Hijazi, A A; Das, P; Li, Y; Moehler, R C and Maxwell, D W (2026) A contingency approach to platform implementation: Platform types, attributes, and value chain integration. Building Research & Information, 54(1), pp. 4-23. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
This research explores platform implementation in the house building industry using contingency theory, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to diverse operational contexts. Employing an exploratory multiple case study and market scan, this research investigates (1) platform adoption, (2) core product platform attributes, (3) processes of platform development, and (4) contingencies in implementation. Findings reveal distinct contingency fits between platform types, attributes, and value chain positions. Physical-dominant platforms align with deployability, configurability, and quality assurance, covering vertically integrated value chain. Digital-dominant platforms strongly align with platform attributes but focus on preparation and site assembly stages, covering limited value chain segments. Hybrid-dominant platforms demonstrate alignment with deployability, configurability, and repeatable elements, but show underdeveloped attributes and gaps between manufacturing and operation/maintenance stages. The study contributes theoretically by highlighting the alignment of contingency variables, platform types, attributes, and value chain positions, and managerially by providing a framework for practitioners to select optimal platform models for their contexts. It underscores that effective platform performance hinges on achieving contingent alignment among these variables rather than covering all attributes or value chain stages, offering valuable insights for optimizing platform strategies in the house building sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction supply chain; contingency theory; digital platform; partnership; product platform |
| Index terms: | integration, practitioner, product platform, strategy, quality assurance, contingency approach, building industry, contingency theory, construction supply chain, implementation, value chain, case study, platform, partnership |
| Subjects: | construction logistics, data collection methods, value chain strategy, management, industry analysis, organizational analysis, partnership management, sociology, practitioner, organization, contractual arrangements, innovation and technology management, digital design, quality assurance |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Quality Management, Supply Chain Management |
| 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