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1 – 4 of 4James M.W. Wong, Albert P.C. Chan and Y.H. Chiangn
Manpower is the most valuable asset in the construction industry. Based on an examination of literature, selected key data sources, and views from 29 key informants, this paper…
Abstract
Manpower is the most valuable asset in the construction industry. Based on an examination of literature, selected key data sources, and views from 29 key informants, this paper addresses the important labour resource context related to the construction industry in the case of Hong Kong. These include the trends of the critical indicators of the labour market in construction and the implications of the changing markets and technology on the future pattern of skill requirements, and the government policies on construction personnel. The findings are of immense importance to anyone involved in the construction industry, particularly training organizations and policy makers in their mission to maintain a skilled, competitive and adequate workforce able to meet the future demands of the industry. The changing labour market trends and skill requirements pose challenges for construction personnel in terms of upgrading their skills. Further research is recommended to construct robust models predicting the occupational trends in labour resources for effective manpower planning and to establish a labour market information system which could lead to capturing periodic labour market signals with a view to assisting the process of policy making on various human resource development aspects of construction workforce in Hong Kong.
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Nadira Islam Nila, Jhumana Akter and Md. Mehrab Hossain
Change orders are a typical occurrence in building projects. Change orders indirectly affect labor productivity, resulting in a significant delay in the completion of a building…
Abstract
Purpose
Change orders are a typical occurrence in building projects. Change orders indirectly affect labor productivity, resulting in a significant delay in the completion of a building project. Change orders cause labor productivity losses that are difficult to describe, establish and account for contractors and subcontractors. This study aimed to look at the influence of change orders on labor productivity and develop methods to mitigate their adverse effects.
Design/methodology/approach
To assess the change orders' impact on productivity levels a system dynamic model was developed and devise ways were developed to counteract these negative impacts in this research. The impact of change orders on labor productivity and project time was then controlled using techniques established. Finally, a case study of KUET's hall extension was chosen, and the model and principles developed were implemented.
Findings
This study established that if the project delivery date is set and change orders are occurring often, labor productivity will be impacted. With adequate monitoring and supplemental management techniques, it can be reduced by prolonging the project.
Originality/value
The developed policies aid to mitigate the effect of change orders on labor productivity.
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Júlia Barros dos Santos, Paulo Marcelo Macedo Nascimento and Josiane Palma Lima
Identifying factors that impact workers’ health and performance is extremely important for companies and, in particular, for companies in the construction sector. Despite the…
Abstract
Purpose
Identifying factors that impact workers’ health and performance is extremely important for companies and, in particular, for companies in the construction sector. Despite the evidence, knowledge about the relationship between commuting, health and worker performance is still limited. More specifically on the relationship with work engagement, studies focus on work-related aspects, neglecting individual and behavioral factors. This study aims to verify the relationship between the commuting patterns of workers, their health and their work engagement in a civil construction company located in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was applied to 43 civil construction workers. The participants’ physical and mental health was evaluated using the 12-item short-form health survey. Employees’ work engagement was assessed through the UWES-17 scale. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the relationship between physical and mental health, engagement and commuting to work.
Findings
The result corroborated the literature showing that the use of active transport positively influenced the mental health of construction workers and negatively affected those who use individual motorized transport. People working from home had the lowest values for total engagement, vigor and dedication.
Originality/value
This study provides evidence and a prior understanding of this relationship, serving as a basis for decision-making processes in the area of transport that contribute to the health and better functioning of companies in the construction sector. This work also contributes to the state of the art on the relationship between commuting, health and worker engagement.
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Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Ahmed Farouk Kineber, Ibraheem Albukhari and Adeyemi James Dada
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the barriers militating against the adoption of robotics in the construction industry.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the barriers militating against the adoption of robotics in the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Robotics implementation barriers were obtained from the previous studies and then through questionnaire survey construction stakeholders in Nigeria evaluate these barriers. Consequently, these barriers were examined via the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) technique. Furthermore, a model of these barriers was implemented by means of a partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The EFA results showed that these barriers could be categorized into two: cost and technology. Results obtained from the proposed model showed that platform tools were crucial tools for implementing cloud computing.
Originality/value
The novelty of this research work will be provided a solid foundation for critically assessing and appreciating the different barriers affecting the adoption of robotics.
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