Evaluation of Prefabricated Building Project Performance: A Novel Three-Stage Superefficient Network Epsilon-Based Measurement Model

Abstract

Robust performance evaluation is critical for optimizing the sequential workflows of prefabricated building (PB) projects. However, traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) frequently overlooks interstage dependencies and structural inefficiencies. To address this, a three-stage superefficient network epsilon-based measure (SE-NEBM) model is proposed. By synthesizing network constraints with radial and non-radial adjustments, this framework simultaneously resolves the black-box limitation and captures structural inefficiencies often missed by purely proportional measures. The model was applied to 31 shear-wall PB projects in China, benchmarking prefabricated concrete (PC) against prefabricated concrete masonry (PCM) systems. Results indicate that PCM projects outperform PC projects by 42.86%, a disparity driven primarily by a 48.12% efficiency advantage in the construction stage. To determine the drivers of this performance variation, Tobit regression identified installation tolerance as a pivotal factor, and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the proposed framework. This study fills a critical methodological gap by providing a quantitative, stage-sensitive tool for benchmarking PB projects, offering actionable insights for technology selection and process optimization in industrialized construction.