Myths of supply chain integration within the UK construction industry

Traditional procurement methods within the construction industry are recognised to have resulted in delays, over-spend, inferior quality and overall dissatisfaction amongst clients. The emerging concept of partnering within innovative procurement routes has resulted in project participants working together within an integrated supply chain. However, it is suggested in the research that the benefits of partnering, to all supply chain participants, might have been taken for granted. The key question posed is whether whole supply chains are being integrated. The research goes on to focus on the myths and realities of supply chain integration and fragmentation within the UK construction industry. As researchers we have considered both traditional procurement methods within construction as well as emerging innovative procurement methods. An extensive literature review was conducted in conjunction with analyses of construction data in the UK and case study research methodology. The conclusion of this study is that the current structure of a supply chain on a particular project within an innovative procurement method is integrated upstream and fragmented downstream. This means that supply chains are not fully integrated and consist of both integrated and fragmented elements. The subsequent argument made is that there is nothing wrong in having such fragmentation within the industry; in fact it is healthy. This argument is based upon a literature review of the research area and information from case study practitioners.