Measuring Productivity In The Construction Industry

Despite the size, complexity and importance of the construction industry, there has been little study to date which focuses on the challenge of drawing reliable conclusions from the available data. The accuracy of industry reports has an impact on government policy, the direction and outcomes of research and the practices of construction firms, so confusion in this area can have far reaching consequences. In response to this, Measuring Construction looks at fundamental economic theories and concepts with respect to the construction industry, and explains their merits and shortcomings, sometimes by looking at real life examples. Drawing on current research the contributors tackle: industry performance productivity measurement construction in national accounts comparing international construction costs and prices comparing international productivity The scope of the book is international, using data and publications from four continents, and tackling head on the difficulties arising from measuring construction. By addressing problems that arise everywhere from individual project documentation, right up to national industrial accounts, this much-needed book can have an impact at every level of the industry. It is essential reading for postgraduate construction students and researchers, students of industrial economics, construction economists and policy-makers.

This book examines an issue of constant concern in the construction industry, that of productivity. Using data from Ghana and South Africa, it presents research into the productivity of local contractors in these countries whilst examining the predominance of labour-intensive production methods. The book begins by considering the theoretical and conceptual perspectives on labour productivity in the construction industry in the existing literature, before reviewing current productivity measurement frameworks. The book then explores the productivity of labour-intensive public works projects in South Africa and Ghana alongside a general discussion of key factors affecting construction productivity in these countries. Whilst the focus is on road construction, the framework developed can be applied to any number of construction projects to measure, and ultimately improve productivity. This book is useful reading for researchers and practitioners looking to understand the factors influencing labour productivity in construction at both the industry and the project level, including construction managers, quantity surveyors, cost engineers and project managers.

PRODUCTIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS From planning/design to post-construction, this valuable guide provides the construction industry the key to understanding the importance of properly tracking and measuring productivity, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability for contractors, subcontractors, owners, civil and construction engineers, and attorneys. Productivity in Construction Projects anticipates and answers the questions of owners, contractors, sub-contractors, and construction professionals to avoid cost overruns in a specific area of work, or when activities are taking more resources to perform than planned. Packed with real-world case studies, Productivity in Construction Projects’ thirteen chapters move beyond the symptoms and provide a remedy. This book provides a comprehensive look at how to: Complete more projects on time and budget, and earn greater profits and future business. Track and analyze productivity on construction projects, and quantify additional costs resulting from productivity losses. Select the right experts and attorneys should litigation or arbitration occur, and employ credible and reliable methods of analysis. Solve problems on the project instead of incurring lengthy and costly litigation or arbitration.