Academics get top 10 billing for research papers

University of Wolverhampton academics have made an impact with their research, getting top ten billing for their expertise in offsite construction.

Professor Mohammed Arif, Head of the University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, co-wrote two articles with colleagues which have appeared in the top ten most impactful papers in offsite construction globally over the last ten years.

The Journal of Cleaner Production conducted a holistic review of offsite construction literature published between 2008 and 2018 and Professor Arif’s research appeared in the top ten out of a total 349 articles.

The articles are ‘New Offsite Production and Business Models in Construction’ co-authored with Jack Goulding, Professor of Construction Project Management at the University, and ‘Making a Case for Offsite Construction in China’ with Professor Charles Egbu from the University of Salford.

Offsite construction refers to structures or components built at a different location than the location of use. It tends to occur in a factory specifically designed for this type of process, where individual modules or components of the building are constructed in the factory and then transported to site.

Professor Arif said: “I am delighted that our research has been recognised in this way especially as this review looked at research papers from across the globe.

“The University is committed to putting research into practice and we have recently launched our Construction Futures Research Centre to help SME businesses in the region engage in offsite construction.  Jack and myself also lead an international working commission of offsite construction, having recently published a Research Roadmap.

“If offsite production and manufacture is to make a positive contribution to both industry and society, research is needed to identify the pivotal issues associated with socio-political and cultural drivers, along with societal, economic and business needs.”

Anyone interested in studying Architecture and Built Environment at the University should register for the next Open Day on Saturday 16^th November 2019.

Picture caption from left to right: Professor Mohammed Arif and Professor Jack Goulding.

ENDS