Heaton, R, Martin, H, Chadee, A, Milling, A, Dunne, S and Borthwick, F (2022) The Construction Materials Conundrum: Practical Solutions to Address Integrated Supply Chain Complexities. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 148 (8). ISSN 0733-9364

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Abstract

As projects evolve into complex and specialized temporary initiatives, accountability shortfalls in material flow are a major reason for schedule and cost overruns in construction. To date, researchers and practitioners are unresolved regarding the causes of material handling challenges and eminent solutions to improve material flow accountability. Consequently, inefficient supply chain management practices persist, leading to ineffective handling methods. This research, therefore, focused on identifying critical material challenges encountered by contractors and presented solutions to alleviate schedule and cost overrun failures. The fuzzy Delphi approach was used to refine opinions and achieve group consensus from 15 specialists on the ranking of material handling problems and potential solutions associated with design-build projects. The research revealed that complexity, material flow, and lack of information sharing are the top three main causes of onsite material problems. Potential solutions identified were a faster response mechanism (as an alternative to a slower build schedule), increasing material handlers' worker power, subcontractors' involvement in the procurement process, and prefabrication. The research highlighted subcontracting as a material handling paradox as apart from being a solution, it creates non-value-added costs in the supply chain and often inappropriately transfers risk. The findings showcased the potential to improve onsite material handling praxis by considering decision-making uncertainties in material flow and recognizing the importance of procurement methods in construction supply chain solutions in resolving scheduling and cost inefficiencies.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This material may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the American Society of Civil Engineers. This material may be found at https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002326
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Building & Construction; 0905 Civil Engineering; 1202 Building; 1504 Commercial Services
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business > HF5410 Marketing. Distribution of Products T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Divisions:	Civil Engineering & Built Environment
Publisher:	American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	22 Aug 2022 11:46
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2022 11:46
DOI or ID number:	10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002326
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17178

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