Vigneshwar, R V K and Shanmugapriya, S (2023) Investigating the factors affecting construction site productivity: a case of India. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(2), pp. 963-985. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Proper prediction of productivity can enable the enhanced estimation, realistic scheduling, and accurate cost forecasting of construction processes. Due to the existence of different labor sources (unionized and non-unionized), the prediction of productivity is still a significant problem in India. Moreover, the construction procurement processes and on-site performance are the predominant elements that can result in improved project outcomes. Thereby, the consideration of labor constraints and site conditions will play an important role in productivity improvement. Design/methodology/approach: This study investigates the factors affecting construction site productivity. A total of 28 factors are grouped under 7 categories as follows: labor constraints, safety and quality procurements, material and equipment (ME), site management, project working condition, delay controls, construction methods and techniques, and external factors. Furthermore, by involving these factors, the questionnaire survey was conducted among Indian construction practitioners. As a result, 204 responses were received and the data were analyzed using a reliability test, relative importance index (RII), and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings: The result of this study highlighted the importance of strategic construction management activities in terms of effective planning of ME, planning and realistic scheduling of construction activities, proper communication, information sharing, etc. Thus, this study provides a clear insight to the Indian construction practitioners in determining the effect of these site factors on the successful execution of their projects. Originality/value: In this paper, the problem of construction productivity in India and its causes are explained effectively. This study examines the preference of labor contract, labor source, and most importantly, the factors affecting site productivity. Moreover, the other lagging issues regarding the management of construction activities are also described in detail.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction productivity; estimation and scheduling; project execution; site productivity; site conditions |
| Index terms: | construction productivity, India, information sharing, construction procurement, site management, project outcome, estimation, productivity, construction activity, cost forecasting, variance, preference, questionnaire, methodology, construction process, survey, construction method, construction practitioner, relative importance index, construction site, scheduling |
| Subjects: | project completion, risk assessment, data collection methods, financial and cost management, construction operations, contractual arrangements, operations research, operations management, work location, professional development, Geography, economics, data exchange, decision-making and reasoning, research methods, management, measurement and scaling, building construction |
| Topics: | Time Control, Site Management, Digital Applications, Risk Management, Procurement, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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