Critical Factors in Supply Management of Industrialised Building System Components for Island Construction Project: A Case Study of Perhentian Island

Abstract

The importance of construction based on the industrialised building system (IBS) approach in accelerating the achievement of development objectives cannot be denied, including in countries such as Malaysia. In fact, this system has been given a new lease of life in the construction industry development plan lately to strengthen its contribution to the country. The availability of building materials from the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia is a crucial factor for the successful installation of IBS components at construction sites. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the critical factors in the supply management of IBS components at the Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu’s construction site. In order to achieve the objective of this study, a qualitative study that is a structured interview with sixteen (16) construction contractors, three (3) each from supplier companies and transport ships/vessel or ‘barges’ that are directly involved in the supply of this IBS components have been carried out. Seven (7) critical factors have been identified which are: 1) compliance with government directives; 2) accuracy of work planning and scheduling; 3) the contractor’s current financial position is good; 4) good relationship (tolerance) between contractor and supplier; 5) availability of components; 6) availability of transport ship/vessel or ‘barge’ and machinery; and 7) able to predict weather conditions. These critical factors can be used as a useful basis in providing a more effective industrialised building system-based project implementation environment in the future on Perhentian Island in particular and other islands in general. The findings of this study have opened up a new research space towards providing a more perfect environment for the implementation of management activities for the supply of IBS components at the construction site.