Yang, Z.; Lu, W.; Wu, L. and Xu, J. (2026) Analysis of workflow variability in modular integrated construction manufacturing using cooperative game theory. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 152(8): 04026115, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Workflow variability is a classic management challenge that could seriously impede production or project performance. However, there are sporadic efforts to analyze it in modular integrated construction (MiC), particularly its off-site manufacturing, which provides an intriguing management context with features from both contemporary manufacturing and traditional construction. This research aims to analyze workflow variabilities in MiC and investigate their impacts on manufacturing by adopting cooperative game theory. The MiC production process is first translated into a cooperative game based on real-life project data. Then the impacts of the workflow variability down to specific activities are calculated separately, represented by the Shapley values and considering their nonlinear relationships. Through the cooperative game simulations, the research can clearly identify the workflow variabilities of critical activities that can undermine production efficiency to be given special attention in production planning and control. A major contribution of this research is to apply cooperative game theory for workflow variability management in MiC manufacturing. Production managers can use the tool to better improve their MiC production performance.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cooperative game theory; industrialized house building; modular integrated construction; off-site construction; shapley value; workflow variability |
| Index terms: | manager, traditional construction, off-site manufacturing, game theory, off-site construction, efficiency, project data, industrialized house-building, project performance, production planning, production process, variability, workflow |
| Subjects: | manufacturing engineering, practitioner, decision models, data collection methods, building construction, project management theory and practice, statistical analysis, project delivery, management, performance management, heritage and conservation, construction type |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Roles and Professions, Design Practice, Quality Management, Construction Technology, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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