Manoharan, K; Dissanayake, P; Pathirana, C; Deegahawature, D and Silva, R (2023) A constructive system to assess the performance-based grading of construction labour through work-based training components and applications. Construction Economics and Building, 23(3-4), pp. 107-124. ISSN 2204-9029
Abstract
Various industry sectors of many developing countries have been facing various challenges associated with low performance of labour due to poor work-based training practices. This study aims to assess the performance of labour in construction by applying systematic work-based training components. A comprehensive study methodology was adopted through literature reviews and experts' interviews/discussions, with problem-focused and action-oriented communication approaches to develop effective tools, systems and practices related to labour training elements and performance assessments within a framework. Through a new construction supervisory training programme, the developed practices were applied to 200-300 labourers working on 23 construction projects in Sri Lanka. The results show the detailed patterns of the significant changes in labour performance with the quantified values. Overall quantitative values indicate a nearly 60% increase in the performance of labour within six months of the training period compared to the starting point. A considerable level of performance improvement was reported in the soft skills (90%) and material handling abilities (70%) of labourers. A moderate level of performance improvement was identified in other competency elements related to the application of basic science/technology-related practices (55%), simple engineering/technology-related practices (44%), construction methods and technology (56%), green practices (36%) and fundamental management aspects (34%). The overall performance values of labourers employed in road/bridge projects were found that noticeably lower compared to the labourers who worked on other types of projects. The results further describe the well-improved theoretical knowledge and operational skills of the trained labourers, which has uplifted their job standards from working under close supervision to working under general supervision with some autonomy. Moreover, the study findings contribute to controlling the excessive inclination of local firms toward foreign labour by unlocking the potential barriers to expanding the local labour supply with lifelong learning and career benefits/opportunities for labourers. The findings will have a significant impact on how other developing nations and industries must manage their labour to obtain higher work efficiency in the foreseeable future.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | competence development; supervision; labour training; performance evaluation |
| Index terms: | bridge project, material handling, foreign labour, performance-based, supervision, performance evaluation, performance assessment, career, performance improvement, methodology, construction labour, construction project, competence, Sri Lanka, labour supply, science, training practice, literature review, construction method, developing nation, programme, efficiency, lifelong learning, interview, developing country, industry sector |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, product delivery, data collection methods, business, specialized education, control systems, learning methods, project controls, building construction, assessment methods, infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, performance measurement, management, performance management, research methods, Geography, production management, personnel development, professional development, labour economics, development economics |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Information Management, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Supply Chain Management, International Construction, Human Resources, Quality Management, Site Management, Education, Time Control |
| 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