Wuni, I Y; Wu, Z and Shen, G Q (2023) Exploring the challenges of implementing design for excellence in industrialized construction projects in China. Building Research & Information, 51(3), pp. 301-315. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
It is recognized that design for excellence (DfX) methods could deliver significant performance improvements in industrialized construction (IC) projects. However, DfX methods in IC projects in China have been stifled, and existing solutions have failed to deliver expected outcomes. This study investigated the significance of thirty-one challenges of implementing DfX methods in IC projects in China using a questionnaire survey of domain practitioners and academics. Statistical analysis showed that all the challenges were perceived as significant. The top five significant challenges are linked to limited systematic rules, required additional commitment, code compliance complexities, higher design costs, and requirements for continuous design performance evaluation. The study established four principal constraints: limited knowledge and organizational readiness, unsupportive entrenched industry practices, increased organizational financial burden, and deficits in bespoke technical requirements. Therefore, the study offers a fresh insight into the challenges of implementing DfX methods in IC projects in China. It provides supporting evidence for developing countermeasures to improve the wider implementation of DfX in IC projects. The investigated challenges contribute to the theoretical checklist of constraints to implementing DfX methods in IC projects and may form a useful basis for future research.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | barriers; challenges; constraints; design for excellence; industrialized construction |
| Index terms: | commitment, survey, questionnaire, evidence, code compliance, practitioner, China, performance evaluation, complexity, industrialized construction, design cost, statistical analysis, performance improvement, implementation |
| Subjects: | systems engineering, health safety and environment, Geography, economics, performance measurement, contractual arrangements, data science, psychology, practitioner, construction type, evaluation and assessment methods, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Procurement, Construction Technology, Cost Management, Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Organizational Design, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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