Exploring Perceptions of the Adoption of Prefabricated Construction Technology in Pakistan Using the Technology Acceptance Model

Prefabricated construction is being pursued globally as a critically important sustainable construction technology. Prefabricated construction technology (PCT) provides opportunities to effectively manage construction waste and offers venues to address the poor productivity and lackluster performance of construction projects, which are often expected to miss their budget and schedule constraints. Despite the significant benefits inherent in the adoption of PCT, research has shown an unimpressive exploitation of this technology in the building sector. A modified version of the popular technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to understand Pakistan's building construction industry stakeholder's acceptance of PCT and the factors that influence its usage. Data were collected from 250 building construction experts in the industry to test the hypotheses derived from the proposed model. Data analysis using covariance-based structural equation modeling revealed that construction industry stakeholders' perceptions of perceived ease-of-use, perceived usefulness, trust, and satisfaction all strongly influenced PCT acceptance behavior. Moreover, results also confirmed the total direct and indirect effects of the perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use of behavioral intention toward using PCT, with trust and user satisfaction as mediators. The results of this research are expected to serve as a guide for the construction industry stakeholders to effectively plan, strategize, encourage, and increase the adoption of PCT to achieve sustainable construction outcomes in the building construction sector.

Automated summary

Prefabricated construction is seen as a crucial sustainable construction technology globally, offering solutions to manage construction waste and address productivity issues in the industry. However, research reveals a lack of adoption of this technology in the building sector. This study used a modified technology acceptance model (TAM) to understand the acceptance and factors influencing the usage of prefabricated construction technology in Pakistan's building construction industry. Data collected from 250 building construction experts were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling, showing that stakeholders' perceptions of ease-of-use, usefulness, trust, and satisfaction strongly influenced PCT acceptance. The results can guide industry stakeholders in effectively planning, strategizing, and promoting the adoption of PCT for sustainable construction outcomes.