Small/medium scale construction logistics: A study into the factors affecting planning accuracy

Small to medium sized contracting companies in the UK require to be client aware and efficient to compete in today's competitive construction market. This paper focuses on a logistics study carried out on small/medium contractors in the north east of Scotland. The objectives of the study were to firstly establish construction planning and resource management procedures adopted by the contractors. Secondly, to evaluate the findings, highlighting the critical variables which impinged on the planned activities. The research further suggested an innovative procedural model, which if fully developed and adopted by contractors, could facilitate a more efficient plan and delivery of resources. The study (in a macro context) encourages and recommends that small to medium sized contractors undertake a more holistic approach to planning their operations and be more pro-active in reducing the risk of delaying variables affecting productivity and efficiency.