| dc.description.abstract | The study sought to investigate and document the materials management practices in
the building construction industry, establish the benefits, risks and problems in adoption
of materials management programs, and establish the awareness of the effect of these
programs on the different manufacturing strategies. It was based on 12 large building
construction companies.
The first objective of the study was to document the materials management practices of
large building construction firms in Kenya. The second objective was to determine the
extent to which large building construction firms use materials management practices as
part of their operations strategies. The third objective was to establish the benefits, risks
and problems in implementing different materials management practices.
Cross sectional survey was used in this study. Primary data was collected by use of a
questionnaire. The data was obtained from twelve construction firms by the researcher
who visited their premises. The findings of the study indicate some level of usage of
materials management practices although they face numerous problems. On risks and
problems encountered in implementing different materials management practices by
large building construction firms in Kenya, the following problems of lack of top
management commitment, lack of proper measurement indices for all materials
management practices, and Failure to recognize materials management practices as an
operations strategy must be overcome for its implementation to be effective.
In view of the study's findings a few recommendations have been made. From the
recommendations, it emerges that, companies in the Kenyan Construction Industry can,
therefore, enhance competitiveness through application of materials management
practices. These companies need to train more of their staff on the benefits of the
application materials management practices. | en |
