Reorganizing construction logistics for improved performance

Abstract Previous research indicates that logistics reorganizing can contribute to improved performance in the construction industry. In this paper, the opportunities for such reorganizing are investigated by focusing on the connection between logistics operations at the construction site and operations undertaken before building materials land at sites. The aims of the study are: (1) to empirically explore strategic actions to reorganize construction logistics by improving the connections between on-site and off-site logistics, and (2) to develop a theoretical framework for analysis of potential options for reorganizing. The empirical inquiry involves a case study of a logistics specialist’s efforts to reorganize on-site logistics and the associated consequences for off-site operations. The study is based on 28 interviews with representatives of 13 organizations. The study provides two types of contributions. First, the theoretical framework, rooted in industrial network theory, enables analysis of reorganizing of activities, resources and actors to improve logistics performance. Second, the empirical study shows that a logistics specialist can improve on-site logistics substantially. However, such reorganizing requires adjustments of off-site logistics that may be resource demanding. Therefore, effective connecting of on-site and off-site operations calls for extended interaction between the actors in terms of joint planning and exchange of information.

[1]  A. Fearne,et al.  20 Years of Supply Chain Management: An International Journal , 2015 .

[2]  Thomas Olofsson,et al.  Supply chains in the construction industry , 2010 .

[3]  A. Fearne,et al.  Efficiency versus effectiveness in construction supply chains: the dangers of “lean” thinking in isolation , 2006 .

[4]  Marianne Jahre,et al.  Interdependence in supply chains and projects in construction , 2010 .

[5]  R. P. Mohanty,et al.  Understanding Construction Supply Chain Management , 2015 .

[6]  Patrik Jonsson,et al.  LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT , 2022 .

[7]  Ezekiel Chinyio,et al.  Decision-making framework for selecting ICT-based construction logistics systems , 2015 .

[8]  Tutu Wegelius-Lehtonen,et al.  Performance measurement in construction logistics , 2001 .

[9]  K. I. Gidado,et al.  Project complexity: The focal point of construction production planning , 1996 .

[10]  Peter E.D. Love,et al.  A seamless supply chain management model for construction , 2004 .

[11]  A. Marasco Third-party logistics: A literature review , 2008 .

[12]  G. Kovács,et al.  Abductive reasoning in logistics research , 2005 .

[13]  Mohammad A. Ammar,et al.  Optimal Construction Site Layout Considering Safety and Environmental Aspects , 2008 .

[14]  John Ozment,et al.  Logistics capability, logistics outsourcing and firm performance in an e‐commerce market , 2008 .

[15]  Scott Fernie,et al.  The non-adoption of supply chain management , 2013 .

[16]  Aino Halinen,et al.  Using case methods in the study of contemporary business networks , 2005 .

[17]  Lars-Erik Gadde,et al.  Partnering in the construction industry - Problems and opportunities , 2010 .

[18]  Lars-Erik Gadde,et al.  The construction industry as a loosely coupled system: implications for productivity and innovation , 2002 .

[19]  C. Brockmann Managing Construction Logistics , 2012 .

[20]  Arni Halldorsson,et al.  Developing logistics competencies through third party logistics relationships , 2004 .

[21]  Martin Rudberg,et al.  Third-party logistics in construction: the case of a large hospital project , 2016 .

[22]  Anna Dubois,et al.  Organising Industrial Activities Across Firm Boundaries , 1998 .

[23]  Abdulmohsen S. Almohsen LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY , 2011 .

[24]  David T. Wilson,et al.  Managing Business Relationships , 1998 .

[25]  Per-Erik Josephson,et al.  In‐housing or out‐sourcing on‐site materials handling in housing? , 2013 .

[26]  Chimay J. Anumba,et al.  Potential for improving site management practices through knowledge management , 2006 .

[27]  Lars-Erik Gadde,et al.  Supply Network Strategies, Wiley, Chichester. , 2001 .

[28]  Ronald L. Dufresne,et al.  The Aesthetics of Management Storytelling , 2002 .

[29]  C. Carter,et al.  Opportunities for Research in Third-Party Logistics , 2006, Transportation Journal.

[30]  Lars-Erik Gadde,et al.  Systematic combining: an abductive approach to case research , 2002 .

[31]  I. Snehota,et al.  Making the Most of Supplier Relationships , 2000 .

[32]  Richard Fellows,et al.  Managing organizational interfaces in engineering construction projects: addressing fragmentation and boundary issues across multiple interfaces , 2012 .

[33]  Lauri Koskela,et al.  The four roles of supply chain management in construction , 2000 .

[34]  Lars-Erik Gadde,et al.  Supply Network Strategies , 2001 .

[35]  Martin Spring,et al.  Third party logistics : a literature review and research agenda , 2007 .

[36]  Yuan Fang,et al.  Applying activity‐based costing approach for construction logistics cost analysis , 2011 .

[37]  H. Håkansson,et al.  Developing relationships in business networks , 1995 .

[38]  Agata Czarnigowska,et al.  Analysis of supply system models for planning construction project logistics , 2005 .

[39]  Lars-Erik Gadde,et al.  Improving logistics outsourcing through increasing buyer–provider interaction , 2009 .

[40]  Fredrik Persson,et al.  Using the SCOR model’s performance measurements to improve construction logistics , 2014 .

[41]  Austen Albu Organisation of Industry , 2021, Nature.

[42]  Michael Browne The challenge of construction logistics , 2015 .

[43]  Lars-Erik Gadde,et al.  Business Networks , 2010, Encyclopedia of Social Network Analysis and Mining. 2nd Ed..

[44]  John Tookey,et al.  Addressing effective construction logistics through the lens of vehicle movements , 2014 .

[45]  Andrew R.J. Dainty,et al.  Construction supply chain integration: an elusive goal? , 2005 .

[46]  Carlos H. Caldas,et al.  Tracking the Location of Materials on Construction Job Sites , 2006 .

[47]  Christine Nadel,et al.  Case Study Research Design And Methods , 2016 .

[48]  David R. Riley,et al.  Fundamental principles of site material management , 2005 .

[49]  J. Stock International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management , 1990 .

[50]  J. Whitney Case Study Research , 1999 .

[51]  John Tookey,et al.  Logistics simulation modelling across construction supply chains , 2011 .

[52]  Jan B. Heide,et al.  Relationship Governance in a Supply Chain Network , 2004 .

[53]  Jeffrey S. Russell,et al.  A project manager's level of satisfaction in construction logistics , 2003 .

[54]  George Norman,et al.  The role of logistics in the materials flow control process , 1998 .

[55]  Per-Erik Josephson,et al.  Slöseri i byggprojekt: behov av förändrat synsätt , 2005 .