Ijaola, I A (2017) Training practices and task performance of professionals in construction firms in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. PhD thesis, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Abstract
Construction organisational and project performance are known to depend on the competencies and performance of professionals. Studies have established that the task performance of construction professionals is low due to inadequate or deficient training. However, issues regarding the relationship between training practices of construction firms and task performance of construction professionals are yet to be adequately explored. The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between training practices of construction firms and task performance of professionals engaged by the firms. The specific objective of the study are to: investigate the prevalent task characteristics among construction professionals, evaluate the effect of construction professionals’ personal characteristics on task characteristics, determine the relationship between task characteristics of construction professionals and training practices of construction firms, determine the relationship between training practices of construction firms and task performance of construction professionals and develop a model for predicting the task performance of construction professionals from training practices of construction firms. The objectives were achieved by conducting a field survey involving a sample size of 171 construction professionals and 171 site managers located in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. The sample size was selected from a sample frame of 257 construction firms by stratified random sampling. Two research instruments namely: Construction Professionals’ Questionnaire and Construction Professional Supervisors’ Questionnaire were used to collect data for the study. The instruments were administered to construction professionals using trained research assistants. A total of 218 each of the research instruments returned were valid for analysis representing 85% response rate. Data collected were analysed using percentage, mean score, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson Moment Correlation test and Structural Equation Modeling. From the findings, the study revealed that 12 parameters of task performance and 11 parameters of training practice were significant and they relate positively with one another. The parameters were therefore termed as 12 key task performance indicators and 11 key training practice indicators. From the relationship existing between the two groups of indicators, a model was developed for predicting the task performance of construction professionals from training practices of construction firms. It was also discovered that the characteristics of the tasks performed by professionals engaged by construction firms have a significant relationship with the training practices of their employers. It was therefore concluded that training practices of construction firms influence task performance of construction professionals thus the performance of construction professionals can be assessed using the 12 key task performance indicators while training practices can be implemented in construction firms using the 11 key training practices indicators. It was also concluded that task characteristics of construction professionals affect the training practices of construction firms. Based on the findings, it was suggested that construction firms should use the task performance indicators discovered in the study when appraising the performance of professionals engaged by them and adopt the model developed in setting targets and managing their performance. It was also suggested that training programmes proposed for professionals engaged by construction firms should be based on the characteristics of the tasks performed by them.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Onukuwube, H N and Idoro, G I |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction firms; training; Nigeria; project performance; sample size; employer; professional; site manager |
| Index terms: | training practice indicator, performance indicator, survey, construction firm, programme, structural equation modelling, questionnaire, Abuja, Nigeria, training practice, sample size, sampling, project performance, construction professional, Lagos, site manager, supervisor |
| Subjects: | performance management, project management theory and practice, professional development, project controls, statistical analysis, research design and methodology, data collection methods, learning methods, Geography, assessment methods, organization, practitioner |
| Topics: | Time Control, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Quality Management, Education, Project Management, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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