Analyzing Logistics Effectiveness in UK Small Construction Sites

This report investigates the effectiveness of logistics management in reducing cost and time within small construction sites in the UK. It examines the concept and importance of logistics management in the construction industry, its impact on cost and time reduction, and the challenges faced in the absence of appropriate logistics management. The research employs quantitative methods, utilizing questionnaires for data collection and analysis. The findings highlight the critical role of logistics management in optimizing construction processes, improving profitability, and enhancing overall efficiency. Desklib provides access to this and other solved assignments to aid students in their studies.

Analyse Effectiveness in Logistic
management to reduce cost and time in
small construction sites

Table of Contents
1.1 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................4
1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................................................4
1.1 Background...........................................................................................................................4
1.2 Problem Statement................................................................................................................4
1.3 Purpose of the research.........................................................................................................4
1.4 Research Aim........................................................................................................................4
1.5 Research Objectives..............................................................................................................4
1.6 Research Questions...............................................................................................................4
2. LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................................................5
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................6
3.0 INDTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................6
3.1 Research Philosophy.............................................................................................................6
3.2 Research Approach...............................................................................................................6
3.3 Research Design....................................................................................................................6
3.4 Population Sampling.............................................................................................................7
3.5 Data Collection......................................................................................................................7
3.6 Data Analysis........................................................................................................................7
3.7 Ethical Considerations..........................................................................................................7
3.8 Reliability and validity..........................................................................................................8
3.9 Time plan (Gantt chart).........................................................................................................8
4. CONCLUSION AND POTENTIAL RESEARCH OUTCOMES..............................................9
CONCLUSION...........................................................................................................................9
POTENTIAL RESEARCH OUTCOMES..................................................................................9

ABSTRACT
The main motive of conducting the current investigation is to identify the effectiveness of
logistics management to reduce the cost and time in the small construction. This investigation
takes out the different impacts of logistics management over whole construction industry. So, it
majorly focuses on making reader understand the importance of logistics management in the
construction and with different challenges that could be faced by this industry if they do not
focus on forming effective and efficient logistics management. In this certain expectations are
also expected which include that logistics management needs to adopted by every organisation
be it small or large. This plays major role in the profitability level of the organisation by
combining significant element of making working and operating construction site. In this
quantitative research methods are selected for the accumulation and analysis of information. It is
recorded that questionnaire will be developed for collecting first hand and numerical piece of
information. It also gives whole summary of the report through which reader can easily
understand the basic information about the whole topic. Therefore, it majorly focuses on
numerical and statistical piece of information.

1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
Logistic management is defined as such part of supply chain management which is associated
with planning, implementing and controlling various measures so that information related with
goods and services can be delivered in appropriate manner. In order to meet customer
requirement logistic management is holding high degree of existence in which customers needs
and demands can be managed. In the construction industry logistic management is helping the
business to manage their inventory and other variables so that cost can be managed by the
business and at the same time business can be developed in appropriate manner (Whitlock and et.
al., 2018). In the field of business this is seen that there are various aspects which when not
covered may lead the business to face difficulties. In terms of construction industry these aspects
are related with managing inventory and managing suppliers as well. So with the help of logistic
management construction industry may cover such dimensions in which they can upkeep
inventory and other factors as well (Sundquist, Gadde and Hulthén, 2018). The current report is
providing information related with effectiveness of logistic management within reducing cost
and time in small construction site which means that the report will be providing significant
information related with challenges and impact of logistic management within such businesses.
1.1 Background
The current research report evolved around the concept of logistic management and its
components used within construction sites existed in UK. This is determined that in terms of
logistic management various elements are taken such as acquiring raw material and supplying
the same to customer so that needs and demands of customers can be managed in appropriate
manner. Storage, inventory, information, control and transport are regarded as the major
elements of logistic management and in this way these elements are having higher existence
within managing small construction sites in such a way that business functions can be executed
in appropriate manner (Spillane and Oyedele, 2017).
1.2 Problem Statement
In the current time the major problem faced by the business is related with managing
competitors. In this manner, for managing businesses it is required that to manage such
competitors by providing novelty to the business. By providing novelty in several business

functions an organisation may develop separate edge into the market and sustain as well. In
terms of these with the help of appropriate logistic management, businesses may acquire
prominence in their process and gain command over market competition as well (Hedborg
Bengtsson, 2019).
1.3 Purpose of the research
The major purpose of this report is to examine the effectiveness of logistic management
in minimising cost and time within small construction sites. This is observed that construction
industry is having various business functions for execution and this way managing their
inventory and customers would be priority for them (Ying, Tookey and Seadon, 2018). So the
research will enable the organisations of construction industry to adopt such measures by which
overall cost can be minimised and in lesser time quality product and services can be delivered to
customers.
1.4 Research Aim
“To analyse the effectiveness of logistic management in reducing cost and time within
small construction sites.” A study on construction industry of the United Kingdom
1.5 Research Objectives
 To examine the concept and importance of logistic management within construction
industry situated in the UK.
 To determine the impact of logistic management to reduce cost and time in small
construction sites of the UK.
 To identify the challenges that would be faced by small construction sites in the absence
of appropriate logistic management in the United Kingdom
1.6 Research Questions
 Explain the concept and importance of logistic management within construction industry
situated in the UK?
 What is the impact of logistic management to reduce cost and time in small construction
sites of the UK?
 What are the challenges that would be faced by small construction sites in the absence of
appropriate logistic management in the United Kingdom?

1.7 Motivation
The main motive of conducting the current investigation is to gain knowledge about the
construction industry. In this under construction industry, major significance is given to logistics
management as well as construction site. There are two important perspectives that are attained
by conducting the present investigation that are personal and professional perspective. In the
opinion of personal perspective, I will gain my knowledge about this particular industry also. On
the other hand, in respect of professional perspective, I will understand about the various
strategies adopted managers and contractors to make their effective and efficient logistics
management at construction sites. This investigation will also be important for the certain people
like researchers, professionals, organisations, students and many more. This is quite important
for organisation as they can know about various strategies of making effective logistics
management through this investigation as this includes the data about the whole construction
industry. This research is also helpful for researchers who want to study and gather in-depth
information about logistics management in the construction sites. This research will act as
foundation for them to start their own research. Hence, this research topic is of great interest to
me because it includes material, human resources and many more.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review is the chapter that focuses on taking out secondary piece of information
from the sources such as books, newspapers, articles, journals, publications and many more. It
takes out already carried data in the from the available scholar papers.
Explain the concept and importance of logistic management within construction industry
situated in the UK?
According to Lundesjö (2018), logistics is referred as the procedure to plan, execute and
control of transport, procurement and stationing of employees and material and other resources
for achieving the objectives of a construction project. In simpler words, logistics is management
of inventory at rest. The absence of a proper logistics plan at construction site could lead to the
formation of bottlenecks that place a stranglehold on the project. Logistics is about the
movement of equipments and materials from where they start to where the workers need them.
This equipment and material require to arrive on time as well as undamaged. A normal
illustration of logistics for construction sites move precast concrete from the plant it is made into
the sites. So, a material are defined as the precast panels, equipments are hoisting crane and there
is a particular crew that would use them. Hence the main duty of the logistics is to get all these
three significant components at the same place and at the same time. Logistics play significant
role in increasing the profitability level too. But if it is not done properly then it can impact
negatively. Logistics helps in keeping all the components at construction site. If cranes are not on
site when it should be, installation people for the precast panels remain idle. They get their
hourly wages even though the shortage of crane prohibits them from operating. This makes the
activities unprofitable for the construction organisation.
What is the impact of logistic management to reduce cost and time in small construction
sites of the UK?
As per the view of Ghanem and et. al., (2018), Logistic management is very impactful in
the small construction sites of UK, because the construction company has limited capital which
they need to utilise in proper way so for that managing their logistic is very important. Logistic
management helps in reducing cost as they will help in delivering product on timely manner.
They try to reduce the time of procuring the raw material and then deliver them before the
workers arrives so that they did not wait for the material to come. It also helps in minimising the
time by design an intelligent route planning about the project. They divide the projects in small

task and then according to the task they manage the logistics so that greater efficiency can be
delivered to them. They also plan the road route which takes shorter time so that they can avoid
traffic jams. Managing the logistic in small construction site also helps them to effectively
monitor the status of each projects and vehicles which also helps them in taking decision in quick
manner so that uncertainty can be avoided. The major impact of this is it also helps them to boost
their profits by improving the relations and maintaining the inventories.
What are the challenges that would be faced by small construction sites in the absence of
appropriate logistic management in the United Kingdom?
As per the view Janné (2018), there are many problems that could be faced by the small
construction sites if they do not maintain their logistic. The foremost problem is of fuel cost. The
fuel cost is highest so for that they need to cut their transportation which affect them as in
delivering the material in greater efficiency. High in the price of the fuel affect them as they need
to pay high transportation cost to the delivering man. This also creates problem as they need to
maintain adequate liquidity for this. Another issue that is encounter by them is there is a shortage
of driver and retaining them is also difficulty. Many big constructing firms hold larger number of
vehicle and drivers. This impact them as hiring and retention becomes issue for them. The
demand is more but the supply is adequate because of large construction sites. One of the major
challenge that is being faced by them is dynamic technological change. Constructing company
needs many technological tools, this hinder them as they need to be updated so that they can
manage their logistic in more effective and efficient manner than that of their competitors.

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 INDTRODUCTION
Research methodology is the chapter that gives certain research methods for collecting
and analysing data. This is quite significant because it focuses on providing sources for the
accumulation of information. The major motive of this chapter is to accumulate maximum
information about the topic by collecting combination of data. In this several research methods
will be explained with their proper justification to attain pre-determined aim and objectives.
Saunders research onion framework is used by researcher because it provides layers in
systematic and proper manner.
3.1 Research Philosophy
Research philosophy is one of the methodologies that provide certain set of beliefs for the
evaluation and analysis of data. The philosophy consists of three kinds which include: positivism
and interpretivism philosophy. Investigator will be selecting positivism philosophy because it
helps in measurement and evaluation of numerical data in the given minimum time period
(Ørngreen and Levinsen, 2017). The major benefit of positivism philosophy is it only
concentrates on the evaluation of statistical data.
3.2 Research Approach
Research approach is one of the layers of Saunders research onion that gives two
significant forms which are: inductive and deductive approach. The researcher will aim at
accumulating primary and statistical data so deductive approach will be used by investigator. The
deductive approach holds great significance because it measures the numerable information with
scientific approach (Pandey and Pandey, 2021).
3.3 Research Design
Research design is the research methodology that gives three significant parts that are:
exploratory, descriptive and experimental research design. Researcher will select descriptive
research design because it helps in collecting and analysing information in a quantitative manner
in effective and efficient way. Under descriptive research design, investigator will select
quantitative research choice so that quantitative and numerical information could be gathered in
the given period of time. Therefore, it is concluded that quantitative research is conducted so that
defined objectives and aim could be attained in statistical manner. Research strategy will also be

chosen by researcher for the accumulation of information and for this survey strategy will be
considered. The strategy of survey will help investigator to gather numerical and primary
information directly by approaching respondents. This holds great importance in attaining
defined aim and objectives in quantitative and statistical manner (Dźwigoł, 2018).
3.4 Population Sampling
There are two parts of sampling which are: probability and non-probability sampling.
Researcher has selected probability sampling so that large number of representatives can be
chosen and this follows random method while selecting respondents. 10 contractors of the
construction industry are chosen from the United Kingdom.
3.5 Data Collection
Data collection is referred as the research methodology for the collection of information
from the several number of sources. The method of data collection consists of two significant
kinds that are: primary and secondary data collection method. Investigator will choose primary
method of data collection for the collection of raw data. This method is very useful for the
current investigation because it will collect insights in the form of first hand data. In respect of
recording primary method, investigator will be choosing questionnaire instrument because it is
very effective for collecting numerical as well as primary information. On the other hand,
investigator will also take help of secondary data collection method. The motive behind using
secondary method is accumulating already carried out and used data. The sources used for this
method are: books, articles, journals, newspapers, publications, already conducted survey and
interviews, websites of the country as well as company and many more (Bresler and Stake,
2017).
3.6 Data Analysis
Data analysis is the research method that has great contribution in the evaluation and
analysis of data. Basically data analysis is used for the relevancy and reliability of the
accumulated information. There are several kinds of data analysis but in the present
investigation, investigator will take assistance of frequency distribution analysis because
numerical information is gathered. This tool holds great importance in the attainment of research
aim and objectives in shorter period of time (Goldberg and et. al., 2017).

3.7 Ethical Considerations
Ethics is an essential component that helps in conducting investigation in an ethical
manner. While conducting investigation there are various ethical principles that will be followed
by research for doing research effectively and efficiently. In simpler words, research ethics is
defined as the foundation of the whole investigation. The ethical principles will be needed by
investigator for specifically addressing issues of the research. The investigator will take consent
from the major respondents in the investigation at the time of gathering information. While
gathering information, no respondents will be harmed and hurt. The anonymity and
confidentiality of the participants of the data given by investigator will be respected. The
information accumulated for both qualitative and quantitative methods will be highly
organisationally sensitive. The investigator will also comply with the information safety law and
will not disclose or leak personal information and credentials with any media.
3.8 Reliability and validity
Reliability investigation is one of the essential practice for attaining objectives and aim
effectively and efficiently. The current investigation can be measured in a quantitative manner
and this will show that the present investigation is reliable. Basically reliability depends on the
instrument used in the present investigation which is questionnaire. For making questionnaire
more reliable, investigator will make respondents to understand the questions of questionnaire.
This will help in answering the purpose of whole investigation in effective and efficient manner.
Respondents are the people that help in making the whole investigation valid. The target
participants focused only on a particular sector (Newman and Gough, 2020).
3.9 Time plan (Gantt chart)
Gantt chart will be used by investigator because it is a time scheduling chart. Generally, it
is known as a bar chart that clearly illustrates the schedule of the project. This is the chart which
is designed by Henry Gantt around the years 1910-1915. In simpler words it shows the
dependency relationships between the present status of the schedule and activities.