Developing a Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Evaluation Model for Prefabrication Development Maturity of Construction Firms

Abstract

Prefabricated construction (PC) is considered as a sustainable construction mode that can improve project performance such as quality and efficiency. Even though, Chinese governments at different levels have formulated many guidelines and incentives to help construction firms better implement PC, their implementing PC level is still low. To some extent, this is likely attributed to ineffective measures of improving PC projects’ performance for construction firms lacking adequate understanding of their PC development level and corresponding influencing factors. Furthermore, there are relatively scant research works exploring the issue. Thus, this study aims to formulate a PC maturity model that can be used to evaluate the PC development level of construction firms. It is also expected that this model can identify the key factors that influence the development maturity. The model is firstly established using a four-step methodology, namely, maturity dimension determination, maturity-associated criteria identification, criteria weights calculation based on Entropy and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP), and maturity level evaluation based on fuzzy integral. Next, three construction firms are selected as study cases to test the model’s effect on mapping out PC maturity and key influencing factors. Key findings are eventually analysed to derive effective strategies for improving the maturity of construction firms, further expediting the sustainable transition of the construction sector into PC.