PurposeThis study aims to develop a curriculum guide model to upgrade the construction supervision practices, considering evolving challenges and thereby the next normal of the industry.Design/methodology/approachBoth qualitative and quantitative research designs were adopted to identify productivity-related challenges that can be addressed through effective supervision in construction. Meetings, discussions, workshops and surveys were conducted among construction experts to systematically develop the competencies of construction supervision. The necessary mapping models were used to identify the level of outcomes for each competency element along with the learning domains and programme outcomes.FindingsA curriculum guide model consisting of 64 competency elements has been introduced with corresponding assessment weightages and mapping outcomes. Using this model, a new training programme has been designed and tested with weightage percentages on learning domains.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the scope of the study is limited to Sri Lanka, the findings can be interpreted for critical learning in other developing countries too.Practical implicationsThe study outcomes are expected to make a high impact on improving the standards of vocational training education in the country, thereby upgrading the current industry practices.Originality/valueThe developed guide model is expected to be a valuable tool for training providers/organisations in upgrading their programmes/practices with the scope of productivity improvement. The obtained mapping outcomes are significant for the evolving next normal situations in teaching, learning and assessment methods with regard to construction supervision practices.
PurposeThe performance-based utilisation of labour resources is a decisive function for developing characteristics of the next normal in the construction industry. Based on the industry's needs, this study aims to develop a framework for the systematic process of labour performance evaluations and labour grading towards achieving higher productivity in construction operations.Design/methodology/approachBoth qualitative and quantitative methods were applied through a comprehensive literature review, surveys and experts' discussions to develop a set of labour training elements of outcomes. Problem-focused and action-oriented communication approaches were used throughout the study to produce detailed steps for the systematic evaluations of labour performance.FindingsThe study has presented a framework consisting of a set of labour training elements of outcomes with the relative weights, as well as the detailed procedures to assess labour competencies towards the calculations of labour performance score values and labour grading.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the scope of the study is limited to the Sri Lankan context, the findings may be tested in other countries for upgrading their performance improvement practices of labour operations.Practical implicationsThe study outcomes will strengthen the construction management practices for the successful implementation of labour training and performance evaluations at construction sites, and also contribute to upgrading the vocational training programmes in the country towards the next sustainable normal.Originality/valueThe developed framework can be a functional tool for the construction industry that provides a mechanism to show the detailed cross-section of each labourer's performance and values, and also displays their roles and responsibilities to accelerate the next normal in the construction industry.
Purpose Sources highlight that lack of systematic labour training components results in low performance and productivity of labour, which leads the construction industry of many countries to face various challenges. This study aims to quantify the variations in the performance and productivity levels of labour in building construction projects through the applications of effective work-based training components. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review and a series of experts’ discussions with action-oriented communication approaches were conducted to develop a set of practices related to labour training, performance assessment and productivity measurements within a framework. The developed practices were applied to around 100 labourers working on nine building construction projects through a construction supervisory training programme. Findings The study presents the detailed patterns of the significant changes in labour performance and productivity levels. The majority of trained labourers have grown to perform the work process with some relevant theoretical and operational knowledge and skills. The overall results spotlight the significant behavioural changes that can be observed in workforce operations by improving labour performance, which resulted in implementing effective labour-rewarding practices within a framework. Research limitations/implications Although the study findings were limited to the Sri Lankan context, the proposed practices can be applied to the industry practices of the construction sector of other developing countries and the other developing industries in similar ways/scenarios. Practical implications The study outcomes contribute to uplifting the work qualities of labourers with life-long learning opportunities and unlocking the potential barriers for expanding the local labour supply while controlling the excessive inclination of the local firms towards foreign labour. This paper describes further implications and future scopes of the study elaborately. Originality/value The study provides generalised mechanisms and practices that transform the labour characteristics and add new attributes for strengthening the values of construction supervision practices to obtain well-improved work outputs. The study outcomes reinforce the chain relationships among the training elements, labour performance and productivity levels, leading to upgrading current planning and operational management practices, especially adding constructive mechanisms in resource levelling and productivity benchmarking practices.
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