Materials management practices in the building industry : The case of large construction firms in Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to investigate and document the materials management practices in the building construction industry, establish the benefits, risks and problems in adoption of materials management programs, and establish the awareness of the effect of these programs on the different manufacturing strategies. It was based on 12 large building construction companies. The first objective of the study was to document the materials management practices of large building construction firms in Kenya. The second objective was to determine the extent to which large building construction firms use materials management practices as part of their operations strategies. The third objective was to establish the benefits, risks and problems in implementing different materials management practices. Cross sectional survey was used in this study. Primary data was collected by use of a questionnaire. The data was obtained from twelve construction firms by the researcher who visited their premises. The findings of the study indicate some level of usage of materials management practices although they face numerous problems. On risks and problems encountered in implementing different materials management practices by large building construction firms in Kenya, the following problems of lack of top management commitment, lack of proper measurement indices for all materials management practices, and Failure to recognize materials management practices as an operations strategy must be overcome for its implementation to be effective. In view of the study's findings a few recommendations have been made. From the recommendations, it emerges that, companies in the Kenyan Construction Industry can, therefore, enhance competitiveness through application of materials management practices. These companies need to train more of their staff on the benefits of the application materials management practices.