Fapohunda, J A and Chileshe, N (2014) Essential factors towards optimal utilisation of construction resources. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 12(4), pp. 461-474.
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to evaluate and present the essential factors that will enhance site managers' efficient performance which will perpetuate optimal construction resources utilisation. The capability of controlling and monitoring construction resources and the application of production information to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality and clients' satisfaction are the primary functions of site managers. However, the effective implementation of this production information is usually hindered by some factors, often resulting in conscious, unconscious or unavoidable resource wastage. Design/methodology/approach – The research is triangulated. The investigations are based on an action survey, comprising structured quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interview surveys conducted with a few project managers in the UK construction industry. Findings – The research evaluates problems associated with the site managers' project delivery and establishes essential factors towards efficient resources utilisation. Among the identified predicaments are the design team' attitudes towards site managers' corrections, modification and alterations; communication gap between the design and construction teams; and production information inadequacy. Thus, the factors identified which will enhance the efficiencies of the site managers are communication effectiveness and effective information dissemination, conducive environment, production information simplicity and explicitness, in addition to skilled workers' participation in knowledge transfer and sharing, to mention but a few. Originality/value – The facts presented in this study will significantly enhance site managers' optimal resources utilisation, and provide the opportunity for construction resources waste minimisation. Thus, the adequate implementation of the innovative measures presented in this study will not only enhance the performance of site managers on resources utilisation, but will also augment client satisfaction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | sustainable construction; construction management; human resources management; construction project management; project and construction management; value management |
| Index terms: | knowledge transfer, questionnaire, methodology, human resource, sustainable construction, minimization, interview, survey, design team, design and construction, effectiveness, value management, investigation, construction project management, client satisfaction, site manager, monitoring, project delivery, construction industry, implementation, project manager, satisfaction, efficiency, skilled worker, information dissemination |
| Subjects: | sustainable construction, project management theory and practice, research methods, algorithms, performance management, management, industry analysis, practitioner, control systems, client relations, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, profession, project delivery, professional practice, contractual arrangements |
| Topics: | Information Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Sustainability, Procurement, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Value Management, Quality Management, Human Resources, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here