| dc.description.abstract | Materials management can be defined as the planning and controlling of all
necessary efforts to make certain that the right quality and quantity of materials are
appropriately specified on time, are obtained at a reasonable cost and are available
when needed.
Materials management involves an integrated coordination of all materials related
functions. These functions can be carried out efficiently only when sufficient
emphasis is placed on early project planning, use of qualified personnel, adequate
personnel training and proper communication amongst those involved in the
process.
The essential and desired site materials characteristics (materials attributes) of right
quality, right quantity, right time and reasonable cost are evidently scarce on
construction projects in Kenya as characterized by emergency purchases of
materials, inadequate storage, material shortages and sometimes condemnation of
materials and works by consultants.
The construction industry is becoming increasingly competitive and materials
management is now considered to be one of the frontiers for cost reduction to
improve profitability and productivity, as materials can constitute 30-50% of the
cost of the project. The problem of poor materials attributes therefore needs to be
addressed and minimized.
This study hypothesized t~at inadequate materials management is the cause of poor
materials attributes on construction projects.
The objectives of the study were to establish the extents of materials management
and materials attributes on the construction sites, and to establish the relationship
between the two.
In order to achieve the objectives, the study carried out a survey of concreting
works on accessible active sites in both formal and informal construction in Nairobi.
Data from the sites was statistically analyzed. Regression analysis between the two
major variables; extent of materials management and extent of materials attributes,
was carried out using SPSS software. Inferential statistics was used in hypothesis
testing and generalization of the results.
The study concluded that inadequate management of materials has resulted in
the poor level of materials attributes on construction sites. The problem was
found to be more severe on informal sites than on formal sites. The study
recommends that a systematic and integrated approach is needed to manage
materials and minimize the costs and effects associated with inadequate materials
management. | en_US |
