ABSTRACT

Construction materials are vital components of the total construction cost (about 60%) of the total project cost. Based on their importance, this study assessed management strategies adopted in construction sites in Uyo Municipal. The objectives were to examine the construction materials management strategies in practice on construction projects, determine the possible factors affecting choice of materials for construction project, and to assess the impact of compliance with standard materials management strategies on project success. Questionnaire survey administered to 75 construction stakeholders in construction organisations in Uyo Municipal formed the data collection instrument. Data analysis involved Mean Item Score, percentages and Coefficient of Variation. Findings of the study revealed durability, cost and availability are significant determinants of construction material choices. Materials management strategies adopted include stock control, site planning, quality control and adequate supervision. Adherence to effective material management correlates flowing project delivery by ensuring effective project planning. Recommendations are directed towards the need to consider responsible sourcing in pursuance of the global sustainability agenda in material procurement and usage.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Construction industry relates to organized economic activities which include assembling materials, labour and other construction resources like plants, overheads and profits; and managing all these inputs towards achieving desired goals and objectives (Ojo, 2005; in Adafin, Daramola and Ayodele (2010). The fact that the Nigeria construction industry continues to occupy a significant position in nations economic, (Aibinu and Jagboro, 2002), there is need to improve the efficiency, quality, productivity, administration and management of construction activities and resources with adequate solutions to the problems confronting the industry.

Construction materials refer to goods, fittings, component and accessories used in construction project (Mustaph and Rashid, n.d). Of all construction resources, emphasis is mostly placed on construction materials, because the cost of materials has been identified to account for a major cost of the overall construction cost (Stukhart, 1995; and Bernold and Treseler, 1991).

The use of these materials and their control includes cost, and these could influence cost incurred by the client or the profit margin of the contractor, or performance of the construction industry. In order to optimize cost of construction, it is necessary to properly manage the material component and its flows.

The material management can be described as a system for planning and controlling all the efforts necessary to ensure that the correct quality and quantity of materials are properly specified in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost, and importantly are made available at the required point. The management of construction materials is an important element in project planning and control (Patel and Vyas, 2011).

Strategies are planned action and procedures to achieve the projects objectives. It is concerned with the means to meet ends. According to Horny (2006) strategy is defined as a plan that is intended to achieve a particular purpose.

Strategies are necessary in construction materials management because they aid the achievement of projects goals and objectives that are prescribed in the project plan. The strategies aid in the successor of project. A project is said to be successful if it accomplishes its technical performance