Towards a synthesis of supply chain management and partnering strategies within the construction industry

Abstract

Partnering and supply chain management (SCM) are concepts or approaches that can be applied as initiatives to solve problems in the construction industry and meet or surpass the expectations of supply chain members and final customers. With the benefit of an Action Research study on the construction process of a large format bulk retail development, by a prominent Auckland construction company, the application of the combined approaches and their relationships are discussed.

It can be concluded that the concepts or approaches mentioned are useful for the company in achieving best results. However, whilst this combined approach provides useful insights to alternative construction procurement; it is by no means a catchall remedy for traditional contracting methods. In order to successfully adopt the SCM approach the size, type and scope of the project would need to be fit-for-purpose and embrace organisational and cultural enablers.

The study identifies a growing need for future research in strategic collaborative approaches to project procurement, in order for the construction industry to grow as a whole.