Qualitative Analysis of Lost Labor Productivity in Electrical Construction from the Perspective of Field Personnel

electrical construction;labor productivity

Offiah, Godwin Ashley DilibeHanna, Awad S. ;

University of Wisconsin

关键词: electrical construction;    labor productivity;   

Others  :  https://minds.wisconsin.edu/bitstream/handle/1793/78487/MS_Thesis_Offiah_GodwinAshleyDilibe.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

瑞士|英语

来源: University of Wisconsin

【 摘 要 】

Executive SummaryThe stagnant production practices, the decline in experienced workers, and the steepeconomical labor cost has challenged the construction industry to improve labor productionpractices. This research study investigates the impact and the influence of labor performancethrough the perception of electrical construction workers. Electrical construction workers arepresent throughout the construction phases and acquire substantial understanding, insight, andintuition on factors that impact labor productivity. These electrical construction workers aretypically the first on-site: pulling conduit, installing circuit breakers, operating heavy equipment,and ultimately executing the project design. Nonetheless, their expertise and intelligence isunfortunately seldom discussed among academics and industry personnel, thus by considering itthis research will convey a more precise understanding of the impact of labor productivity on theconstruction industry.This research study is influenced by a previous research study conducted by theConstruction Industry Institute (CII), which examined the influence of factors that impedeworker labor production of numerous trades. However, this research looks to study the factorsthat influence labor productivity exclusively for electrical workers.There are various factors that adversely influence electrical workers’ performances. Onebeing the Electrical construction trade is exceptionally labor-intensive and accounts for nearly70% of construction project costs. To improve project cost and efficiency, the electricalconstruction industry continues to aspire for innovative and new methods that impact theindustry while developing a more productive workforce.Technological innovations such as AutoCAD, Building Information Modeling (BIM),Solids Works, and Primavera have significantly influenced the electrical construction industrythrough advancements in construction methods, designs, planning, and implementation of projectscope. However, the industry still faces several challenging factors that impede productionincluding inadequate engineering design, work scheduling, and resource management. Thesechallenges obstruct electrical workers’ labor performance. The wealth of knowledge thatelectrical workers possess enables this research study to examine which factors have the mostsignificant impact to workers’ performance. The data that is collected can assist owners andcontractors in enhancing their knowledge regarding factors that impact worker performance.To further enhance the research study, electrical workers were surveyed to acquire theirperception of factors that impede their labor production. From the 182 workers responded out ofthe 3000 electrical workers that were emailed in the United States and Canada. This accountedfor a response rate of 6.07%. These electrical workers varied in experience, job position,perception of factors that influence labor productivity. The compiled data was examined todetermine trends and correlations. Furthermore, the findings from the analyzed data enabled animproved awareness of labor production of electrical construction workers.Considering the perception of electrical workers allowed this research study to gainsignificant knowledge on factors that hinder the appropriate labor production of workers.Knowing the factors that impact construction labor production, owners and contractors can bettermanage their construction workers. Consequently, this reduces rework, design-plan errors, andomissions, and essentially enables a more productive project work schedule. Additional effortsare recommended to improve company culture, working conditions, and adequatecommunication amongst project team members. Continuous improvements of labor productionpractices are essential in the systematic growth of the electrical construction industry.