Construction Supply Chain Management Research Articles

Potential use of blockchain technology in construction supply chain management of Brazil

Purpose This paper aims to analyze practices, processes and outcomes related to construction supply chain management (CSCM) in Brazil to identify opportunities and direct actions and strategies to improve the Brazilian sector through blockchain technology (BT). Design/methodology/approach The study collected empirical data through semi-structured interviews with consumers and distributors to identify how the CSCM functions today. The interviews were structured and analyzed around the following topics: processes, digitalization, quality and weakness of the activities performed. The opportunities for using BT in CSCM were identified by crossing these results with evidence in the bibliography. Findings The study identified deficiencies, gaps and good practices applied to information management in the sector. Also, it analyzed the features, drivers and barriers of BT from a practical perspective. The findings suggested that BT is feasible and promising, reducing costs and enhancing process transparency. The need to overcome cultural and economic barriers is a challenging task. Originality/value This study brings a new perspective on using BT in CSCM, relating it to the demands and particularities of the construction sector in Brazil. The study identifies a limited panorama of chronic CSCM concerns, given BT’s infinite opportunities. And it motivates a gradual transition toward installing a new technological culture based on BT that focuses on priority care for the sector’s chronic deficiencies. The results can guide practical actions for the successful insertion of BT in the CSCM, laying the foundations for significant future research.

Cyber-physical internet based intelligent operation platform for off-site construction supply chain management

ABSTRACT Off-site construction (OSC) projects rely on a smooth off-site supply chain. Previous studies improved supply chain management (SCM), while scantly mentioning business flow and recent advanced technology. This paper proposes a three-layered cyber-physical internet (CPI)-based platform for practical OSC-SCM. The scalable layer connects resources via an industrial driver (ID) for an information chain. The kernel layer designs protocols for digital twins (DT) and twin networks with incentive and information sharing mechanisms. The application layer offers thirteen services for offsite plant, logistics, and on-site assembly. A case study demonstrates 20% reduced construction time and millions of cost savings, proving enhanced efficiency.

From systematic literature review to performance criteria evaluation: advancing green supply chain management in construction

Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) has gained significant attention across various industries due to its potential to incorporate sustainable practices throughout a product’s lifecycle. However, the construction industry lacks a systematic investigation into the prevailing GSCM practices specific to its domain, resulting in limited implementation. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a systematic literature review on the various GSCM practices applicable within construction. Through the systematic literature review (SLR), existing research on GSCM in construction is synthesized, allowing for the identification of key themes, trends, and performance evaluation criteria. To further expand the existing knowledge base on GSCM in the construction industry, this study proposes a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to assess the performance of GSCM practices in construction. The model incorporates diverse evaluation criteria encompassing environmental, economic, organizational, and social aspects identified through the SLR. The developed model serves as a benchmark, empowering decision-makers in the construction industry to assess their current supply chain practices, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to enhance sustainable thinking.

Influence of supply chain management on the sustainable construction industry in Algeria

The construction industry, a pivotal business sector facilitating physical infrastructure and equipment provision, holds a significant indirect influence on diverse industries. This study investigates the role of supply chain management in enhancing sustainable construction practices within the Algerian construction industry. The research delves into the relationship between traditional supply chain management and sustainable construction, employing a quantitative approach. Data collection involved a survey comprising 61 items, utilizing a five-point Likert scale, gathered through an online survey method targeting managers, supervisors, executives, and suppliers in the Algerian construction industry. With 237 participants from construction companies in Algeria, the study utilized Smart PLS for data analysis, confirming a positive relationship between traditional supply chain management and sustainable construction through partial least squares (PLS) path analysis. The findings provide valuable insights for future stakeholders, guiding employers, designers, manufacturers, contractors, and suppliers to enhance supply chain management practices for sustainable construction in Algeria. Consequently, this study offers significant results with practical and theoretical implications, contributing to the integration of sustainable supply chain management in Algerian construction. In summary, the research addresses the relationship challenges between traditional supply chain management and sustainable construction practices in Algeria.

Supply Chain Management in Construction Projects: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Indian Context - Review

Supply chain management (SCM) plays a crucial role in the success of construction projects, Influencing factors such as project timelines, costs, and overall efficiency. This literature review paper provides an in-depth analysis of SCM in construction, with a primary focus on the unique dynamics of the Indian construction industry. Drawing from a wide array of scholarly articles, research papers, and industry reports, this comprehensive review synthesizes existing knowledge in the field. It examines the evolution of SCM practices in the construction sector, emphasizing the shift from traditional methods to contemporary, technology-driven solutions. Furthermore, this literature review explores key SCM elements such as procurement, logistics, risk management, sustainability, and the integration of advanced technologies within the construction supply chain. Sustainability emerges as a significant theme in this review, as it discusses the growing emphasis on environmentally responsible SCM practices in construction projects. In conclusion, this literature review offers a comprehensive overview of supply chain management in construction projects, with a specific focus on India. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers seeking to understand the intricacies of SCM in the Indian construction sector. Additionally, the review highlights areas for further research and development, paving the way for continued advancements in construction SCM practices. Keywords: Supply Chain Management; Construction Projects; Sustainability; Technology Integration; Logistics;

How to Manage Supply Chains Successfully in Transport Infrastructure Projects

The objective of this research is to assess the influence of effective supply chain management on the success of transport infrastructure projects, considering the moderating effects of building information modeling (BIM) and environmental factors. Data were collected through questionnaires from construction projects and subjected to analysis to gain insights into the contributions of various supply chain management strategies to the overall performance of transport infrastructure projects, as well as how the presence of BIM and environmental considerations affect this relationship. The data were subjected to analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results of this investigation revealed a significant impact of supply chain management practices in the construction industry on the performance of transport infrastructure projects, with BIM and environmental considerations acting as moderators in this association. This study holds both practical and theoretical significance, as it contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the role of supply chain management in construction and its influence on the success of transport infrastructure projects while also exploring the moderating influence of BIM and environmental factors. The findings provide valuable perspectives for improving supply chain management practices in construction, thereby enhancing the outcomes of transport infrastructure projects.

Blockchain-based decentralised material management system for construction projects

The prevailing practices in construction supply chain management are characterised by significant challenges, including fragmentation, a lack of trust among stakeholders, and restricted information sharing. This research introduces a blockchain-based integrated system for managing construction materials and inventory to enhance the traceability and transparency of shared supply chain material information. This initiative will foster a collaborative and open supply chain environment among stakeholders and effectively address material delays, resulting in smoother project operations and minimized disruptions, thus promoting operational efficiency. Furthermore, the system's potential to substantially reduce the incidence of legal disputes is underpinned by the secure and tamper-proof storage of information within shared ledgers, fostering a high level of accountability and trustworthiness. The integration of the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) approach within blockchain smart contracts streamlines procurement processes, leading to a noteworthy reduction in purchase orders and associated overhead costs. The study employs a Design Science Research (DSR) approach to create a decentralised construction supply chain system, monitoring changes in material information during the supply process and addressing uncertainties associated with managing construction material inventory. The proposed system empowers project stakeholders by providing real-time material information access, resulting in improved decision-making and a reduction in material delays. Additionally, the construction material management-based blockchain and smart system enables project parties to efficiently handle inventory for complex projects, interconnecting all supply chain tasks within an integrated smart contract. The usability of the proposed solution was assessed using a usability test technique, with participants confirming its applicability in construction environments. They highlighted key benefits, including reduced material purchasing costs, decreased legal disputes among project stakeholders, and improved decision-making.

Blockchain Technology in Construction Supply Chain Management: Enhance Transaction Speed, Cost Effectiveness and Security

The traditional construction sector encountered obstacles that prevented it from developing, including knowledge asymmetry, complicated intermediary relationships, and high transaction costs. Blockchain technology offered a more effective, secure, and convenient mode of transaction and management to the construction industry because it was a decentralized, safe, and reliable information transmission and management tool. Blockchain technology could be applied to the construction industry's supply chain to achieve traceability and supervision, enhancing the transparency and dependability of transactions. At the same time, blockchain technology could be applied to the management of the construction supply chain to achieve rapid information sharing and verification, lowering transaction costs, and increasing transaction efficiency. However, the previous study on the use of blockchain technology in the building sector was still in its infancy and required more investigation and study. This study aimed to investigate how blockchain technology could be used in supply chain management for the construction sector to address present issues. The study's goals were to examine how blockchain technology could speed up transactions and improve supply chain management for the construction industry, as well as to examine how it could lower transaction costs and increase data sharing and information transparency. This study used a semi-structured interviewing technique for the purpose of gathering and analysing data. The researcher learned more about professionals and industry experts' thoughts and experiences with blockchain technology in construction supply chain management through in-person or remote interviews with them. The advancement of the construction industry's digital transformation and information upgrading reflected the significance of this study. This study would help the supply chain management in the construction sector in enhancing the effectiveness of supply chain transactions in the construction industry and reducing the transaction cycle; lowering the price of supply chain transactions in the construction industry and boosting the industry's competitiveness; strengthening the security and reliability of supply chain transactions in the construction industry and reducing data compromise and transaction risks.

The role of blockchain in enabling inter-organisational supply chain alignment for value co-creation in the construction industry

In the construction industry context, misalignments in the supply chain pose significant challenges, hindering successful project delivery. To address these issues, blockchain technology emerges as a promising IT-based solution for achieving supply chain alignment. A conceptual model is developed based on the service-dominant logic theory that explores the impact of blockchain on supply chain alignment and co-created value outcomes within the Business-to-Business (B2B) construction context. Through a questionnaire-based approach, data were collected from 324 respondents in the global construction industry, which was then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings demonstrate the positive impact of implementing blockchain technology on competency, behavioural, process, and expectations alignment among supply chain partners. These improvements in alignment collectively contribute to the realization of supply chain value outcomes. These results emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach combining technology with alignment efforts to realize blockchain-enabled value co-creation in construction supply chain management.

Investigating barriers to blockchain adoption in construction supply chain management: A fuzzy-based MCDM approach

This study aims to investigate the barriers to the adoption of Blockchain Technology (BT) within the field of Construction Supply Chain Management (CSCM) by unravelling their interrelationships. In doing so, a Pythagorean fuzzy-set-based DEMATEL method to assess these barriers in a complex environment is proposed. The results of the study suggest that “market-based risks”, “high costs for maintaining sustainability”, and “usage in the underground economy” are the most influential barriers to the adoption of BT in CSCM. Furthermore, the study identifies that “inadequate knowledge/employee training”, “contractual risk”, and “scalability issues” play a pivotal role within the CSCM system. The reliability and validation of the obtained results were also shown using sensitivity analysis and the focus-group-discussion approach. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for stakeholders in the construction industry to design and implement effective measures to overcome the identified barriers to the adoption of BT in CSCM. By addressing these barriers, stakeholders can facilitate the adoption of BT, leading to more efficient and effective construction supply chain management practices.

An optimized multi-attribute decision-making approach to construction supply chain management by using complex picture fuzzy soft set.

Supplier selection is a critical decision-making process for any organization, as it directly impacts the quality, cost, and reliability of its products and services. However, the supplier selection problem can become highly complex due to the uncertainties and vagueness associated with it. To overcome these complexities, multi-criteria decision analysis, and fuzzy logic have been used to incorporate uncertainties and vagueness into the supplier selection process. These techniques can help organizations make informed decisions and mitigate the risks associated with supplier selection. In this article, a complex picture fuzzy soft set (cpFSS), a generalized fuzzy set-like structure, is developed to deal with information-based uncertainties involved in the supplier selection process. It can maintain the expected information-based periodicity by introducing amplitude and phase terms. The amplitude term is meant for fuzzy membership, and the phase term is for managing its periodicity within the complex plane. The cpFSS also facilitates the decision-makers by allowing them the opportunity to provide their neutral grade-based opinions for objects under observation. Firstly, the essential notions and set-theoretic operations of cpFSS are investigated and illustrated with examples. Secondly, a MADM-based algorithm is proposed by describing new matrix-based aggregations of cpFSS like the core matrix, maximum and minimum decision value matrices, and score. Lastly, the proposed algorithm is implemented in real-world applications with the aim of selecting a suitable supplier for the provision of required materials for construction projects. With the sensitivity analysis of score values through Pythagorean means, it can be concluded that the results and rankings of the suppliers are consistent. Moreover, through structural comparison, the proposed structure is proven to be more flexible and reliable as compared to existing fuzzy set-like structures.

Stability measure for prefab balancing in prefabrication construction supply chain management

Effective management of the prefabrication construction supply chain management (PCSCM) requires careful consideration of rational resource allocation and Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery. The transportation and storage of materials can be a significant expense in the construction industry, making it essential to prioritize the efficient allocation of resources. When resource allocation and delivery schedules are not properly managed, it can result in additional costs and project delays. Current practices mainly depend on the foreman’s experience, leading to unpunctual delivery and insufficient distribution. Punctual delivery involves collaboration with many stakeholders, including main contractor, logistics companies, foreman, etc. This paper proposes a resource allocation model with a penalty mechanism to comprehensively consider the benefit of the main contractor under PCSCM, aiming to minimize costs and strategically allocate resources. Buffer space, as a crucial safety place, is beneficial for balancing the stability of PCSCM and controlling the cost among stakeholders. This research takes into account several practical considerations, including limitations on storage and buffer space, penalty of unpunctual delivery, and the availability of multiple transportation routes. Especially, research seldom includes the penalty mechanism with a soft time window related to the demand and supply of resources based on the storage limitation. The numerical analysis demonstrates that the result of the proposed PSO is similar to CPLEX in small-scale instances. The results show that implementing a penalty also significantly saves the CPU around 38% for the main contractor compared with the model without penalty mechanism in a practical case. These contributions allow stakeholders to optimize resource allocation and project timelines while minimizing waste through a rational penalty mechanism.

Assessment of barriers to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain management in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the barriers to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain management in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a quantitative research approach through a questionnaire survey that was conducted among professionals in the Nigerian construction industry using the snowball sampling method, which resulted in a selection of 155 respondents. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), while Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the reliability.FindingsThe analysis revealed that all barriers ranked above the average mean item score. It also revealed that all professionals have a convergent opinion on the barriers. EFA was used in clustering the identified barriers into two categories: technological and socio-political barrier.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was carried out in the Southwestern region which is one of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria using a cross-sectional survey method.Practical implicationsThe findings provide valuable insights into the barriers to the implementation of blockchain in supply chain management for professionals and practitioners in the Nigerian construction industry.Originality/valueThe research categorised the barriers into technological and social-political barrier and identified that lack of digitalisation is the major barrier to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain.

Sustainable Construction Supply Chain Management In Southeastern Nigeria: A Case For E-Commerce

Sustainable Construction Supply Chain Management In Southeastern Nigeria: A Case For E-Commerce

Evaluation of the drivers to the implementation of blockchain technology in the construction supply chain management in Nigeria

PurposeBlockchain technology (BT) is a relatively new technological innovation in all industries, including the construction industry, that is used to improve supply chain management. Therefore, this study assesses the drivers for the implementation of BT in the construction supply chain management in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a quantitative research approach, with a questionnaire survey administered to professionals in the Nigerian construction industry using the snowball sampling method, yielding 155 respondents. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) while Cronbach’s alpha was used to evaluate the reliability.FindingsThe analysis revealed that all the identified drivers ranked higher than the average mean item score, with level of awareness of the new technology and data management ranking topmost. The identified drivers were clustered into five categories using EFA: technological driver, social-economic driver, management driver, transparency and security driver and information driver.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was carried out in the Southwestern region which is one of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria using a cross-sectional survey method.Practical implicationsThe findings will be extremely useful to both professionals and practitioners in the Nigerian construction industry in gaining knowledge about the potential drivers to the implementation of BT in construction supply chain management.Originality/valueThe research categorized the drivers into technological, social-economic, management, transparency and security and information driver. It also identified that level of awareness of BT as the major driver in the implementation of BT in construction supply chain management.

The pattern of material supply chain in post-disaster reconstruction: a case study in Indonesia’s disaster-prone area

The government, the community, or non-governmental organisations can all participate in the reconstruction process after a disaster. The management of material procurement and logistics may entail participation from several stakeholders. It may be crucial to a project’s success in reconstruction. A reliable supply chain is required to guarantee an appropriate building supply. The supply chain for building materials significantly impacts the course and results of reconstruction after a disaster. This study intends to map the post-disaster restoration process’s formation of the construction supply chain pattern. In order to detect potential issues and disturbances that could contribute to the failure of the post-disaster restoration process, the supply chain pattern for building materials is being mapped. The path of the supply chain for construction materials is undoubtedly significantly impacted by post-disaster environmental circumstances. Because it can impact project prices and timelines, the choice of building material suppliers is crucial in construction supply chain management. During the reconstruction process in disaster-affected areas, this research used qualitative approaches by conducting surveys and questionnaires to gather data and facts.

Exploring Lean Practices’ Importance in Sustainable Supply Chain Management Trends: An Empirical Study in Canadian Construction Industry

To contend with the current economic conditions, construction managers are recommended to identify sustainable construction supply chain management (CSCM) trends over the forthcoming years and adopt suitable techniques to manage construction projects strategically, tactically, and operationally. However, there is a shortage of studies exploring Lean Construction (LC) practices’ contributions to sustainable CSCM trends in the forthcoming years. Thus, this paper applies the integrated fuzzy AHP–Delphi approach to identify key sustainable CSCM trends and uses them as strategic evaluation criteria to assess and rank LC techniques. The evaluation was done by 28 experts having more than four years’ experience and expertise in lean construction and sustainable CSCM. This work also provides managerial implications by proposing a framework for LC techniques to advance sustainability throughout construction project phases.

Exploring the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) on construction supply chain management: Empirical evidence from a construction project’s perspective

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of ICT on construction supply chain management (CSCM). Furthermore, this research proposes a model for ICT that can be used to test and improve CSCM within the Nigerian construction industry. The relationship between ICT and CSCM was highlighted in an integrated model. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to validate the hypothesised relationship by evaluating the responses of practitioners working in construction project management related firms using a sample of 214 respondents. The findings of this study show a link between ICT and CSCM on five (5) of the constructs on targeted construction firms engaged in supply chain (SC)-related construction activities in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. This research is supported by the Technology Organisation and Environment (TOE) Model as a key theory of technology adoption. With an average R2 value, the SEM model is 76%, which is commendable (high). The current study offers an empirical and theoretical explanation of various aspects of ICT and CSCM, particularly in the Nigerian construction industry. As a result, this study adds to the body of knowledge by providing crucial insight into the influence of ICT on CSCM throughout the entire construction supply chain. The knowledge gained will aid industry stakeholders and the government in developing policies that will increase ICT adoption in current practice.

Conceptual framework of green supply chain management strategy selection in the Indonesian construction industry

The construction industry is one of the industries that have high environmental risks. The construction supply chain process is the main concern due to environmental damage. The lack of green practices implementation in the Indonesian construction industry causes energy consumption and gas emissions to continue to raise every year which will negatively impact the environment. Green supply chain management (GSCM) is a concept that integrates the environmental aspect of traditional supply chain processes and can provide benefits not only on environmental performance but also on economic and organizational performance. This study aims to identify relevant GSCM practices to implement in the Indonesian construction industry and develop a conceptual framework based on ANP for green supply chain management strategy selection. This study uses the Delphi method and ANP which involves professionals and practitioners in construction. The findings show there are seven green design practices, seven green purchasing practices, nine green construction practices, four internal environmental management practices, and two green operation and maintenance practices that are relevant in the Indonesian construction industry, and also a conceptual framework for strategy selection of green supply chain management in construction.

An innovative decision-making framework for supplier selection based on a hybrid interval-valued neutrosophic soft expert set

<abstract><p>The best way to achieve sustainable construction is to choose materials with a smaller environmental impact. In this regard, specialists and architects are advised to take these factors into account from the very beginning of the design process. This study offers a framework for selecting the optimal sustainable building material. The core goal of this article is to depict a novel structure of a neutrosophic soft expert set hybrid called an interval-valued neutrosophic soft expert set for utilization in construction supply chain management to select a suitable supplier for a construction project. This study applies two different techniques. One is an algorithmic technique, and the other is set-theoretic. The first one is applied for the structural characterization of an interval-valued neutrosophic expert set with its necessary operators like union and OR operations. The second one is applied for the construction of a decision-making system with the help of pre-described operators. The main purpose of the algorithm is to be used in supply chain management to select a suitable supplier for construction. This paper proposes a new model based on interval-valued, soft expert and neutrosophic settings. In addition to considering these settings jointly, this model is more flexible and reliable than existing ones because it overcomes the obstacles of existing studies on neutrosophic soft set-like models by considering interval-valued conditions, soft expert settings and neutrosophic settings. In addition, an example is presented to demonstrate how the decision support system would be implemented in practice. In the end, analysis, along with benefits, comparisons among existing studies and flexibility, show the efficacy of the proposed structure.</p></abstract>