Optimization of Modular Integrated Construction Logistics Research Paper

Brief Project Summary

The research is primarily focused on optimizing the transportation and supply chain elements of Modular Integrated Construction or MIC. The aim is to identify the most efficient and resilient method of manufacturing, storing, delivering, and transporting modules in accordance with the schedule with minimum disturbances, delays, damages, and costs. It is important to note that modular construction is a framework under which separate modules of a building are constructed off-site. These modules are later transported to the construction site to be assembled into an apartment, house, or any other building. The key benefits include standardization, lowered costs, and speed of construction. In other words, a modular construction method can build a building cheaper and quicker. However, since standardization and economies of scale are prime reasons for these strengths of MIC, customization is minimal. Therefore, the research objective is to apply a robust optimization model for the currently existing MIC organizations to assess how the logistics and supply chain can be optimized under the existing conditions.

The chosen methodology components include research philosophy, approach, and design. In the case of the former, the identified philosophy is pragmatism because the project is to be conducted on real-life local MIC construction companies. The approach is deductive since the hypothesis is based on robust optimization providing a better supply chain and logistics with fewer risk factors in MIC. The design is based on a case study, where the focus is put on MIC organizations. Both the research design and philosophy complement each other because the core of the research is the practicality of the observations, analyses, and recommendations. The data collection is based on quantitative research, which is expressed in a numerical form. The selection is due to the methodology’s reliance on robust optimization as well as the use of the Modular Suitability Index or MSI. The data is to be collected from the relevant government departments as well as specific MIC organizations or businesses. Depending on the availability and accessibility of data, the case study will contain from one to three cases.

The research is valuable due to the relative scarcity of literature in regard to the objectives. Firstly, it is stated: that “as the supply chain constitutes linked segments, a higher degree of stability and coordination is required to facilitate the free flow of information, materials, services, and funds among project participants” (Wuni, Shen, and Mahmud, 2019, p. 142). In other words, the supply chain for MIC is a complex system that tends to be fragile and vulnerable to disturbances and transportation risks. Secondly, a study suggests that “using robust optimization, the model accounts for common causes of schedule deviations in construction sites, including inclement weather, late deliveries, labor productivity fluctuations, and crane malfunctions” (Hsu, Aurisicchio, and Angeloudis, 2019, p. 1). Thus, the source assesses supply chain elements of modular construction as well. Thirdly, the Modular Suitability Index will be used for evaluations. It measures five dimensions such as connections index (CI), transportation dimensions index (TDI), transportation shipping distance index (TSDI), crane cost penalty index (CCPI), and concrete volume index (CVI) (Salama et al., 2017). Thus, three specific examples of sources can be used in the project.

Potential Value of the Proposed Research

It should be noted that the potential value of the research is manifested in the fact that housing is a major challenge in the modern world. It is especially true when it comes to highly urbanized cities with limited land. The price of homes is constantly increasing, and such a rise makes apartments and houses unreachable for average consumers. Therefore, any form of optimization of risks in the supply chain and logistics of MIC can lead to a reduction in costs for such construction businesses. In return, the home prices of well-optimized enterprises can be lowered since the price reduction is among the strongest advantages of modular construction, which plays a role in the industry’s competitiveness framework.

There is also a significant economic value in the research because it is practical and case-based. In other words, the applicability of the outcomes is high since real-life examples will be utilized for research purposes as data entries. The hypothesis of robust optimization is measured on data derived from MIC organizations, and any improvement is indicative of existing supply chain and logistics flaws. Therefore, the beneficiaries are both MIC companies and home buyers. The former will be able to have a potential solution to their supply chain, logistics, and transportation risks through better optimization. The latter group will be able to buy more affordable homes to improve their quality of life and financial position. In addition, one of the strengths of modular construction is the speed of construction because the modules are prefabricated off-site prior to their assembly on-site. This, the rate of home building in an urbanized area will be able to increase and even keep pace with the increasing demand.

Reference List

Hsu, P. Y., Aurisicchio, M., and Angeloudis, P. (2019) ‘Risk-averse supply chain for modular construction projects’, Automation in Construction, 106, pp. 1-12. Web.

Salama, T. et al. (2017) ‘Near optimum selection of module configuration for efficient modular construction’, Automation in Construction, 83, 316–329. Web.

Wuni, I. Y., Shen, G. Q. P., and Mahmud, A. T. (2019) ‘Critical risk factors in the application of modular integrated construction: a systematic review’, International Journal of Construction Management, 22(2), pp. 133-147. Web.