Supply Chain Resilience of Prefabricated Construction: Perspectives of Stakeholder Capabilities and Vulnerabilities

Abstract

The supply chain of prefabricated construction (PC) has faced various risks and disruptions, hindering its advancement in many countries worldwide in recent years. Improving the supply chain resilience (SCR) of PC has become a consensus for breaking this deadlock. Existing studies predominantly investigate SCR from a supply chain vulnerability (SCV) or capability dimension, ignoring the complex interactions involved. This study adopted the two-mode social network analysis (SNA) to explore the embedded interactions between supply chain stakeholder capabilities (SCSCs) and SCVs on SCR enhancement. Interactions between SCSCs and between SCVs were also analyzed using one-mode SNA. Nine SCSCs and 30 SCVs were first identified through literature reviews and expert interviews. Network data were then obtained by a questionnaire survey in China. An SCSCs–SCVs network was subsequently developed and further projected into two one-mode networks. A series of network indicators were finally calculated to reveal the underlying interactions. A strategy framework was finally proposed to improve the SCR of PC. Findings indicate that emergency response and general contractor control are the most critical SCSCs for enhancing SCR. Mitigating an SCV requires the collaboration of about four SCSCs. The cumulative contribution of the top four SCSCs to the SCV mitigation ranges from 48.6% to 94.5%. Seven critical SCVs are identified, such as improper and change design and poor planning and scheduling of on-site, which play significant roles in bridging SCVs’ interactions. Also, SCSCs demonstrate various roles in their interactions, including the most efficient emergency response. This study innovatively conducts a quantitative analysis of the complex interactions embedded in SCR, providing theoretical support for effectively and efficiently improving the SCR of PC. Practical implications could be drawn from this study to help the government and industry stakeholders improve the supply chain performance of PC projects. Construction supply chains have frequently experienced various risks and disruptions, particularly in the field of PC. Developing resilient supply chains therefore has become an important task of industry professionals involved in PC projects. This study explores the interactions between supply chain stakeholders’ capabilities and supply chain vulnerabilities, enabling stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the essence of SCR. Results show that stakeholders’ capabilities have complex and varying effects on each other, and effective communication and collaboration are essential for enhancing their capabilities. They can generate significant synergies in addressing vulnerabilities and enhancing supply chain resilience. Also, supply chain vulnerabilities interact throughout the entire supply chain process, particularly those vulnerabilities related to organization and resources. Stakeholders are advised to consider the interactions between vulnerabilities when responding to and preventing them. Finally, the following synergy strategies are proposed for stakeholders to improve the SCR of PC: (1) strengthen the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model application in “normal-to-emergency” transition, (2) improve the operation transparency, (3) formulate emergency response protocol, and (4) establish resilience development policy.