Influence of Construction Materials Supply Chain Network Structures and Strategies on Project Delivery in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

The selection of type of contract for specific materials supply chain has been identified as one of the factors affecting materials management; and also affecting the objectives of construction material supply chain network systems which are the minimization of procurement cost, enhancement of material delivery and quality improvement. However, the influence of supply chain network systems as being practiced in the Nigerian Construction Industry on project delivery has not been well researched into. Therefore, this study carried out a questionnaire survey to address the problem. In total, 60 questionnaires were administered to small contractors and material suppliers in the study area with a response rate of 100%. The data was analysed using percentage tables, relative importance index, linear regression and Pearson’s coefficient of correlation and determination. The findings revealed that the use of phone and personal interaction are the network systems employed by small contractors to relate with material suppliers as both systems ranked 1st and 2nd respectively.  The findings also revealed that suppliers and small contractors are not employing Information Technologies in their supply chain network, and that strategies employed by contractors to select suppliers have positive influence on cost, quality and schedule of projects.

Keywords: Construction materials, Supply Chain Network, Supply chain.