A study of the current state of supply chain
management (SCM) practices on construction
project delivery in Imo State
FEATURED PAPER
By David Wisdom Nwanaka, Benedict Amade, PhD and
Gregory Chimere Enyinna, PhD
Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The construction supply chain constitutes a multifaceted network of entities, individuals, processes, data, and assets engaged in transitioning a project from its inception to its finalisation and upkeep. This research seeks to examine the current state of SCM practices in construction project execution, drawing on the perspectives of professionals in Imo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey study design approach was employed, utilising a purposive sampling strategy informed by Krejcie and Morgan’s method to determine the sample size from a population of 695 practitioners engaged in various construction firms/projects in Imo state. The data gathering and survey tool comprised a meticulously designed questionnaire and site visits to obtain information. The gathered data was illustrated through frequency distribution in chart format with IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. The Mean Item Score (MIS) was employed to evaluate the primary aim of the study.
An examination of 482 participants engaged in construction project activities indicated that the prevailing state of SCM practices in construction project delivery, as perceived by professionals in Imo state, is moderately deficient, as practitioners frequently encounter issues related to material waste or damage during site storage, with a Mean Importance Score (MIS) of 2.67, ranking highest, while the lowest ranked, eighth position, had a MIS of 2.09. The research suggests that building firms in Imo State should have centralised material management alongside storage capabilities. The Imo state administration, in conjunction with professional organisations (Nigerian Institute of Building, Nigerian Society of Engineers), ought to establish a comprehensive supply chain support framework for their businesses.
Keywords: Construction projects, Imo state, Mean, Supply chain management.
INTRODUCTION
For small-scale enterprises to successfully compete in the international market, they must prioritise enhancing the efficiency of their operational processes through proficient supply chain management (Kumar, Singh & Shankar, 2015). The Nigerian construction sector faces difficulties in maintaining competitiveness under the prevailing liberal global economic framework. Establishing a pathway for competitive superiority, securing substantial market share, fostering strong customer allegiance, and achieving reasonable profitability are indicators that Nigerian construction companies can effectively compete with their peers (Amade, Akpan, Amaeshi, Okorocha & Ogbonna, 2017). The notion of SCM is extensively employed in the manufacturing sector. The implementation of SCM, particularly within the manufacturing sector, has proven effective, yielding anticipated advantages such as cost reduction, sustaining competitive edge, enhancing productivity, increasing value, and fostering improved relationships among stakeholders (Kikwasi, Sospeter & Rwelamila, 2023).
The construction sector is widely acknowledged as a vital driver of national economic advancement, delivering crucial infrastructure, generating jobs, and fostering growth in related industries (Aibinu & Jagboro, 2002). In Nigeria, the sector is crucial for attaining national development objectives. Nonetheless, in spite of its importance, the sector is consistently afflicted by inefficiencies, such as persistent project delays, budget excesses, substandard quality output, and widespread waste (Ofori, 2015).
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How to cite this paper: Nwanaka, D. W., Amade, B., Enyinna, G. C. (2026). Supply Chain Management in Construction: A study of the current state of supply chain management (SCM) practices on construction project delivery; PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue IX, September. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pmwj168-Sep2026-Nwanaka-et-al-Supply-Chain-Management-in-Construction.pdf
About the Authors
David Wisdom Nwanaka
Federal University of Technology
Owerri, Nigeria
David Wisdom Nwanaka, B. Tech is a professional Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager with Honnete Property Development Company Ltd. He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) of Second Class-Lower degree in Quantity Surveying from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Nigeria and currently awaiting the approval of his Master of Science (M.Sc) Degree in Project Management Technology from the same university. He can be reached via email: davidnwanaka@yahoo.com.
Benedict Amade, PhD
Federal University of Technology
Owerri, Nigeria
Dr. Benedict Amade is a Chartered Project Manager by Profession and a Probationer (Member) of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS). He read and obtained a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Degree in Project Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. He is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) U.S.A. Chairman, Research and Academic Matters, Association of Practicing Professional Project Managers of Nigeria (APPPMON) and a Fellow of Tertiary Education Trust Fund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR), and a former Deputy Director, Centre for Research Innovation and Development (CRID) and a Senior Lecturer and Current Head of the Department of Project Management Technology all at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria where he has been lecturing for the past 17 years. His areas of research interest include construction project management, computer-based project management, construction supply chain management and information technology on construction projects. He has authored over 80 scientific publications in international refereed journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, Scimago etc. He has presented quality papers at international conferences both home and abroad. He is actively involved in other consultancy works. He can be reached at https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3368-5432; benedictamade@yahoo.com; benedictamade@futo.edu.ng; benedictamade2@gmail.com.
Gregory Chimere Enyinna, PhD
Federal University of Technology
Owerri, Nigeria
Gregory Chimere Enyinna is a Reader and Lecturer at the Department of Project Management Technology, and Formerly the Head of Department, Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He studied B.Sc. in Geography and Planning and an M.Sc. in Environmental Management from Abia State University. He studied his Ph.D in Germany. He is a Fellow of Institute of Management Consulting and the Institute of Policy Management Developers. He is a Resource Person at the World Bank Centre of Excellence in the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He can be reached at pycongregco@gmail.com
