Assessment of the Utilisation of Modular Integrated Construction on the Cost Effectiveness of Building Projects in Abuja.

Abstract

This study assessed the utilisation of modular integrated construction as a building construction method in Nigeria with a view to ensuring cost effectiveness in building construction projects. Data was collected from 50 construction sites in Abuja using a structured questionnaire with a response rate of 98.03%. A purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study. The analysis of the data was carried out with the use of percentage, mean item score, and factor analysis. The study identified nine (9) drivers for the use of modular construction, of which the availability and accessibility of a skilled and experienced factory labour force (MIS = 4.38) is the most important. The study identified eight (8) barriers to the use of modular construction, of which two are financial barriers. (MIS = 4.54) is very important. The most important critical success factors for implementing modular integrated construction as a building construction method are an experienced workforce and technical capability (MIS = 4.52). The most significant effect of modular integrated construction practises on cost effectiveness is that they reduce the costs of design and development and/or maintenance of the project (MIS = 4.70). It can therefore be concluded that by knowing the current opportunities and challenges involved in the implementation of modular methods in the urban environment, practitioners would promote, plan, and implement modular methods better in the urban environment and achieve higher levels of modularization, which will then contribute to the productivity growth in the construction industry. Hence, appropriate measures were recommended to enhance the adoption of the modular construction method by professionals to ensure cost effectiveness in building construction projects.