Understanding construction supply chains: An adaptive network approach
conference paper
Previous studies of construction supply chains have mainly addressed its
understanding and improvement of the construction supply chain, focusing on the functioning
and organisational structure of inter-organisational relationships. These studies have been
undertaken from various conceptual angles, including: transaction cost economics; operations
research; logistics management; and supply chain management. In this paper construction
supply chains are observed from an adaptive industrial network perspective, bringing together
various conceptual angles. In contrast to the supply chain management approach the network
approach is based on emergence of flexible patterns rather than control of fixed patterns. In a
construction environment, which differs from that of manufacturing, production systems need
to be adaptive to changes from both inside and outside of the system. The management
challenge of these kinds of production environments is to balance between a minimum level of
predictability and controllability, and a maximum level of flexibility and emergence. The
adaptive network approach is discussed to be an appropriate model for the effective
management of construction supply chains.
understanding and improvement of the construction supply chain, focusing on the functioning
and organisational structure of inter-organisational relationships. These studies have been
undertaken from various conceptual angles, including: transaction cost economics; operations
research; logistics management; and supply chain management. In this paper construction
supply chains are observed from an adaptive industrial network perspective, bringing together
various conceptual angles. In contrast to the supply chain management approach the network
approach is based on emergence of flexible patterns rather than control of fixed patterns. In a
construction environment, which differs from that of manufacturing, production systems need
to be adaptive to changes from both inside and outside of the system. The management
challenge of these kinds of production environments is to balance between a minimum level of
predictability and controllability, and a maximum level of flexibility and emergence. The
adaptive network approach is discussed to be an appropriate model for the effective
management of construction supply chains.
Topics
TNO Identifier
330787
Source title
Proceedings 4th International Postgraduate Research Conference in the Built and Human Environment, Salford, UK, 1-2 April
Pages
658-696
Files
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