Barriers of Implementing Modern Methods of Construction

Abstract

Modern methods of construction (MMCs) offer many benefits, but their uptake is low. Their contribution to the construction industry is also low. As such, this study examined the importance of various barriers to wider adoption of MMCs. Results are presented from statistical analyses of 160 questionnaire responses from the U.K. and China. The results validate the importance of 26 factors out of 29 used in the survey. Cost related issues are the most important barriers to implementing MMCs, although respondents from the two countries clearly disagree on the relative importance of different factors. Clients have consensus on the importance of fewer barriers than contractors and consultants, which is expected to help adopt MMCs. Large organizations displayed fewer consensuses than medium-sized organizations, who also displayed fewer consensuses than small organizations. This was interpreted to help the industry in adopting MMCs, because larger organizations control smaller organizations in most cases. Moreover, respondents with experience in MMCs consider that there are far less barriers to adopting MMCs than those with no experience in MMCs. Factor analysis surfaced seven interrelated components, suggesting the need for an integrated and holistic strategy to overcome the barriers. These outcomes are expected to allow policymakers to precisely identify the issues relating to the low uptake of MMCs and to devise appropriate strategies for their wider adoption.