Assessment of Materials Management Strategies Used by Indigenous Contractors on Construction Projects in Abuja

Abstract

Materials management in all ramifications cannot be overlooked, as wastage is a well-known issue plaguing the construction industry. Indigenous contractors hoping to compete with expatriates for construction projects are still facing the problem of wastage due to the absence of or low materials management strategies put in place. In view of this, the study assessed materials management strategies used by indigenous contractors on construction projects in Abuja. Data was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire, which was also acquired using a stratified random sampling technique of construction companies in Abuja. Two Hundred and Thirty-Nine (239) valid questionnaires were administered, out of which One Hundred and Eighty-Five (185), signifying 77.7% were sufficiently filled and returned. The data collected were further analyzed using the coefficient of standard deviation for causes of materials wastage and materials management strategies used by indigenous contractors. Multiple regression analysis was used for the effect of materials management on cost, time, and quality of construction projects. The findings pointed out that low usage of modern construction techniques and practices is the main cause of materials wastage, ICT-based technology to manage materials on fast-track systems from design phase to construction phase is obviously the method some indigenous contractors are using to manage materials on their projects and, inadequate materials management on construction sites is responsible for cost overruns. The findings provide succinct knowledge for indigenous contractors to make management decisions in their respective organizations for the engagement of modern construction estimating software, artificial intelligence (AI), and ICT procedures in curbing waste and managing construction materials.