Re-engineering the construction supply chain: transferring on-site activity, offsite

Stuart Tennant, Michael McCarney, Michael K.L. Tong

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    5 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Interest in supply chain management theory and practice in UK construction has grown considerably over the past decade. In parallel, a number of other key industry initiatives have also gained momentum. A notable development has been the increasing modularization of the construction process. The theoretical merits of offsite manufacture in construction are well documented and include reported benefits in production, scheduling and quality improvements. However, the impact of modularization on the governance and membership of the construction supply chain are less well-known. In an effort to connect supply chain management theory with modern methods of construction (MMC), the research investigates the potential impact transferring on-site activity, off-site will have on the supply chain. This is a conceptual paper based primarily on a review of supply chain management and MMC literature. Drawing on supply chain management theory and practice, the significance of an increasingly modular-orientated supply chain in construction is explored and evaluated. Secondary data is provided via anecdotal evidence gathered from a number of construction site visits and discussions with a cross-section of industry stakeholders. The adoption of modular construction and subsequent transfer of traditional on-site construction activities off-site is likely to necessitate a reengineering of current construction supply chain management practice. In contrast to the commercially biased supply networks reflective of long-established working practices, off-site modular construction is likely to engender supply chain relationships that are increasingly socially as well as technologically bound and influenced by changes to the power dynamics. The literature highlights many business related opportunities, however the transfer of traditional construction activities upstream is not without risk. In conclusion, the research provides a conceptual grounding for further investigation of modular construction and the potential impact on the management and structure of construction supply chains.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAssociation of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2012 - Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference
    EditorsSimon D. Smith
    PublisherARCOM
    Pages739-749
    Number of pages11
    Volume2
    ISBN (Print)9780955239069
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    Event28th Annual Conference of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management: ARCOM 2012 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Duration: 3 Sept 20125 Sept 2012
    https://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/proceedings/AR2012_Proceedings_Vol2.pdf (Link to conference abstracts on publisher website)

    Conference

    Conference28th Annual Conference of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityEdinburgh
    Period3/09/125/09/12
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • Power
    • Relationships
    • Supply chain management
    • Trust

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Management of Technology and Innovation
    • Building and Construction
    • Civil and Structural Engineering

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