Title: Relationship characteristics within the supply chain of Small and Medium-Sized Construction Enterprises in Thailand

Authors: Prasanta Kumar Dey, William Ho, Chotchai Charoenngam, Watcharapong Deewong

Addresses: Aston Business School, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK. ' Aston Business School, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK. ' School of Civil Engineering, Asian Institute of Technology, PO Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand. ' School of Civil Engineering, Asian Institute of Technology, PO Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand

Abstract: The Small and Medium-sized construction Enterprises (construction SMEs) in Thailand face challenges like high fragmented structure and low productivity. Many industries improved their business performance using the supply chain integration. This research was conducted by interviewing 14 small and medium Thai building contractors to understand the features and relationship characteristics of the supply chain of construction SMEs. The study reveals that the linkages between the small and medium general contractors and other supply chain members are based on personal trust rather than contract laws, there is no systematic procedure to manage the relationship with clients during the project execution, and social connections help to maintain long-term relationship with clients. Based on the working behaviour and commitment to long-term relationship, six forms of relationship with supply side members are proposed. Finally, improvement measures for the supply chain integration of the construction SMEs in Thailand are presented.

Keywords: construction SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; supply chain management; SCM; Thailand; supply chain integration; supplier relationships.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2008.018242

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.15 No.1, pp.102 - 118

Published online: 13 May 2008 *

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