Analysis of Factors Influencing Productivity Using Craftsmen Questionnaires: Case Study in a Chilean Construction Company
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 137, Issue 4
Abstract
Improvement of productivity in construction has been a major industry challenge, given its high impact on project results. It has received increased attention from construction researchers promoting different enhancement actions, since analyzing factors affecting labor productivity is an instrumental part in this process. This paper focuses on identifying and understanding the productivity factors affecting projects in a Chilean construction company on the basis of questionnaires administered to both direct workers and midlevel employees. Analysis of the questionnaire results helped to determine organizational and managerial weaknesses and facilitated comparison of the findings with previous productivity studies. The results proved to be useful in developing recommendations for productivity improvements. The main findings indicate that the critical areas affecting construction productivity were related to materials, tools, rework, equipment, truck availability, and the workers’ motivational dynamics. These results are similar to those obtained in previous studies in the United States and in Chile. Salary expectations were found to be the main reason for turnover in the studied company, which was an aspect not mentioned in previous studies. Finally, additional analyses seem to show that some factors affecting productivity are common to construction projects across boundaries, therefore validating data aggregation and the possibility of learning from experiences in different locations and even separated in time of occurrence.
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Acknowledgments
The writers gratefully acknowledge the important contributions to this research provided by Carlos Solis, Senior Manager at Incolur, Chile (www.incolur.cl). The same recognition is extended to the workers and project managers (Mr. Gonzolo Gomez and Mr. Oscar Portugal) of the three projects involved in this study. Finally, to the company, which generously supports such initiatives as it strives for excellence and continuous improvement.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 137 • Issue 4 • April 2011
Pages: 312 - 320
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 4, 2009
Accepted: Aug 3, 2010
Published online: Aug 23, 2010
Published in print: Apr 1, 2011
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