The article was published in jclp journal Volume 284,15 February 2021 link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124716 Modular construction is a revolutionary change of construction method
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Compared with the cast-in-place mode, modular construction has many advantages, including shortening construction period, reducing construction waste, improving construction quality and safety
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However, the logistics management of modular construction supply chain is one of the main obstacles to its application
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Modular construction usually has multi-level supply chain, and the logistics management is very complex
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The construction module usually needs to be customized according to the project specifications, and the manufacturer can start production after receiving the order
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At the same time, the storage area of the construction site is limited to accommodate a large number of modules
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Just in time production can meet this challenge
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Modular construction using just in time production, can reduce inventory, reduce procurement costs, but also improve process efficiency, reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions
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Many literatures have studied the key factors of successful implementation of JIT in modular construction, but no consensus has been reached
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On the basis of the existing literature, this paper first makes a list of key factors; Secondly, the importance of different factors is determined; Finally, the potential variables influencing the importance of key factors are studied
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Modular construction is a new construction method
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However, the logistics management of modular construction has hindered its extensive development
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Just in time production in lean construction technology can solve this problem
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Many studies have identified and evaluated the key factors in implementing just in time production
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However, these studies have not reached a consensus on the specific key factors and their importance
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This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of these key factors
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The article identified 42 key factors
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Then, the paper uses meta-analysis to make a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, evaluate the importance of the identified key factors, and rank them
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The results show that 42 key factors are very important to the implementation of just in time production, and 7 of them are particularly important
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Although the ranking obtained by meta-analysis is more reliable than that provided by individual studies, the results are still highly heterogeneous, which indicates the uncertainty of construction site
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In order to study the heterogeneity and reveal the laws behind the literature, subgroup analysis was conducted to study the influence of predictors (moderators) on the importance level of key factors
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The analysis shows that the economic situation of the country and the types of projects implemented are the influencing factors
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The results also show that developing countries should pay more attention to three key factors than developed economies
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This research promotes the best practice of just in time production by identifying key factors, which is very beneficial to the theoretical development and practitioners
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Researchers can also draw on the suggestions for future meta-studies.
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