Modelling of critical success factors to improve the supply chain resilience for sustainable construction sector

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry has an intricate and constantly evolving supply chain (SC) that includes multiple stakeholders and processes. Enhancing SC resilience (SCR) is essential for promoting industry expansion and competitiveness. The SCR has attracted considerable interest because of the increasing worldwide challenges and threats facing SCs. This study introduces a conceptual framework for recognizing and classifying resilient supply chains’ critical success factors (CSFs) in sustainable construction.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs a sequential mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. Initially, an extensive literature review and expert consultations were conducted to identify potential CSFs. The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was then applied to classify these CSFs into cause-and-effect groups. To further analyse the interrelationships among the CSFs, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) was utilised, establishing a hierarchical framework. This integrated methodology provides a comprehensive understanding of the CSFs’ relative importance and their driving and dependence power, facilitating targeted interventions for enhancing supply chain resilience in the construction sector.

Findings

This integrated methodology establishes a hierarchical ranking of CSFs across five levels by revealing their causal interrelationships. The study addresses crucial SCR issues and provides actionable insights. The 17 finalized CSFs have 12 causal and five effect factors. The “safety measures and guidelines” have the highest driving potential, whereas the “availability of standardized materials/equipment” and “skilled human resources” depend highly on causal CSFs. The findings will offer a detailed perspective to narrow the gap between unsustainability and sustainability by enhancing the resilience of CSC.

Practical implications

It offers a pragmatic framework for allocating resources and efforts to enhance the resilience of construction supply chains (CSCs). Policymakers can also use this study to create a more resilient SC for sustainable construction.

Originality/value

This study uniquely identifies and evaluates CSFs for SCR in the construction industry, providing a novel analysis of their driving power, dependence power and ranking. No previous studies have demonstrated such a comprehensive evaluation.

Citation

Singh, N., Dixit, A. and Ashish, D.K. (2024), "Modelling of critical success factors to improve the supply chain resilience for sustainable construction sector", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-11-2023-0328