Project management of a relocation project supported by building information modelling

Project managers have responsibility for the planning,execution and closing of any project such as construction projects, which requires improvement for cost and time related productivity, efficiency and effectiveness gains. Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a relatively new way of working and methodology seeks to integrate the building lifecycle in order to provide a safer and more productive environment for its occupants; and to assert the least possible environmental impact from its existence; and be more operationally efficient for its owners throughout the lifecycle of the building infrastructure. The paper aims to explore how BIM can contribute to and improve project management. It uses the MediaCityUK project in the city of Salford, UK as a case study. This is a regeneration project expected to attract media institutions locally and from around the world thus establishing itself as an international centre for excellence. The University of Salford is the only Higher Education institution, which is part of the project and will have offices and spaces in the MediaCity. There is a planned relocation by some Departments in the University to the allocated building in MediaCityUK. This move highlights the need for a well managed, cost effective and sustainable relocation process. Thus, the paper addresses the project management of the relocation process during the relocation. The study employs a case study methodology and identifies BIM modelling as the unit of analysis to interrogate the relocation efficiencies and performance benchmarking for relocation project. Firstly, the PM tasks are identified and documented. Secondly, a BIM model of the new university office space in MediaCityUK is developed. Finally, the ways in which the BIM mode supports each of the PM tasks is identified and discussed.