Exploring Critical Factors Influencing the Resilience of the Prefabricated Construction Supply Chain

Abstract

In this volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) era, resilient and sustainable construction methods, such as prefabricated construction, are essential for addressing the planet’s sustainability challenges. However, disruptions in the prefabricated construction supply chain (PCSC) frequently arise, seriously impeding the performance of prefabricated building projects. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors influencing the prefabricated construction supply chain (RPCSC) and analyze their intrinsic interconnections. Initially, an exhaustive literature review was conducted to identify the primary factors affecting the RPCSC. Subsequently, the Delphi technique was applied to validate and refine the list of factors, resulting in the identification of 11 key concepts. Finally, the impact of these concepts on the RPCSC, along with their interactions, was assessed using the fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) approach. The results indicate that these factors can be ranked by their degree of effect on the RPCSC: information exchange/sharing, research and development, the performance of prefabricated components, decision alignment, the construction of prefabricated buildings, relationship quality among members, professional management personnel/labor quality, supply–demand consistency, cost/profit sharing, policies and regulations, and transport risk. Furthermore, this study elucidates both the individual and synergistic effects of these factors on the RPCSC by constructing a pathway map.