A CDE can be defined as “a common digital project space, which provides well-defined access areas for project stakeholders combined with clear status definitions and a robust workflow description for sharing and approval processes”. However, BIM-centered CDEs are still relatively not used in the industry; the main reasons lying in the fact that the currently proposed systems are not adapted to the real collaboration practices and needs of practitioners. In fact, the underlying analytical approaches do not seem to be sufficient to understand and to model the challenging issue of collaboration in construction. Many recent research works suggest that the current scientific barriers may stem from a misunderstanding of the systemic nature of the construction industry. Unfortunately, using a systemic approach in construction is not easy. Indeed, in systems theories it is crucial to identify the systems’ boundaries, but these boundaries are very unclear and shifting in construction.

The main hypothesis of the proposed research is to design a framework for the development of a BIM-centered Common Data Environment, using the systemic approach and to develop a prototype of BIM-centered Common Data Environment, adapted to the context of the Canadian construction industry.

Candidate's profile

To conduct this work, we are looking for a top-ranking Ph.D. candidate, with proven skills in construction management as well as information and communication technologies.

Competencies:

• Comfortable with Design Science reasoning
• Knowledge of software development
• Experience in technical or scientific writing
• Good communication skills

Language

• Proficient spoken and written knowledge of English or French is mandatory

Application documents to provide

• Curriculum vitae
• Lettres de recommandation
• Résultats GRE (si disponibles)