Understanding Stakeholders in Off-Site Manufacturing: A Literature Review

Off-site manufacturing (OSM) has attracted much attention in the construction industry. OSM stakeholders are crucial in its implementation and are distinct in regard to their management. However, an in-depth understanding of OSM stakeholders and their coordination is still lacking. The paper intends to (1) provide a critical review and analysis of OSM stakeholders based on prior studies, and (2) develop a research framework for their future practice and improvement. A qualitative content analysis was adopted to analyze 149 journal papers. The results indicated an increased interest in exploring OSM stakeholders’ issues since 2007. In addition, prior studies focused on the two research themes of stakeholder perceptions and behaviors and stakeholder management. Eleven specific research topics were identified within the two themes, with perceived drivers of and barriers to OSM adoption being the most popular. A research framework was also proposed for systemically articulating developments and gaps for OSM stakeholders. The research contributes to an in-depth understanding of OSM stakeholders and their future practice and improvement in the industry.