Technical Papers
Feb 26, 2014

Critical Success Factors and Enablers for Optimum and Maximum Industrial Modularization

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 140, Issue 6

Abstract

Modularization is a well-established technique that can improve the construction industry by exporting a portion of site-based work to fabrication shops. However, its application in the industry is limited. The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) industry needs new approaches to reach higher levels of modularization. The purpose of this study is to determine what changes in current EPC processes are needed to create an optimal environment for a broader and more effective use of modularization. In creating such an nvironment, it is necessary to know the factors that lead to success. The most influential critical success factors (CSFs; 21 total) have been determined by the expertise of a research team who compiled a detailed list by adding CSF enablers. CSF enablers are additional steps that can facilitate accomplishment of the associated CSF. A closer look at the top five CSFs indicates that project teams should pay particular attention to module envelope limitations, team agreement on project drivers, adequate owner-planning resources and processes, timely freeze of scoping and design, and due recognition of possible early completion from modularization. This CSFs analysis and addition of enablers provide guidelines and ways to implement strategies for successful modularization in a project and leverages modularization to benefit capital projects.

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Acknowledgments

This research was sponsored by Construction Industry Institute via Research Team 283: Industrial Modularization. The authors wish to thank the research team and External Validation Committee for their support.

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Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 140Issue 6June 2014

History

Received: Feb 17, 2013
Accepted: Jan 13, 2014
Published online: Feb 26, 2014
Published in print: Jun 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Jul 26, 2014

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Authors

Affiliations

James T. O’Connor [email protected]
M.ASCE
C. T. Wells Professor of Project Management, Dept. of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Texas at Austin, 1 Univ. Station C1752, Austin, TX 78712. E-mail: [email protected]
William J. O’Brien [email protected]
M.ASCE
Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Texas at Austin, 1 Univ. Station C1752, Austin, TX 78712. E-mail: [email protected]
Jin Ouk Choi [email protected]
S.M.ASCE
Ph.D. Candidate, Dept. of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Texas at Austin, 1 Univ. Station C1752, Austin, TX 78712 (corresponding author). E-mail: [email protected]

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