Business Technology Strategy Flashcards

A firm's leadership wants to use artificial intelligence to streamline specification writing. The MOST appropriate near-term application of AI in this workflow is:

Answer: Using AI to suggest relevant specification sections and flag conflicts based on the project's BIM data

AI is most effective when it assists and accelerates expert human workflows, such as surfacing relevant spec sections and cross-checking for conflicts, while professionals retain final judgment.

When negotiating technology-related contract provisions with a client, which clause is MOST important to address regarding BIM deliverables?

Answer: Intellectual property ownership, permitted uses, and liability limitations for the BIM model post-delivery

BIM contracts must clearly define who owns the model data, how the client may use it, and the limits of the architect's liability if the model is used beyond agreed purposes.

A firm adopts generative design tools to explore structural system options. To maximize the strategic value of this technology, outputs should be:

Answer: Filtered through professional engineering and cost judgment before presenting a curated set of viable options

Generative design produces many options, but professional expertise is required to filter outputs for structural feasibility, code compliance, and cost viability before presenting them.

Which cybersecurity measure is MOST relevant to protecting sensitive client project data stored in a cloud-based CDE?

Answer: Role-based access control (RBAC) combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA)

RBAC limits access to data based on job role while MFA adds a second verification layer, together forming the most effective defense for cloud-stored sensitive data.

A firm conducting a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) uses sensor data from the building to measure actual vs. predicted energy performance. This practice is BEST described as an application of:

Answer: Evidence-based design validation using operational building data

Using real operational sensor data to compare against design predictions is a core evidence-based design practice that improves future design decisions.

A small architecture firm is concerned about the cost of enterprise BIM software. The MOST strategically sound approach is to:

Answer: Evaluate scalable subscription tiers and open-source alternatives aligned with current project types and scale

Small firms should match technology investment to actual project scale and workflow needs, exploring tiered or open-source options rather than over-investing or avoiding BIM altogether.

In technology strategy, a 'technology stack' for an architecture firm refers to:

Answer: The integrated set of software platforms, tools, and services that support the firm's design, collaboration, and business operations

A technology stack encompasses all the integrated software and services — from BIM authoring to project management to accounting — that collectively support firm operations.