Ali, A H; Kineber, A F; Elyamany, A; Hussein Ibrahim, A and Daoud, A O (2025) Exploring stationary and major modular construction challenges in developing countries: A case study of Egypt. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 23(2), pp. 569-598. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to identify the most significant barriers and the stationary barrier to modular construction (MC) implementation and promote MC widespread use. By doing so, the construction industry can leverage the benefits of MC, such as faster construction times, improved quality control, reduced waste and increased sustainability. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a Gini's mean analysis approach to identify the stationary barriers hindering the MC adoption in residential projects. The research focuses on the Egyptian context and uses a questionnaire survey to gather data from professionals in the construction industry. Findings: According to the survey findings, the top five significant MC barriers are inability to modify the design; contractors asking for high bidding prices (higher initial cost); scepticism, conservation and resistance of clients to innovation and change; transportation restrictions; and lack of a one-size-fits-all tool for the design. In addition, Gini's mean of dispersion demonstrated that the stationary barrier that faces MC adoption is the apprehension that architectural creativity will suffer because of MC. Practical implications: The identified obstacles could be useful for decision makers in countries that have not yet adopted MC and may aid in the planning process to manage the risks associated with MC projects. The paper stresses the significance of devising techniques to overcome these barriers and proposes several methods to tackle these challenges. Originality/value: This study fills the knowledge gap by identifying the stationary barrier and emphasising the potential risks associated with MC barriers. Furthermore, it suggests several strategies for overcoming and reducing these barriers in developing countries residential projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | barriers; developing countries; modular construction; offsite construction; sustainable construction; questionnaire survey |
| Index terms: | bidding, questionnaire, modular construction, methodology, residential project, survey, face, strategy, sustainable construction, developing country, conservation, construction time, construction industry, quality control, implementation, Egypt, case study, creativity, planning process |
| Subjects: | bidding, contractual arrangements, environmental policy, psychology, Geography, development economics, sustainable construction, economic development, research methods, innovation and creative processes, building construction, data collection methods, project delivery, management, industry analysis, project controls |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Procurement, Geographical Context, Quality Management, Construction Technology, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Time Control, International Construction, Urban Studies, Design Practice |
| 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