Investigation into the Barriers and Benefits ofMMC and its Relationship with the UK Housing Sector

Abstract

Purpose – The study undergoes a comprehensive literature review on the current housing sector and an evaluation of the benefits and barriers of MMC to evaluate if MMC is a viable option to alleviate the housing deficit in the UK.

Methodology/Approach – The research methodology utilised a quantitative approach in response to the study’s objectives to determine the significant and current benefits and barriers of MMC. This involved the use of a questionnaire survey using the Bristol Online Survey platform which was issued by email to a collective of construction professionals. This led to analysing the raw data using descriptive analysis in the form of distribution charts and a combination of Mean Score and the Relative Importance Index.

Findings – The raw data collated from 52 respondents found that the significant benefit to MMC is quality assurances while the barriers are the high degree of initial costs required to commence manufacture. Additionally it was felt that training and education should be implemented to develop further opportunity for MMC.

Originality/Value – Modern methods of construction is the widely used term which oversees a wide range of manufacturing techniques such as modular, volumetric, panelled etc. While the study appreciates there has been a number of papers concerning benefits and barriers of MMC, it is equally as important to ensure that the issues are evaluated as current and here lies the research importance which goes further to determine the perceived opportunities of MMC.