Huynh, N M; Le-Hoai, L and Do, C D (2025) Assessing and improving labor productivity management in construction: A practical framework and measurement tool. Construction Economics and Building, 25(1), pp. 69-96. ISSN 2204-9029
Abstract
Despite numerous studies and resources available, the global construction sector has witnessed a decline in productivity over the past two decades, highlighting the need for practical tools and strategies to enhance labor productivity management. This study proposed a tool to support labor productivity management in construction. To achieve this, initial data were gathered through literature reviews and on-site observations, followed by interviews with 10 experienced site managers to refine a comprehensive set of productivity factors. These factors were then used to construct a system of factors before developing a quantitative management tool, inclusive of a measurement scale and an instructive guide. Finally, this tool was evaluated by 12 experts using a five-level Likert scale to ensure its practicality and accuracy. The results show that the tool offers a structured and informative approach to assessing and enhancing labor productivity in construction projects, thereby supporting managers in making informed decisions and improvements toward more successful project outcomes. The insights gained from this research contribute to the ongoing efforts to address labor productivity challenges in the construction industry, paving the way for future developments and enhancements in productivity management tools.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | labor productivity; management tool; productivity factor; productivity system |
| Index terms: | paving, interview, manager, accuracy, literature review, strategy, Likert scale, construction project, project outcome, productivity, labour productivity, global construction, site manager, construction industry |
| Subjects: | production management, transportation engineering, practitioner, strategic management, project completion, professional development, management, industry analysis, data collection methods, data analysis and analytics |
| Topics: | Project Management, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Information Management, Roles and Professions, International Construction, 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