Critical Success Factors and Enablers for Optimum and Maximum Industrial Modularization

• Published in: Journal of construction engineering and management 2014-06, Vol.140 (6)
• Main Authors: O’Connor, James T, O’Brien, William J, Choi, Jin Ouk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Technical Papers
• ISSN: 0733-9364; 1943-7862
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000842

AbstractModularization 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.