Short answer
Prioritize stakeholder alignment and robust supply chain management from the outset of any modular construction project to mitigate significant risks.
- Field
- Commercial Production
- Source
- International Journal of Construction Management (2019)
- Method
- Systematic Review
- Sample
- 39 empirical studies
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The success of modular integrated construction (MiC) projects is significantly threatened by fragmented stakeholder involvement and poorly integrated supply chains, alongside high initial costs, delivery delays, and insufficient government support. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in International Journal of Construction Management. Using Systematic review with 39 empirical studies, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize stakeholder alignment and robust supply chain management from the outset of any modular construction project to mitigate significant risks.
Stakeholder fragmentation and supply chain issues are top risks in modular construction
The success of modular integrated construction (MiC) projects is significantly threatened by fragmented stakeholder involvement and poorly integrated supply chains, alongside high initial costs, delivery delays, and insufficient government support.
International Journal of Construction Management · 2019
Key Findings
- 01Stakeholder fragmentation and management complexity are major risk factors.
- 02Higher initial capital costs present a significant challenge.
- 03Poor supply chain integration and associated disturbances are critical.
- 04Delays in the delivery of modular components to the site are a common risk.
- 05Inadequate government support and regulations can impede MiC projects.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize stakeholder alignment and robust supply chain management from the outset of any modular construction project to mitigate significant risks.
How to apply
When planning a modular construction project, conduct a thorough risk assessment focusing on stakeholder coordination, supply chain reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Project actions
- 01When researching modular construction, look for studies that discuss project management and supply chain logistics.
- 02Consider how different stakeholders (clients, designers, manufacturers, site teams) might interact and where communication breakdowns could occur.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive synthesis of existing research.
- +Identification of a broad range of risk factors.
Limitations
This review is based on existing studies and may not capture all emerging risks or specific regional challenges.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings is based on the synthesis of multiple empirical studies. Validity is supported by the systematic review methodology, but the specific context of each original study could introduce variability.
Think critically
How might the identified risks differ in impact or prevalence across various cultural or economic contexts?
Design Principles
"Proactive risk identification and mitigation are crucial for the successful implementation of complex construction methodologies."
Understanding and mitigating these critical risk factors is essential for the successful adoption and implementation of modular construction methods. Designers and project managers must proactively address these challenges to ensure project viability and efficiency.
What This Means for Your Design
When building with pre-made modules, problems with getting everyone to agree, connecting the different parts of the supply chain, and the high upfront cost are the biggest things that can go wrong.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify the importance of risk management in your design project, especially if it involves modular or off-site construction elements.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This systematic review highlights that critical risk factors in modular integrated construction (MiC) projects, such as stakeholder fragmentation, supply chain integration issues, and high initial capital costs, significantly impact project success. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive risk management strategies that address these specific challenges from the project's inception.
Source
International Journal of Construction Management
Critical risk factors in the application of modular integrated construction: a systematic review
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about stakeholder fragmentation and supply chain issues are top risks in modular construction?
- Prioritize stakeholder alignment and robust supply chain management from the outset of any modular construction project to mitigate significant risks. Evidence: International Journal of Construction Management (2019).
- Why does "Stakeholder fragmentation and supply chain issues are top risks in modular construction" matter for design?
- Understanding and mitigating these critical risk factors is essential for the successful adoption and implementation of modular construction methods. Designers and project managers must proactively address these challenges to ensure project viability and efficiency.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize stakeholder alignment and robust supply chain management from the outset of any modular construction project to mitigate significant risks.
- What were the main findings?
- Stakeholder fragmentation and management complexity are major risk factors.. Higher initial capital costs present a significant challenge.. Poor supply chain integration and associated disturbances are critical.. Delays in the delivery of modular components to the site are a common risk.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Review with 39 empirical studies.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2019 journal from International Journal of Construction Management.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When planning a modular construction project, conduct a thorough risk assessment focusing on stakeholder coordination, supply chain reliability, and regulatory compliance.
- What are the limitations?
- The review identifies risks but does not provide quantitative rankings or specific management strategies for each factor.