Haas, T C; Rodriguez, A M; Glover, R and Goodrum, P M (2001) Implementing a multiskilled workforce. Construction Management and Economics, 19(6), pp. 633-641. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
Recent studies show the construction industry in the USA is facing a long term labour shortage. Multiskilling has been suggested as a strategy to address this issue by utilizing existing workers more efficiently. Multiskilling decreases the number of workers hired for a project and can improve productivity. Additional benefits include higher income and increased employability of the workforce. To take full advantage of these benefits, the workforce strategy and the planning and scheduling processes of a construction project must be adapted to use multiskilling effectively and efficiently. The multiskilled workforce should be scheduled and organized to maximize the duration of employment for workers, reduce the overall labour requirements and cover the skills combinations required by the project. This research synthesizes and formalizes the methods that successful construction companies are currently applying to implement a multiskilled workforce. A methodology for implementing multiskilling is outlined as well.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | labour; multiskilling; planning; scheduling; USA; worker utilization; workforce |
| Index terms: | productivity, employment, employability, labour requirement, duration, construction industry, labour shortage, income, construction company, strategy, scheduling, construction project, methodology |
| Subjects: | economic analysis, operations research, organization, human resources and leadership, industry analysis, project controls, production management, management, research methods, economics |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Project Management, Business Strategy, Time Control, Education, Site Management, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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