Karim, K; Marosszeky, M and Davis, S (2006) Managing subcontractor supply chain for quality in construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 13(1), pp. 27-42. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - To provide a decision support tool for long-term management of subcontractor supply chain for achieving better quality in construction. Design/methodology/approach - Defects on three construction projects are investigated through direct observation, document analysis, and interviews. A method to analyse and present defects information as an aid to decision making in relation to subcontractor supply chain management is proposed, and its application is illustrated by using the information obtained from the study. Findings - The importance of managing the subcontractor supply chain to reduce the incidence of defects is established. The nature and extent of the defects, along with what caused them, are discussed. Method for conversion of raw data into a decision support tool is presented. Research limitations/implications - The data collection method was limited in that it was not based on continuous full-time observation. Such presence by independent observers for full duration of the project would provide more accurate information. Practical implications - A useful tool for the construction industry in view of the fact that most of the construction work is now done by subcontractors and the head contractors primarily act as project managers. Originality/value - The concept of using Pareto analysis/histogram for managing quality has been around for a considerable period of time. This paper converts it into a more efficient and useful decision support tool.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction works; decision support systems; operations and production management; pareto analysis; subcontracting; supply chain management |
| Index terms: | conversion, duration, document analysis, construction industry, presence, construction project, interview, production management, decision support, construction work, decision-making, direct observation, subcontracting, subcontractor, methodology, project manager, pareto analysis |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, data science, decision analysis, environmental science, production management, data collection methods, project delivery, profession, research methods, operations management, manufacturing engineering, quality control, project controls, organization, practitioner |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering Principles, Time Control, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Quality Management, Research Practice, Project 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