Innovation or business survival?: A preliminary, qualitative study of UK construction plant supply chains

Holt, G.D. and Edwards, D.J. (2012) Innovation or business survival?: A preliminary, qualitative study of UK construction plant supply chains. Construction Innovation, 12 (1). pp. 99-122. ISSN 14714175 (ISSN)

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

Purpose - The criticality of mechanical plant to construction activity is well accepted within the literature; however, the supply chain mechanisms by which that demand is satisfied, are much less documented or understood. The purpose of this paper is to address this theoretical gap by: describing Construction Plant Supply Chain (CPSC) evolvement; identifying with present sector difficulties; discussing solutions to those difficulties; and considering the role of innovation within CPSC (historically and for the future). Design/methodology/approach - A mixed-method research, i.e. qualitative and preliminary, including literature review, case study inquiry of an established multi-purpose CPSC player, and open question survey of a limited sample of CPSC stakeholders has been employed in this study. Inductive data analysis via textual interrogation is undertaken. Findings - In reaction to market forces and business challenges, CPSC evolution demonstrated innovative change from former contractor-held plant fleets to predominantly private sector "external" supply chains. Of late, CPSC challenges have intensified, given its intrinsic relationship to a depressed UK (and global) economy, dependency on capital investment, and the need for sustained demand. Suggestions to encounter present challenges have been made and a difficult medium-term future signified. Research limitations/implications - As a preliminary study, generalisation of findings should be viewed in a limited context; however, given the dearth of research in this subject, the findings make novel contribution to the CPSC literature while signposting fertile avenues for future and more comprehensive research. Originality/value - No previous research in this specific field has been identified. Copyright © 2012 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1108/14714171211197526
Dates:	Date Event 2012 Published
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Business challenges, Construction industry, Innovation, Plant and machinery, Specialist supply chain, Supply chain management
Subjects:	CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-01 - architecture CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-02 - building CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-04 - planning (urban, rural and regional) CAH17 - business and management > CAH17-01 - business and management > CAH17-01-02 - business studies
Divisions:	Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > College of Built Environment
Depositing User:	Hussen Farooq
Date Deposited:	05 Dec 2016 11:27
Last Modified:	20 Jun 2024 11:47
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/2291

Actions (login required)

View Item