Drivers for construction productivity

Jeff Seadon, John E. Tookey

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Publication date: 15 July 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The New Zealand construction sector is similar to many other countries with a
few large companies and many small and micro enterprises. It seeks to
achieve a 20 per cent increase in productivity by 2020 which requires a step
change in how the sector operates and buy-in from key stakeholders. The
purpose of this paper is to provide a set of levers to improve productivity in the
construction sector and develop an implementation schedule.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts a systems approach taking account of the nature of the
building sector and the whole life cycle of a building from design to end-of-life.
Information gained from the post-construction phases informs the pre-
construction and construction phases.

Findings
Productivity is an integrated model whereby increases in process efficiency
are executed with quality materials and workmanship, in a manner that is
affordable for both the client and contractor and sustainable over time. A
series of interviews and workshops produced 10 nodal points and 19 crucial
levers which were prioritised for implementation. Additionally, indicators were
developed to monitor progress over time and provide information for further
corrective action to the system.

Practical implications
The effect of using a few targeted levers in unison provided significantly more
gains than individual applications. Modelling real world responses to process
stimuli outlined in this paper is extremely valuable. This provided the
opportunity for key construction stakeholders to estimate the effects of
decision making during a project.

Originality/value
Previous studies identified factors affecting productivity. Piecemeal
approaches to improve productivity have resulted in systemic failure. A whole
of life approach provides valuable insights to improve productivity in the
construction and pre-construction phases which have a flow-on effect through
the life cycle. Importantly, this research proposes drivers, an implementation
scheme and indicators that provide leverage on nodal points to improve
productivity.

Keywords
 Buildings
 New Zealand
 Construction
 Life cycle management
 Optimization techniques
 System analysis

Citation
Seadon, J. and Tookey, J. (2019), "Drivers for construction productivity",
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 26 No. 6, pp.
945-961. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2016-0127
Download as .RIS

Publisher
:
Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited
Risk analysis of schedule delays in
international highway projects in Vietnam
using a structural equation model
Hong Anh Vu, Viet Hung Cu, Lian Xing Min, Jian Qiong Wang
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Publication date: 20 November 2017
Abstract
Purpose
As in other developing countries, increased highway development in Vietnam
provides enormous opportunities for international construction companies
(ICCs). However, a prolonged schedule delay (SD) can have an extremely
detrimental impact on a project’s efficiency, cost and investment reputation.
The purpose of this paper is to identify potential SD risk factors in international
highway projects (IHPs) in Vietnam, and to explore the effects of and
influences on such factors. A specific risk management framework is
proposed as a useful tool for ICCs.

Design/methodology/approach
A system of SD risk indicators is presented for IHPs in Vietnam through a
questionnaire survey. The system comprises 50 indicators that are grouped
into 12 main factors. A structural equation model (SEM) is then used to
assess the influences and mechanisms of these factors. Based on the
obtained results, corresponding suggestions for preventing SD risks are
presented and discussed.

Findings
First, among the 12 aforementioned major factors, the authors identify eight
facors that have significant effects on IHP SDs. Second, the SEM analysis
reveals that policy flaws and the fiscal ability of the owner play the most
important roles, on account of their direct and indirect influences on SDs.

Originality/value
Considering stakeholders and external environmental effects, a system of
indicators is introduced to explore SD risks to IHPs. In particular, an SEM is
used to assess the effects of potential SD factors and characterize their
interacting influences. This study could help ICCs to avoid or mitigate project
delays and cost overruns in Vietnam, and also provide valuable lessons for
other developing countries.

Keywords
 Construction
 Engineering
 Risk management
 Methodology
 Project management
 Construction planning

Citation
Vu, H., Cu, V., Min, L. and Wang, J. (2017), "Risk analysis of schedule delays
in international highway projects in Vietnam using a structural equation
model", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 24 No.
6, pp. 1018-1039. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-06-2016-0138
Download as .RIS

Publisher
:
Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited