Critical Factors Affecting the Promotion of Emerging Information Technology in Prefabricated Building Projects: A Hybrid Evaluation Model

Abstract

Emerging information technology (EIT), characterized by intelligence, digitization, and automation, can facilitate activities such as stakeholder cooperation, information management, and construction management to enhance the overall performance in prefabricated building projects (PBPs). A variety of EITs are currently being used in PBPs, but their development is relatively sluggish and still in the infancy stage. Previous studies have explored the challenges and barriers of EIT in PBPs; however, the correlations between these factors have not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, the goal of this study is to pinpoint the characteristics and connections between EIT-affecting elements. Based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, this study firstly summarizes 20 influencing factors of EIT adoption and promotion in PBPs mentioned in the previous literature through a literature review. Then, EIT experts were invited to conduct semi-structured interviews to evaluate the relationship and the degree of influence among 20 influencing factors. Finally, the DEMATEL-ISM approach was used to assess the characteristics of each factor and the hierarchy between them. The results demonstrated that the influencing degree of the environmental dimension was more significant and had a greater influence on the whole network of influencing factors. The factors of the organizational dimension have a higher influenced degree and are easily influenced by other factors. Due to the current lack of awareness of EIT, the majority of the technology-related influencing factors have a less significant effect on adopting and promoting EIT. In summary, this study assists in analyzing the characteristics and correlations of the factors that influence EIT adoption and promotion in PBPs and identifies critical influencing factors. It also aids the government and stakeholders in developing a deeper understanding and knowledge of EIT, thereby promoting the development of EIT in PBPs.