Developing Asustainable Approach to Effective Materials Management in Construction Sites in Aba Abia State

Abstract

Construction materials management is critical to the success of any building project. Time and cost overruns, poor quality of work and so on can be traced to ineffective materials management. This study aims at Assessing materials management measures and methods for project timely delivery and advocate for new sustainable approaches to improve efficiency in the production process. The objectives are to highlight these measures and identify factor hindering the efficiency of the process and devise new approach to material management. A well structured questionnaire was administered to (48) professionals in various construction firms. The data was analysed using percentages and relative importance index using the 5 – point likert scale. The findings, revealed poor scheduling of materials RII = 0.72, use of skilled workers RII = 0.74, providing adequate buffer stock RII = 0.73 and proper procurement RII = 0.73 as major measures to ensure efficiency while the new approaches advanced include using CCTV RII = 0.85, detailed scheduling RII = 0.72 and use of appropriate software to avoid manual errors RII = 0.70 it was further revealed that inaccurate estimate contributed to factors militating against efficient materials management. Recommendations include use of CCTV in monitoring worker and minimize theft, use appropriate software to reduce manual errors and embracing technologies such as use of drones for large construction projects etc. training and re-training of both the professionals and artisans should always be in the front burner of every firm’s policy. All these will enhance efficiency in materials management.