Developing a continuous improvement perspective for subcontractor involvement in the industrialised housebuilding supply chain
ISSN: 1359-8546
Article publication date: 10 November 2020
Issue publication date: 10 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify those factors, which will improve the collaboration between industrialised housebuilding (IHB) companies and their subcontractors within continuous improvement (CI) programmes. These factors will enhance the supply chain (SC) efficiency and productivity, eliminating obstacles when designing, implementing and managing CI programmes within IHB SC.
Design/methodology/approach
An explorative case study with a mixed-method approach was conducted within an IHB SC. To collect data, participant observation and guided interviews were applied. A stakeholder analysis was conducted to structure their guiding principles. A causal loop diagram (CLD) analysis was used to model the effects on and relationships within a SC and their impact on the involvement of subcontractors.
Findings
The influences on the stakeholders and the guidelines under which they work are defined. Potential conflicts of interest between stakeholders are identified. A CLD is used to model a better understanding of system behaviour impacting on the relationships within the SC and on subcontractor involvement. The results provide a number of factors that need to be considered when designing, implementing and managing a CI programme.
Research limitations/implications
The research suggests better ways to use subcontractors’ specific knowledge of on-site processes such that productivity and efficiency are enhanced. Improvements within the construction supply chain (CSC) will, in the future, not be limited to small improvement gains at company level.
Originality/value
This paper extends the body of knowledge in CSC management by revealing factors important for designing, implementing and managing CI programmes, which enables the successful involvement of subcontractors in CI on SC level.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the editor Prof Beverly Wagner, the unknown reviewers and proofreader Roger Terry for their valuable suggestions that helped to improve the quality of the paper. The authors would also like to thank the industry partner as well as their employees, suppliers and subcontractors for the good cooperation and the time spent.
Citation
Grenzfurtner, W. and Gronalt, M. (2021), "Developing a continuous improvement perspective for subcontractor involvement in the industrialised housebuilding supply chain", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 174-191. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-12-2019-0435
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited