Promoting enhanced decision-making and proactive management for modularization in the construction industry using risk-based approach, analytical hierarchy process, and graph theory

Modularization is an approach that can potentially mitigate many of the currentconstruction industry’s challenges. Despite the documented advantages ofmodularization, the industry is still not able to capitalize on its full potential and benefits.The latter is due to the outdated decision-making models that may not reflect the multiplefactors involved in modular construction, the unique source of risks associated withmodular construction methods, need for continuous improvement, and complexcontractual requirements and disputes. As such, the goal is to promote the use ofmodularization in the construction industry by enhancing decision-making and proactiverisk management. The associated objectives are to: (1) determine decision-making factorsfor modular construction and provide future research directions; (2) understand the keyrisks affecting cost and schedule performance; (3) develop a benchmark to assess thelevel of risks associated with the use of modularization; (4) establish a risk-basedapproach to assess the cost and schedule benefits of modularization; (5) develop aframework for assessing the effective implementation of modularization; and (6)understand the causes of disputes in modularization. The research goal and objectiveswere achieved through multiple methodologies including surveys, graph theory,statistical and mathematical modelling, analytical hierarchy process, as well as clusteringand data mining. The outcome of this research contributes to the body of knowledge bydeveloping a comprehensive framework allowing for proactive management of modularrisks, assessment of effective implementation of modularization, as well as betterunderstanding of modular risks and causes of disputes in modular construction projects.