The development of a framework to improve materials management on Libyan construction sites

Maauf, N A A (2021) The development of a framework to improve materials management on Libyan construction sites. PhD thesis, University of Salford, UK.

Abstract

Materials management is crucial in construction projects specially in developing countries. It contributes very important role to the achievement of the project on time and, as such, affects the overall economy of any country. The research aims to develop a framework to improve material management on the Libyan construction sites. This could be achieved by examining the Libyan construction context and its characteristics from the Libyan professional construction experts' perspectives. Although several studies have recognised the importance of managing the material in the project site, there is still a gap in knowledge with respect to designing a holistic model that could satisfy the construction practitioners. A mixed-method approach was applied to analysing material management in the Libyan construction companies. The study adopted a quantitative questionnaire to identify the perceptions and attitudes of the Libyan construction authority because many responses from different companies and regions were required to determine differences in the perceptions of construction stakeholders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collate data from other stakeholders who were not involved the questionnaire to explore the functions involved in the material management process. The present study findings displayed that the Libyan construction companies have a system for managing the procurement process and for ordering materials. However, contractors and project managers lack experience, and most of them know nothing about managing material. Besides, they lack knowledge on management material waste which is one of the significant issues facing the Libyan construction sector. It is anticipated that the model will help Libyan construction authorities to improve their performance and to understand the process of material management. The proposed approach will be helpful to other countries which need to develop their material management processes.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction project; construction site; developing countries; material management; materials management; professional; stakeholders; interview; Libya
Index terms: project manager, construction site, construction practitioner, construction company, interview, developing country, procurement process, construction sector, materials management, Libya, construction project, questionnaire
Subjects: data collection methods, profession, work location, professional development, industry analysis, organization, operations management, contractual arrangements, development economics, production management, Geography
Topics: Procurement, Geographical Context, Project Management, Roles and Professions, Information Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Site Management, International Construction
Descriptive scope: 5 PCTEA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here