A Study of the Application of Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry

The concept of construction supply chain (CSC) is defmed firstly. Then the authors depict a typical construction supply chain model from the perspectives of partners involved in construction process, analyze the characteristics and attributes of CSC, and identify some problems in CSC. Based-on the definition and principles of supply chain management (SCM), the concept of construction supply chain management (CSCM) are also described in detail. From the perspective of relationship management, a framework for integrated CSCM is developed to guide the effective implement of SCM in construction industry, which includes contractor (supplier) selection, conflict management, risk management, innovation management, performance management and information supporting system. Finally, traditional construction management approaches are compared with integrated CSCM approaches.