A Short Review of the Concept and Principles of Supply Chain Management in Building Construction Industry

Abstract

Supply chain management concept has found its way into the construction sector of the economy as a result of the inherent opportunity to improve performance. The concept has continued to attract increasing support among major stakeholders in the execution of construction projects. However, it was observed that the strategy is still at low level of adoption among professionals in the industry. Moreover, the low level of knowledge of the strategy and the inability to effectively put the principles of supply chain management to practice hinders the application. This study therefore advances the knowledge of supply chain management by undertaking an examination of few key areas on the concept with a view to improving the awareness and understanding among professionals and assist in designing a supply chain management strategy suitable for building development process. Relevant studies were identified for review by literature search using key words and concepts related to the topic of the current study. Thematic areas of discussion include the construction industry outlook, building development process, the principles and essentials of construction supply chain management. The understanding of basic principles and essentials of supply chain management is important to adopting, adapting, designing and deployment of the strategy in the construction industry and this constituted the purpose and focus of the study.