
As the University will mark assessments anonymously where this is possible, please use your student roll number and not your name on your submission.
Assessment task details and instructions
In recent years, the construction industry has witnessed an
increased practical interest in digital transformation worldwide. This is often driven by these Government’s commitment and mandate to digital information delivery and Building Information Modelling
(BIM) on public procured projects aimed to informing all stages of a built asset`s lifecycle, from inception right through to operation and renewal, towards driving whole-life value and better outcomes. This commitment to working with the industry in facilitating the drive for digital transformational change has led to the provision of a set of supporting standards, protocols, classification system, documentation, etc., to establish fundamental principles and standardised information (digital) management process over the built asset life cycle; defined in the BIM mandate of the UK for example. The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate an understanding in the implementation of the BIM process based on the suite of supporting standards, protocols, classification system, documentation, etc. This is in addition to demonstrating awareness of the purpose of these categories of information and documents and the decisions necessary to complete them
This assessment has two options. You should read though both options before deciding which one is the most appropriate for you.
Option 1: Application of BIM process to a project/organisation You have been employed by a Government Department as a project management consultant for the procurement of a new project. The design and construction consultants (architects, engineers, contractors, etc.) for the project have not yet been appointed. You may choose any project type that is normally procured by a Central/Local Government. For reference, a list of the UK Government Departments and what they do is available at the following link https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations.
As part of your role, you have been asked to produce a report to define the BIM launch process related documents and amendments to existing documentation that would be necessary to manage and control this project in line with the Government’s current BIM recommendations. You should consider the ISO standards, guidance, information protocols, documentation, etc., and explain their purpose, contents and requirements, specifically to the delivery of the project in line with that Government’s requirements. Additionally, you need to briefly discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing these requirements.
You should provide a flowchart of the documents sequence of the project (based on the RIBA plan), and the interactions required in support of your discussion. The flowchart should also indicate the modelling/data formats (with a brief introductory information of the models) that might be used through the various stages of the projects such as spreadsheets, Gantt charts, structural models, visual representations, schedules, bills of quantities, environmental models, etc. 25% of the marks will be related to the flowchart development.
You should aim to be as concise and succinct as possible when writing your report, as this will greatly assist in reflecting comprehensive information whilst sticking with the word count limit. Content lists of major BIM documents can be provided as an Appendix. Use APA 7th (Harvard) style of referencing wher necessary in your report. https://www.salford.ac.uk/skills-for- learning/home/using-and-referencing-information/referencing
Option 2: Evaluation of compliance of BIM process implementation to an existing project/organisation
You have been asked to conduct a critical review of one of a private company’s/public sector organisation’s existing project against old and recent standards. This may be a project you have worked on or can access information on. Discuss what has been instigated to meet the BIM requirements and where the project falls short. You should consider the ISO standards, guidance, information protocols, documentation, etc., and explain their purpose, contents and requirements, specifically to the delivery of the project in line with that defined by local BIM requirements. Additionally, you need to briefly discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing these requirements.
You should provide a flowchart of the documents sequence of the project (based on the RIBA plan), and the interactions required in support of your discussion. The flowchart should also indicate the modelling/data formats (with a brief introductory information of the models) that might be used through the various stages of the projects such as spreadsheets, Gantt charts, structural models, visual representations, schedules, bills of quantities, environmental models, etc. 25% of the marks will be related to the flowchart development.
You should aim to be as concise and succinct as possible when writing your report, as this will greatly assist in reflecting comprehensive information whilst sticking with the word count limit. Content lists of major BIM documents can be provided as an Appendix. Use APA 7th (Harvard) style of referencing where necessary in your report. https://www.salford.ac.uk/skills-for- learning/home/using-and-referencing-information/referencing
Assessment Criteria Marks for your assessment will be allocated based on the following Criteria.
Written Report (100%)
Assessment Criteria
Mark
The comprehensiveness of the report in covering the essential requirements of the task
25%
The level of understanding and critical thinking/discussions and stand points
30%
Quality of the flowchart in alignment to the main body of the report
25%
Introduction, conclusions, and recommendations
10%
Presentation, good use of citation of quality references and quotations
10%
You should look at the assessment criteria to find out what we are specifically looking at during the assessment. At postgraduate Level 7 the pass mark is 50% and following marking scale/grade descriptors shall be used:
Outstanding 90% – 100%
Excellent 80% – 89%
Very good 70% – 79%
Good 60% – 69%
Satisfactory 50% – 59%
Unsatisfactory 40% – 49%
Inadequate 30% – 39%
Poor 20% – 29%
Very Poor 10% – 19%
Extremely Poor 0% – 9%
Knowledge and Understanding
Practical, Professional or Subject Specific Skills
Assessed intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:
Recognise and critically appraise the role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the collaborative digital built environment.
Apply integrated BIM in complex digital built environment projects with an understanding of the Level 2 requirements of the UK Government Construction Strategy.
Critically appraise the deployment of BIM at the organisational and project level and through the different issues involved in process, technology and people change.
Interpret the drivers, opportunities, benefits and challenges in adopting BIM in digital built environment projects.
Critically evaluate how BIM supports collaboration, integration, energy efficiency/performance and sustainability, and whole lifecycle management through the design, construction and operational phases.
Demonstrate critical awareness of the key theories, principles and concepts of BIM and the digital built environment to deliver whole life value.
Demonstrate high level and independent research, design and problem-solving skills.
Achieve competence in applying theoretical and methodological concepts in integrated digital built environment projects.
Manage self and learning thereby analysing own personal strengths and weaknesses and formulating strategies for improvement.
Manage self and learning thereby analysing own personal strengths and weaknesses and formulating strategies for improvement.
Employability Skills developed /
demonstrated
Communication
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Data Literacy
Digital Literacy Industry Awareness
Innovation and Creativity
Self-management and Organisation Team Working
Word count/ duration (if applicable)
Your assessment should not exceed 3000 words (excluding title, abstract, references & appendices) and represent appropriately up to 40 hours of research application and writing. The marker will STOP reading the assessment at the 3000 words limit and the work will be marked accordingly.
Feedback arrangements
You can expect to receive summative feedback (in written form) within 15 working days of your submission and will be loaded into Blackboard.
Formative feedback will be given during clinic sessions within the module, which will be held prior to the submission date to help you develop and improve your work.
Academic Integrity and Referencing
Students are expected to learn and demonstrate skills associated with good academic conduct (academic integrity). Good academic conduct includes the use of clear and correct referencing of source materials. Here is a link to where you can find out more about the skills which students need:
Academic integrity & referencing Referencing
Academic Misconduct is an action which may give you an unfair advantage in your academic work. This includes plagiarism, asking someone else to write your assessment for you or taking notes into an exam. The University takes all forms of academic misconduct seriously.
Assessment Information and Support
Support for this Assessment
You can obtain support for this assessment by going through the information and supporting documents that will be available on Blackboard module space. You can also email the module tutor if you have any query or wish to arrange a meeting during office hours – emails should be answered in 2 working days.
You can find more information about understanding your assessment brief and assessment tips for success here.
Assessment Rules and Processes
You can find information about assessment rules and processes in Blackboard in the Assessment Support module.
Develop your Academic and Digital Skills
Find resources to help you develop your skills here.
Concerns about Studies or Progress
If you have any concerns about your studies, contact your Academic Progress Review Tutor/Personal Tutor or your Student Progression Administrator (SPA).
askUS Services
The University offers a range of support services for students through askUS including Disability and Learner Support, Wellbeing and Counselling Services.
Personal Mitigating Circumstances (PMCs)
If personal mitigating circumstances (e.g. illness or other personal circumstances) may have affected your ability to complete this assessment, you can find more information about the Personal Mitigating Circumstances Procedure here. Independent advice is available from the Students’ Union Advice Centre about this process. Click here for an appointment to speak to an adviser or email advicecentre-ussu@salford.ac.uk.
In Year Retrieval Scheme
Your assessment is not eligible for in year retrieval.
Reassessment
If you fail your assessment, and are eligible for reassessment, you will need to resubmit on or before XXXXX (to be confirmed). For students with accepted personal mitigating circumstances for absence/non submission, this will be your replacement assessment attempt. The same brief will be used for the reassessment unless advised otherwise. Recognise and critically appraise the role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the collaborative digital built environment.
We know that having to undergo a reassessment can be challenging however support is available. Have a look at all the sources of support outlined earlier in this brief and refer to the Personal Effectiveness resources.
MARKING SCALE
At postgraduate Level 7 the pass mark is 50% and following marking scale/grade descriptors shall be used:
Outstanding
90% – 100%
Excellent
80% – 89%
Very good
70% – 79%
Good
60% – 69%
Satisfactory
50% – 59%
Unsatisfactory
40% – 49%
Inadequate 30% – 39%
Poor 20% – 29%
Very Poor 10% – 19%
Extremely Poor 0% – 9%
GRADE DESCRIPTORS
90% – 100% Outstanding
Demonstrates a deep and comprehensive understanding of the BIM process, seamlessly integrating it with the RIBA stages.
Develops a highly detailed and accurate flowchart illustrating the BIM process in alignment with RIBA stages, showcasing a nuanced understanding of the interactions, modeling, and data formats used through the project lifecycle.
Offers insightful analysis of future developments in BIM roles, coupled with a profound exploration of the benefits and challenges of BIM implementation for various stakeholders.
Exceptional use of references, indicating extensive research and critical engagement with the subject matter.
Exhibits an excellent understanding of both the BIM process and the RIBA stages, with a strong ability to correlate the two effectively.
Creates a well-structured and detailed flowchart that clearly links the BIM process to the RIBA stages, demonstrating a clear understanding of the documentation and data
80% – 89% Excellent
exchange required at each stage.
Provides a thorough discussion on the evolution of BIM roles and a comprehensive analysis of the benefits and challenges associated with BIM in the current construction landscape.
Utilizes high-quality references, showing a good depth of research and understanding.
Displays a very good understanding of BIM integrated with RIBA stages, showing how each stage connects with the BIM process.
The flowchart is comprehensive, detailing the sequence of documents and highlighting key interactions and data formats across RIBA stages.
Good analysis of the evolving roles within BIM and a solid understanding of its benefits and challenges, particularly in contemporary construction scenarios.
Uses very good references, indicating a well-researched approach with a clear grasp of the subject.
Shows a good understanding of the BIM process and its relevance to the RIBA stages.
Produces a clear flowchart that sufficiently represents the integration of BIM with the RIBA plan, detailing document flow and stage-wise requirements.
Discusses the roles within BIM and identifies key benefits and challenges, though less in- depth compared to higher grades.
Adequate referencing, indicating a good level of research and comprehension.
Demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of BIM in relation to RIBA stages.
The flowchart is adequate but may lack some details, showing a basic alignment of BIM processes with RIBA stages.
Identifies some benefits and challenges of BIM, but with limited depth and insight.
Satisfactory use of references, showing an adequate level of research.
Shows an unsatisfactory understanding of the integration between BIM and RIBA stages.
The flowchart provided is inadequate, lacking clear alignment with RIBA stages and missing key details about the BIM process.
Discussion on the benefits and challenges of BIM is superficial, lacking depth and critical analysis.
The use of references is minimal, indicating a lack of thorough research and understanding.
Demonstrates inadequate knowledge of BIM and its relation to RIBA stages.
The flowchart is poorly constructed, with significant gaps in illustrating the connection between BIM processes and RIBA stages.
Limited and shallow discussion on the roles, benefits, and challenges of BIM.
Inadequate referencing, showing a lack of engagement with the subject matter.
Displays a poor understanding of the BIM process and its relevance to RIBA stages.
The flowchart is poorly developed, failing to effectively represent the BIM process within the RIBA framework.
Offers minimal insight into the benefits and challenges of BIM, lacking critical thought.
Poor use of references, indicating a lack of proper research.
Shows a very poor grasp of both BIM and the RIBA stages, with little to no effective integration.
The flowchart is rudimentary and fails to provide any meaningful information about the BIM process or its relation to RIBA stages.
Very limited discussion on BIM, with no substantial analysis of its advantages or drawbacks.
Very poor referencing, demonstrating a significant lack of research and understanding.No understanding of BIM or its connection with RIBA stages.
Lacks a flowchart or provides one that is completely irrelevant or uninformative.
Fails to discuss any aspect of BIM meaningfully.
Extremely poor or no use of references, indicating a total lack of engagement with the coursework