Sanvido, V E (1984) Designing productivity management and control systems for construction projects. PhD thesis, Stanford University, USA.
Abstract
This dissertation addresses the problem of overcoming low productivity in the construction industry. Previous solutions have been temporary in nature and limited to individual projects. These solutions have either replaced or complemented the original management or management systems on projects. The solution proposed in this dissertation is a model designed to represent the basic functions on a construction project. The model was designed by (1) defining these basic functions, (2) combining and extending dynamic system modelling and decision-making theory to accommodate these functions, and (3) incorporating decision-making and information system theory to map out the requirements for the user to exercise the model. This model was subsequently tested by (1) developing two hypotheses, (2) collecting data using a structured questionnaire to guide on-site interviews with the workforce and supervision on 12 construction projects, and (3) developing indicators of closeness of fit to the model and using them to analyze the results. The results showed exceptional statistical support for the first hypothesis, while case studies strongly supported the second. The primary contribution is the finding that projects that were closer to the modelled structure performed better than those further from the model. Other findings indicated that: (1) the modelled needs of a project will vary with time, hence redesign or reevaluation of the system before transition from one phase to another will alleviate potential problems; and (2) the information systems to aid decision makers, both in management and supervision positions, must be designed with the nature and volumes of the supporting information requirements in mind. If this does not occur, the result is poor utilization of resources and increased costs. This model gives a contractor a framework for designing the management and control system on any particular project. This ultimately will increase the chance of improving performance and productivity on that project, because the management and control system will be designed to supply the individual worker's needs, rather than to facilitate management tasks.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | control system; workforce; construction project; information system; productivity; supervision; case studies; interview |
| Index terms: | interview, management system, decision-making, construction project, control system, questionnaire, information system, case study, exercise, productivity, construction industry, modelling, dissertation, supervision, redesign |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, industry analysis, information systems, management, monitoring and control, production management, analytical methods, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, control systems, health behaviours and lifestyles, design methods |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Risk Management, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Organizational Design |
| 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