Building information modelling execution plans: a global review

A building information modelling (BIM) execution plan is a process-management document that includes the standards, responsibilities and protocols used as a basis for a BIM project. Despite the increased interest in BIM implementation, there are a few studies in the literature specifically tailored to the development of an execution plan. A study was undertaken to review and analyse the literature and synthesise existing knowledge relevant to the topic. A thematic framework of content aspects and trends was developed to define grounds for developing execution plans by examining 36 publications from different organisations worldwide. Based on the framework, this research analysed a total of 29 topics classified into functional, informational, organisational and legal issues and identified their influential relationships where applicable. The study highlighted the current state of BIM management platforms and redefined the connection between BIM contracts, execution plans and model data. The paper has practical implications for defining project-specific execution plans and highlighting the research gaps. It also provides recommendations for future development of execution plans, to be used both as an instrument for advancing the use of BIM and as a regulator of the digitalised and collaborative practices.