A SWOT Analysis of Modular Construction
Modular construction is generally defined as a typical offsite construction approach that can improve environmental sustainability throughout the building project lifecycle. Based on this situation, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) while promoting this sustainable construction method effectively during the urbanisation process is essential. Generally, modular construction is a sustainable building approach that can improve project sustainability, considering the environmental, social, economic, and technological aspects. A comprehensive understanding of the basic situation of prefabricated construction is worthwhile to ensure the widespread adoption of this offsite building method. By employing the SWOT analytical framework, this study adopts a literature review approach to conduct the investigation. In terms of the project results, the core strengths of using modular construction include improving environmental sustainability, enhancing management effectiveness, and improving construction safety and quality. The major weaknesses, on the other hand, are a lack of expertise and research, excessively high initial costs, and difficulties in stakeholder coordination. On the other hand, the major opportunities include promoting the SDGs and other policies, the Industrial Revolution 4.0, and urbanisation and building demands. The main threats, however, include substitute construction technologies, imperfect building codes and standards, and a lack of social and market acceptance. Further research can increase the sample size and collect more accurate firsthand data to validate the results of the current investigation, which can increase the effectiveness of promoting modular construction in the targeted regions.
Authors
- Zhenquan Zhou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0409-1627)
- Deprizon Syamsunur
- Yuping Kou
- Xiang Fan
Institutions
- Southwest University of Science and Technology (CN)
- Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (CN)
- Universitas Bina Darma (ID)
- Sichuan Research Center of New Materials (CN)
- UCSI University (MY)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Encyclopedia
- Published
- 2026-01-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6010013
- Primary Topic
- BIM and Construction Integration
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Southwestern University of Finance and Economics