An Evaluation of Offsite Construction Recoveries after the Pandemic: The Case of the Southeast Asian Region

Abstract

Offsite construction (OSC) in Southeast Asia is facing many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its importance, there is scant research on this topic in the region. This study aims to review OSC and identify determinants of success and their correlation with success after the pandemic in the Southeast Asian region. This paper follows a sequential exploratory mixed methodology: (1) reviewing statistical data relevant to construction in four countries, (2) carrying out a configurative literature review and documentary research, (3) eliciting responses from in-depth interviews consisting of two phases, (4) collecting written consultancies, and (5) capturing experts’ opinions in four countries through a questionnaire survey. The study uses three statistical techniques to determine the correlations between factors: ordinal logistic regression with factors input, a generalized linear model with ordinal logistic response and covariates, and Spearman’s correlations. Based on 55 variables and 459 responses from 4 countries, the statistical calculations identify the 42 most significant pairs of relationships between determinants and success, from which the follow-up priorities involve economic differentiation, productivity in the factory setting, reducing uncertainty over the program, and minimizing disturbances in the vicinity of the site under post-COVID-19 controls. This empirical research generates three outcomes: (1) filling the gap of OSC review in the region, (2) offering topical solutions for the construction industry after COVID-19, and (3) helping four countries derive economic benefits from OSC.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• pandemic recovery
• offsite construction
• Southeast Asia