2012 Awards for Excellence

Citation

(2013), "2012 Awards for Excellence", Construction Innovation, Vol. 13 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ci.2013.33313aaa.001

2012 Awards for Excellence

Article Type: 2012 Awards for Excellence From: Construction Innovation, Volume 13, Issue 1

The following article was selected for this year's Outstanding Paper Award for Construction Innovation

“Labour productivity model for reinforced concrete construction projects”

Homyun JangDepartment of Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea

Kyonghoon KimDepartment of Sustainable Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea

Juhyung KimDepartment of Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea

Jaejun KimDepartment of Sustainable Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea

Purpose – This study aims to identify systematically the factors that can often influence labour productivity directly and indirectly, to build a model that can evaluate the significance of these factors. The model can be used as a tool for assisting field construction managers responsible for productivity.

Design/methodology/approach – The factors were first identified by undertaking a literature review. The scope and method for measuring labour productivity were then determined. The final analysis model was built through a statistical analysis conducted with the chosen factors.

Findings – The results of the analysis indicate that the work management component (e.g. the manager's abilities) and the work technique component (e.g. work continuity) have greater impact than the worker component (e.g. the workers' capability) and the work characteristic component (e.g. work difficulty).

Research limitations/implications – This research focuses on the qualitative perspective of site managers on labour productivity. Although the process of translating qualitative opinions into quantitative data is a matter for debate, the result of this research, when compared to other quantitative studies, can be used to establish a strategy and an action plan for managing labour productivity.

Practical implications – Qualitative aspects that were considered to establish a labour productivity model can be evaluated by site construction managers. Despite the importance of these qualitative aspects, they have, by and large, been neglected, as models to date tend to consider more directly measurable quantitative factors. In particular, they can be used to develop a strategy for increasing labour productivity at the initial planning stage.

Originality/value – This research explores the differences between a subjective perception and the objective reality of labour productivity.

Keywords Analytical hierarchy process, Labour, Productivity rate, Regression analysis

www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/14714171111104655

This article originally appeared in Volume 11 Number 1, 2011, pp. 92-113 Construction Innovation

Outstanding Reviewer

Professor Chrisna du Plessis