BUILDING SMARTER: THE QUALITY IMPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS MANAGEMENT IN GAUTENG'S LARGE-SCALE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Abstract Building materials management plays a pivotal role in determining the quality performance of construction projects. This study evaluates how material management strategies influence the quality performance of large-scale construction projects in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 120 construction professionals, including contractors, consultants, and trade foremen, through structured questionnaires. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings reveal that poor materials management significantly impacts project quality through delays, cost overruns, safety risks, and substandard outputs. The study emphasizes the need for digitized inventory systems, enhanced procurement practices, and lean construction methods to mitigate these effects. The paper concludes that firms must develop and enforce structured material handling protocols that align with quality and sustainability standards.