Developing methodology for cradle to grave cost planning for industrialised building system (IBS) In Malaysia

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.