Abstract:
Material is the main component in building construction projects. An essential factor adversely
affecting the performance of construction projects is the improper handling of materials during
site activities. The aim of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting effective material
management in Arba Minch building construction projects. Questionnaire surveys together with
case study of five building construction projects used to collect data on challenges and factors
affecting material management. Out of twenty questionnaires distributed to concerned peoples
for material management in case study projects, seventeen questionnaires received and analyzed
by using relative importance index method. The study shows that the main challenges facing
contractors in materials management activities were lack of capable suppliers, fluctuation of
prices of materials, financial problem and distance between supplier’s depots and project site.
Respondents identified 45 factors affecting effective material management for Arba Minch case.
The results shows that: inadequate preconstruction survey on material, engaging inadequate skill
on labor, delayed payments, insufficient supervision at site and control, damage by mishandling
and re-work due to poor workmanship, and over crowdedness of work place were the highest
factors. The most factors identified by this research are delay in delivery of materials, lack of
complete recording and documentation and late purchasing of materials. Based on the findings, it
recommended that adequate preconstruction survey on material availability and recording prices
of materials in market. In addition, contractors are recommended to provide proper supervision
at site and should be engaged competent and experienced personnel on site to enhance material
management practice.
