Positioning BIM X Chain within BIM–SCM Integration Frameworks for Dispute Reduction in Public Construction
List of Authors
Emi Ariyani Aris, Husna Mat Salleh, Nur Hidayah Ahmad, Wan Sharizatul Suraya
Keyword
Building Information Modelling; Construction Disputes; Public Construction Projects; Supply Chain Management; BIM-SCM Integration
Abstract
Public construction projects are frequently affected by disputes arising from fragmented communication, inadequate coordination, and inefficiencies within complex supply chains. These disputes often lead to project delays, cost overruns, and deteriorating stakeholder relationships, ultimately undermining the effectiveness of public sector project delivery. Although Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) have been widely adopted to enhance transparency, collaboration, and operational efficiency, existing BIM-SCM integration frameworks tend to prioritise performance, logistics, or sustainability outcomes rather than explicitly addressing dispute prevention. This study introduces BIMxCHAIN, a conceptual BIM-SCM integration framework that positions dispute reduction as its core objective in public construction projects. Grounded in systems theory and collaboration theory, the study adopts a conceptual research methodology supported by an extensive literature review and a comparative analysis of six established BIM-SCM integration frameworks. Based on this analysis, a prototype framework was developed comprising three interrelated modules: a BIM Core Module for lifecycle information integrity, an SCM Module for procurement and logistics transparency, and a Dispute Resolution Engine that embeds audit trails, communication records, and accountability mechanisms. The comparative findings reveal that while existing frameworks contribute to improved collaboration, information integrity, and supply chain visibility, they inadequately address disputes as a primary design consideration. BIMxCHAIN advances current knowledge by embedding transparency, traceability, and accountability directly into BIM-SCM workflows, thereby offering a proactive mechanism for dispute prevention rather than reactive dispute resolution. This study contributes to both theory and practice by repositioning dispute reduction as a central agenda in BIM-SCM integration for public sector construction. Future research is recommended to empirically validate the proposed framework through pilot implementations and to explore its scalability across different regulatory and international contexts.