Learning how to eat an elephant: Implementing supply chain management principles

There have been a range of calls for the construction industry to address perceived structural failings and adopt supply chain management best practice models. However, many studies in the construction sector report poor uptake. A possible reason for this is a failure of companies to implement their supply chain improvement programmes effectively. Such changes may involve companies adopting new approaches, new processes and new ways of working. In order to manage this daunting undertaking, the role of managing new knowledge and sequencing activities is important. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the anatomy of a long term supply chain improvement programme in the construction industry. Building on established supply chain management principles, and models of supply chain learning, a longitudinal case study is analysed. Insight is given into the role of learning and the sequencing of activities. The paper contributes by refining established supply chain management frameworks.