Effective Material Management Research Articles

Exploring causes of ineffective material management and impact on successful project deliverables in civil engineering construction projects in Sri Lanka

Purpose Construction material management plays a significant role in achieving successful project delivery of a construction project. However, ineffective material management is a critical issue in the construction industry, especially in developing economies, of which Sri Lanka is not an exception. Therefore, this study aims to focus on exploring the causes of ineffective material management practices in civil engineering construction projects in Sri Lanka and their impact on successful project delivery. Design/methodology/approach Furthermore, the literature findings were validated through the preliminary survey. Subsequently, a quantitative research approach was adopted to pursue the research aim. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 215 construction professionals in civil engineering projects who were selected using the judgemental and snowball sampling techniques. Collected data were analysed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) V26 and Microsoft Excel 2016. Findings Moreover, the study revealed that material price fluctuation, shortage of material in the market, delay in material procurement, inadequate planning and delays in material delivery are the most frequent causes of ineffective material management in civil engineering projects. In addition, it was evidenced that most ineffective material management practices cause both time and cost overruns in civil engineering construction projects. Most respondents emphasized inadequate planning, inadequate qualified and experienced staff, lack of supervision and lack of leadership as the causes for both time and cost overruns. Originality/value The study was concluded by proposing strategies for effective material management. Education/training/enlightenment of staff in charge of materials management, use of software like Microsoft Project, Primavera and similar software to eliminate manual errors in material management, and providing clear specifications to suppliers were the most agreed strategies for effective material management in civil engineering construction projects.

EFFECTIVE MATERIAL MANAGEMENT AND FIRM’S PRODUCTIVITY IN SELECTED ALUMINUM MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated how effective material management (MMGT) affects firm’s productivity in selected aluminum manufacturing firms in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to ascertain effect of the measures of effective MMGT, namely; Planning Strategy (PS), Material Control Management (MCM) and Work-In-Progress Management (WIPM) on Firm’s Productivity (FP). The respondents' responses were collected using a five (5) likert scale questionnaire. This study's population is 293 people, with a sample size of 169 employees from the selected Aluminium company in Delta State, Nigeria. The questionnaire was coded using an excel spreadsheet, and the respondents' profiles were analysed manually using basic percentage, while descriptive statistics, correlation matrix, and multiple regression used statistical tools in SPSS version 23. The findings showed that there is a substantial positive association between PS, MCM, and WIPM and FP. The study's findings indicate that good MMGT has a positive and significant effect on company productivity in selected Aluminium manufacturing enterprises in Delta State, Nigeria. As a result, the study proposed that Aluminium manufacturing firms adopt a policy framework to promote speedier implementation of material control systems in Nigerian Aluminium production in order to excel and ensure its future, hence increasing organisational efficiency.
 Keywords: Material, Management, Productivity, Planning, Strategy and Work-In-Progress.

Data Processing Analysis Using Material Requiremnt Planning (MRP) Method at PT. XYZ

This journal discusses the application of material requirements management strategies in various manufacturing industries, based on material requirements planning (MRP) methodology. Manufacturing industries around the world are increasingly focused on increasing efficiency and reducing production costs. The key to achieving this goal is the implementation of management strategies in materials management, including planning, procurement, storage, inventory control, and efficient use of raw materials. This paper discusses the importance of MRP as an effective material management tool and outlines various approaches and strategies that have been applied in various manufacturing industries, including automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. The result is increased productivity, reduced costs, and increased industrial competitiveness. This article provides an in-depth understanding of how using MRP to implement material requirements management strategies can enable manufacturers to respond quickly to changing market demands.

Executives' perceptions of the steel industry's materials management system effectiveness

Materials management is a key component of supply chain management in public sector enterprises, especially in the steel industry. It entails managing the flow of materials while concurrently evaluating factors including demand, price, availability, quality, and delivery dates. This focuses on the necessity of thorough planning for effective material management and control. Small material input cost reductions can lower manufacturing costs and increase profits. The study aims to analyse the executives' perception towards the dimensions of materials management efficacy and also examines respondents’ demographic status. The results reveal that there is a significant association between demographic variables designation, education and experience with the dimensions quality, convenience, and cost while there does not exist a significant association with the dimensions time, quantity and human resource. The study develops a better understanding of the factors determining the efficacy of materials management systems in steel sector enterprises.

The Use of Material and Supply Chain Management and Service Organization to Reduce Inventory Levels While Providing Adequate Service to Customers

In the dynamic landscape of service organizations, effective Material and Supply Chain Management (MSCM) plays a pivotal role in achieving operational efficiency, cost reduction, and superior customer service. This research paper delves into the strategic application of MSCM practices to streamline inventory management processes within service-oriented industries, emphasizing the delicate balance between minimizing stock levels and meeting customer service expectations. The research aims to explore the various methodologies and technologies employed in service organizations to enhance material and supply chain operations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how advanced technologies, data analytics, and automation contribute to minimizing excess inventory while concurrently ensuring prompt and satisfactory customer service. Key areas of investigation include the adoption of just-in-time inventory systems, demand forecasting models, and supplier relationship management strategies. The paper will critically assess case studies and industry best practices to draw insights into successful MSCM implementations and their impact on inventory levels, service quality, and overall organizational performance. Furthermore, the study will address challenges associated with implementing MSCM in service organizations, such as the inherent variability in service demand, the importance of real-time data integration, and the role of collaboration between various stakeholders within the supply chain. The anticipated outcomes of this research include providing service organizations with a comprehensive understanding of the benefits, challenges, and strategic considerations associated with adopting robust MSCM practices. The findings aim to contribute valuable insights to both academia and industry professionals seeking to optimize their material and supply chain processes for improved inventory management and enhanced customer service delivery. International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM) Volume: 08 Issue: 01 | January - 2024 SJIF Rating: 8.176 ISSN: 2582-3930 © 2024, IJSREM | www.ijsrem.com DOI: 10.55041/IJSREM28288 | Page 2 Keywords:Material and Supply Chain Management (MSCM),Service organizations,Inventory optimization,Customer service,Just-in-time inventory,Demand forecasting,Supplier relationship management

The Role of Digital Technologies in Maintaining the Mental Health of Foreign Language Teachers

The article examines the complex and multifaceted role of digital technologies in maintaining and preserving the mental health of foreign language teachers. In the context of the constantly growing use of digital tools in the educational process, the study opens a discussion about how digitalization affects the efficiency, organization and quality of work of foreign language teachers. On the one hand, digital tools open up new horizons for pedagogical practice, giving teachers access to a variety of educational resources, innovative teaching methods, and tools for effective time and materials management. This, in turn, can contribute to an increase in overall efficiency and job satisfaction, as well as provide new opportunities for professional development. However, along with the benefits of digital technologies, the article also draws attention to their potential risks and negative consequences. In particular, it focuses on issues such as digital burnout caused by excessive use of technology, feelings of isolation due to the reduction of direct interpersonal contacts and the risk of information overload. The article examines how these factors can negatively affect the psychological well-being of foreign language teachers, causing stress and a decrease in professional motivation. The authors emphasize the importance of providing effective psychological support, which can be a key element in preventing and solving these problems. The paper also highlights the need for further research in this area, emphasizing the importance of developing new strategies and approaches that can contribute to a better understanding and resolution of digital challenges. In particular, the authors call for research into the effectiveness of various methods of psychological support, the study of the impact of digital technologies on various aspects of mental health, and the development of holistic programs that include digital literacy training, stress management strategies, and techniques for supporting social interaction. In general, the aim of these studies is not only to improve the quality of the professional life of foreign language teachers, but also to ensure their general well-being in a rapidly changing digital world. The authors emphasize that such research is important not only for maintaining the individual health of teachers, but also for ensuring the sustainable development of educational institutions as a whole.

Assessment of the School Resources Availability in Public Day Secondary Schools in Kenya: Case of Manga Sub-County

Education is a human activity that fashions and models mankind for society. Thus, all educational stakeholders ought to combine forces towards realising quality education. This study assesses the availability of schools resources. The study was triggered by the ongoing trend of diminishing academic performance among students in day secondary schools in the Manga sub-county, posing complex questions that must be addressed. The study employed a descriptive survey research approach grounded in the Resource-Based Theory. The targeted population was 378 individuals, consisting of 351 teachers and 27 head teachers from 27-day schools in the Manga subcounty. A sample size of 299 was selected using simple random sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using a descriptive survey approach. It was recommended that for effective learning and improved academic performance, the school administration should ensure that it has provided adequate school resources materials in all schools and that there is effective and efficient management of teaching-learning materials for the improved academic performance of the learner

Pengendalian Risiko dan Optimalisasi Persediaan Bahan Baku pada Usaha Kecil: Pendekatan Metode FMEA dan EOQ

This research aims to increase the efficiency of raw material management in the Warmindo Sugar Pak Har UMKM business by considering possible risks, optimizing order sizes, and determining manufacturing order times. An approach using the FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) method is used to systematically identify risks that can affect the availability of raw materials. Next, this research looks for the optimal solution by calculating the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) to determine the economical order size. The first specific objective is to identify risks that may occur in procuring raw materials, while the second specific objective is to optimize order sizes in order to minimize storage and purchasing costs. The third step is to determine the optimal time to place an order for making raw materials in order to maintain a smooth production process and avoid stock shortages. The results of this research are expected to provide insight to Warmindo Sugar Pak Har MSMEs regarding the risks that need to be anticipated in procuring raw materials, provide recommendations regarding economical order sizes, and increase understanding regarding ordering time control. It is hoped that this research can contribute to the development of more effective and efficient raw material management strategies in the context of MSMEs.

Understanding the complexity of materials procurement in construction projects to build a conceptual framework influencing supply chain management of MSMEs

Purchasing is a fundamental step of materials procurement in the construction sector, and since materials can represent up to 70% of the project’s construction costs, reducing wastage and improving productivity can have big benefits, both for the environment and the economy, especially for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). This manuscript will focus on the process of purchasing materials from these companies’ perspective, seeking to investigate the impact of effective materials management on site. In light of the acknowledged absence of system thinking for MSMEs, this research aims to build a new conceptual framework that illustrates the complexity of the materials purchasing process in construction and embodies the risks linked to materials, relationships, information and cash flows. The conceptual framework aims to influence supply management in construction and is based on the recognition of five main levels, going from the specification of materials to data management and feedback. It is designed to illustrate the sequence, logical structure and complexities of the purchasing process. Data from the literature, followed by on-site observations, feeds into the framework.

Specific Recognition and Adsorption of Volatile Organic Compounds by Using MIL-125-Based Porous Fluorescence Probe Material.

The severity of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) issue calls for effective detection and management of VOC materials. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are organic-inorganic hybrid crystals with promising prospects in luminescent sensing for VOC detection and identification. However, MOFs have limitations, including weak response signals and poor sensitivity towards VOCs, limiting their application to specific types of VOC gases. To address the issue of limited recognition and single luminosity for specific VOCs, we have introduced fluorescent guest molecules into MOFs as reference emission centers to enhance sensitivity. This composite material combines the gas adsorption ability of MOFs to effectively adsorb VOCs. We utilized (MIL-125/NH2-MIL-125) as the parent material for adsorbing fluorescent molecules and selected suitable solid fluorescent probes (FGFL-B1) through fluorescence enhancement using thioflavin T and MIL-125. FGFL-B1 exhibited a heightened fluorescence response to various VOCs through charge transfer between fluorescent guest molecules and ligands. The fluorescence enhancement effect of FGFL-B1 on tetrahydrofuran (THF) was particularly pronounced, accompanied by a color change from yellow to yellowish green in the presence of CCl4. FGFL-B1 demonstrated excellent adsorption properties for THF and CCl4, with saturated adsorption capacities of 655.4 mg g-1 and 811.2 mg g-1, respectively. Furthermore, FGFL-B1 displayed strong luminescence stability and reusability, making it an excellent sensing candidate. This study addresses the limitations of MOFs in VOC detection, opening avenues for industrial and environmental applications.

Enhancing Construction Project Profitability: The Critical Role of Effective Materials Management

Enhancing Construction Project Profitability: The Critical Role of Effective Materials Management

Analyze the Effect of Waste Materials and Material Management with Lean Construction to Improve Project Cost Performance

The purpose of this study is to measure how significant the influence of material management owned by the project team has an impact on the implementation of project financial performance. Research on stakeholder interaction analysis is designed based on its objectives, including explanatory research. The results showed that the application of the Lean Construction approach in material management can have a significant impact on improving project cost performance. Reducing material waste through the identification and elimination of waste provides the potential for significant cost savings. In addition, the use of effective material management strategies, such as reliable supplier selection, good inventory control, and proper coordination between project teams, also contributes to cost efficiency. In conclusion, material management has a significant influence on project financial performance directly with the lean construction process.

A review in rational design of graphene toward advanced Li–S batteries

For lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, the problems of polysulfides shuttle effect, slow dynamics of sulfur species and growth of lithium dendrite during charge/discharge processes have greatly impeded its practical development. Of core importance to advance the performances of Li–S batteries lies in the selection and design of novel materials with strong polysulfides adsorption ability and enhanced redox electrocatalytic behavior. Graphene, affording high electrical conductivity, superior carrier mobility, and large surface area, has presented great potentials in improving the performances of Li–S cells. However, the properties of intrinsic graphene are far enough to achieve the multiple management toward electrochemical catalysis of energy storage systems. In addition, a general and objective understanding of its role in Li–S systems is still lacking. Along this line, we summarize the design routes from three aspects, including defect engineering, dimension adjustment, and heterostructure modulation, to perfect the graphene properties. Thus-synthesized graphene materials are explored as multifunctional electrocatalysts targeting high-efficiency and long-lifespan Li–S batteries, based on which the regulating role of graphene is comprehensively analyzed. This project provides a perspective on the effective engineering management of graphene materials to boost Li–S chemistry, meanwhile promote the practical application process for graphene materials.

Особливості розвитку міжнародних логістичних систем за умов глобалізації

This research paper is devoted to studying the essence and features of international logistics systems, which are an es-sential factor in the competitiveness of enterprises and countries in the globalization of the world economy. The authors analyze the role and functions of international logistics systems in ensuring effective material management and information flows between subjects of international economic cooperation. The article identifies the main types of international logistics systems by regulatory bodies, forms of organization, types of logistics operations, and scope of activities. The advantages and disadvantages of international logistics systems for enterprises and participating countries are also considered, and the main problems and barriers to their development are identified. Based on the analysis, the author proposes directions for improving international logistics systems, considering the specifics of industries and regions. The article reviews globaliza-tion processes and established practices of international logistics systems. The formation of logistics processes in Europe and Ukraine is shown. The existing scientific and practical approaches and principal components of transport logistics are sum-marized. The role of business process reengineering in it is determined for the successful implementation of which an appro-priate algorithm of the sequence of actions should be implemented. The author outlines the terms, methods of delivery, and operations with customers that are common to the Ukrainian logistics services market. The author identifies the place and outlines the prospects for a resumption of activities of domestic enterprises in the face of changing external environment. In this sense, the successful experience of leading international enterprises indicates the need to address several issues related to optimizing production processes. The proposed directions for the restoration of the logistics business in the post-war period include refutation and unification of standards and principles of international law, which will regulate the issues of cargo transportation in terms of various modes of transport and optimize the implementation of logistics operations and will allow forming a system of the transparent and convenient international logistics market. There also appears to be a need for a di-rection designed to ensure the efficiency of supply chains by logistics companies, which in turn covers a set of different types of flows and automated sequential business processes, dramatically simplifies, and makes delivery services transparent, optimizes consumer demand, expands the network and facilitates access to foreign markets. In this aspect, the role of e-commerce should be given due credit, which is the impetus for the existence of supply chains and transparency of logistics center management. Keywords: logistics, transport infrastructure, warehouses, competition, logistics outsourcing, logistics infrastruc-ture, business process reengineering, supply chains, e-commerce.

Applications of Industry 4.0 Technologies in Warehouse Management: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Recent literature indicates that warehouse management costs account for a significant portion of overall logistics costs in companies. Warehousing requires the classification, controlling and management of inventory as well as processing of related information. Therefore, adopting efficient and reasonable warehouse management measures to achieve effective management and control of materials is a key means to flexibly adjusting the supply and demand of storage materials and reduce operating costs. There remains a gap in the understanding of benefits and barriers to the full adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and decision support systems (DSSs) in warehouse management. Methods: This work applies a systematic literature review methodology of recent implementation case studies to analyze documented barriers and benefits of Industry 4.0 technology adoption in warehouse management. For analysis, benefits and barriers are ranked in order of importance using Pareto analysis based on their frequency of occurrence. Results: Improved process efficiency, the availability of real-time data, added competitive advantage and the ability to integrate business activities digitally are the top four most important benefits of implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and decision support systems in warehouse management. The prominent barriers to implementation are high life cycle cost, challenging physical environment/layout, inadequate supporting resource constraints, increased security risk and high energy consumption. Conclusions: Barriers to implementing Industry 4.0 technologies are interrelated in nature and prevent businesses from realizing the full benefit of implemented Industry 4.0 technologies. Adequate financial support, new knowledge and skills are required to be able to ensure the successful implementation of Industry 4.0 in warehousing management.

Retracted: Effect of Poor Materials Management on Materials Waste in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

Materials on construction site management are critical issue within the Nigerian subcontractors. Often, movement of materials to site from one point to the other point leads to more cost of goods. Hence, management of construction materials in building industries is a crucial aspect in project management. If these are not done properly it will lead to high costs in the construction phase. The present research seeks to assess the impact of Poor Materials Management (PMM) on waste materials in project in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. The research collects data through questionnaires from the field survey, interview and site observation. Descriptive statistics was used for the study, mean index score method of analysis were adopted. Result of the study indicates that considerable effect on material waste generation on any construction project site were observed as a result of poor materials management; effects on quality of building projects was observed to be moderate, and effects on profitability in the construction projects were observed to be both high and moderate. The study concludes that effective management of materials in construction projects would decrease the amount of waste generation, raise the quality of construction work, and offer maximum profit to the contractors. The study recommendations that the government agencies should collaborate with construction industry in Nigeria to develop policies for adoption on waste management plan for the construction industry and guarantee that senior officers adopts the training and developing the younger staff on the latest techniques for site materials management and managerial tools. Retraction Notice: This paper has been retracted from the journal on 04th March-2024.

Technological Challenges and Opportunities to Plastics Valorization in the Context of a Circular Economy in Europe

The transition to a fully-fledged circular economy (CE) has proven to be challenging for many industries. Despite possible competitive advantages of moving industries towards CE activities, their practical implementation is still limited. This communication article delivers ad interim an identification of technological challenges and opportunities for the European plastics industries to facilitate circularity ambitions. In applying the qualitative-empirical Gioia-method utilizing the GABEK-WinRelan tool, specific technological challenges and opportunities for plastics industries were identified. Major findings indicate that technological challenges for plastics are predominantly seen in (C1) secondary material contamination; (C2) recycling processing issues; (C3) production processing issues; (C4) production material quality issues; and (C5) end-product quality issues, while the opportunities lie in (O1) effective secondary material management; (O2) innovation for chemical recycling; (O3) innovation for production and processability; (O4) innovative materials; and (O5) innovative end-products. This article contributes to the contemporary debate of CE challenges and opportunities to plastics valorization by highlighting the promising role of chemical recycling on a monomer-level as a key facilitator to a circular plastics economy. Further, it was found that technological transitions must be coupled with compatible market incentive mechanisms guided by effective institutional structures.

Supply Chain Management Practices on Organizational Performance: A Case Study of Tea Industries in North Rift Valley, Kenya

The tea sector in Kenya has been in a crisis for the past decade due to supply and demand implications. Tea prices are increasing in the short term, but long-term prices have decreased to half of what farmers received five decades ago. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of supply chain management practices on organizational performance of tea industry in the North Rift Valley, Kenya. The study was guided by the four objectives: to identify supply chain management practices adopted by firms in the tea industry in North Rift Valley Kenya, to establish the level performance of tea firms in North Rift Valley Kenya, to find out if there is a significant relationship between SCM practices and performance in the tea industry in North Rift Valley, Kenya and to give recommendations on how to improve the levels of supply chain management practices of tea industry in the North Rift Valley, Kenya. This study utilized a descriptive mixed research design. Tea manufacturers in the North Rift Valley region were investigated using a census technique. Purposive sampling and stratified sampling were used, with departments divided into clusters for each level of the organization. To pick respondents in various strata, simple random sampling was used. Total of 71 respondents participated in the study. For data analysis, this study used SPSS version 25.0, which generated descriptive statistics, frequency tables, plots, and graphs. It also supplied inferential statistics and variable correlations. Multiple linear regression was used to test the hypotheses. The study findings showed that tea companies in the region recognize the importance of collaborative partnerships, lean practices, and effective materials management in optimizing their supply chain performance. From the findings, it was concluded that Tea firms in North Rift Valley, Kenya recognize and value strategic partnerships, lean practices, and materials management as key components of effective supply chain management. The study found that the tea companies are performing well in terms of efficiency and profitability. However, there was no significant relationship between strategic partnership and performance, hence the study recommended that tea firms should focus on improving their lean practices and materials management to optimize their supply chain performance.

Factors Affecting Road Tunnel Construction Accidents in China Based on Grounded Theory and DEMATEL.

Despite the continuous progress of tunnel construction technology and safety management technology, road tunnel construction safety still faces many challenges in China, such as how to ensure the effective management and safety control of people and materials, how to ensure the implementation of technology and program implementation, risk assessment of construction site environmental information, etc. Exploring the causes of tunnel construction accidents and understanding the properties of the factors and their interrelationships can effectively control the sources of risk and contribute to the safety control of tunnel construction. Therefore, we have collected 30 formal accident investigation reports from the government safety supervision and management department from 2005 to 2021, including detailed investigation and accident analysis. Based on grounded theory, a qualitative research method to generalize experience through direct observation, abstraction, and analysis of data, we use Nvivo11 software to analyze reports and obtain 6 selective codes, 16 spindle codes, and 43 open codes. In addition, we construct a theoretical model of tunnel construction accident influencing factors, which passed the saturation test. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) model is used to analyze the influencing mechanism and interaction relationships of these factors. The two dimensions of influence degree and centrality are used to determine the critical influencing factors of tunnel construction accidents in mountainous areas. They are security awareness and professionalism. According to the cause degree, the influencing factors are divided into cause and result factors. Finally, the basis and suggestions for reducing construction accidents are presented.

The Impact of Materials Management on Profitability of Manufacturing Companies in Ethiopia: The Case of Walia Steel Industry PLC

Recently, in the dramatically growing digital world, the management of materials plays a critical role in the profitability of manufacturing companies. This study focuses on the impact of materials management on profitability of manufacturing companies in Ethiopia with a particular reference to Walia Steel Industry PLC. The main objective of the study is to detect the problems of materials management that can result in achieving organizational profitability if corrected properly. Relevant data was gathered through self-administered structured questionnaires and open-ended questions and analysis was made based on primary data generated via five point Likert scale using SPSS version 23. A cross-sectional data model was used in the study. The study adopted both explanatory and descriptive research designs in integration with commonly used mixed research methods. Validity and reliability of the study was also tested using SPSS V-23. The findings revealed that there was positive and significant association between effective materials management dimensions and firm’s profitability which was supported by interdepartmental collaboration among materials related departments such as inventory, procurement and storage managements. The main problems faced in materials management of the selected steel industry includes the shortage of raw materials due to foreign currency problem and COVID-19 pandemic, shortage of skilled personnel, unsteady power supply, weak materials management practices due to weak interdepartmental coordination of the firm. The role and benefits of materials management dimensions should be examined and outlined for further investigation. Recommendations were made for the focal firm to make the materials management system to be computerized, to arrange training programs, to hire skilled personnel and to arrange employee’s motivation system. Recommendations also made for the government to provide adequate infrastructures such as available domestic raw materials, steady power supply, and sufficient water supply and so on to assist manufacturing firms. Keywords: Materials Management, Procurement Management, Inventory Management, Storage Management, Interdepartmental Collaboration, Organizational Profitability