Thunberg, M; Rudberg, M and Karrbom Gustavsson, T (2017) Categorising on-site problems: A supply chain management perspective on construction projects. Construction Innovation, 17(1), pp. 90-111. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to identify and categorise common on-site problems from a supply chain management (SCM) perspective and to trace the origin of these problems in the construction project process, the supply chain or in the intersection between these processes. This allows for identification of how on-site problems affect SCM in construction projects and how they can be mitigated. Design/methodology/approach A literature review in combination with semi-structured interviews was used to identify on-site problems. This enabled triangulation and strengthened both construct validity and internal validity. Findings On-site problems can be categorised in one of the four following categories: material flows, internal communication, external communication or complexity. The first category has its origin in the supply chain, the second in the construction project process, the third in the supply chain-construction process intersection on site and the fourth in the construction project as a whole. The findings conclude that on-site problems often originate from construction companies' lack of supply chain orientation. Research limitations/implications It is suggested that supply chain planning (SCP) can facilitate on-site problem mitigation in construction project management. This extends the body of knowledge of SCP in construction project management and supports the development of effective on-site construction project management. Practical implications The results show that SCP can aid construction project management in handling on-site problems earlier in the project process. Originality/value The main value lies in extending the body of knowledge in construction project management research by applying an SCM perspective and by introducing SCP to support more effective construction project management.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | planning,construction management,supply chain management,construction project management,supply chain planning,on-site problems |
| Index terms: | construction project management, supply chain planning, validity, methodology, construction process, construction project, mitigation, body of knowledge, internal communication, complexity, triangulation, interview, literature review, construction company |
| Subjects: | production management, project management theory and practice, financial risk, management, supply chain planning, research methods, systems engineering, building construction, evaluation and assessment methods, data collection methods, research design and methodology, organization, knowledge management, data analysis and analytics |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Business Strategy, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Research Practice, Site Management, Organizational Design, Supply Chain Management |
| 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