Assessment of the Triggers of Inefficient Materials Management Practices by Construction SMEs in Nigeria

Abstract

Inefficient material management throughout the construction projects value chain has resulted to poor performance especially in terms of time, cost, quality, and productivity. Even well-organised large construction organisations still fall prey to this project performance killer; as adequate attention is not given to material management as a necessary key project management function. Thus, this study assessed the factors that trigger inefficient material management practices by construction SMEs in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study utilised a quantitative survey method and convenience sampling technique in the distribution of the structured questionnaire used to gather data from project managers, procurement officers and construction professionals working with the construction SMEs. With a 93.33% response rate, the gathered data were analysed using percentage, frequencies and factor analysis with principal component analysis. It was found that the major triggers of inefficient materials management among construction SMEs are; traditional approach and maintenance issues, manufacturer error and poor planning, inventory management issues, poor handling of procurement, materials estimating problems, storage problems and insecurity, and communication issues. It was concluded that the predominance of these triggers in the management of materials among construction SMEs would result in a continued poor performance of construction projects, especially with regards to project time, cost, quality and productivity. The study recommends a move away from the traditional methods of managing materials and the adoption of a technological-based material management system.