Assessing the performance and productivity of labour in building construction projects through the application of work-based training practices

Abstract

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.

Investigating and determining the crucial construction site supervisory competencies influencing the effectiveness of building construction project activities

“…In particular, the experts' discussions and a few studies (Soekiman et al, 2011;Kesavan et al, 2015;Dixit et al, 2017) emphasised such a potential action. In addition to these, Manoharan et al (2022b) accentuate that the construction site supervisors' abilities in applying labour management practices on construction sites, measuring labour productivity and evaluating labour performance will make them identify effective paths for improving the efficiency of labour operations in construction.…”

“…In addition to the above-highlighted aspects, providing opportunities for hands-on learning to workers at construction sites, developing labour training tasks and applying work-based training methods to construction labourers will lead to adding new characteristics to the job roles of site supervision, as emphasised by Manoharan et al. (2022b).…”

“…, 2018; Mistri et al. , 2019; Manoharan et al. , 2022b) and interviews with experts in the construction industry and relevant skill sector authorities revealed that many developing countries lack appropriate reskilling and upskilling methods/procedures on enhancing supervision traits connected to the efficiency and sustainability of site operations in building projects.…”

“…The significance of resolving this problem is found in its effects on the chain of inadequate training infrastructure, supervisory competency gaps and skill shortages that have been the main factors affecting the effectiveness of building construction operations in such developing countries (Windapo, 2016; Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, 2017; Nwosu, 2018; Mistri et al. , 2019; Manoharan et al. , 2022b).…”

“…Recent studies (Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, 2017;Nwosu, 2018;Silva et al, 2018;Mistri et al, 2019;Manoharan et al, 2022b) and interviews with experts in the construction industry and relevant skill sector authorities revealed that many developing countries lack appropriate reskilling and upskilling methods/procedures on enhancing supervision traits connected to the efficiency and sustainability of site operations in building projects. The significance of resolving this problem is found in its effects on the chain of inadequate training infrastructure, supervisory competency gaps and skill shortages that have been the main factors affecting the effectiveness of building construction operations in such developing countries (Windapo, 2016;Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, 2017;Nwosu, 2018;Mistri et al, 2019;Manoharan et al, 2022b). The background analysis of the current study emphasises that such stated challenges were not fully addressed in earlier investigations.…”