EFFECT OF LABOUR EFFICIENCY LOSSES ON THE TIME PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Abstract

The construction industry is the economic prime mover of nations and it influences and propels infrastructural provision and development. Labour Efficiency losses on construction works have denied the reaping of the full benefits of the industry; as it has led to cost and time overruns, poor quality, claims and disputes. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of efficiency losses on the performance of construction projects, with a view to suggest possible solutions at minimizing their occurrences. The study gathered data through the self-administration of questionnaires using simple random sampling techniques. With a response rate of 42.16% and an average reliability index of the gathered data is 0.846, the data were analyzed using Percentages, frequency, Mean Item Score (MIS), Relative Importance Index (RII) and factor analysis (FA). The study found that major methods of measuring efficiency losses in construction are; Total Cost Method, Baseline Productivity Analysis, Measured Mile Method, Expert Opinion, Published Inefficiency Factor and Earned Value Analysis Method. The causes of efficiency losses are Construction method and poor document, Communication and materials related causes, Poor supervision and planning, Equipment installation related causes, industrial action and weather related causes. The most important factors of time performance are; problems of funding, frequent equipment breakdowns, and incompetent project team. Efficiency losses impact on time, cost and quality. Efficiency losses can be minimized on construction projects through Project Leadership, Effective Communication, Adequate Supervision, Project Monitoring, and Workers Training and Education. Efficient communication, use of experienced supervision, training and retraining of workers, and proper scheduling and planning of activities of construction projects are recommended. This research therefore establish that labour efficiency losses affect time performance as a result of time loss in late delivery of materials, extra cost in redoing poor delivered work, poor communication, unavailability of materials in the market leading thereby leading to dissatisfaction of clients and loss of potential clients. Consequently, the study recommended that; Clients should ensure adequate provisions for funding are made prior to embarking on construction projects just as poor financial standing has a demotivating effects on capital projects performances. The period of construction should be properly timed and schedule to avoid the negative effects of inclement weather. Adequate provision of materials, equipment and tools is required to ensure timely delivery of construction projects and improved productivity of labour. Top management should provide the needed environment for the free flow of information and exchange of ideas. Experienced supervisory staff should be engaged to ensure that works are discharged as planned. Staff training and retraining on modern construction methods is important to ensure that construction experts are update with the trends in the construction industry.

The construction industry is the economic prime mover of nations and it influences and propels infrastructural provision and development. Labour Efficiency losses on construction works have denied the reaping of the full benefits of the industry; as it has led to cost and time overruns, poor quality, claims and disputes. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of efficiency losses on the performance of construction projects, with a view to suggest possible solutions at minimizing their occurrences. The study gathered data through the self-administration of questionnaires using simple random sampling techniques. With a response rate of 42.16% and an average reliability index of the gathered data is 0.846, the data were analyzed using Percentages, frequency, Mean Item Score (MIS), Relative Importance Index (RII) and factor analysis (FA). The study found that major methods of measuring efficiency losses in construction are; Total Cost Method, Baseline Productivity Analysis, Measured Mile Method, Expert Opinion, Published Inefficiency Factor and Earned Value Analysis Method. The causes of efficiency losses are Construction method and poor document, Communication and materials related causes, Poor supervision and planning, Equipment installation related causes, industrial action and weather related causes. The most important factors of time performance are; problems of funding, frequent equipment breakdowns, and incompetent project team. Efficiency losses impact on time, cost and quality. Efficiency losses can be minimized on construction projects through Project Leadership, Effective Communication, Adequate Supervision, Project Monitoring, and Workers Training and Education. Efficient communication, use of experienced supervision, training and retraining of workers, and proper scheduling and planning of activities of construction projects are recommended. This research therefore establish that labour efficiency losses affect time performance as a result of time loss in late delivery of materials, extra cost in redoing poor delivered work, poor communication, unavailability of materials in the market leading thereby leading to dissatisfaction of clients and loss of potential clients. Consequently, the study recommended that; Clients should ensure adequate provisions for funding are made prior to embarking on construction projects just as poor financial standing has a demotivating effects on capital projects performances. The period of construction should be properly timed and schedule to avoid the negative effects of inclement weather. Adequate provision of materials, equipment and tools is required to ensure timely delivery of construction projects and improved productivity of labour. Top management should provide the needed environment for the free flow of information and exchange of ideas. Experienced supervisory staff should be engaged to ensure that works are discharged as planned. Staff training and retraining on modern construction methods is important to ensure that construction experts are update with the trends in the construction industry.