Sariola, R (2018) Utilizing the innovation potential of suppliers in construction projects. Construction Innovation, 18(2), pp. 167-182. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: The manufacturers of construction components and materials are the suppliers in construction projects, and represent a significant portion of their value. However, their knowledge is not used sufficiently when it comes to construction innovation. This research paper focuses on the suppliers’ innovation potential in construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to identify practices for enhancing the contractor–supplier relationship and using the suppliers’ innovation potential in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative exploratory research strategy is used in the context of construction projects. In total, 18 interviews were conducted with contractors to discover the experiences and practices related to the contractor–supplier relationship and construction innovation. Findings: The contractors perceive that the suppliers have innovation potential, and that they are often a source of construction innovation. The findings reveal business- and project-level practices for enhancing the contractor–supplier relationship and for overcoming barriers that hinder the suppliers’ innovation potential. Research limitations/implications: The research conducted for this paper is limited to the contractors’ perspectives based on construction projects in one country. Further research is encouraged to verify the success of identified practices and cover the perspectives of the suppliers, clients and designers. Originality/value: Limited research and attention is directed toward the role of the suppliers in projects within the construction industry. This paper offers important information about the part that both the suppliers and the contractors play in construction innovation and its facilitation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction innovation; construction management; construction projects; contractor–supplier relationship; procurement; supply chain management |
| Index terms: | methodology, construction project, construction innovation, interview, manufacturer, research paper, strategy, exploratory research, construction industry, designer |
| Subjects: | practitioner, profession, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, production management, management, research methods, industry analysis, building construction |
| Topics: | Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Project Management, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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