Modeling stakeholder-associated productivity performance risks in modular integrated construction projects of Hong Kong: A social network analysis

Abstract

Modular integrated construction (MiC) has received remarkable attention for enhancing the productivity performance of delivering housing projects in densely populated cities such as Hong Kong. MiC projects suffer from unique risk factors compared with traditional construction methods. Previous studies have mainly focused on the direct linear impacts of risk factors and how they may affect project success. However, the MiC supply chain involves many stakeholders with high interdependency. How the risks are interconnected and interact with different stakeholders is a crucial issue to be analyzed and addressed. This paper deploys a social network analysis (SNA) method to identify and decipher stakeholder-associated productivity performance risks (PPRs) and their interrelations in an MiC project in Hong Kong. Fifteen critical PPRs and twelve essential interactions were demonstrated by simulating the complex network of the target project. Research findings show that inadequate project planning and scheduling has the greatest influence on collaborative decision-making support; Delayed assembly schedule and delayed delivery of modules also exert considerable influence on project planning and scheduling; The main contractor plays a leading role as a coordinator in the whole MiC process. The research further identifies several primary challenges, including the inefficient data capture approach, insufficient supply chain planning and progress monitoring, poor communication and information interchange among project stakeholders, and lack of collaborative decision-making support. This is the first study that dynamically examines and demystifies stakeholder-associated PPRs embedded in MiC projects in Hong Kong on a network basis, which could assist researchers and construction professionals in perceiving, investigating, addressing, and mitigating these risks in an effective and efficient approach.