Establishing interrelationships and dependencies of critical success factors for implementing offsite construction in the UK

Lovelin Obi, Mohammed Arif, Steven Lamb, Ilnaz Ashayeri

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    2 Citations (Scopus)
    45 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Purpose
    The United Kingdom (UK) construction sector is transforming with increasing confidence in offsite construction (OSC) solutions following its accrued benefits. To sustain this momentum, exploring viable strategies to promote successful OSC implementation is a top priority. This paper aims to identify and establish interrelationships and logical dependencies of critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing OSC on building projects in the UK.

    Design/methodology/approach
    This study utilised a qualitative research approach. Following a critical review of extant literature, brainstorming and focus group sessions were carried out with OSC experts in the UK construction industry to identify and contextualise CSFs for OSC implementation. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and matrix impact cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) were used to analyse and model the interrelationships between the contextualised CSFs.

    Findings
    The study identified eighteen CSFs for implementing OSC on projects in the UK positioned on seven hierarchical levels and clustered into dependent, linkage and independent factors. The top five CSFs established were client commitment, top management support, adequate OSC knowledge and experience, flexible leadership and flexible business models. These were located at the base of the ISM model, possessing the highest driving powers in facilitating the successful implementation of OSC on projects.

    Originality/value
    This study established a hierarchical interrelationship and the importance of the CSFs influencing the successful implementation of OSC. This would assist OSC clients and project teams in identifying and prioritising particular areas for strategic actions, which offer advantages in pursuing successful OSC project outcomes in the UK. Previous research on OSC implementation in the UK had not examined CSFs' interrelationships.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalSmart and Sustainable Built Environment
    Early online date30 Oct 2023
    DOIs
    Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 30 Oct 2023

    Keywords

    • Construction industry
    • Critical success factor
    • Implementation
    • Interpretive structural modelling
    • Modern methods of construction
    • Modular construction
    • Modular integrated construction
    • Offsite construction
    • Prefabricated construction
    • United Kingdom

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