Examining the success drivers and barriers of modular building projects using qualitative comparative analysis

Compared to traditional construction methods, it is expected that modularization can achieve a faster, cheaper and more sustainable delivery and, as a result, should have a higher chance of project success. However, it is not unusual that modular projects fail to achieve the project objectives and stakeholders’ expectations. The failure of modular construction projects makes researchers and industry practitioners wonder whether the causal configurations for modular project success and failure are different from other types of construction projects. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring the combinatorial impact of success drivers and barriers on project outcomes using qualitative comparative analysis, with a specific focus on modularization practices in the building sector. The data matrix, which summarises project information of 31 cases, is imported into analysis software, fsQCA 3.0, to test the multiple conjunctural causations for modular building project success and failure. The analysis results confirm that the success drivers and barriers interactively and collectively influence project outcomes of modular buildings. The most commonly involved success drivers and barriers are discussed in detail. This research will serve as a valuable reference for building sector practitioners and facilitate the effort to improve the success rate of modular building projects.