Performance constraints of housing prefabricators in India: 3 case studies

In developing nations most housing projects are still carried out with traditional construction methods. These methods are time-consuming and do not assure uniform standards of quality and economy. In India, industrialized construction methods have been introduced to some extent. Many organizations have been involved for more than a decade in the process, but the situation has not improved to the expected level. The study attempts to find out why industrialized housing falls short of expectations. Examination of the early development of industrialized housing in the United States and Europe indicates that success or failure was due to (1) organization, (2) financing and (3) marketing issues, and not so much because of technical factors. This research tests this hypothesis for industrialized housing in India. For this purpose, three companies involved in industrialized housing for more than a decade were selected for examination. Various issues involved in organization, financing and marketing are examined. 46 persons reflecting various organizational responsibilities from the companies, government agencies and contracting firms were interviewed using detailed questionnaires. Discussions of 6 to 8 hours were held with each of these persons. The perceptions thus obtained were analysed, evaluated and compared with statistical reports and records as well as with the general economic and housing situation in the country. Organization and marketing, together with factors external to the industry, stand out as critical in the performance of the prefabricated housing companies. Within organization, management deficiencies, interference by bureaucrats and their reluctance to accept prefabrication techniques were the major obstacles. Management's strong efforts and initiatives were the most significant factors making for success. Within marketing, absence of government long run commitments and high cost of the products were major problems. Government policies regarding use of prefabrication techniques in their housing programs nationwide and their effective implementation, long-term appointment of well-experienced management personnel in prefabrication companies as well as efforts toward cost reduction, adequate sales networks and publicity to promote the products are recommended.