Research Methodology for Cost Modelling Development on Smart Living Features Implementation in Malaysian Housing

Abstract

The development of smart living housing in Malaysia, despite its 'people-centric' concept that focuses on resident well-being, faces implementation challenges. Notably, uncertainties related to the monetary implications of integrating smart living features into conventional houses. Consequently, such a situation highlights the need for a decision-making tool – a cost model, to address these uncertainties during feasibility studies. Thus, this chapter proposes the research methodology through a PRISMA-guided literature review to develop the cost model per se. By employing the interpretivism constructivism paradigm, the study utilizes a sequential explanatory mix-method. Quantitatively, an open-ended questionnaire survey identifies the cost drivers, while qualitatively a case studies document survey gathers the cost data. The content analysis legitimizes the claims of both findings for cost modeling development. The research establishes relationships between the cost drivers and cost data, facilitating a monetary implication study to manage uncertainties in Smart Living development.