Bello, A O; Khan, A A; Idris, A and Awwal, H M (2024) Barriers to modular construction systems implementation in developing countries' architecture, engineering and construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 31(8), pp. 3148-3164. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to identify and assess the barriers to implementing modular construction systems (MCS) in developing country's architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, targeting built environment professionals from Nigeria and South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a quantitative research method, using a structured questionnaire to seek the opinions of the professionals on the identified categories of barriers. Findings: Results indicated that all identified categories of barriers were statistically significant using a one-sample t-test at p = 0.05 significance level which indicates they are critical towards the implementation of MCS in developing countries. Assessment of the opinion of the professionals using the Kruskal–Wallis scale showed that they hold similar views on the barriers to the adoption of MCS. Pearson correlation shows a high correlation coefficient amongst the barrier categories and an acceptable level of significance (p = 0.05). Research limitations/implications: This study is limited to two significant African countries (Nigeria and South Africa) selected based on the gross domestic product (GDP). Further studies can consider developing countries outside Africa and investigate broader respondents. Practical implications: The study provides implications on the barriers affecting MCS in developing countries for the academia, industry and government to have an insight into the barriers and make informed decisions and policies. Originality/value: The research satisfies the need to study the barriers affecting the MCS in developing countries that can mitigate housing deficits. This innovative construction method has been adopted and implemented in developed countries, and the result has been positive.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | AEC industry; barriers; developing countries; implementation; modular construction systems |
| Index terms: | quantitative research, Africa, gross domestic product, Nigeria, built environment, academia, implementation, construction industry, innovative construction method, developing country, modular construction system, methodology, developed country, questionnaire, South Africa, housing |
| Subjects: | development economics, Geography, research methods, infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, educational institutions, building construction, design methods, construction type, data collection methods, regions and continents, economic analysis, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics |
| Topics: | Procurement, Construction Technology, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Education, International Construction, Urban Studies, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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