Assessment of the application of integrated construction supply chain practice in building projects in Tanzania

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. vi 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.