Modern methods of construction : a solution for an industry characterised by uncertainty?

Modern methods of construction (MMC) are suggested to deal more effectively with uncertainties that construction commonly presents to clients and contractors, i.e. uncertainties inherent in traditional construction regarding e.g. time, defects, safety, environmental impact, costs, profits and lifecycle performance. But do MMC really reduce these uncertainties? Furthermore, MMC change stakeholders’ frames of references and they also carry their own inherent uncertainties from the previous century, e.g. poor quality and social exclusion. Perhaps MMC introduce more uncertainty than they reduce? These questions are addressed in this review that covers current research from the leading construction management journals as well as institutional reports from Sweden and UK. Uncertainties inherent in traditional construction are put in relation to the attributes offered by MMC, and the attributes are discussed with respect to their ability to reduce uncertainty, for clients and contractors respectively. Conclusions from the review are that the industrialized construction process, when fully implemented, does contribute to uncertainty reduction through its predictability regarding time schedules, costs, and improved working conditions. On the other hand, this implies standardized processes which also lead to a greater need for standardized components, early decision of the final design and a non-transparent production process that is hard to monitor for the client. These attributes of MMC challenge roles, responsibilities and put new demands on different stakeholders of the construction process, which contribute to uncertainty for both client and contractor.Godkänd; 2010; 20110505 (susanne)