Yao, Y and Gurmu, A (2025) Consumer education strategies for overcoming prefabricated housing challenges in China: A systematic review. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 15(3), pp. 717-732. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Prefabricated housing is a construction method that largely reduces construction waste and promotes sustainable development. However, the adoption of this method of construction is inhibited by the lack of demand by consumers. The purpose of this research is to explore consumer education strategies aimed at overcoming prefabricated housing challenges in China. Design/methodology/approach: The study conducted a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted using databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, without any restriction on publication date. A total of 33 relevant articles were retrieved and analyzed using the content analysis method. The findings were then summarized and presented using the tabulation technique. Findings: This study identified several barriers to prefabricated housing, including negative perception, limited public understanding, risk-averse culture and lack of green value. To foster market demand, relevant authorities should consider implementing effective educational mechanisms, such as comparative advertising, social media marketing, school programs and critical adult education programs. These strategies can effectively overcome the existing negative perception, alleviate concerns and create a positive environment for the growth of prefabricated housing in China. Originality/value: This research provides practical and theoretical implications by identifying key challenges to prefabricated housing and suggesting targeted educational strategies to address them. It offers valuable guidance for policymakers, industry stakeholders and researchers, contributing to the advancement of sustainable housing practices.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | challenges of prefabrication; consumer education; educational strategies; prefabricated housing; systematic literature review |
| Index terms: | program, prefabrication, systematic literature review, publication, content analysis, sustainable development, sustainable housing, China, construction method, strategy, housing, construction waste, science, advertising, database, methodology, marketing, meta-analysis, social media |
| Subjects: | construction type, waste management, housing and residential development, technology adoption, research dissemination and communication, research evaluation and metrics, health safety and environment, management, data management, software systems, Geography, specialized education, building construction, research methods, data analysis and analytics, business |
| Topics: | Urban Studies, Information Management, Digital Applications, Construction Technology, Site Management, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Education, Research Practice, Health and Safety |
| 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