A systematic evaluation on the competencies of construction supervisors in productivity and performance improvement practices – Sri Lankan perspective
Abstract
Purpose
A rise in productivity is associated with higher profits, competitiveness and the sustainability of an industry and a nation. Recent studies highlight inadequate labour supervision and training facilities as the main causes of productivity-related challenges among construction enterprises. This study aims to evaluate the construction supervisors' capabilities in applying the required elements of work practices for enhancing the performance and productivity of construction operations using a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
A new construction supervisory training programme was developed through comprehensive sequential processes, and 64 construction supervisors underwent training . Marking guides with different levels of descriptions/standards were developed through consultations with experts and literature reviews, and the supervisors' capabilities were assessed under 64 competency elements of 12 competency units.
Findings
The findings show a clear cross-section of all the required competencies of construction supervisors with various levels of standards/descriptions, leading to a new generalised guideline that helps to comprehend what degrees of skills can be taken into account in supervision attributes. Statistical tests and expert reviews were used to ensure the generalisability of the research applications and the reliability of the results.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the study findings being limited to the Sri Lankan construction industry, its applicability could create considerable impacts on the current/future practices of the construction sector in developing countries as well as other developing industries.
Practical implications
The study adds new characteristics and values to construction supervision practices that can be remarkable in encouraging construction supervision to drive the sustainability of construction practices. The study findings are significant in decision-making/planning procedures related to technical comprehension, industry training, scientific documentation, adherence to workforce employment constraints and job outputs. This paper describes the further extensive implications and future scopes of the study elaborately.
Originality/value
This study addresses the knowledge gap in the industry related to the development of protocols and application methodologies necessary to track their performance. The study opens a new window that inflows knowledge attributes to the industry sector along with the necessary comparison of the relevant competency elements to predict/comprehend what levels of capabilities can be theoretically considered and practically applied in supervision characteristics.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the construction professionals who actively participated in the discussion sessions, workshops and reviews conducted for this study. The authors also acknowledge the construction supervisors and construction management team members who were directly involved in the study application processes. In addition, the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka, Construction Industry Development Authority, University of Peradeniya and Wayamba University of Sri Lanka are also acknowledged for providing valuable support to this study.
Citation
Manoharan, K., Dissanayake, P., Pathirana, C., Deegahawature, D. and Silva, R. (2023), "A systematic evaluation on the competencies of construction supervisors in productivity and performance improvement practices – Sri Lankan perspective", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-11-2022-0242
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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