Li, K; Griffin, M A and Xia, M (2025) How do workforce adaptability and reskilling initiatives drive innovations: The case of western Australian construction industry. Construction Management and Economics, 43(9), pp. 746-763. ISSN 0144-6193
Abstract
Modern methods of construction (MMC) mark a shift from traditional practices to innovative workflows enabled by digital advancements. These changes demand a construction workforce that is adaptable, open to change, and committed to continuous improvement. This study explores how adaptability and continuous improvement contribute to achieving the desired outcomes of MMC. Specifically, it seeks to examine how these qualities are understood within the construction workforce and their practical implications. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five construction experts in various roles and organisations. Interview results highlighted that fostering adaptive skills and targeted reskilling can maximise the benefits of MMC. Meanwhile, workforce skepticism towards technologies, coupled with concerns and perceived limitations, may hinder the impact of proactive implementation efforts. Theoretically, this study expands the body of knowledge on MMC by advancing understanding of adaptability, continuous improvement and reskilling. Practically, it provides actionable insights to help organisations support their workforce in optimising MMC use. It further recommends that future research adopt an agentic, human-centric view on construction innovations, paving the path towards a resilient and sustainable future.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | adaptability; modern methods of construction; skills; workforce |
| Index terms: | interview, paving, body of knowledge, workflow, construction innovation, adaptability, continuous improvement, modern methods of construction, construction industry, implementation |
| Subjects: | user focus, contractual arrangements, knowledge management, building construction, transportation engineering, data collection methods, management, performance measurement, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Design Practice, Construction Technology, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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