ASSESSMENT ON SUPPLY MANAGEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IN ETHIOPIAN ROADS AUTHORITY, JIMMA DISTRICT

Abstract

Construction sector is an icon for the drive of economy. However, its quality and performance are still under development, and the area need good management and technological support for an economic success of developing countries. One of the activities in construction projects that used to ensure the success of construction project is efficient Supply management of construction materials. Nevertheless, supply management problem of construction materials in construction project affects projects in several ways. The objective of this study was to assess supply management problem of construction materials in Ethiopian Roads Authority, Jimma district. The study included desk study, physical observation, questionnaire survey, and interview. A total of ninety questionnaire surveys were distributed to 60 Own force road maintenance, Jimma district, 15 to Jimma road network and safety management branch directorate and 15 to consultants. A total of 84 questionnaire surveys were returned: 58 (96.67 %) from Own force road maintenance Jimma District, 14 (93.33 %) from Jimma road network and safety management branch directorate and 12 (80%) from consultants. The data gathered was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics method. Based on the study, the finding of study revealed that: the critical factors that most frequently contributing to Supply management problem of construction materials in Ethiopian Roads Authority Jimma District are: Planning and Scheduling problem (RII=0.83), Low speed of decision making/slow permits of government agencies (RII=0.81), Financial difficulties (RII=0.80), Price escalation (RII=0.80), Late delivery (RII=0.78), Unavailability of required materials on market (RII=0.76), Deficiency in coordination and top management support (RII=0.74), Problem in sequencing of work according to schedule (RII=0.73), and Lack of performance measurement for construction supply management (RII=0.73). The major impacts of supply management problem of construction materials on Jimma District are: Delay in project delivery (RII=0.78), Excessive cost of construction (RII=0.76), Work interruption (RII=0.75), Inefficient construction method (RII=0.74), Poor public image (RII=0.74), Poor quality construction (RII=0.73), and Low client satisfaction (RII=0.73). The recommended potential techniques to improve Supply management of construction materials in Jimma District are: Top management support (RII=0.79), Applying Balanced scorecard (RII=0.78), Applying integrated and systematic construction supply management system (RII=0.78), Free flow of information (RII=0.77), Just-in-time delivery (RII=0.76), Applying information and communication technology (RII=0.76), and Using supply chain operation reference model’s performance measurement (RII=0.76). For efficient Supply management of construction materials, an integrated process is needed to ensure the projects to be finished on time, within the budget, and within the scope of contract specifications. Generally, the findings of the thesis recommended that, it would be better if the construction sector applies a modern supply management system of construction materials, and it would be good if each sector should have a site supply plan guide. Finally it is hoped that, the outcomes the thesis would help to guide the future attempts to improve supply management of construction materials in ERA, Jimma District