Rethinking prefabricated construction management using the VP-based IKEA model in Hong Kong

Heng Li, H. L. Guo, Martin Skitmore*, Ting Huang, K. Y.N. Chan, Greg Chan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

80 Citations (Scopus)
132 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Prefabricated construction is regarded by many as an effective and efficient approach to improving construction processes and productivity, ensuring construction quality and reducing time and cost in the construction industry. However, many problems occur with this approach in practice, including higher risk levels and cost or time overruns. In order to solve such problems, it is proposed that the IKEA model of the manufacturing industry and VP technology are introduced into a prefabricated construction process. The concept of the IKEA model is identified in detail and VP technology is briefly introduced. In conjunction with VP technology, the applications of the IKEA model are presented in detail, i.e. design optimization, production optimization and installation optimization. Furthermore, through a case study of a prefabricated hotel project in Hong Kong, it is shown that the VP-based IKEA model can improve the efficiency and safety of prefabricated construction as well as reducing cost and time.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)233-245
Number of pages13
JournalConstruction Management and Economics
Volume29
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2011
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Rethinking prefabricated construction management using the VP-based IKEA model in Hong Kong'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this