Learning from Previous BIM-Based Modular Construction Cases: Qualitative Comparative Analysis Approach

Abstract

Successful implementation of Building Information Model (BIM) -based modular construction projects is not always guaranteed in different regions and their associated contexts, because success depends heavily on combinations of multiple conditions, including technological, political, social and cultural, and economic ones. Such difference in conditions often hinders a successful modular construction company in a region from continuing its success in other regions; however, understanding the complex causality between the conditions and the success in implementation from previous BIM-based modular construction cases is very challenging because (1) each case omits some conditions and focuses too much on others, which makes the comparison difficult, and (2) cases are insufficient in number for dealing with various conditions, i.e., a small-N or intermediate-N situation. To address this problem, based on the review of previous case studies and modular construction theories, this paper classifies and defines nine condition variables that can be utilized in developing and analyzing BIM-based modular construction cases more comprehensively and systematically. This paper then discusses how the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) approach can be used to find sufficient and necessary combinations of conditions for successful BIM-based modular construction projects. Upon successful completion, the QCA approach will contribute more structured and generalized explanations of success and failure in BIM-based modular construction to the industrialized construction theory.