An ontological risk management model for adopting the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) through agile lean construction

Purpose: With regard to the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) report published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in 2018, the MMC Definition Framework developed by the Joint Industry Working Group on MMC at the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) in 2019, as well as progresses and challenges recently learned from MMC driven practices, this paper aims to present a new generic ontological model for risk management in adopting the MMC via a methodological interation of agile project management (AMP) and lean construction (LC) in housing projects. Contents: This paper consists of three interconnected parts, including a systematic literature review to clarify the need for agile lean construction (ALC) and risk management (RM) in prctices driven by the MMC; an ontological model for RM in adopting the MMC under ALC oriented controls on people, product and process in housing projects; and a structured discussion on technical essentials of this ALC oriented risk management ontology for practical enhancement in adopting the MMC.
Implications: It is expected that this paper can timely inform both academic research and professional practice in relation to adopting and developing the MMC in housing project delivery across key workstages, which cover design, construction and operation. For academic research into the MMC, this paper initiates the use of ontological approach to RM by integrating ALC controls. For professional practice in housing development, this paper puts forward a ontological RM model that can not only enable ALC integrated project delivery that adopts the MMC but also reflect the need for and requirement on professional competence enhancement in construction risk management and lean construction.