1. Introduction
The delivery of the construction project is based on variety of parameters. These include cost, quality, safety, and time. Ensuring that the construction project is successfully executed in accordance to the given parameters requires enhanced levels of productivity. Lack of productivity can lead to project delays, thus, affecting the quality, costs, time, and safety in negative way. Consequently, it is essential to improve construction productivity.
1.1 Construction Productivity: Definitions and Concepts
According to McTague & Jergeas (2001), there is no standard definition for construction productivity. However, a general definition is found in literature. They assert that it is the “output of the construction goods and services per unit labour input” (p.9). The researchers further assert that the definition of productivity within the construction sector differs on basis of its different domains. Construction productivity is dependent on variety of variables including labour productivity, material, energy, design, cost, etc.
1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Report
The aim of this report is to highlight and discuss the concept of construction productivity and to evaluate the factors that influence it. The objectives of the report are discussed as follows:
- To discuss and define the concept of construction productivity
- To identify and discuss the factors that affect construction productivity
- To identify and discuss the methods used to audit and monitor construction productivity.
- To propose recommendations to improve construction productivity.
2. Analysis and Results
2.1 Construction Productivity and Factors Affecting It
The process of construction has been identified as the series of stages that is primarily dependent on labour. Without manpower, construction projects cannot be executed. As a result, construction productivity is primarily driven by manpower. The measurement of productivity for the construction projects is based on the “output per work-hour”, which is used to determine the “on-site labour productivity” (McTague & Jergeas, 2002). Consequently, project managers focus on increasing labour productivity since it contributes to 30% of the project costs.
Construction productivity is affected variety of factors that can be classified into three categories:
- Human Factors: Jergeaus (2010) reports that human factors that affect construction productivity are motivation of the workers, job morale, experience of the workers, skills, ability of the workers to work in team, absenteeism levels, physical limitations of the worker, attitude of the worker towards the nature of the job, and exhaustion.
- External Factors: Political instability, extreme weather conditions, modifications in project’s design, changes in project specifications, alteration of the construction contract, project complexity, inaccessibility on-site, etc. are examples of external factors that are known to influence the construction productivity of the project.
- Management Factors: Factors such as long work durations, long working schedules, mistreating workers, lack of rewards and incentives, incompetent workforce, conflict between workers, lack of cooperation and coordination between the workers, insufficient information, lack of tools, equipment are considered to be the management factors.
