How do contractors select material suppliers for construction projects? Evidence from Vietnam

Materials play an important role in determining the quality and cost of a building, especially in the context of Vietnam’s rapid urbanization today. This study aims to analyze the status quo for supplier selection for construction projects in a developing country, Vietnam. Questionnaires are designed to conduct a survey among several contractors to assess the current situation of how Vietnamese construction enterprises select their material suppliers. Senior managers, project managers, site commanders, site engineers, foreman, office staff of contractors were interviewed. Based on result analysis of 117 valid responses, the most important criteria to consider when selecting material suppliers have been identified, with the most influential ones being price, delivery time, and material quality. However, the supply of materials still reveals some constraints that must be overcome. Vietnamese construction firms should pay more attention to supplier selection to optimize material delivery efficiency. This research contributes to the understanding of the status quo for supplier selection for construction projects in a developing country. This means contractors can adopt suitable measures to select material suppliers for construction projects.