Early supplier involvement framework for reducing construction waste during the design process

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to facilitate early supplier involvement (ESI) as an approach for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process. Design/methodology/approach A research methodology consists of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire was designed to achieve the abovementioned aim. First, the literature review was used to investigate CW, CW generated during the design process, the design process and ESI. Second, two construction projects were analysed to investigate the role of ESI towards reducing CW generated during the design waste. Third, a survey questionnaire was carried out with a representative sample of architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt to examine their perception and application of ESI towards reducing CW generated during the design process. Based on the results of the above, the research developed a framework to facilitate ESI during the design process to reduce CW. Findings Through literature review, the research highlighted the causes of CW generated during the design process and identified the benefits and challenges that encounter ESI in ADFs. Results of data analysis showed that “last-minute changes due to client requirements” was ranked the highest challenges of ESI in ADFs in Egypt followed by “lack of design experience”. Moreover, “providing technical information about materials and equipment and their capabilities” was ranked by respondents as the highest contributions of suppliers during the design process which leads to waste reduction followed by “better estimation of materials and costs”. Finally, respondents stated that “resistance of ADFs to include suppliers in the design phase” was ranked the highest challenge of ESI in the design process followed by “no clear guidelines or policies that organise ESI”. Research limitations/implications Because of the conceptual nature of the proposed framework, it has to be tested and validated to ensure its capability to overcome the challenges of ESI as an approach for reducing CW generated during the design process. Practical implications This research presents a practical solution to the problem of CW generated during the design process through ESI. Originality/value The research discussed the causes of CW originated from the design process and the benefits and challenges of ESI in ADFs. It investigated the perception and application of ESI in ADFs in Egypt. The proposed framework which was designed to facilitate the integration of suppliers in the early stages of the project life cycle represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

Assessing the impact of early supplier involvement on public works procurement

“…This has improved sustainability (Nielsen and Thomsen, 2011). Othman and El-Saeidy (2022), suppliers provide technical information about materials that reduce waste generation and improve sustainability.…”

“…Extant literature on ESI’s impact on work performance is scanty; however, the prospects of its implementation in the manufacturing sector have been overly explored. Generally, ESI implementation is believed to enhance product quality, better manufacturability, shared knowledge and learning and sustainability achievement (Zsidisin and Smith, 2005; Othman and El-Saeidy, 2022; Lahdenpera, 2010). Leenders et al (2006) indicated that a wide range of knowledge could be gained to satisfy the customer’s needs by involving suppliers.…”

Enhancing building maintainability through early supplier involvement in the design process

“…Communication not only leads to more successful outcomes but also breaks down barriers between project team members, improves teamwork abilities, fosters good cooperation and leads to an optimistic project journey for the client. Communication enables project participants to share their knowledge and expertise in order to improve building performance and maintainability (Othman and El-Saeidy 2022). One of the most common reasons that suppliers are not integrated into the design process is a lack of communication among project participants.…”

A framework for enhancing building maintainability through facilitating early suppliers’ involvement in the design process

“…ESI helps to improve building design, integrate sustainability elements and reduce waste, as well as to improve building maintenance and meet quality requirements. However, ESI is accompanied with a range of technical, legal, financial, managerial and cultural barriers, which prevent suppliers from participating in the design process (Othman and El-Saeidy, 2022; Saghatforoush, 2014; Chen, 2010). This highlighted the need to overcome these challenges to facilitate ESI in the design process as an approach to enhance building maintainability.…”