Building information modelling (BIM) readiness: Competency levels and strategic improvements for graduating QS students

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become an essential catalyst for digital transformation within the modern construction sector, necessitating adequate preparation from entering professionals. This study evaluates the BIM readiness and competency levels of graduating Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Hons) students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), specifically across the Seri Iskandar and Shah Alam campuses, and proposes strategic educational improvements. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were collected via a structured questionnaire using purposive sampling, yielding a total of 69 final-year respondents. Descriptive statistics and mean score analysis were employed to evaluate the students' conceptual knowledge and practical software proficiency. The findings reveal a critical deficiency in practical BIM competencies among graduating students, with minimal proficiency recorded in essential tasks such as automated quantity take-offs and digital Bills of Quantities (BQ) production (mean scores ranging from 1.536 to 1.663). To bridge this technical gap, respondents strongly advocated for two primary interventions: the comprehensive integration of BIM concepts into core academic curricula (M = 3.94) and the provision of financial subsidies to improve resource accessibility (M = 3.90). Consequently, this study underscores the urgent need for higher education institutions to mandate hands-on software training within core syllabi and foster strategic industry partnerships to secure software funding. Implementing these strategies will ensure future quantity surveying graduates are equipped to meet the evolving digital demands of the construction industry.