Integrated frameworks of construction procurement systems for off-site manufacturing projects: social network analysis

Abstract

Team integration correlates with the contractual relationships in construction procurement systems (CPSs). However, it is unclear how CPSs can influence team integration in off-site manufacturing (OSM) projects. To address the research gap, this research aims to investigate the team integration issue in OSM projects from the perspective of CPSs. The research objectives are to (a) examine team integration performance of commonly used CPSs and (b) develop integrated CPS frameworks for OSM projects. The contractual relationships of eight common CPSs were identified and analysed using content analysis. These contractual relationships were further analysed using Social Network Analysis. The research findings show Design-Build procurement system has the higher ability to integrate project parties in OSM projects than other CPSs. In all CPSs’ networks, project owners rely on their central positions to play crucial roles in team integration. However, the roles of manufacturers in promoting team integration are restricted due to their remote positions in these networks. Two integrated frameworks of CPSs were developed through engaging the two entities, namely ‘manufacture-builder’ and ‘manufacture-design-builder’, into the CPS networks. The research extends the current body of knowledge pertaining to team integration in OSM projects from the perspective of CPSs.