Methodology
The “BIM2Build” research project aimed to use data from BIM pilot projects to identify opportunities for standardization and derive practical recommendations for making the use of BIM in construction more efficient.
To achieve this goal, the methodology of the so-called DIKW concept was employed. DIKW stands for “Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom” and is a concept introduced by Russel Ackoff in 1989 [1] and refined by Jennifer Rowley in 2007 [2] to generate knowledge from data. The concept follows the DIKW pyramid depicted in Figure 3. This will now be briefly explained in the context of the research project.
First, data from six of the DB-IG infrastructure projects is collected and its quality is assessed (see Data Analysis Concept). This data is then converted into information during the data evaluation process. To this end, it is contextualized, classified, condensed, and subsequently analyzed. A data analysis concept was developed for this analysis, which is presented under Data Analysis Concept. Knowledge stands at the third level of the pyramid. This is generated through the networking and aggregation of information. In the context of BIM2Build, this means that in this step, the infrastructure projects are compared with one another and with conventional planning methods, and optimization potential is identified (see Recommendations for Action). In the final step, wisdom is to be attained by putting knowledge into action. Recommendations for action regarding the application of BIM in the construction of rail infrastructure projects are developed (see Recommendations for Action). These are intended to drive standardization and achieve more efficient and higher-quality construction.
Literature
[1] R.L. Ackoff, From data to wisdom, J. Appl. Syst. Anal. (1989). www.researchgate.net/profile/Rob-Keller/post/Original_paper_of_From_data_to_wisdom_by_Ackoff_1989/attachment/63f67d8997e2867d5081d0de/AS%3A11431281121841684%401677098376991/download/Ackoff89.pdf.
[2] J. Rowley, The wisdom hierarchy: representations of the DIKW hierarchy, J. Inf. Sci. 33 (2007) 163–180. doi.org/10.1177/0165551506070706.