PROFESSIONAL PERCEPTIONS ON THE ROLES OF SKILLED WORKERS IN PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The recent skill shortage within South Africa has raised the need for proper management of the available craftsmen in the construction industry, as a large portion of work executed within the industry is done by this set of workers. It is based on this knowledge that this study assessed South African construction craftsmen’s perception on how effective personnel management can be achieved. A survey approach was adopted and a structured questionnaire was used in harnessing information form craftspeople within the construction industry in Johannesburg metropolitan area. Data analyses were done using percentage, mean item score and standard deviation. The reliability of the questionnaire was also tested using Cronbach alpha test. The study revealed that provision of competitive pay, effective leadership, recruiting the multi-skilled workers, the reward for dedicated workers, and paying attention to employee’s needs were the key measures for improving the management of personnel. The study further recommends that managers of construction organisations should give attention to the identified measures of improving management of employees and implement them to recruit and retain employees within their organisations. The study adds to existing knowledge on the theme of measures for effective personnel management in the construction industry.

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Building Information Modelling and Collaboration in the Nigerian Construction Industry

Journal of Construction Business and Management ◽

10.15641/jcbm.1.2.53 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Ihuoma Onyinechi Onungwa ◽

Nnezi Uduma-Olugu

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

High Impact ◽

Information Modeling ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Learning Centers ◽

Barriers To Adoption ◽

Private Practitioners ◽

Collaborative Tool ◽

Building Information

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a concept that is transforming the way construction is done internationally. Nigeria is lagging behind in adoption of BIM as a collaborative tool amongst professionals in AEC industry. The purpose of this paper is to study the adoption of BIM in Nigeria and determine to what extent it has helped in improving collaboration among consultants in Nigerian construction industry. The research methodology involved using structured questionnaires to 30 AEC firms selected through simple random sampling method. Results showed BIM has a high impact on client satisfaction, time for completion, quality and presentation of different concepts in schematic design. It also showed high impact on conflict resolution, supervision, construction programming and quality of completed jobs during post contract stage. Barriers to adoption of BIM were identified as lack of infrastructure, lack of skilled workers and lack of awareness of technology. Discussion with peers showed that barriers to collaboration included lack of support from leadership in the offices and lack of belief in usefulness of the software. For Nigeria to compete internationally in the construction industry, BIM should be adopted hence there is need for research on the subject. Recommendations include developing a curriculum that will incorporate the study of BIM in all construction courses. Learning centers should also be developed for private practitioners. Efforts should be made by the relevant professional bodies to increase awareness of the technology. Incentives should be given to offices to encourage adoption and collaboration among consultants.

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Factors impeding the industrialized building system (IBS) implementation of building construction in Malaysia

International Journal of Engineering & Technology ◽

10.14419/ijet.v7i4.17863 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 2209 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Massofia Md. Ali ◽

Nor Haslinda Abas ◽

Haryanti Mohd Affandi ◽

Nor Ain Abas

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Building Construction ◽

Housing Construction ◽

Construction Process ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Main Factors ◽

Building System ◽

The Government ◽

Traditional Construction

In Malaysian construction industry, Industrialised Building System (IBS) has been introduced to replace the traditional construction method. While the government has been making significant efforts to encourage the IBS adoption, the uptake of IBS in Malaysia construction projects remains low. This study seeks to identify the barriers to the uptake of IBS and to propose the strategies to enhance the implementation IBS in Malaysian housing construction process from the perspectives of consultants. Interviews were conducted with five selected experienced individuals who were working with consultants (civil and structure engineer and quantity surveyor). The results revealed that, lack of knowledge and insufficient skilled workers are the main factors that impede the IBS uptake in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the most strategy proposed by the interviewees is to increase the facilities and incentives in order to expand research and development in IBS.

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Evaluation of the Impact of Dynamic Work Stations Versus Static Work Stations in Wood Framing Prefabrication using Hybrid Simulation

Modular and Offsite Construction (MOC) Summit Proceedings ◽

10.29173/mocs180 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 495-501

Author(s):

Beda Barkokebas ◽

Samer Bu Hamdan ◽

Aladdin Alwisy ◽

Mohamed Al-Hussein

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Production Line ◽

Hybrid Simulation ◽

Optimum Number ◽

Total Production ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Static Work ◽

Dynamic Work ◽

Modular Units ◽

The Impact

Offsite manufacturing has introduced significant improvements in terms of both time and cost savings to the construction industry. The fabrication of modular units and construction components in factories has permitted the reshaping of the traditional stick-built process. By reallocating the majority of onsite activities to offsite facilities, onsite preparation tasks can be performed concurrently to the offsite production. The success of offsite manufacturing relies on the efficiency of the factory’s production line. Continuous workflow improves factory efficiencies by reducing or eliminating fluctuations and bottlenecks among work stations. Imbalance in the production line is a result of work station capacity errors and other conditions unique to the construction industry. Unlike other industries, construction projects are often customized and have lower repetition quantities. The variations in the modular units or components being produced poses a challenge in balancing traditional work stations along the production line due to continuous changes in complexity level, which in turn affects productivity. This research proposes the use of dynamic work stations along with traditional ones, using multi-skilled workers relocating among specific work stations in response to product complexity levels. Two approaches are evaluated in order to balance the production line: (1) increase number of workers in static work stations; and (2) use dynamic work stations. A production comparison is performed using a hybrid simulation model, combining discrete-event and continuous simulation. The plotted results identify the optimum number of workers in the two stations, static versus dynamic, to meet demand. The model is validated and is found to achieve a reduction of 18.68% and 32.00% in the total production time for two different scenarios without increasing the original number of workers.

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A Reality Check of Status Level of Worker against Skilled Worker Parameters for Bangladeshi Construction Industry

Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction ◽

10.32732/jcec.2018.7.3.132 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 132 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Shakil Ahmed ◽

Md. Ikramul Hoque ◽

Md. Hamidul Islam ◽

Mehrab Hossain

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Professional Training ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Skilled Worker ◽

Reality Check ◽

The Status ◽

Status Level

Skilled worker is the main fuel to run the construction industry. To enhance construction management processes, worker is a vital factor. Lacking of skilled worker, have a huge negative impact on the construction cost, schedule and quality of construction work. Nine skilled worker parameter is setting out as Bangladesh perspective. The main objective of this study is to reality check of skilled worker parameter by evaluating the status level of worker against each parameter. The study was conducted by questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was designed by a comprehensive literature review and expert opinion. The data were collected through questionnaire survey among the construction workers in Bangladesh. The percentages of workers who satisfy the parameters of construction safety, materials, equipment and tools, labour law and BNBC are 19.35%, 6.45%, 9.68%, 4.87% and 2.30% respectively. The workers having the professional training, minimum education and minimum working experience are 6.45%, 46.06% and 62.50% respectively. And the physically fit worker is found 62.25% in this study. Increased numbers of skilled workers boost the construction process and productivity that creates a very positive impact in the construction industry and enriches the national economy of Bangladesh.

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A survey of absenteeism on construction sites

International Journal of Manpower ◽

10.1108/ijm-08-2015-0135 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 533-547 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

F. Jordan Srour ◽

Issam Srour ◽

M. Ghayth Lattouf

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Hierarchical Level ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Construction Sites ◽

Economic Sectors ◽

Content Type ◽

Construction Productivity ◽

Worker Absenteeism ◽

Unskilled Workers ◽

Complex Project

Purpose The construction industry is dynamic and often unregulated due to its complex, project-based nature. This makes the task of implementing human resource management (HRM) functions more difficult than in other economic sectors. This is particularly the case for developing countries which rely on a migrant, casual, and transient workforce. Despite offering flexibility, a transient workforce can lead to unpredictable rates of absenteeism and unsatisfactory productivity. This paper links HRM practices in the construction industry of the developing world to rates of absenteeism across three segments of the construction workforce – foremen, skilled workers, and unskilled workers. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A survey targeting 60 construction sites in Beirut, Lebanon form the basis of the analysis. Within each site, measures of absenteeism for foremen, skilled, and unskilled workers were solicited along with other data on HRM onsite. Findings The results suggest a regression model for worker absenteeism based on tenure of work as well as the absenteeism of workers at the next hierarchical level onsite. Originality/value This study is among the first to show a link between the mechanisms by which construction workers are employed (contract-based foremen vs daily/weekly labourers – both skilled and unskilled) and the rate of absenteeism seen onsite. Given the role of absenteeism in construction productivity, having a good understanding of the underlying causes of absenteeism is critical to the design of mitigating policies.

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O5A.4 Overexertion related age-specific wmsds claims among construction workers in ohio, USA: 2007–2013

Occupational and Environmental Medicine ◽

10.1136/oem-2019-epi.113 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. A42.1-A42

Author(s):

Harpriya Kaur ◽

Mike Lampl ◽

James Grosch ◽

Steven Wurzelbacher ◽

Chih-Yu Tseng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Older Workers ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Census Bureau ◽

Construction Workers ◽

Full Time ◽

Age Group ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Full Time Equivalent ◽

The U.S

BackgroundAs the proportion of older workers in the U.S. increases, understanding the health and safety needs of an aging workforce is critical, especially in the hazardous and physically demanding construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2016 the rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in construction was 32.7 per 10 000 full-time equivalent workers, which was 11% higher than the rate for all industries combined. The objective of this study was to examine the rate and cost of WMSDs due to overexertion, the leading cause of WMSDs, among construction workers by age group in Ohio using workers’ compensation claims.MethodsOverexertion related WMSDs allowed claims, submitted to Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (OBWC) by workers in the construction industry for injuries occurring from 2007–2013 were analyzed to compute rates of allowed claims and claim costs by age group. The American Community Survey of the U.S. Census Bureau was used to determine the proportion of construction workers in each age group in Ohio. For this study, age was categorized as 14–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54 and ≥55 years old.ResultsThere were 7434 overexertion related WMSD claims accepted by OBWC for construction workers who were injured due to overexertion in 2007–2013. Workers 35–44 years old experienced the highest claim rate of 7.28 per 1000 for WMSDs due to overexertion. However, the highest mean medical compensation cost for WMSD claims due to overexertion was for construction workers 55 years and older.ConclusionOverexertion-related WMSD claims appear to rise and then fall with age (≥55). There is a need to understand how aging interacts with WMSDs risk factors. Age-specific interventions to reduce WMSDs may help to retain older and skilled workers whose knowledge and experience might otherwise be lost when workers need to leave work because of debilitating WMSDs.

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PERCEPTIONS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction ◽

10.14455/isec.res.2016.12 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

R. Edward Minchin ◽

Shannon M. Close ◽

Ian Flood

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Construction Industry ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Dirty Work ◽

School Students ◽

Construction Companies ◽

Younger Workers ◽

Difficult Time ◽

And Training

Despite the recent recession, the construction industry remains a vital part of the nation’s economy. As the current generation of workers grows older, the industry is beginning to face a lack of skilled workers. In addition to the growing need for workers, the industry has traditionally had a difficult time attracting younger workers to enlist in its trades due to stereotypes such as low wages and opportunities and the work taking place in a dirty and dangerous environment. The aim of this study was to determine and document the attitudes of post-high school adults about the construction industry. Understanding these attitudes could help construction companies and trade schools develop recruitment and training programs that attract younger workers to the industry. A survey was conducted and the respondents’ answers were analyzed statistically in order to determine general attitudes, differences in attitudes within the population, and differences between their attitudes and opinions and those of high school students. The results of the study show that many of the traditional stereotypes connected with construction, such as a dirty work environment, still exist. However, post-high school adults are increasingly aware of the opportunities and competitive wages available in construction-related jobs. Significant differences in responses were also found within the populations when looking at gender, age, and education level. Lastly, post-high school adults were found to have more favorable opinions of the construction industry than students in high school.

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Determining the Causes of Delay by Using Factor Analysis in Tehran’s Construction Projects

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.735.109 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 735 ◽

pp. 109-116 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mahdi Rafieizonooz ◽

Mohd Razman Salim ◽

Elnaz Khankhaje ◽

Mohd Warid Hussin ◽

Ali Zarebidaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Construction Industry ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Site Management ◽

Critical Factors ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Construction Contracts ◽

Poor Site ◽

Lack Of Commitment

Construction industry is one of the most profitable sectors in Iran’s economic. Delay is common problem in the construction projects in Iran. By considering all viewpoints of the parties, this research identified the most effective and severe causes of delay in construction projects in the Capital of Iran, Tehran. Questionnaires were distributed among respondents who are involved in the construction project in Tehran. The process of data analysis and discussions were conducted based on the two statistical techniques namely descriptive analysis (RII) and factor analysis. Using factor analysis, most critical factors of Tehran’s construction delay were recognized as: (1) lack of commitment; (2) inefficient site management; (3) poor site coordination; (4) Complexity in heritage and legislation; (5) Lack of estimation skills and skilled workers; (6) Lack of communication between parties; (7) Improper planning; and (8) Lack of clarity in contract. These results are anticipated to be important contributions to construction projects in Tehran in controlling the time overruns in construction contracts.

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Occupation-specific suicide risk in England: 2011–2015

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.2019.69 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 215 (04) ◽

pp. 594-599 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ben Windsor-Shellard ◽

David Gunnell

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Suicide Risk ◽

Suicide Mortality ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Occupational Groups ◽

Occupational Differences ◽

Important Target ◽

Care Workers ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Mortality Ratio

BackgroundPrevious research has documented marked occupational differences in suicide risk, but these estimates are 10 years old and based on potentially biased risk assessments.AimsTo investigate occupation-specific suicide mortality in England, 2011–2015.MethodEstimation of indirectly standardised mortality rates for occupations/occupational groups based on national data.ResultsAmong males the highest risks were seen in low-skilled occupations, particularly construction workers (standardised mortality ratio [SMR] 369, 95% CI 333–409); low-skilled workers comprised 17% (1784/10 688) of all male suicides (SMR 144, 95% CI 137–151). High risks were also seen among skilled trade occupations (SMR 135 95% CI 130–139; 29% of male suicides). There was no evidence of increased risk among some occupations previously causing concern: male healthcare professionals and farmers. Among females the highest risks were seen in artists (SMR 399, 95% CI 244–616) and bar staff (SMR 182, 95% CI 123–260); nurses also had an increased risk (SMR 123, 95% CI 104–145). People in creative occupations and the entertainment industry – artists (both genders), musicians (males) and actors (males) – were at increased risk, although the absolute numbers of deaths in these occupations were low. In males (SMR 192, 95% CI 165–221) and females (SMR 170, 95% CI 149–194), care workers were at increased risk and had a considerable number of suicide deaths.ConclusionsSpecific contributors to suicide in high-risk occupations should be identified and measures – such as workplace-based interventions – put in place to mitigate this risk. The construction industry seems to be an important target for preventive interventions.Declaration of interestNone.

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