Title: Making governance mechanisms effective in a coordinated industry: the case of construction in the United Kingdom

Authors: Rodney Howes

Addresses: Faculty of the Built Environment, South Bank University, London, SW8 2JZ, UK

Abstract: In the construction industry many diverse and specialised firms are connected by complicated contractual relationships along a very fragmented supply chain. In this context, effective coordination of the supply chain would be decisive; but this is instead one of the main problems of this industry. In a perspective of a more competitive environment in which specialisms tend to become deeper, new solutions are advocated. The paper analyses the problems and perspectives of the construction industry in the UK; and illustrates a set of potential managerial solutions. Simultaneous construction management is a focal concept supported by the correct application of standardisation and modularisation. The recommendations made are intended to provide the basis for further development and application.

Keywords: simultaneous construction; management; standardisation; modularisation; supply chain coordination; supply chain; manufacturing; partnering; benchmarking; systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2000.002856

International Journal of Technology Management, 2000 Vol.20 No.1/2, pp.194-213

Published online: 07 Jul 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article