International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 9, Number 1 (2014) pp. 101-116 © Research India Publications http://www.ripublication.com Assessing the Malaysian Architects’ Understanding of Industrialized Building System Concept and Implementation Arniza Abas 1 , Mohd Hanizun Hanafi 2 , Fazdliel Aswad Ibrahim 3 School of Housing, Building, and Planning Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia E-mails: 1 arniza.abas@live.com, 2 hanizun@usm.my, 3 fazdliel@usm.my Abstract The Malaysian construction industry has been underdeveloped in comparison with other industries. This has drawn interests to adopt innovative construction method like IBS. Despite various efforts undertaken by the Government, the implementation of IBS in Malaysia remains low and the involvement of all construction players is essential. The architects as the key individuals among these players have the tendency to influence both the client and consultants. To address this matter, this paper aims to identify the factors that determine the architects’ understanding of IBS concept and implementation. This study utilizes structured questionnaire that were distributed to randomly selected respondents who represent firms in highly developed states like Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, and Johor. These data were then manipulated to conduct Exploratory Factor Analysis, Frequency, Mean, and Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficients. The findings show that the cognition, characteristics, managerial process, bureaucracy, and production were the main factors that would determine the understanding of IBS concept and implementation among the architects. This paper also found that the architects were inactive to implement IBS and restricted by the construction clients that affected their readiness to implement IBS. Therefore, the findings drawn from this study is fundamental for outlining strategies, improving decision making process, and enhancing the state of readiness at individual level to implement IBS. Keywords: understanding, architects, industrialized building system, Malaysia 1. Introduction In 2007, the Construction Industry Master Plan (CIMP) described the Malaysian