CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT OF MNCS AND SMES

Abstract

The research problem is that the similarities and differences in which SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and MNCs (Multinational Corporations) manage their construction equipment. The primary aim is to educate the reader on the difference in equipment management between the SMEs and the MNCs. The objective: once the SMEs know how equipment management can differ in MNCs, SMEs can know which areas to focus on in their equipment management for their potential expansions. It is hypothsized that these companies adopt the equipment management methods for procurement, safety, maintenance and security found in the past literature. Comparative case studies will be done on two companies, a MNC and a SME. Results from the interviews will be analysed in the light of past literature. The SMEs and MNCs do not seem to differ much their technical aspects of selecting equipment, who they buy from, and their financing methods. The SMEs are said to take care of their equipment more so it is possible that they pay more attention to maintenance procedures. The MNCs have more in depth and stringent safety and security procedures than the SMEs. They also differ greatly in using their equipment management for business strategies. These companies only adopt some of the equipment management methods for procurement, safety, maintenance and security found in the past literature. More companies can be examined to confirm the generalisation from the contexts of MNCs and SMEs contractors working in Singapore. Moreover, the interviewees may be embarassed about sharing information that may be disadvantageous to their companies' reputation.