Critical Factors Influencing Interface Management of Prefabricated Building Projects: Evidence from China

Shengxi Zhang, Zhongfu Li, Shengbin Ma, Long Li and Mengqi Yuan
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Shengxi Zhang: Department of Construction Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Zhongfu Li: Department of Construction Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Shengbin Ma: Department of Construction Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Long Li: School of Management Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
Mengqi Yuan: Department of Construction Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-20

Abstract: Recently, interface management has been regarded as the key to the success of prefabricated building projects (PBPs) due to its capabilities to manage numerous interfaces caused by PBPs’ inherent geographical and organizational fragmentation. However, the factors influencing the interface management of PBPs are largely unknown and poorly studied. To compensate for this gap, this study aimed to investigate the critical factors influencing interface management in PBPs with quantitative and qualitative methods. Twenty-seven critical factors influencing the interface management of PBPs were identified through a literature review, questionnaire survey, and face-to-face interviews with professionals in the construction industry. A questionnaire survey was sent out to developers, designers, manufacturers, contractors, and consultants in China, and 66 completed questionnaires were received. Results showed the top five critical factors influencing the interface management of PBPs were (1) accuracy of design, (2) timeliness of information communication, (3) timeliness of component production and supply, (4) standardization of design, and (5) definition of work content and scope. The 27 influencing factors of PBPs were further categorized into seven groups via exploratory factor analysis, namely: (1) information communication, (2) trust and cooperation, (3) technical and management capability, (4) organizational integration, (5) standardization, (6) technical environment, and (7) contractual management. Improving these issues will contribute to the successful implementation of PBPs. Finally, combined with relevant literature and expert interviews, the impact of these seven clusters on the interface management of PBPs was discussed. The findings may contribute to deepening the understanding of interface management, reducing unnecessary conflicts and difficulties, and promoting the sustainable development of prefabricated building (PB).

Keywords: interface management; prefabricated building; sustainable development; critical factors; factor analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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