Management of materials has over the years been a great problem to most firms in the construction industry. In construction project operations, there is always a tendency of mismanagement of materials by construction firms. As the size of the contract increases, however, so does the scale of activities concerning materials management. The aim of this research was therefore to investigate into materials management problems faced by construction firms in the Greater Accra Region.
To achieve this aim, the following objectives were set out: To identify the problems in materials management practices by greater Accra firms, to identify the causes of these materials management problems, to identify proper ways of managing materials by construction firms on sites and to suggest ways of solving materials management problems by construction firms.
The research instrument adopted was the use of questionnaires. Fifty-five (55) sets of questionnaires was distributed to various contractors. The sampling technique adopted was the snowball sampling technique. Quantity analysis approach was adopted for the analysis of the data which involved the use of frequency distribution tables and charts. The analysis of the data revealed that high project cost and delay were also some of the effects of improper materials management. Provisions of standard storage facilities, delivery of materials to the site, were some of the factors that most construction firms considered prior to the commencement of works with regards to the storage of materials on site.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER ONE
- 1.1 INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
- 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
- 1.3 AIM(S) OF THE STUDY
- 1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
- 1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
- 1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- 1.7 OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY
- 1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
- CHAPTER TWO
- 2.1 INTRODUCTION
- 2.2 MEANING OF MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
- 2.3 PROCUREMENT OF MATERIALS
- 2.3.1 FUNCTIONS OF PROCUREMENT OF MATERIALS
- 2.3.2 OBJECTIVES OF PROCUREMENT OF MATERIALS
- 2.3.3 PROCUREMENT CYCLE OF MATERIALS
- 2.4 TRANSPORTATION (MOVEMENT) OF MATERIALS
- 2.4.1 HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT
- 2.4.2 VERTICAL MOVEMENT
- 2.5 MATERIAL HANDLING
- 2.5.1 SELECTING MATERIALS HANDLING SYSTEM
- 2.5.2 MANAGEMENT OF MATERIALS HANDLING
- 2.5.3 METHODS OF MATERIAL HANDLING
- 2.5.3.1 ADVANTAGES OF MANUAL HANDLING
Objectives and Key Themes
This research project aimed to investigate the problems associated with materials management practices in construction firms within the Greater Accra Region. The study sought to identify the challenges, their root causes, and potential solutions for improved materials management on construction sites.
- Problems in materials management practices in construction firms.
- Causes of materials management problems in the construction industry.
- Effective materials management strategies for construction sites.
- Solutions for addressing materials management challenges.
- The impact of poor materials management on project costs and timelines.
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER ONE: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research, establishing the context of materials management problems within the construction industry. It highlights the significance of the study by outlining the problem statement, stating the research aims and objectives, and defining the scope of the investigation. It also details the methodology employed, including the use of questionnaires and snowball sampling, and acknowledges the limitations of the study. The chapter concludes by outlining the research questions guiding the investigation.
CHAPTER TWO: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of materials management within the construction industry, beginning with a definition of materials management itself. It delves into the critical processes of materials procurement, outlining its functions, objectives, and the typical procurement cycle. The chapter then explores the transportation and handling of materials, differentiating between horizontal and vertical movements and examining various materials handling systems and methods. A significant portion is dedicated to the selection and management of these systems, with a specific focus on the advantages and disadvantages of manual handling. This chapter lays a robust theoretical foundation for understanding the practical challenges discussed later in the research.
Keywords
Materials management, construction industry, project costs, project delays, procurement, transportation, materials handling, Greater Accra Region, Ghana, construction firms, site management, questionnaire survey, snowball sampling.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview of Materials Management in Construction
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a research project investigating materials management practices in construction firms within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in Chapter One?
Chapter One introduces the research project, defining the problem statement, research aims and objectives, scope of the study, and methodology (including questionnaires and snowball sampling). It also outlines the research questions and acknowledges limitations of the study.
What topics are covered in Chapter Two?
Chapter Two provides a detailed overview of materials management in construction, covering definitions, procurement processes (functions, objectives, and cycle), transportation (horizontal and vertical movements), and materials handling (system selection, management, and methods, including manual handling). This chapter establishes a theoretical foundation for the research.
What are the key themes of the research project?
The key themes include problems in materials management practices in construction firms, their causes, effective materials management strategies, solutions to challenges, and the impact of poor materials management on project costs and timelines.
What methodology was used in this research?
The research employed questionnaires and snowball sampling as its primary methodologies.
What are the limitations of this study?
The limitations of the study are mentioned in Chapter One but are not explicitly detailed in this preview.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: Materials management, construction industry, project costs, project delays, procurement, transportation, materials handling, Greater Accra Region, Ghana, construction firms, site management, questionnaire survey, snowball sampling.
What is the geographic focus of this research?
The research focuses on construction firms within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Where can I find more information about this research?
The full research report would provide more detailed information.
What is the overall aim of the research?
The research aims to investigate problems associated with materials management practices in construction firms in the Greater Accra Region and identify solutions for improvement.
- Quote paper
- Fredrick Ahenkora Boamah (Author), 2014, Problems Associated with Material Management. Practice in the Construction Industry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/358442
