Abstract:
Integrated construction supply chain is an approach in which the supply chain
participants (client, consultants, main contractor, subcontractors and suppliers) work
in highly collaborative relationships during construction and throughout the project
life cycle to achieve added value for construction clients and other stakeholders. The
main objective of the study was to assess application of integrated construction
supply chain in building projects in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to assess
the extent of application of integrated construction supply chain in building projects
in Tanzania, to determine challenges which hinder the application of ICSC, to
suggest what should be done to enhance awareness and application of ICSC.
The study used a mixed approach where by quantitative method (Questionnaire
survey) was used at the first stage and qualitative method (case study method) were
later used to supplement the questionnaire response. Sixty five respondents from
client, consultant, main contractor, sub-contractor and supplier were obtained from
questionnaire survey in the ten building projects selected through snowball sampling
by the researcher. Also, an interview was conducted to supplement the information
gathered from the questionnaire.
Findings shows that extent of application of integrated construction supply chain is
minimal applied as the integrating practices were not practiced fully according to the
principles of integration. Inefficient organization structure, inadequate information
flow, lack of staff training, Lack of mutual objectives were the critical challenges
faced in the application of integrated construction supply chain practice.
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Finally, the study revealed that application of integrated construction supply chain is
minimal applied in building projects in Tanzania. Eventually, the study recommends
that construction companies should encourage crucial investment in modern IT
technologies, training and workshops that would be conducted regularly by the
responsible authorities with familiar knowledge of both the benefits of an application
of ICSC and other necessary duties to be performed by the supply chain participants
in general.
