Maturity Model for Supply Chain Relationships in Construction

Abstract

Following its success in other sectors, the importance of supply chain management (SCM) has increasingly been recognized in the construction industry. A literature review reveals that most studies in this field have been carried out in manufacturing, retailing, or purchasing and supply; research on the construction supply chain is relatively limited. This study explores the special characteristics of the construction industry and develops a maturity model for measuring and improving the relationships between the key partners of a construction supply chain. The model follows the capability maturity principle and defines four maturity levels of construction supply chain relationships. It is in a matrix format, which provides detailed descriptions for 24 assessment criteria in eight categories at each of the four maturity levels. It also provides three assessment procedures of varied depths, which outline different ways of using the model. The model is evaluated through a series of expert interviews. It can help construction organizations to assess their existing relationships and identify key areas for further relationship improvement. Relationship improvement will cause performance to improve also, by reducing the costs of conflict and increasing the opportunities of collaborative working.