Awareness of Just-in-Time Principles in the Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract

This study investigates the awareness of Just-in-Time (JIT) principles within the Nigerian construction industry, focusing on construction professionals in Edo and Delta States. The construction sector is plagued by inefficiencies, including material overstocking and project delays, prompting the exploration of JIT as a potential solution to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 324 registered construction professionals with 203 of them returned, achieving a 62.65% response rate. The findings reveal a significant awareness of JIT principles among respondents, with a mean score of 3.89 for the concept of JIT management in construction. Factor analysis identified two key components: a 'Productivity factor' and a 'Performance factor,' accounting for 41.362% of the total variance. Despite the positive awareness, challenges remain in the practical implementation of JIT, necessitating robust awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to further enhance understanding and application of JIT in construction projects. The study concludes that while awareness exists, further efforts are required to translate this knowledge into effective practice, ultimately improving project delivery and efficiency in the Nigerian construction industry.