Exploring Practitioners’ Perceptions of Digital Delivery in Modular Integrated Construction Projects

Abstract

Modular integrated construction (MiC) leverages prefabricated modules to enhance constructability and sustainability, and serves as a critical solution to global housing demands. However, MiC confronts delivery challenges due to the complexity of integrated modular product delivery. Integrated digital delivery (IDD) employs digital technologies for a collaborative construction approach, improving efficiency, productivity, and communication in all stages, and is a crucial delivery method for MiC. This study explored practitioners’ perceptions of IDD in MiC projects in the era of digitization by establishing a hybrid investigation that incorporated empirical analysis, structural equation modeling, and interactive strategy. The proposed model expands the technology acceptance model (TAM) to include elements essential to IDD such as critical success factors, support mechanisms for adopting IDD, and feedback processes—alongside the original TAM. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to analyze data and evaluate each model constructs and path hypotheses. The key findings reveal that enhancing the ease of use of the common data environment significantly impacts MiC projects. Additionally, outcome-based key performance indicators (KPIs) and information standards positively influence perceived usefulness, and the scope of business substantially moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and actual IDD usage. Integrating model findings with expert feedback, we developed comprehensive strategies addressing organizational, knowledge, project, management, government, and financial aspects to mitigate barriers to IDD adoption. Ultimately, this study contributes to the construction industry and academia by helping practitioners understand the current acceptance status of IDD in MiC projects and highlighting actionable strategies for its implementation, thereby facilitating more-focused and effective future research.