Saad, S; Alaloul, W S; Ammad, S and Qureshi, A H (2022) A qualitative conceptual framework to tackle skill shortages in offsite construction industry: A scientometric approach. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(10), pp. 3917-3947. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: This study assessed the key construction technology trends and tracked the impact of these developments on labor influencing factors in an effort to alleviate the limitations posed by skilled labor scarcity in offsite construction (OSC). Design/methodology/approach: The study followed systematic literature review to acquisition initial data sets. The data retrieved form identified databases was then subjected to scientometric analysis. In next stage, disruptive factors were identified to produce a conceptual framework followed by its practical application for an OSC firm. Findings: This study identified seven construction technologies with a potential to disrupt OSC in future. The study also developed a conceptual framework as a benchmark to help establish further frameworks for policy interns in OSC. Research limitations/implications: The review conducted only takes into account the literature from 2009 to March 2021. Any prior to the date and unpublished studies were not included in study. Practical implications: A proper utilization of conceptual framework can contribute to technological adoption significantly lowering the need of labor in OSC industry. Moreover, the established discussion on understanding the purpose of deploying latest technology may reduce additional costs, management, time and allocation of labor resources. Social implications: This study provides a mechanism to intern OSC policymakers to impartially incorporate the latest technology in OSC. Originality/value: This study fulfilled an identified need to study latest technological trends in OSC by utilizing bibliometric tools with SLR. The disruptive categories and factors highlighted by the study were not identified in a systematic manner in previous studies, which could further enhance the implementation of latest construction technology in OSC.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | conceptual framework; labor shortage; offsite construction; progress adoption strategy; scientometric analysis |
| Index terms: | acquisition, labour shortage, labour resource, construction industry, systematic literature review, conceptual framework, skill shortage, influencing factor, strategy, implementation, construction technology, skilled labour, methodology, database |
| Subjects: | research methods, digital engineering, theoretical framing, management, risk assessment, data management, business, industry analysis, economics, business economics, contractual arrangements, research evaluation and metrics |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Supply Chain Management, Risk Management, Business Strategy, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here