SWOT analysis and Internet of Things-enabled platform for prefabrication housing production in Hong Kong

Abstract

Housing has been a major concern in Hong Kong for the past several decades, increasing pressure on the Hong Kong Housing Authority to pursue ambitious housing plans. As a sustainable construction technology, prefabrication has been increasingly adopted in the delivery of housing plans to alleviate various constraints, such as labor shortage, time, safety, and environmental protection. However, few studies have conducted a strategic analysis of the current situation and planning management of prefabrication housing production (MPHP) in Hong Kong. By performing a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, the current study attempts to facilitate a more in-depth understanding of the MPHP development status in housing production in Hong Kong. Data underpinning the SWOT analysis are collected from various channels, including literature review, prefabrication-related regulations, interviews with experts, and government reports. This study provides an opportunity for major stakeholders to perceive the external and internal conditions of prefabrication development in Hong Kong. Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled platform deploying BIM to re-engineer offshore prefabricated construction processes, which are proposed based on the identified SWOTs for solving weaknesses and dealing with threats, are significant for improving MPHP in Hong Kong.