How the reliability of external competences shapes the modularization strategies of industrialized construction firms

Zhou, Shanjing; Mosca, L.; Whyte, Jennifer

doi:10.1080/01446193.2023.2187071

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Modularization literature is rich and provides insights on modularization strategies (Pan and Hon 2020; Pan and Zhang 2023), internal competencies (Lessing and Brege 2018), firm's choice to use external competencies (Zhou et al 2023), and interfaces between modules and site-based work .…”

Section: Enhancing Design Flexibility With Modularizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flexible Infrastructure Design: A Real Options Reasoning Approach to Navigating Uncertainty in Large-Scale Projects

Krystallis,

Laraqui Mahi,

Di Maddaloni

2024

J. Manage. Eng.

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This study addresses the imperative of enhancing design flexibility in large-scale infrastructure projects to effectively navigate emerging uncertainties. Current appraisal methods often prioritize risk mitigation over uncertainty management, which hinders the implementation of flexible designs. Instead, this research explores the integration of design flexibility through real options reasoning (ROR) to create flexible infrastructures. As a result, a conceptual framework is proposed that draws from contemporary industrial practices such as modularization and project safeguards. Modularization, grounded in the alignment of functions and components, bolsters flexibility. Project safeguards, operationalized as passive or active measures, embed options in project outcomes. A proposed method emerges that synthesizes real options, modularization, and project safeguards into four guiding steps and nine helpful heuristics. These steps, enriched by heuristics, offer a structured approach to grasp, strategize, and implement design flexibility, transforming it from theory to impactful project management. Case-based and numerical validation was conducted to validate the proposed method. The proposed approach is illustrated through a case study of Heathrow Airport's £14 billion expansion. The research implications include ASCE Journal of Management in Engineering 2 the exploration of improved appraisal methods for large infrastructure projects, the advancement of ROR and application of heuristics in engineering management, and additional investigation into the integration of modularization and safeguards to enhance design flexibility in uncertain environments.Practical application -This study presents a new methodological approach that offers a structured framework for effectively communicating the advantages of design flexibility in managing uncertainty during the appraisal process of large-scale infrastructure projects.The approach empowers project leaders tackle uncertainties intrinsic to large-scale projects.It fosters design flexibility's benefits, guides project selection aligned with growth goals, and manages uncertainties by conceptualizing projects as sequenced steps. This method comprises four sequential steps, each pivotal for enhancing design flexibility. It begins by translating strategic needs into tangible options, enhancing adaptive decision-making. The subsequent step involves selecting optimal product types and modularization options to fortify flexibility. Operationalizing risk, modularization, and safeguards in the third step cements flexibility into project architecture. The final step involves cost-benefit analysis, aiding informed investment decisions. These steps, enriched by simple heuristics, offer a structured approach to grasp, strategize, and implement design flexibility, transforming it to impactful project management. Ultimately, this approach guides projects towards a more adaptive future. The proposed approach is ideal for intuitive executive decision-making through practical shortcuts, partic...

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Section: Enhancing Design Flexibility With Modularizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flexible Infrastructure Design: A Real Options Reasoning Approach to Navigating Uncertainty in Large-Scale Projects

Krystallis,

Laraqui Mahi,

Di Maddaloni

2024

J. Manage. Eng.

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“…Competency trust is referred to as firms' belief in the ability of their suppliers to perform tasks and activities at a set of levels (Dowell et al, 2015;Sako, 1992). It influences a firm's decisions to incorporate external competences into their modularization strategy (Zhou et al, 2023). Competency trust is developed based on firms' prior experience with their partner firms, such that the partner firms have demonstrated their ability to perform as expected by the firms (Curtis et al, 2010;Xue et al, 2018).…”

Section: Theoretical Background and Hypothesis Development 21 The Dir...mentioning

confidence: 99%

The strategic role of R&D outsourcing practices and partners in the relationship between product modularization and new product development efficiency

Wang,

Lee,

Park

et al. 2023

JMTM

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PurposeThe study aims to explore the conditional relationships between product modularization and new product development (NPD) efficiency. It is postulated that R&D outsourcing plays an important mediating role. Furthermore, the level of competency trust is considered an essential factor in moderating the indirect effect of product modularization on NPD efficiency via R&D outsourcing practices.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on transaction cost economics theory, this study suggests a moderated mediation model that addresses how product modularization effectively promotes NPD efficiency via outsourcing practices. The hierarchical regression and PROCESS macro model were conducted to test the hypotheses based on survey data from 273 manufacturing firms in China.FindingsProduct modularization enhances NPD efficiency directly and indirectly through the external collaboration of R&D outsourcing. Furthermore, the role of product modularization in R&D outsourcing practices is more effective when the competency trust in R&D outsourcing partners is high.Originality/valueBy showing the critical role of external collaboration, this study provides valuable insights into how manufacturing firms utilize product modularization to achieve desired NPD performance more effectively.

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Prefabricated and Prefinished Volumetric Construction: Assessing Implementation Status, Perceived Benefits, and Critical Risk Factors in the Singapore Built Environment Sector

Liu,

Hwang,

Lim

2023

J. Manage. Eng.

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How the reliability of external competences shapes the modularization strategies of industrialized construction firms

Cited by 5 publications

References 37 publications

Flexible Infrastructure Design: A Real Options Reasoning Approach to Navigating Uncertainty in Large-Scale Projects

Flexible Infrastructure Design: A Real Options Reasoning Approach to Navigating Uncertainty in Large-Scale Projects

The strategic role of R&D outsourcing practices and partners in the relationship between product modularization and new product development efficiency

Prefabricated and Prefinished Volumetric Construction: Assessing Implementation Status, Perceived Benefits, and Critical Risk Factors in the Singapore Built Environment Sector

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