An e‐business model to support supply chain activities in construction

Abstract

A model for an e‐business infrastructure that can be used to support supply chain activities in construction is proposed. A virtual network structure that acts as a value‐added component of an e‐business infrastructure is used to improve communication and coordination, and encourage the mutual sharing of inter‐organisational resources and competencies. The e‐business infrastructure used to support the proposed network structure and the human, organisational and cultural barriers that may be encountered are presented and discussed. It is proffered that the proposed e‐business model not only will be of benefit to those organisations which operate in the construction supply chain, but also may be fit for other types of business‐to‐business e‐commerce when cooperation between business partners is necessary to improve organisational performance and gain a competitive advantage