Purpose – Prime contractors spent a substantial part of their turnover on purchasing. The management of the purchasing function therefore has a large influence on the overall performance of a prime contractor. The more developed the purchasing function is, the greater its contribution to...

This study analyses how policy measures and technological developments affect the trade‐offs between elements of the logistical system of a supply chain. It is assumed that this logistical system consists of the following elements: sourcing, production, inventory, transportation and service....

Argues that logistics networks in the building industry will develop in relation to transaction‐specific investments in new information technologies such as EDI and PDI. This is particularly the case where strategic considerations play a subordinate role and efficiency arguments are stressed....