Drivers for Implementing Supply Chain Management in Project Delivery: Construction Professionals Perspective

Supply chain management integration in construction project delivery emerged from demand to ensure effective planning, communication and coordination of resource flows and gain control over the various factors influencing project delivery and performance. Hence, this study assesses the drivers of implementing supply chain management in construction project delivery using the perspective of construction professionals in South Africa. Based on findings from the literature review, a structured questionnaire was developed, and respondents were selected using a simple random sample to obtain data from construction professionals in Durban, South Africa. Descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis test were conducted to determine construction professionals' perspectives on the identified drivers of implementing supply chain management in construction project delivery. According to the study's findings, the essential drivers of implementing supply chain management in construction project delivery in South Africa include reliable database of professional suppliers, availability of suppliers with knowledge of supply chain management, effective government regulations, automated logistic systems, efficient feedback systems for information, effective management of people and the environment, and stakeholders' knowledge of supply chain management. The study findings contribute to the body of knowledge as they unravel drivers to implement supply chain management in project delivery. It also forms solid empirical evidence for future studies and practical implications of fostering long-term relationships between firms and service providers, developing well-managed supply order cycles, and developing an effective database of suppliers with knowledge of supply chain management. The study recommends that the operations of firms, stakeholders, professional institutions, and government agencies in the construction industry be guided by drivers of supply chain management, including effective government regulations, integration of automated logistic systems, efficient feedback systems for information, and effective management of people and the environment.