Wuni, I Y; Shen, G Q P and Mahmud, A T (2022) Critical risk factors in the application of modular integrated construction: A systematic review. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(2), pp. 133-147. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
The business model of modular integrated construction (MiC) demands a unique design, engineering, supply chain, stakeholder composition, construction and management. These requirements engender manifold uncertainties and risks events which may derail the success of MiC projects. Empirical studies have examined the risks associated with MiC in different countries. However, the critical risk factors (CRFs) in the application of MiC have not been reviewed. This study conducted a systematic review and synthesis of 39 empirical studies on the risks of MiC and identified 30 CRFs. Based on the frequency of occurrences, the top ten (10) CRFs in the application of MiC have been discussed. Of these, stakeholder fragmentation and management complexity; higher initial capital cost; poor supply chain integration and disturbances; delays in delivery of modular components to the site and poor government support and regulations constitute the five (5) most CRFs. The findings are useful to countries which are yet to adopt MiC and may broaden the understanding of offsite construction researchers and practitioners on the risks of MiC. Future studies would make a quantitative ranking of the CRFs and propose management strategies.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | modular integrated construction; risk; supply chain; uncertainties |
| Index terms: | fragmentation, supply chain integration, empirical study, management strategy, practitioner, risk factor, government support, regulation, complexity, business model, capital cost, systematic literature review, future study |
| Subjects: | government bodies, supply chain integration, research evaluation and metrics, research methods, accounting and finance, environmental hazards, research design and methodology, management, practitioner, business, political science, systems engineering |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Supply Chain Management, Governance, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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