Extending and operationalizing construction productivity measurement on building projects

Abstract

Measuring construction productivity in an accurate, repeatable and reliable way represents a significant problem at a building project level of enquiry. The research develops a measurement framework that balances simplified data gathering against explanatory ability. It aims to assist analytically driven process improvement. Debate and discourse are used to draw upon the extant literature in creating a logic-based flow of ideas to develop the framework. Targeted use of empirical cost and site process data from case studies are presented to punctuate the discourse. The derived approach advocates multifactor measurement inclusive of labour and temporary production infrastructure inputs, set against Gross Floor Area outputs. Emphasis is placed on separately measuring homogenous and heterogeneous parts of work processes. A reductionist approach is used to operationalize measurement where projects are categorized according to fitness-for-purpose criteria and links made between systems, activities and tasks. Emphasizing measurement of homogenous parts of the work is new to the literature. It enables delineated measurement between work involving mass economies of scale (homogenous work), versus customized work (heterogeneous work). The approach enables improved benchmarking, diagnostic and predicative options. A course of ongoing research is provided to assist ongoing development and implementation.

Keywords:

• Productivity measurement
• project productivity
• measurement framework
• multi-factor approach
• building projects

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.