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This paper presents a proposed research methodology undertaken by a researcher to investigate the most accurate and appropriate method to generate a cradle to grave cost planning for Industrialised Building System (IBS) in the Malaysian construction industry. The methodology was intended to bring out accurate results and provide useful sources for the induction of emerging insights relating to the problem identified, which is how the current cost planning used for IBS projects helps in terms of cost control from pre-contract until the demolition of the building. At the end of this research, a proposed cradle to grave cost planning method was produced. To achieve the aims and objectives of this research, both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied. A quantitative research method in the form of a questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate which method is mostly used in preparing cost planning for IBS both from contractors’ and consultants’ point of view. The next stage of data collection was involved in-depth qualitative investigation using face-to face interviews meant to get in-depth views of each cost planning method’s advantages and barriers and what does it need to include to produce an effective cost planning for IBS elements. To complete the triangulation approach, expert group participations and validation were conducted to contribute essential thoughts in producing a comprehensive cradle to grave cost planning method, as well as validating the findings from the research. This method offers alternatives of cost planning and control over the project, and suitable for either IBS or conventional method.

Abstract. Industrialised Building System (IBS) contributes a great shift in sustainable construction and benefits the society. Previous studies have proven in general that one of the hindrances in promoting sustainable in IBS, is a high cost for any pre-cast material specifically thus effected the overall cost. The introduction of Life Cycle Costing (LCC) leads into providing a better and comprehensive cost estimation, including projecting actual cost to operate the building, hence providing a better baseline for decision making. The lacking application of LCC in IBS is still in trivial impact, therefore, this paper presents a framework which produced by expressing the successful initiatives of LCC and IBS in Malaysia construction industry. The framework developed based on findings from the extensive literature reviews, 164 responded questionnaires, and 19 expert opinions, which has three sections: Strategy Development, System Development and the last part is Decision Level. Aspects of objectivity, practicality, reliability, completeness that were likely to be implemented in the Malaysian construction industry were used. There are significant opinions on the usefulness and completeness of the proposed framework in providing a comprehensive cost estimates which helps much in deciding to carry out IBS or remain with a traditional construction method.

The 2030 agenda for sustainable development has embraced the importance of sustainable practices in the construction industry. Parallel to the Industry revolution 4.0, the construction industry needs to keep pace with technological advances in data management to keep pace with the revolution through the ability to process and extract value from data. This phenomenon attracts the requirement of Big Data (BD). The construction industry deals with large volumes of heterogeneous data, which is expected to increase exponentially following an intense use of modern technologies. This research presents a comprehensive study of the literature, investigating the potential application of BD integration in the construction industry. The adoption of such technologies in this industry remains at a nascent stage and lags broad uptake of these technologies in other fields. The Construction Industry is driving to boost its productivity through the implementation of data technologies; hence, significant research is needed in this area. Currently, there is a lack of deep comprehensive research on BD integration applications that provide insight for the construction industry. This research closes the gap and gives an overview of the literature. The discussion presented the current utilization, the issues, and ways for potential works along with the challenges companion with the implementation.

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