AN ASSESMENT OF MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES: THE CASE OF DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISE

Abstract

Construction materials usually constitute a major portion of the total cost in building construction project. An essential factor adversely affecting the performance of construction projects is the improper handling of materials during site activities. The aim of this thesis is to assess the material management practices on the construction projects site of in Defense Construction Enterprise by the use of structured questionnaires administered to constructionprofessional personnel of the enterprise. Literature about material management was reviewed. Questionnaire were developed, pilot study of the questionnaire was achieved using 15 questionnaires. A total of 126 questionnaire were distributed 121 were received (96%). The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics. 96% response rate was achieved and used for analysis. The study revealed that there are many problems in material management of DCE construction projects. The most important were the public procurement procedure, delay on enterprise’s construction projects ,difficulty in delivery of materials ,and materials damage . The study showed that the factors affecting against materials management contributes to delay in completion time of project such as competence of stock and waste control system on site, competence of material transportation ,competence of estimators , issuing of materials for use and competence of procurement for materials . Based on the findings, it was concluded that Materials management practices require a transformation to improve the overall in handling of materials for more efficiency and effectiveness on the enterprise’s construction site. It was also recommended that Material management should be practiced on all sites of the enterprise building construction projects, whether large, medium or small. Competent and experienced personnel with basic managerial skills in material management should be engaged on site as store officer to enhance material management practice.