Ismail, S; Hon, C K H; Crowther, P; Skitmore, M and Lamari, F (2023) The drivers and challenges of adopting the Malaysia industrialised building system for sustainable infrastructure development. Construction Innovation, 23(5), pp. 1054-1074. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: Malaysia’s industrialised building system (IBS) has been increasingly adopted for sustainable development by the country’s construction industry. However, although it has been used for commercial building projects, its application to sustainable infrastructure development has been limited to date. This study aims to examine the drivers and challenges involved. Design/methodology/approach: A preliminary conceptual framework was initially developed based on a systematic literature review. Semi-structured interviews involving 20 participants were undertaken to gain insightful thoughts from the construction practitioners to discover the perception towards IBS application in the construction industry, the applicability of IBS, particularly in infrastructure projects, the strategies of IBS delivery and the sustainable potential of its application. A two-round Delphi study was conducted with 15 experienced and knowledgeable panellists to further identify, verify and prioritise factors developed from the literature review and interview findings. Then, the results were synthesised and triangulated to demonstrate a holistic insight. Findings: The results show the main drivers to be better productivity, quality, environmental, safety and health, constructability design and cost, policy and requirements, with the main challenges being project planning and cost-related issues, inexperience and industry capacity. Originality/value: The study’s main contribution is in systematically determining the practical implications involved in applying the IBS to sustainable infrastructure developments in Malaysia and other similar developing countries.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | industrialised building system; infrastructure; Malaysia; sustainable development |
| Index terms: | Delphi method, construction practitioner, infrastructure development, productivity, infrastructure project, methodology, project planning, commercial building, Malaysia, systematic literature review, conceptual framework, construction industry, industrialized building system, constructability, developing country, strategy, literature review, sustainable development, interview |
| Subjects: | research methods, building construction, health safety and environment, data collection methods, data analysis and analytics, theoretical framing, management, control systems, construction integration, professional development, construction type, development economics, industry analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, infrastructure engineering, research evaluation and metrics, Geography |
| Topics: | Design Practice, International Construction, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Information Management, Business Strategy, Construction Technology, Project Management, Research Practice, Health and Safety |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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