Professional Documents
Culture Documents
NABIL AILABOUNI
September 2010
ABSTRACT
Reliable productivity rates for construction trades are essential for contractors to
accurately estimate the time and cost of construction projects. These rates vary
considerably based on the complexity of the structure, project site constraints, and
other technical, managerial, social and cultural factors. Predicting the effect of these
factors will enhance the ability of the contractor to optimally utilize resources. This
research therefore aims to evaluate the most significant factors that affect productivity
of key construction activities namely: excavation, formwork, reinforcement,
concreting, blockwork, plastering and tiling. The research focuses on the construction
industry in the UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Literature review of the classical management theories and contemporary works on
construction productivity led to the identification of four generic factors affecting
productivity: Environmental, Organizational, Group Dynamics and Individual
Factors. Three questionnaire surveys were undertaken to identify the most significant
factors and the magnitude of their effect on productivity. The first survey identified the
most significant factors after ranking them according to a severity index. The other
two surveys identified the magnitude of the effect of these factors on productivity.
The research used Chi Square Test for Significance, which identified - Work Timings,
Control by Supervision, Group Dynamics, Control by Procedures, Climatic Conditions
and Material Availability as the most significant factors affecting productivity. Six
sites were selected for data collection for productivity rates of the key construction
activities. The significant factors were varied at three ordinal levels that afforded
practical variations at site. The increase or decrease in productivity obtained was
compared to the actual site average productivity and then subjected to regression
analysis using MINITAB 15 – Statistical Software. This resulted in the development
of a regression model for each of the seven key construction activities.
Four other construction sites were selected and used for validation of the developed
models. The developed models have been used to evaluate the variability in
productivity of construction activities and to predict the percentage change in
productivity of the selected activities when the underlying variables are varied.
Review of the coefficients of the factors in the individual regression models afforded
insight into those that most affect productivity of the selected construction activities.
This intelligent information can help site management to create favourable conditions
on site aimed at enhancing productivity rates and therefore optimal utilization of
resources.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 RESEARCH INTRODUCTION………………………….…………….. 1
1.0 Chapter 1 – Introduction……………………………………………. 2
1.1 Need for Research …………….……………………………………. 3
1.1.1 Gap in Knowledge…………………………………………………........ 4
1.2 Research Aim……………………………………………………….. 9
1.2.1 Research Objectives………………………………………………… 9
1.3 Scope of Research …………………………………………………. 9
1.3.1 Definition of Productivity………………………………………………… 10
1.4 Brief Outline of Research ….………………………………… 12
1.4.1 Review of Existing Literature and Publications………………………. 15
1.4.2 Data Collection: Survey for Significant Factors……………………… 16
1.4.3 Data Collection: Surveys for Effect of Significant Factors…………. 17
1.4.4 Data Collection: Statistical Tests for Significance using Chi Square 18
1.4.5 Field Data Collection………………………………………………………. 18
1.4.6 Homogenization of Data…………………………………………………… 20
1.4.7 Regression Analysis using MINITAB 15 software……………………… 21
1.4.8 Validation of the Models…………………………………………………... 22
1.4.9 Model Application……..…………………………………………………… 23
1.5 Chapters Summaries ……………………………………………………… 24
1.6 Conclusion……………………………………………………………... 28
2 LITERATURE REVIEW………………………………………………… 30
2.0 Chapter 2 – Introduction…………………………………………….. 31
2.1 Management Theories……………………………………………….. 35
2.1.1 The Classical Approach…………………………………………………. 35
2.1.2 The Human Relations Approach……………………………………….. 37
2.1.3 The Systems Approach…………………………………………………… 38
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3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY………………………………………. 99
3.0 Chapter 3 – Introduction………………………………....................... 100
3.1 Outline of Research Methodology…………………………………… 100
3.2 Development of Methodology………………………………………. 102
3.3 Survey Questionnaire Design………………………………………... 104
3.4 Identification of the Significant Factors Affecting Productivity in the
UAE...................................................................................................... 104
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6 CONCLUSION...............………………………………………………….. 207
6.0 Chapter 6 – Introduction……………………………………………….. 208
6.1 Work Accomplished & Challenges Faced …………………………….. 208
6.1.1 Data Collection Techniques and Accuracy …………………………... 210
6.1.2 Broad Topic of Construction Productivity and Several
Factors in Combination ………………………………………………….. 211
6.1.3 Understanding Technical Issues with Productivity Numbers ………. 212
6.1.4 Short Term Nature of Construction Projects …………………………… 212
6.2 Fulfilment of Research Aim and Objectives …………….…………….. 213
6.3 Practical Utilization of Model …………………………………………. 214
6.4 Possible Improvements in the Model ………………………………….. 216
6.5 Conclusion……………………………………………………………... 220
6.6 Areas for Future Research …………………………………………….. 227
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………230
BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………….. 237
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***
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LIST OF TABLES
CHAPTER 1
Table 1.1 Construction Trades and Productivity Factors
for Field Data Collection…………………………………………. 19
CHAPTER 2
Table 2.1 Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction………….…………………….. 48
Table 2.2 Literature Review Matrix: Collection Of Factors Affecting
Construction Productivity (General) …………………………….. 59
Table 2.3 Motivating Factors in Construction Industry…….……………….. 63
Table 2.4 Motivators and De-Motivators Ranked By Workers in Thailand…. 64
Table 2.5 Differences in Project Characteristics with High/Low Productivity 66
Table 2.6 Literature Review Matrix: Motivating Factors in the Construction
Industry……………..……………………………………………… 68
Table 2.7 Literature Review Matrix: Factors Affecting Construction
Productivity across Countries……………………………………… 70
Table 2.8 Construction Industry Characteristics…………………………...… 76
Table 2.9 2001 UAE National Workplace Employment Relations Survey
Results……………………………………………………………… 83
Table 2.10 Comprehensive List of Factors Affecting Productivity: UAE
Construction Industry……………………………………….……... 86
CHAPTER 3
Table 3.1 Survey(1) Response Reckoner…………………………………….. 105
Table 3.2 Significant Factors Affecting Productivity (First 8 within Groups). 110
Table 3.3 Significant Factors Affecting Productivity in Matrix Form……….. 111
Table 3.4 Significant Factors Affecting Productivity (Fourteen Factors
with Highest Ranks)………………………………………………... 112
Table 3.5 Perception Survey (2) (Internal): Summary Results……………… 114
Table 3.6 Perception Survey (2) (Internal) : Summary Percentages…..…….. 115
Table 3.7 Perception Survey (2) (Internal): Weighted Averages…………… 116
Table 3.8 Perception Survey (3) (External): Summary Results……………… 117
Table 3.9 Perception Survey (3) (External): Summary Percentages………… 118
Table 3.10 Perception Survey (3) (External): Weighted Average Result…….. 119
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Table 3.11 Combined Analysis % Wise – Perception Surveys (2) & (3) ……... 120
Table 3.12 Chi-square Computations: Survey Data – Productivity Factors
And Their Effects – Internal Survey……………………………... 124
Table 3.13 Chi-square Computations: Survey Data – Productivity Factors and
their Effects – External Survey…………………………….............. 125
Table 3.14 Field Variables Using Weighted Averages from Survey 2 & 3…… 126
Table 3.15 Sample Sites and Activities under Study for Productivity……….. 129
Table 3.16 Range Of Productivity Values – Trade Wise / Site Wise……….. 132
Table 3.17 Factor Levels Used For Data Collection…………………………. 133
CHAPTER 4
Table 4.1 Brief Profile of Construction Projects Used For Field Data
Collection…………………………………………………………. 144
Table 4.2 Summary of Data Collected and Used For Formulating Model… 146
Table 4.3a Excel Sheet Used For Model Formulation – Excavation………… 159
Table 4.3b Regression Models – Iteration Summary for Excavation………… 170
Table 4.4 Final Regression Models…………………………………………... 173
Table 4.5 Major Productivity Contributing Factors…………………………. 174
Table 4.6 Extracts from Appendix 5-8a: Excavation
Trade productivity at Various Runs /Levels of Factors………….. 179
CHAPTER 5
Table 5.1 Construction Sites Used For Model Formulation and Validation… 185
Table 5.2 Validation Data for Excavation - ARS Site………………………... 192
Table 5.3 Grand Summary of Validation Data and Results………………….. 200
Table 5.4 Summary of Productivity Models………………………………….. 201
Table 5.5 Major Productivity Contributing Factors per Construction Trade… 202
***
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
LIST OF FIGURES
CHAPTER 1
Fig. 1.1 Overview of the Research ………………………………………… 14
CHAPTER 2
Fig. 2.1 Organizational Sub- Systems……………………………………… 40
Fig. 2.2 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid…………………………… 45
Fig. 2.3 Factor Model of Construction Labour Productivity………………. 57
Fig. 2.4 General Categories of Factors Affecting Productivity……………. 84
CHAPTER 3
Fig. 3.1 Overview of the Research………………………….. …………….. 101
Fig. 3.2 Snapshot of Survey (1) Questionnaire……………………………. 104
Fig. 3.3 Extract of Survey (1) Results For Sample Computation………….. 107
Fig. 3.4 Questionnaire Design for Survey 2 & 3…………………..………. 113
CHAPTER 4
Fig. 4.1 Snapshot of Excel Sheet for Model Formulation - Excavation
Trade………………………………………………………………. 151
Fig. 4.2 Flow Chart : Homogenization of Field Data……………………… 153
Fig. 4.3 Grab of Minitab 15 Menu- Stat-Regression- Graphs …………….. 155
Fig. 4.4 Flow Chart : Statistical Modelling Using MINITAB 15 Software.. 156
Fig. 4.5a Iteration 1- Excavation Modelling Graphs………………………… 163
Fig. 4.5b Iteration 2- Excavation Modelling Graphs………………………… 165
Fig. 4.5c Iteration 3- Excavation Modelling Graphs………………………… 167
Fig. 4.5d Iteration 4- Excavation Modelling Graphs………………………… 169
Fig. 4.6a Graphical Representation of Factors affecting Excavation ………. 175
Fig. 4.6b Graphical Representation of Factors affecting Formwork …………175
Fig. 4.6c Graphical Representation of Factors affecting Reinforcement …… 176
Fig. 4.6d Graphical Representation of Factors affecting Concreting ……….. 177
Fig. 4.6e Graphical Representation of Factors affecting Blockwork ……….. 177
Fig. 4.6f Graphical Representation of Factors affecting Plastering….……… 178
Fig. 4.6g Graphical Representation of Factors affecting Tiling…….……….. 178
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CHAPTER 5
Fig. 5.1 Flow Chart Showing Computation of Errors for Validation ……… 186
Fig. 5.2 Flow Chart Showing Computation of Errors for Validation ……… 189
Fig. 5.3a Error Chart For Excavation For The ± 2 Sigma Limits
(For Minitab 15)………………………….........................................195
Fig. 5.3b Error Chart for Excavation For The ± 15% Band
(For Minitab 15)………..…………………………………………...196
Fig. 5.3c Histogram of Errors (For Minitab15)……………………………… 197
Fig. 5.3d Scatter plot (For Minitab 15)………….………................................ 197
Fig. 5.3e Four in One Excavation Validation Graph ………………………... 198
***
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
***
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AUTHORS DECLARATION
I declare that the research contained in this thesis, unless otherwise formally
indicated within the text, is the original work of the author. The thesis has not
been previously submitted to this or any other university for a degree and does
not incorporate any material already submitted for a degree.
Signed _______________________
Nabil Ailabouni
***
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ABBREVIATIONS
***
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1
Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
This chapter introduces the research title, aim, objectives, and definitions of
productivity while establishing the need for research against the background of
productivity of construction trades and its importance in the construction
industry, with a primary focus on the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
After a brief discussion on applicability of the models, the chapter concludes with
summaries of each chapter to give the reader a general outline of the research.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
All contractors within the UAE face similar amount of constraints; same
specifications apply and therefore the bottom line performance of contractors is
influenced by how effective & well planned, the construction methods are, and
whether the construction operatives work at optimal productivity levels or not.
Achieving quantity and quality of results while controlling the inputs is therefore
a key challenge for all contractors. This research therefore is important as the
knowledge of factors affecting productivity will aid supervision staff to ensure
optimal conditions on site; namely ensure favourable factors for achieving
maximum productivity of operatives on their sites. This would help keeping costs
within budget, keep employee morale high and help projects to be completed on
time; help companies run their businesses profitably.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Herbsman and Ellis (1990) studied the effects of project conditions termed by
them as Construction Influence Factors on the variation of productivity rates for
construction items and described the development of a statistical model that
illustrated quantitative relationships between influence factors and the
productivity rates. However the study was conducted on past records from site
and not freshly collected data. They concentrated on the construction influence
factors classified into technological and administrative factors. These were
project based conditions. Effects of the company wide environment were not
considered.
Further, the influence factors were quantified using three methods: direct, indirect
using alternate indicators (such as labour turnover for measuring motivation) and
quantification using non parametric ranking. The non parametric ranking
involved ranking the elements to a scale of 1 to 10 based on an individual’s
experience, knowledge and judgment. Also the construction industry influence
factors were based on interviews with various participants in the construction
industry, determined by a group of experts and not through questionnaires.
Finally, a stepwise effect of the influence factors was adopted where each of the
factors was introduced in the model one at a time and the resultant R2 – the
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Sanders and Thomas (1991) in their study of the factors affecting masonry labour
productivity identified inadequacies in previous similar studies to accurately
identify the factors. Their methodology involved the data collected from 11
masonry projects between 1986-1988 in central Pennsylvania. Data collection
was standardized in a procedures manual for consistency. Data sets were
converted to equivalent units to take care of different sizes of bricks being laid
and regression analysis was performed to develop models to relate the
productivity to the physical characteristics of the masonry units. Potential factors
identified and used in the models were based on experience, observations and
data reconciliation procedure. The project related factors identified were ‘work
type, building elements, construction methods, and design requirements. Further
analysis of variance was done on each of these factors. The conclusions included
that 30% improvement is expected if the design is repetitive and 40%
improvement could be realized if design is improved. Expected percentage
improvement resulting from each parameter in isolation was suggested; the
combination effect of all the parameters was not studied.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
pay, better accommodation, good welfare and safety compared lower to the felt
needs of fringe benefits, good relations and safe sites. It was also proved that the
needs, motivators and de-motivators of the Thai workers and those of Nigeria
were similar. The study suggested that motivation methods need to be adjusted
to the situational effects and the personal traits of the national people. The study
was limited to few factors.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Chan P (2002) in his study of the factors affecting labour productivity in the UK
construction industry discussed the various aspects affecting productivity through
a series of focus group interviews engaged in the Personal Construct Theory
(PCT). Personal Construct Theory offers the prospect of unlocking the vital
experience of people and breaks down the barrier between researchers and
research subjects. This study comprised a series of semi structured hour long
focus group interviews with construction operatives. The focus group interviews
had three main stages - construct explication, construct review and construct
validation. By engaging in the personal constructs of site management staff, four
key areas were identified as aspects leading to productivity improvements. These
are planning, teamwork, welfare, and job security. The study did bring in human
factors affecting productivity levels but did not magnify their contribution and the
measures to improve them were not discussed.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Following a review of the above referred works, a need was therefore felt for a
study involving multiplicity of factors affecting construction trades and
establishing a regression model for accurately predicting changes in productivity
with the aim of increasing the productivity so that time and cost factors are better
controlled in the project; in other words resources are optimally utilized in the
project.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
The aim of this research is to evaluate factors that would affect productivity of
construction trades in order to optimize output.
This research has been conducted at construction sites in the UAE as sources of
field data, though the research aim and the findings thereof are of a general
nature.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
The literature review provided the basis for classifying the four main categories
of factors affecting productivity; these being - the Environmental Factors, the
Organizational Factors, the Group Factors and the Individual Factors.
Construction trades are subject to a variety of factors that would determine the
productivity of that trade on the day; to study all of these at the same time, would
be complex; therefore the research undertakes three surveys to determine the
significant factors which are more manageable and amenable to study. The most
significant factors taken for further study include the – Work Timings,
Supervision, Group Dynamics, Procedures, Material, and Climate. The reduced
number of factors means the construction industry can concentrate on controlling
them in order to improve the productivity.
These factors are very much relevant to the UAE economy as construction is the
predominant activity driving the economy after oil. The construction operatives
come from diverse background, and the caliber of supervision differs and is based
on nationality, education and experience. Procedures play an important role in
controlling the safe execution of the project and therefore affect productivity as
compliance with procedures would mean safety protection systems in place and
waiting for clearance or approval. The climate factor is obviously relevant, the
UAE having a hot humid climate; and the fact that the construction trades of
excavation, formwork, steel and concreting are out in the open.
Different versions of the definition of productivity exist; some are listed in this
section with discussion leading us to the “definition” accepted for this research.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 2001)
defines productivity as the ratio of a volume measure of output to a volume
measure of input used.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
According to Sibson (1994), productivity means doing high quality work with
great efficiency. In essence it is some output per man hour. Output must be
saleable and usable and of good quality. Other simple definitions include the
amount of output per unit of input (labour, equipment, and capital).
For the purpose of this research, productivity is defined as “the ratio of output of
required quality to the inputs for a specific production situation.” In the
construction industry; it is generally accepted as “work output per man-hours
worked”. This unit is generally used by most contractors in the UAE. It reflects
the measure of manual production which is being studied and also gives an
established factor for comparison over construction trades over time and over
project sites.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
For example, ‘excavation’ is measured in cubic meters of soil excavated per man
hour and ‘plastering’ is measured in square meters of plaster per man hour.
Excavation and Plastering are manual operations involving a high degree of
manual labour and zero or limited mechanized assistance. This is due to the fact
that cheap labour is available in the country and in some of the projects; hand
excavation is a must because of the presence of live utilities underground.
The above definition takes into account quality and efficiency; however,
effectiveness is not covered by this definition; namely the cost benefit analysis of
the resources employed versus the output achieved is considered outside the
scope of this research.
The following section briefly explains how the research data was generated,
analyzed and conclusions drawn from this data; the rationale behind the methods
chosen, the anticipated problems and how these were tackled during the research.
According to Fellows and Liu (2003), the critical consideration for selecting a
most appropriate research method is the logic that links the data collection and
analysis to yield results and thus the conclusions. Research designs therefore
must take into account the research questions; determine what data are needed
and how the data will be organized to maximize the chance of the research
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
The contemporary works on productivity were reviewed and three matrices were
established – 1) indicating the factors affecting construction productivity, 2)
indicating the motivational factors affecting construction industry and 3)
indicating the factors affecting productivity across countries.
The classical theories, together with the information from these matrices and
experience of the researcher in the UAE construction industry led to the broad
categorization of factors affecting productivity of the construction industry in the
UAE.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
For this research, the questionnaire and case study were selected as this offered
the possibility of having wider prospective respondents, elimination of any
personal bias that might develop during the interview and giving equal chances
for answering the questions under similar conditions.
The case study on the other hand was mandatory to provide the huge quantity of
data that was required for the study – especially the model formulation and
validation later. Also the case study company had 30 years of productivity record
that could be used for comparison. The company also had undertaken projects
that were running concurrently, which could be used for data collection.
Survey 1 for Significance- The list of factors derived from literature review
were transformed into a survey questionnaire that was circulated to the key
industry players – engineers, foremen and the operatives themselves. This served
as the first set of primary data which was analyzed using the Severity Index
(= Importance Index x Frequency Index). A list of significant factors affecting
productivity in the UAE construction industry was then established.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
The results of this survey were reported at the PROBE (Post Graduate
Researchers in the Built & Natural Environment) conference, Glasgow,
Caledonian University, Scotland, November 20-22, 2007.
The survey questionnaire had a total of 61 questions and was sent to 500
participants out of which 238 responded. The questions were formulated from the
list of significant factors established by literature review. The respondents had to
answer the questions to a LIKERT scale (Kothari, 2004), as further explained in
Chapter 3.
The results were then ranked using the severity index and factors within each of
the four main categories of Environmental, Organizational, Group and Personal
Factors were presented.
Finally the highest ranked 14 factors were presented sorted in descending order.
Those were ultimately subjected to two more perception surveys – Survey 2 and
Survey 3; results of which led to seven major factors of Timings, Competence of
supervisors, Salaries, Materials, Systems and procedures, Group dynamics and
Climatic conditions. The Salaries and Timings factor were merged into one factor
of Timings making the total factors that will be studied as six factors.
Two more sets of primary data were generated by conducting a perception survey
of the effect on productivity of the six factor groups; one using participants from
within the case study contracting company (Survey 2) and second using
participants external to the company (Survey 3). These were kept separate as the
results were expected to be different and reviewed at a later stage if required.
The perception survey was needed to establish the magnitude of the effect of each
of the significant factors following survey 1 and to help establish the field
variables for data collection. The effect was set at ± 25% as from practical
experience in the construction field, changes to the productivity by design is
seldom.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
The survey results were presented in counts, percentages and weighted averages.
A combined analysis was also presented, which gave a percentage of the
respondents establishing the magnitude of the effect of the factors – timings,
supervisor competence, salaries, materials, systems and procedures, group
dynamics, and climatic conditions for both the internal and the external survey.
Survey 2 and 3 analysis helped establish the magnitude of the effect of the
significant factors of productivity; which combined with the results of
significance testing described in 1.4.4 below, led to the establishing actual field
controllable factors affecting productivity.
The results of the two perception surveys discussed above were then summarized
into a Chi Square matrix and tests of significance was conducted for both cases
separately. The factors were considered statistically significant in both cases.
The Pearson Chi Square test can be used to check goodness of fit and tests for
independence. Here the test was used to check for significance or independence.
These tests whether paired observations on variables expressed in a contingency
table are independent of each other; in this case the factors affecting productivity.
Three levels of variations were chosen for each of the seven factors described in
1.4.2 and 1.4.3 above using the calculated weighted averages. The three levels
have been chosen to afford a practical mechanism for variation and recording of
productivity changes. For example,
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Thus these three levels helped to establish a mechanism to vary conditions on site
and record productivity changes. Table 1.1 summarizes the construction trades
and the seven factor variables chosen for field data collection. These construction
trades were chosen as they are mostly done manually and offer tremendous scope
for improvement in productivity; besides being the significant activities at the
start of the project other than the mechanical, electrical and plumbing services
coming up later in the project.
The productivity was measured for the seven trades of Excavation (cubic metres /
man-hour), Formwork (square metres / man-hour) Reinforcement (tonnes / man
hour), Concreting (cubic metres / man-hour), Blockwork (square metres / man-
hour), Plastering (square metres / man-hour) and Tiling Works (square metres /
man-hour).
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
The factors taken for data collection from the survey results were reduced to six
because it was not logical to change the salary during data collection, as this
would first make the operatives aware of the study, they could then be biased,
while other operatives not treated equally might not perform their best. Hence it
was merged with the ‘Timing’ factor.
Data as received from sites was reviewed and outliers were removed to ensure the
sample readings received represented a normal population. Further the site data
could include possible errors of recording, possible manipulation, computation
errors productivity outputs may have been subjected to unaccounted for factors
such as isolated activities of stoppage, waiting for inspection, unusually confined
spaces to work, varying complexities of the construction trade itself. The
technical constraints together with the size and complexity of the structure being
constructed made it difficult to fix a productivity level and therefore varying
levels of productivity were seen in the data.
A total of 1090 data sets were collected from sites. As expected; a wide variation
of measured productivity was observed. Some of the results seemed abnormal
and out of bounds, which in statistics are termed as outliers (those data that were
below the 25th percentile and above the 75% percentile). In this research, a band
of ± 40% was applied to retain data for further analysis. So the percentage
productivity change as measured (PPCM) values were reviewed and any values
out of ± 40% of the Site Average were discarded.
A band of ± 40% was considered an appropriate band to retain the data to first
ensure significant number of data sets remain, whilst on the other hand, to ensure
practical variation expected on site ascribed to the factors described in the last
paragraph. The band of ± 40% was selected based on the variations seen in actual
productivity on site and the known presence of several factors (not subject of this
study) other than the six ones under study.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
This consideration is also in line with removing of outliers using the first and
third percentiles, ensuring at least 50% of the data sets more representative of the
population are used. In this research, total data sets of 1090 was collected as
against 812 (74 %) data sets used after the discarding those out of the ± 40%
band.
The MINITAB 15 software was utilized in this research as the researcher had
previous experience in using it and moreover the MINITAB 15 and the other
software’s available – the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software
(now rebranded as Predictive Analytics Software (PASW), March 2009) offer
similar outputs. MINITAB 15 was found simpler to use. Distinctive beneficial
features of MINITAB include comprehensive and powerful statistical methods,
effective and editable graphs, and user-friendly interface. MINITAB has been
used in several textbooks spanning a broad range of categories including
archaeology, behavioural / social sciences, biological sciences, business, earth
sciences, engineering, environmental science, general statistics, health science,
mathematics, quality control, and six sigma topics. (Reference
www.minitab.com).
Data sets homogenized as above were then fed into the MINITAB 15 software
and regression analysis was performed. The output variable was the percentage
productivity change as measured (PPCM), while the input variables were the
group factors of 1) Timings, 2) Supervision, 3) Group, 4) Procedures, 5)
Availability of material and 6) Climate.
The first attempt was to find an overall model for productivity change. However
the coefficient of determination (R2) returned was very low for accepting the
model. The low value of R2 was understandable as there are several factors in
combination affecting the productivity; and one model may not fit all the trades.
This problem was overcome by opting for individual models for productivity of
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The validation of the models was done using eleven data sets from sites for the
different activities. Chapter 5 deals with validation. The process of validation
includes reviewing the data, computing the percentage productivity change as
measured (PPCM), using the appropriate site averages, using the model for
computing the percent productivity change as predicted (PPCP) and finally
computing the error which is the difference between PPCP and PPCM.
The data retained for final validation against the acceptance band of ± 15% was
determined from removing first the outliers within the ± 2 sigma limits for the
errors. Sigma is the standard deviation of the readings and from the statistical
normal curve / distribution study, it is expected that 95% of the values lie within
± 2 sigma bands. For the convenience of the reader, 68% lie within the ± 1sigma
band, while 99.7 % of the readings are expected to lie within the ± 3 sigma bands.
(Mendenhall et al, 2001, pg. 33)
The reasons for the ± 15% band are that the regression models chosen were a
straight line linear regression as against possible curvature or logarithmic
relationships. Interactions between factors were not considered. After the
removal of outliers, the regression line fitted was the optimal chosen to give as
high a value of R2 of over 70%. It was therefore expected that the predicted
increase or decrease in productivity will also follow a similar trend – that is the
data points are expected to lie within an upper and lower band limits of error.
Other considerations include the broad range of complex relationships between
the model and the data, the numerous technical constraints on site with regards to
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the expected productivity in each of the activities, the subjectivity of the factors
themselves & therefore the allocation of factor levels chosen for research.
The threshold of ± 15% also makes sense as actual data from time sheets, cost
control charts and productivity figures from the case study company sites over
the last 34 years indicate that the maximum increase or decrease in productivity
would be in the broader range of ± 40%.
Further taking into consideration the possible inaccuracies of reporting data itself
from the sites, and considering the wide variation in productivity measurement on
sites, the presence of additional technical factors not covered in the models and
review of the wide variation that was possible in productivity values for the
construction trades in actual practice; the acceptance criteria for accepting the
model to be accurate for practical use on site was set at ± 15%.
The research and the models underlined therein therefore require the supervisors
and the site construction management in general understand that their
responsibility lies in providing favourable conditions of timings, supervision,
group dynamic, materials, procedures and of course amiable weather bringing out
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the best in people; thus effectively increasing the output and therefore the
efficiency and productivity of the works. This will ensure construction operatives
perform at higher levels of motivation; work produced will be of acceptable
quality and at a good productivity rate; helping the activities to complete faster
and therefore the project.
The outline of the chapters 1-6 is included here to give a summary indication of
the contents of each chapter.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
These matrices form the basis for a comprehensive listing of the factors
affecting productivity. The factors affecting productivity are grouped into four
major categories of Environmental, Organizational, Group Dynamics and
Personal Factors.
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The six factors affecting productivity which were used for modelling are the
Work Timings (T), Level of Supervision (S), Group Dynamics (G),
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For 2 sigma limits, it is seen that errors obtained between the predicted and
the actual productivity increase / decrease are within a band of 17.14% to
38.2% further justifying the initial homogenization range of ± 40%. Outliers
were removed using the upper control limits and lower control limits for the 2
sigma band. Out of the total 11 data sets (1963 No’s); eight data sets passed
validation as per set procedure. One data set for reinforcement at OAG site
was accepted on revalidation as only one out of the 42 was out of the
acceptable band of ± 15%. The other two sets which were accepted on
revalidation included data set for concreting and blockwork from the BCC
site. The revalidation used truncated data band within ± 20 % of the site
average. Overall the model validations were accepted indicating that
productivity models can be used to predict productivity changes within ± 15%
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
accuracy. The chapter further discusses the evaluation of the factors affecting
productivity. This is done by considering the coefficient terms of each of the
factors in the regression equation.
Chapter 6 – Conclusion
Chapter 6 concludes the research by verifying whether research aim and
objectives were achieved, the significant problems faced and how these were
tackled and lists the lessons learnt. The limitations of the research itself are
discussed and probable areas for future research for improving the accuracy of
the models are recommended. It is also recommended that site personnel shall
understand the contribution of the factors and provide favourable conditions
which lead to enhancement of the productivity of the people, the construction
trades and therefore of the project.
1.6 CONCLUSION
This first chapter introduced the thesis title, established the aim, objectives, and
definitions of productivity while reiterating the need for research against the
background of productivity of construction trades and its importance in the
construction industry. The research is aimed at evaluating factors affecting
productivity of construction trades in order to optimize output. One of the
objectives of the research is to develop a model that can be used in the
construction industry to evaluate the percentage change in productivity once the
underlying parameters (factors) are varied. Hence the model does not measure or
predict productivity directly; it rather predicts the percentage change of the
productivity of the studied trades in relation to variation in the variables
involved. The research methodology was depicted graphically with cross
reference to chapter numbers. The research undertakes three surveys one to
establish the significance factors affecting productivity and the other two to
establish the magnitude of the effect of these factors on productivity. The field
data was collected using three levels of variation, and regression models for
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***
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The previous studies on productivity studied one trade and / or one variable at a
time, or studied the variables in isolation without interaction between variables.
Herbsman and Ellis (1990) described the development of a statistical model that
illustrates the quantitative relationships between the construction productivity
influence factors (CPIF) and the productivity rates. Most of the other studies were
qualitative rather than being quantitative.
The research by contemporary authors has been reviewed which culminates into
matrices of 1) Factors affecting productivity, 2) Motivating factors affecting
productivity and finally 3) Matrix of factors affecting productivity over several
countries.
These matrices form the basis for a comprehensive listing of the factors affecting
productivity. The factors affecting productivity are grouped into four major
categories of Environmental, Organizational, Group Dynamics and Personal
Factors.
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project and then execute it to clients satisfaction, giving value to the client and at
the same time, making a profit for the company.
People on site include staff such as the Project Managers, Site Engineers,
Foremen and Workmen. This research focuses on people on site - the lower tier
workmen – that group of people including skilled, semi-skilled tradesmen and
labourers.
Given a construction site, these workmen are either grouped – trade wise such as
carpentry group, masonry group, block or brick layer group etc. or they are
grouped into multi-skill / multi-trade groups such as a maintenance group, which
would include a mix of all relevant multi-discipline, multi-trades workmen.
The interrelated influences affecting the behaviour of people can be grouped into
those related to -
• The environment – technical and scientific, economic, social and
cultural, government
• The organization – objectives and policy, technology and methods of
work, formal structure, styles of leadership
• The group – structure and functions, role, relationships, group
influences and pressure
• The individual – personality, skills, values and attributes needs and
expectations.
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Mullins further states that there are a series of mutual expectations of rights and
privileges, duties and obligations, which although, not formally documented, but
have an important influence on people’s behaviour. He calls it the psychological
contract.
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Although it is unlikely that all the expectations of the individual and the
organizations will be fully met at all times, there is a continual process of
balancing, explicit and implicit bargaining, until both parties settle out at a
perceived fair treatment. Several authors have correctly hinted at the dynamic
nature of the psychological contract, the underlying factors are no guarantee of
lifetime employment, promotion from within, part time contracts, subcontract or
outsourcing, retrenchment in light of economic crisis and so on.
The comprehensive list of factors affecting the productivity on site was arrived at
by:-
• Review of the classical management theories
• Review of the published literature related to productivity on construction
sites
• Establishing a Literature Review Matrix listing the factors affecting
motivation and consequently - productivity
• Experience of the researcher. The researcher has had 38 years of
construction experience and has moved through the rank over a
multiplicity of projects, especially in the United Arab Emirates.
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Max Weber believed that power and domination were at the heart of the
rise of modern civilization. He believed bureaucratic approach to
organization were the most efficient and appropriate. Bureaucracy stresses
laws, rules, procedures, and pre-defined routines as giving form to a clear
and explicit system of administration. Bureaucracy can thus be
characterized by a division of labour, a clear authority structure,
formalized procedures and rules as well as an impersonalized structure
(Weber, 1947). Bureaucracy is still relevant today as a major form of
management structure; however there is more reliance on professional
discretion and self regulation than on control through rules and regulation.
The classical approach was the earliest attempt of creating and managing
organizations and was designed to meet the particular circumstances of the time.
Somehow it incorporated a negative view of human nature common at the time –
one of the main elements being the idea of workers as simply parts of a greater
machine. This led to the contrasting view point that it is impossible to remove
human variability from organizations which gave rise to the human relations
approach.
The human relations approach was a stark contrast to the mechanistic view of
organizations by the classical approach. It introduced the human element into
organizational life. This approach paid greater attention to social factors at work
and to the behaviour of employees within an organization. The human relations
approach considers that truly effective control comes from within the individual
worker rather than from strict, authoritarian control. It combines the prescription
for design of job tasks with theories of motivation. (Tausky C, 1978)
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The systems approach attempts to combine the scientific and the human relations
approach. The focus is on the total work organization and the interrelationships of
structure and behaviour together with the range of variables within the
organization. It views the organization both as a whole and as part of a larger
environment – including the relationships between the technical and social
variables within the system. The systems view of an organization criticizes the
‘one best way’ assumptions of classical approaches. It believed that technology
was a critical factor affecting the organizational design. The systems theory of
organization consists of five components (Daft, 2000) -
• Inputs are the material, human, financial and the information resources
• Transformation Process is the management’s use of production
technology to change the input into outputs
• Outputs include the organization’s products and services
• Feedback is the knowledge of results that would influence the selection
of inputs
• Environment is the social, political, and economic forces influencing the
organization.
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The contingency approach (Luthans, 1973) emphasizes the need for flexibility
and says that there is no one best way to structure or manage organizations but
management decisions should take situational and contextual factors into
account. Management’s job is to learn and identify the specific characteristics of
the situation and then fit solutions to overcome these contingencies. (Daft, 2000)
Some of the criticisms of the contingency theory include a clear definition of the
environment for the organization. Furthermore the distinction between
organization and its environment is not necessarily as distinct in practice as
contingency theory suggest as big businesses can create their own environments.
Four factors are common to any organization – people, objectives, structure and
management. It is the interaction of people in order to achieve the objectives
which forms the basis of an organization; some sort of structure is needed by
which peoples interactions and efforts are channeled and coordinated; and finally
some process of management is required by which the activities of the
organization, the efforts of its members are directed and controlled towards the
pursuit of objectives.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Mullins (2007) suggested five main interrelated sub-systems as a basis for the
analysis of work organizations as depicted in Fig. 2.1 above.
• Task – the goals and objectives of the organization. The nature of inputs
and outputs and the work activities to be carried out in the transformation
or conversion process.
• Technology – the manner in which the tasks of the organization are
carried out and the nature of work performance. The materials, systems
and procedures and equipment used in the transformation or conversion
process.
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SELF
ACTUALIZATION
personal growth,
achieving
potential,
empowerment
ESTEEM NEEDS
achievement, status,
responsibility, reputation
PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS
basic life needs ‐ food, water, shelter, health, rest
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of the organization. However, this theory has been criticized widely for
generalization of work and human behavior.
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Implicit in Herzberg’s model was the belief that job satisfaction would
lead to higher levels of motivation. The most surprising factor was that
salary was a hygiene factor and therefore would not act as a motivator
unlike in the scientific approach, however many managers believe that
pay is a most important motivator. Herzberg’s theory was criticised
regarding its validity of work settings and generalization for all industries
(Robbins 1993); however his hygiene and motivators do find relevant
application in the construction industry.
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Whilst the content theories are based on needs and factors that drive human
behaviour, process theories define motivation in terms of rational cognitive
processes. The authors of process theories accept existence of human needs, but
they adhere to the opinion that there are other kinds of motivators to drive human
behaviour. Behaviour of people is considered to be a result of their perceptions
and expectations tied to specific situations.
The equity theory suggests that the degree of motivation can be affected
by the comparisons made between the efforts put into a job and the
reward. An employee is most satisfied in situations when there is
equitable effort and reward. If comparison shows imbalance and
unfairness (namely an employee thinks his or her co-worker has been paid
more or less for the same job), the worker is inevitably brought to
psychological tension. In accordance with the Equity Theory, to overcome
the tension employees will try to restore equity.
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Vroom considered valance as the most significant driver. Thus, when the
reward is perceived to be pleasant, employees perform better. In case an
expected outcome is regarded as unpleasant, motivation takes a backward
direction. This theory finds extensive application in designing incentive
schemes fitting in with the organization’s desired outcomes and the
employee’s abilities and needs.
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Equity theory could be used to gauge how fairly people think they are being
rewarded and work out a fair pay scale. This reward can be either monetary or
intangible. Vroom’s expectancy theory could be explained to employees to get
them to realise where they need to improve to become more motivated. This will
help staff find specific areas they can work on to be happy on the job.
Using Maslow’s theory, it can be made sure that the staff are being paid enough
to cover the first step of the needs pyramid (like food, rent etc). This theory is too
rigid mainly because it doesn’t leave any space for cultural values.
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Not everyone has the same ‘needs pyramid’ as Maslow believed. McClelland
recognised this and his theory could be used to put people where they will be
most suited. Employees would be happier when working where they are most
suited rather than where they are just being paid the most.
This section briefly reviews the works of contemporary authors on the subject of
construction productivity. No specific studies on productivity in any industry
sector could be traced for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was verified
with Chambers of Commerce in Abu Dhabi. However, several studies and
researches were carried out in US, European nations, and South East Asian
nations.
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Herbsman and Ellis (1990) classified the critical factors affecting construction
productivity as technological and organizational influence factors. Technological
factors include specifications, design, location (geography, topography, climate
and layout) and materials, while the organizational factors comprise of
production, labour (wages, relations, manager, and employee) and social factors.
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Snow and Alexander (1992) summarized all the productivity influencing factors
into seven logical broad sensed variables. These are equipment, skills, placement,
standards, physical environment, supervision and materials.
Kazaz and Ulubeyli (2006) ranked ten organizational factors based on a survey of
construction companies in Turkey. These are:
• Site management
• Material management
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Heizer and Render (1990) classified factors influencing site productivity into
three groups – labour characteristics factors, project work conditions, and non
productive activities.
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Enshassi et al (2007) refer to a United Nations Report of 1995, which lists two
major sets of factors that affect the site labour productivity requirements -
organizational continuity and execution continuity. Organizational continuity
encompasses physical components of work, specification requirements, design
details, etc. Execution continuity relates to the work environment and how
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Olomolaiye (1990) found that good supervision was the most significant variable
influencing percentage productive time and that fluctuations in productivity are
primarily the responsibility of on site management. This would mean that site
supervisors have a powerful influence on the behaviour of the site employees and
management relations with the site team could be source for positive or negative
influence.
Reinshmidt (1976) stated that accurate information will help faster decision
making, and will prevent delays, rework, low motivation, and therefore improve
productivity.
Parker (1980) suggested that the amount and quality of communication that flows
between the managers and those executing the work could alter productivity
levels.
The works of the above mentioned authors have been summarized into a matrix.
Reference Table 2.2.
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Table 2.2: Literature Review Matrix: Collection of Factors affecting construction productivity (general)
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Table 2.2: Literature Review Matrix: Collection of Factors affecting construction productivity (general) contd./-
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The motivation theories discussed in section 2.3 are often criticized in that they
don’t sufficiently address the effect of job and work related variables. Price
(1992) argues that a number of early theories were primarily based on
individual’s motivation, emphasis being on the individual’s personality and role
played by personal need in determining work behaviour. However these theories
provide a baseline for further research. The one-off nature of the construction
processes limits the application of Taylor principles both in terms of work process
and associated payment systems.
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(2001), Price (1992) and Hague (1985) used the motivation theories as a
framework for their research.
Ruthankoon and Ogunlana (2003) state that the construction industry has unique
characteristics and may have specific effects on employee motivation. Price
(1992) highlighted that the transient nature of the construction industry with short
term projects is a major factor in employee’s motivation as compared to other
industries.
Laufer and Borcherding (1981) indicated that financial incentives for the
construction labour force are practical; they could raise productivity, lower
production costs, shorten the construction time and increase the earnings of the
workers. On the other hand, Olomolaiye did not find a significant relationship
between motivation and the work rate.
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Table 2.3 below lists a set of motivating factors in the construction industry as
ranked by Aiyetan.
Ogunlana and Chang (1998) studied the needs of both workers and supervisors
and ranked motivators and demotivators in Thailand using the framework of
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Herzberg’s two factor theory of hygiene and
motivators.
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However a cross country comparison of motivators for the UK, Nigeria and
Thailand using the Maslow’s need based categorization showed that the ranking
differed based on whether the workers were from developed countries such as
UK or those from developing economies such as Thailand. For example workers
from Nigeria and Thailand ranked fringe benefits as the most important
motivator whiles it was not the case with UK, perhaps because they are
comparatively better paid and are able to take care of their basic needs. They
conclude also that motivators are not to be treated universally but must be seen in
proper cultural backgrounds. This was in relation to the Nigerian workers opting
to rank challenging task as opposed to the Thai counterpart.
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Chan (2002) identified the human factors influencing productivity levels – these
are planning, teamwork, welfare, and job security. Chan (2005) in his PhD thesis
established the importance of workforce factors such as communication, site
welfare, skills and job prospects in under pinning the factors affecting
construction labour productivity. He also asserted that work content and work
environment factors dealt with short term labour productivity improvements.
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Riddle (1976) suggested that productivity is closely related to skill and without
skill it is difficult for a worker to be productive. Skill can be increased by
training and experience.
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Schriver and Bowlby (1984) and Chang (1991) emphasized morale of workers as
a key factor in measuring construction productivity. Employee moral can decline
due to material shortages, frequent foremen turnover, absenteeism, substandard
employee facilities, management labour conflicts.
The literature review in this sub section has been summarized in Table 2.6.
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Table 2.6: Literature Review Matrix: Motivating Factors in the Construction Industry
- 68 -
Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Table 2.6: Literature Review Matrix: Motivating Factors in the Construction Industry contd./-
- 69 -
Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Countries Thailand Indonesia Nigeria Iran Singapore Tanza- Ugan- Gaza Malay Frequency
nia da Strip -sia
Authors Reference 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 -
Factors affecting productivity
Lack of Materials x x x x x x 6
Incomplete x x x 3
drawings
Incompetent x x 2
Supervisors
Lack of Tools / x x x x x x x 7
Equipment
Absenteeism x x x x 4
Poor x x x 3
Communication
Instruction time x 1
Poor site layout x 1
Inspection delay x x x 3
Rework x x x x x 5
Interference x x x 3
Lack of Supervision x x x x 4
Lack of workmen x x x 3
Weather x x x 3
Site Conditions x 1
Safety x 1
Improper Planning x x x 3
Changing Crew size x 1
Labour Turnover x x 2
Leadership x 1
Lack of Skill x x 2
Wages x x 2
Level of x 1
Mechanization
Monetary x 1
Incentives
Political Insecurity x 1
Change of drawings x x 2
Non payment to x 1
suppliers
Further a comparison has been made to list the factors affecting construction
productivity across countries based on the works of the above referred authors
(Reference Table 2.7 above). The countries are so chosen where similar
conditions as in the UAE exist – the economy is developing, workmen social and
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financial statuses are similar. Although there are related studies in the UK and in
the USA, these were kept out for obvious differences in the constitution of the
workmen and their status in these countries.
1- Makulsawatudom et al (2002)
2- Kaming et al (1997) 6- Lema (1996)
3- Olomolaiye et al (1987) 7- Alinaitwe et al (2007)
4- Zakeri et al (1996) 8- Enshassi (2007)
5- Lim and Alum (1995) 9- Kadir et al (2005)
The UAE is the most dynamic and a highly emerging economy in the Middle
East. There is no income tax in the UAE. Driven by its oil wealth, the country has
witnessed an unmatched development and transformation over a period of time.
Oil exports and foreign investments are the two important aspects which have
completely changed the face of the UAE in the region.
The UAE is now one of the most competitive economies in the region when it
comes to attracting foreign investments. The rapid economic development of
UAE has been fuelling an unprecedented construction boom and infrastructure
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development in all corners of the country that attracted investors from around the
world. Most of the investments are directed in developing infrastructure for
tourism, hospitality, retail and healthcare industry. The government’s efforts to
diversify from oil-based income to other industries will drive the infrastructure
investments in the country in coming years (UAE Yearbook 2009).
Despite the economic slowdown all over the world, the UAE seems to be
committed to develop several projects in housing, tourism, industrial and
commercial facilities, education and healthcare amenities, transportation, utilities,
communications, ports and airports. The regional effect of the economic situation
has however led to a credit squeeze, credit has become costlier and some of the
large projects are reportedly under hold. Despite this, the construction industry in
the UAE is one of the most buoyant and dynamic industry of approximately AED
(Arab Emirate Dirhams) 500 billion annual revenues and a growth rate of 7-8 %.
The industry is the key source for employment and is only 38 years old since the
oil boom in the 1970’s and the birth of the UAE Federation. Construction plays a
dynamic role in the process of economic growth and development of the UAE
accounting for approximately 8% of its GDP (UAE Yearbook 2009). Related
trading and ancillary industries depend upon construction industry, which
employs a large number of expatriate workforce. In the UAE, oil and gas account
for approximately 40 % of the exports, and with a long stint of high oil prices,
there was a massive wave of liquidity fuelling the construction and equities boom
further; until the global economic crisis affected the region.
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are at cost plus giving rise to super normal profits. (Source : Case study
company profit and loss statements)
• Its size is significant and is fourth largest contributor Oil & Gas (~35%),
Government Activities (13.5%), Tourism & Finance each 12% (Source
Gulf News)
• Vast and disparate set of activities whose final output ranges from villas,
offices, housing complexes, hotels, sports authorities, power plants,
petrochemical factories, marine construction works such as harbours,
jetties, marinas, breakwaters, sea water intakes, pipelines, roads and
airports.
• Intermittent demand on the construction industry is on one hand for the
large value capital investment infrastructure projects while on the other it
is for their maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and eventual demolition and
rebuilding (smaller value).
• It is predominantly public sector oriented, products require a long time to
plan and build, on an average around 2 years, and its products are long-
term capital investments and are fixed structures.
• Financing is subject to special economic and financial considerations and
government approvals and is invariably related to the oil price and
subsequent revenues.
• There are many players overall in the industry, but get limited by the
classification / categorization by the Town Planning Department
prequalification / registration process required by authorities and oil
companies
• Final assembly process is site specific, although the component parts may
be coming from different parts of the world. This places clear limits upon
the process of centralized mass production of component parts or
prefabrication for the scale economies to be gained from mass production
and must always be balanced against the subsequent costs of transporting
component parts or sections of structure to the construction site. Scale
economies in terms of reduced costs due to apportioning of overheads to a
large number of projects does exist.
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Oil production and revenues from the sale of oil still constitutes the largest single
component of GDP. In 2001 this share was 29.4% showing steady decline in the
past 2 decades. This reflects the volatility of oil prices (touching $100 a barrel) in
international market and the diversification underway across the UAE economy.
The U.A.E. Government has driven a diversification strategy in the economy
through direct investment and micro economic policies. Accordingly the share of
the non oil sector has been constantly rising. At present levels of production, oil
and gas reserves should last for more than 100 years. The government has
increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up
its utilities to greater private sector involvement. Higher oil revenue, strong
liquidity, and cheap credit in 2005-2007 led to a surge in asset prices (shares and
real estate) and consumer inflation.
The fast and vast economic transformation has resulted in dramatic changes to the
labour market which has affected the work, employment and employees in many
ways. Such implications involve wages, income regulations of wages and
income, and employer/employee relationship. The result is that the labour market
is subjected to influences from a variety of sources that are changing rapidly and
drastically.
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The total labour force is more than 3.3 million and this is dominated by foreign
workers. Expatriate workers make up approximately 90 percent of the UAE labor
force, and 98 percent work in the private sector. Unemployment among UAE
nationals was noticeably high, especially for female UAE nationals, as most
prefer to be in the public sector.
Expatriate employees who come to the UAE for a job must be sponsored by the
employer. A minimum salary of AED 4000/- must be maintained to enable the
employee to sponsor his wife and children. There is further a proposal now to
increase this minimum threshold to AED 10,000/-. This is the reason why most
expatriates reside as bachelor resulting in a gender imbalance in the U.A.E.
Moreover, the average educational profile of migrant labour force was a little
lower than their UAE national counterpart (Abdelkarim, 2001). To be consistent
with the UAE deve1opment strategy, MOLSA recently announced that all
incoming foreign workers must have at least a high school certificate. Those with
low educational qualification will gradually be asked to leave when their contracts
expire - although this was not implemented.
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entering the labour market. Although their expectations are different than their
counterpart prospective expatriate employees, their role in labour market has
increased within the oil sector, governmental jobs, and banking, being the main
sectors of the economy.
The labour force from these countries have a varied background in terms of
culture, education, family background, and individual cases of the need to work
overseas to care for specific requirements back home. Some are skilled, some are
semi skilled; some have GULF experience, some do not.
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Productivity from a set of people with similar background also varies. This
demographic mix makes it difficult to formulate teams on sites, places constraints
in housing the workmen separately based on nationalities and generally stifles
productivity initiatives as nationality issues have to be considered in setting up
best teams based on skills.
The UAE has basically six months of summer and six months of winter. The
summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching upto 45-47 degrees
centigrade and relative humidity, varying from 40-85% in general and in some
cases as high as 95%. The UAE Labour Law stipulates midday break from 12.30 -
3.30 pm during the hottest months of July and August every year. Winters are
pleasant and coldest winter day does not really affect the work men as much as
the summer. Winters come with dense fog though which might result in
disruptions to work. Hot humid climate makes the workmen perspire and they get
tired soon; which requires break from work and consequent effect on productivity.
UAE Labour laws require a workman to be sponsored by a company and does not
allow free movement of labour, except for some exempt categories such as
Engineers, Doctors, Accountants, that too only after they have served at least one
year with the current sponsor. Reference: UAE Ministry of Labour Notifications.
These laws are beneficial to the employer since the workmen cannot freely
change jobs to their liking and give no option than then to accept these tough
conditions. This might lead to a lack of motivation on site and consequent effect
on productivity. Having said that the UAE Labour law is quite protective in terms
of end of service payments to workmen, air ticket to country and now recently the
authorities have made it mandatory for employers to give medical insurance to the
workmen / staff and their families. Almost all of the workmen are working at
single status and stay in company camps.
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For the sake of this research, it is assumed that there has been achieved a certain
amount of balance in accepting the psychological contract (Mullins, 2007), more
objectively addressed and documented by the “UAE Labour Contract”, under the
Federal Law No 8, 1980 (Reference section 2.1.6); where there is a clear
statement of responsibilities of the employer (organization) and the
responsibilities of the employee (individual). An amount of wage is agreed based
on the category of trade; overtime rates are known, weekly and yearly holidays
are known. The overtime rates are paid at the rate of 25% over and above the
normal rate for ordinary overtime and at the rate of 50% over and above for
Fridays and other Holidays. This is the background context for the employee-
employer relationship existing on the construction sites in the UAE.
The UAE Labour Law No. 8 caters to all the welfare, salaries, leave, disciplinary
actions both for daily paid and for the monthly paid expatriate population in the
UAE. The issues regulated by this law are:-
• Employment of Workers, Young Persons, and Women
• Contract of Employment
• Hours of work and Leave
• Industrial Safety , Preventive Measures, Health and Social Care for
Workers
• Disciplinary rules
• Termination of Contracts of Employment Severance Pay
• Compensation in respect of Employment Accidents and Occupational
Diseases
• Collective Labour Disputes
• Labour Inspection
• Penalties
UAE laws prohibit collective representation and bans labour / trade unions. Even
consultation between and collusive representation within a company are not
encouraged. However welfare of the workmen is overseen by the Ministry of
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Labour Welfare Section, Reference the UAE Federal Labour Law no 8; and any
complaints regarding welfare or mistreatment or against the rights of workers is
taken up seriously with recourse to court settlement if required. Thus there are no
established productivity rates duly recognized by company management and
labour unions alike. Every company have their own database to go by.
There are strong evidences from International survey results indicating that higher
productivity is gained from increased labour management consultation at
workplace (Tolentino 2000). In the National survey conducted in 2001 in the
UAE focused on the presence or lack of employee/employer consultative and
information sharing mechanisms. On the productivity question, thus the emphasis
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Overall, less than 30 percent of the enterprises surveyed had any kind of
productivity committee or a related mechanism. Over half of the very large
enterprises (with 200 plus employees), did have productivity committees in
operation. It is extremely significant that such committees were most likely to
operate in the federal government, local government sectors. In both the public
and private enterprise sectors, such committees were very significantly less
prevalent; rather non existent. Only in the manufacturing and construction sectors
was this figure higher than 30 percent. In all the other sectors, productivity
committees operated in less than 30 percent of responding enterprises.
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HR Practices
2) Extensive Over 60% of employees received formal on-the job 364 34.3%
employee training and/or off-the-job training
3) Extensive Over 60% of employees had their work performance 639 44.1 %
performance formally appraised
appraisal
4) Briefing system Does your establishment have a formal system of 671 55.6 %
briefings for any section or all sections
5) Employee Employees are fully committed to the value of the 661 93.3 %
commitment enterprise
6) Grievance Does your organisation clearly lay out procedures for 558 45.5 %
handling handling staff grievances
7) Health and safety Does your organisation have its own written health and 675 50.4 %
safety guidelines and manuals
9) Profit related pay Does your enterprise have a profit related pay incentive 698 40.7%
scheme
10) Performance Does your enterprises have employee performance 681 54.6%
related pay related pay incentive
Management and
employee consultation
11) Consultative Any formation or informal consultative committees of 646 27.4%
committee managers and employees at your workplace
12) Consultation Do not introduce any changes without first discussing 650 73.7%
the implications with employees
Productivity
development
13) Productivity Does your organization have a productivity 586 27.0%
committee development committee
14) Organisation Has your organization actively considered (or is 611 29.6%
restructuring implementing ) any programme to restructure the
organization
Nationalization
15) Has your organization taken specific measures over the 409 29.6%
Nationalization past 12 months to increase the number of nationals
effort employed in organization
Table 2.9: 2001 UAE National Workplace Employment Relations Survey Results
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Environmental Factors
Organization
Factors
Individual
Factors
These four major categories of factors are depicted in Fig. 2.4. They are:
1. Environmental Factors
2. Organizational Factors
3. Group Factors
4. Individual Factors
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
The above categorization of factors also falls in line with Mullins (2007), who
categorized the interrelated influences affecting behaviour of people into
environmental, organizational, group and individual factors.
The organizational factors affect the group factors – affecting especially the
composition and welfare related environment factors. And finally the individual
factors especially the attitude and approach to work of workmen, are overall
affected by the group, the organization and the overall environment in which the
organization functions.
The matrices resulting from the literature review of classical and contemporary
works along with the researchers experience about factors that might affect labour
productivity were summed up in three matrices (Table 2.2, Table 2.6 and Table
2.7) totaling upto 110 factors. Since it is practically impossible to conduct a study
on the 110 factors, a need arose to short list them into fewer factors that will be
used in the survey questionnaire. These 110 factors have been reduced to 42
factors as shown in the Table 2.10, using the ones that have scored the higher
frequencies in the above mentioned matrices.
Table 2.10 also lists the sub-factors within each of the four major categories listed
at the start of this section.
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Environmental Factors are those that are external to the organization and they are
characteristic of the overall construction industry in the UAE.
Economic situation
Although the Middle East is not as affected by the liquidity crisis as is the US and
other countries, there has been a fallout of the economic crisis; major projects
have been kept on hold; major clients are not paying up, cash flow has been
affected and this could mean holding back on salaries and increments. This could
affect productivity. However the conditions in Abu Dhabi are much better as
compared to Dubai.
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depending on the length of contract. The most common type of contract is the
open ended one. Safety in terms of risk to life is considered normal as on any
other construction site; but the law enforcement is not as stringent as might be in
Europe. This is however changing. Job security depends upon the construction
cycle of highs and low. Some workmen do get caught in the wrong cycle. This is
particularly painful when they have no idea of which cycle the construction
industry is in and they have to spend money – given to agents to get them a job in
the UAE. This is one of the reasons why workmen generally don’t risk losing
their job in the first two to three years; some don’t go on leave saving as much to
square up on loans incurred to join here. On the other hand, some of the good
skilled workmen are retained by companies even during lean times, by shifting
them on to other trades, or seconding them to other companies (although not fully
legal) and sending them on long leaves.
Climate
It is generally understood that extreme climate does have an influence on one’s
productivity. UAE has an extremely harsh summer with temperatures soaring
almost up to 49 degrees Celsius, while winters are pleasant with intermittent
foggy weather in the mornings. During the peak summer months of July and
August the workmen are given rest for two and a half hours from 12.30 to 3 pm.
No body is allowed to work outside in the sun during these times and authorities
have slapped penalties on violators. Besides having a hot climate in summer,
there is a high humidity whose combined effect leads to sweating, fatigue and a
consequent loss in productivity.
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Site Layout
Site layouts could affect productivity – a constrained site with very limited space
for execution could act as demotivators for workmen within the confined spaces.
Workmen could be more productive on open green land construction sites. Some
of the oil and gas field project sites may be subjected to toxic gas and fumes and
suspensions which might physically impair workmen’s productivity.
Political Situation
UAE has a very stable and progressive political situation and rulers are generally
found to be people oriented – for their own countrymen as well as the majority of
the working expatriates. The government of UAE is on good terms with its
neighbours and other major superpowers. UAE is also safe in terms of social
crimes as very strict laws are in place and enforced. UAE therefore is a safe place
to work in current times.
Organizational Factors are those that are internal to the organization and
characterises the management strategy and policies of the organization.
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workmen are paid overtime calculated at 1.25 times for normal overtime hours
and 1.5 times for Friday working and on other public holidays. Staff are not paid
overtime, but are covered by an annual bonus scheme. During peak times, work
continues through the nights, although special work permit is required form
authorities. Although Friday is a weekly off, a half day work is done before the
prayers start on a Friday. The labour law requirements of work timings and hours
worked are complied with by the construction company on whose sites – the field
study has been done. Although cash incentives are given for special accelerated
work assignments, most financial incentives come in the form of overtime to
workmen.
Discipline/hierarchy order
The normal organization typical to the UAE is: “the Workmen report to Charge
hands, who in turn report to the Foremen. The Foremen report to a General
Foreman, who in turn reports to the Project Engineer. The Project Engineer
reports to the Project Manager who represents the organization’s management.
The labour relations are also managed through the same hierarchy; although when
there is no much progress, workmen do cut the red tape and approach the Project
Manager and in some cases they approach the Human Resource Department in
the Head Office.
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Competencies of supervisors/seniors/managers
In many cases superiors represent the example to be followed by the subordinates
or give an example to the degree of achievement one can reach. The degree of
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competence of the supervisors and managers shape in many ways the employees
performance whether positive or negative. Numerous differences are present on
this issue as supervisors may not have been placed on merit; but because of
influence and preference of certain nationalities over the other due to valid
reasons.
Reward Schemes
It is natural for employees to expect rewards from their employers. Reward
schemes play an important role in employee’s performance and achievement of
the feel of care and fair treatment. Company data reveals large improvements in
productivity when additional cash incentives are offered on sites during the
process of accelerated activities to control slippages in progress.
Rewards are in the form of overtime, instant cash given at the end of the job, a
contract type work where an agreed amount or quantity of work is completed in
whatever time; but the employee takes the agreed number of overtime hours and
so on. The role of organization justice in the reward given to employees plays an
important part in employee /organization relationship. Moreover non financial
reward schemes are in some cases more effective. A pat on the back, maintaining
equitable wage rates based on experience, training and skills, a sociable peers and
staff, giving a good listening ear to the employee’s problems, an advance of
salary, a sick leave here go a long way to make the employee comfortable and
motivates him to do more productive work.
It is also understood that the rewards shall be based on realistic, and attainable
goals and targets and that all promised rewards shall be promptly disbursed, so as
to complete the cycle of motivation and satisfaction for the workmen.
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Based on how effective the HR department works and how considerate the
supervision team is on site, there are very few avenues for workmen to air their
opinions and grievances. The only option left for the employee is to travel back to
Head Office and use contacts or find somebody who will listen to their problems
and help them out to find a redress for their problems.
Welfare Schemes
Welfare schemes in the UAE include accommodation for workmen, providing a
room for recreation with a large TV, providing free food or allowance, providing
medical insurance, life insurance and an air ticket once every two years. There is
general compliance with the mandatory requirements of the UAE Federal Labour
Law. Camp conditions differ based upon how strict the client is on enforcing the
camp condition requirements. City camps are comparatively less friendly than say
the camp in an oil field area, where the oil company representatives have a higher
standard for accommodation, recreation and catering. This does affect the
workmen. Improvement in the living conditions could contribute to an overall
sense of well being and appreciation.
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performance or productivity may be below normal. The brand name also helps
the company to get repeat projects.
Nature of work/assignment
The nature of the job and type of assignment given to an employee has much to
do with his performance. Although most work in construction looks similar, there
are subtle differences, which the workmen / group understand. There could be a
change in the soil strata, or a change in the specification. The situation could be
different from that realized in another project before. Also the supervisory staff
are responsible to set realistic and attainable targets.
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Frequency of Changes
Frequent changes in teams affect the team cohesiveness and disrupts work flow.
Once the work flow is disturbed, the workmen naturally have a tendency to slow
down, recoup and restart which affects productivity. Change in the team
composition would mean time for adjustment and understanding, the synergy of
the team is affected and therefore the productivity. Depending upon nature and
urgency of concurrent projects, the contractors in the UAE may opt for moving
people to other sites, where there is a need to accelerate progress.
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Past experience
Although it could be argued that that basic ability, attitude of mind, current and
future potential together with specific technical skills could be a deciding factor
in selection, there can be no substitute for experience. Past experience of the
employee which involves knowledge, skills, practice and situational familiarity.
Many contractors in the UAE prefer those who have UAE or at least other Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Age
Age plays an important role in performance. Generally, there is a direct
relationship between age and performance, however with some specific jobs that
need physical attributes the performance could be generally inversely related to
age. Age also inhibits ambition and could make man complacent. Some aged
workmen either want to move back to their countries or opt for light duty jobs of
cleaning and watching.
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Overall Appreciation
This factor is a human requirement and is a characteristic of all ages, races, men
or women, daily paid workmen or monthly staff. Respect for the workman as a
human being and treating him as such; his needs could be the simple call for a
patient ear, leave on time, salary on time, some advance needed for work back
home, emergency leave for somebody sick back home and necessary paperwork
for medical treatment when he is sick. The UAE government and the
management of the “case study” company both fall on the right side on this. This
can be evidence by long serving employees with the company and the general
feeling of safety and well being for workmen working in the UAE.
2.7 CONCLUSION
Further this chapter gave the background information of the UAE Construction
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industry in which the case study will be conducted; namely the data collection for
modeling, validation and the evaluation of the factors affecting productivity.
The construction industry in the UAE is dynamic and has estimated annual
revenues of AED 500 billion and profitability ranges from 2% to 20% depending
upon type of projects; has many contractors of various sizes; competition is tough
and the industry is labour intensive with the construction operatives mostly
coming from the Asian subcontinent. It was explained that all contractors face
similar conditions and the bottom line performance is dependent upon how
effective and productive the construction processes are. There is therefore scope
for productivity improvements and thus the study of productivity and ways and
means to increase the productivity is important for contractors in the UAE
construction industry.
This review was combined with the published literature by contemporary authors
to give three matrices – the first showing factors affecting construction
productivity in general, the second matrix gave the motivation factors in the
construction industry and the third matrix gave the factors affecting construction
productivity over different countries. These were then combined into four major
categories of Environmental, Organizational, Group and Individual factors.
Reference Table 2.10. Each of the sub factors were then briefly described.
These sub factors from Table 2.10 were then transposed into a survey
questionnaire; results of which were used to close in on the most significant
factors affecting productivity. The survey results and analysis together with an
overview of research methods and their justification are discussed in later
chapters.
***
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Further it also discusses the technical aspects of the construction trades involved
in the field data collection, for which, the productivity models or the regression
equations will be established. The construction trades of Excavation, Formwork,
Reinforcement, Concreting, Blockwork, Plastering and Tiling Works have been
discussed, together with other technical factors affecting productivity of these
trades. These technical factors are related to the complexity of work, location of
the site, soil strata, materials used, climatic conditions, project specific
requirements, and client involvement in the project.
The research process details the series of overlapping sequential steps starting
from determination of the ‘aim’ of the research to the point of establishing the
regression models and finally the validation and acceptance of the accuracy of the
models. This is depicted in Fig. 1.1 and is reproduced here for convenience.
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In social sciences both the qualitative and quantitative methods of research are
applied based on the subject matter and on the objective of the research. This
research approach is a quantitative one and is a combination of the ‘survey’
method and ‘experiment’ method involving variation of variables (factors) and
recording the change in output (productivity). Quantitative measures were
required for productivity modelling at later stages.
The survey method has been employed for the initial survey done to establish the
significant factors affecting productivity in the UAE construction industry.
Further, two additional surveys were conducted to determine the effect or the
magnitude of these factors on productivity.
Survey data has been collected through the use of a questionnaire. The
experimental approach involved the generation of data in measurable form, which
can be subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion.
The field data collected for establishment of the regression models involved the
experimental approach, which included recording the productivity achieved while
the underlying factors were varied. The change in productivity was then analyzed
using statistical methods and subjected to regression analysis. The research stages
were planned with the aim of minimizing bias and maximizing the reliability of
the data collection and subsequent analysis.
For the purpose of this study, a methodology of surveys and case study has been
developed for this research. Having established the comprehensive list of factors
affecting productivity in Table 2.10, pg. 86, it became necessary to limit the
factors to few which could be subjected to variation on site. That is why the first
step was to identify the most significant factors affecting productivity. This was
achieved by undertaking three surveys as indicated further in this section.
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Fellows and Liu (2003) states that surveys operate on the basis of statistical
sampling aimed at speed and economy; very rarely are full population surveys
possible, practical or desirable; whilst the most common method of surveys is
through the use of questionnaire.
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the same except that the respondents for Survey 2 were internal from the case
study company and those for Survey 3 are from outside the case study company.
Appendix 3-2 shows the questionnaire used for Surveys 2 & 3.
The questionnaire was drawn up using a five / three degree Likert scale type
modified to suit degree of importance and the frequency of occurrence as
explained below.
The Likert type scale is easy to understand and construct; it is considered more
reliable as respondents answer statements included in the questionnaire. The
limitations are that the scale can be used only to simply examine whether
respondents are more or less favourable to a topic, but not how much more or less
that is magnitude cannot be determined (Kothari, 2004). Also the equal spacing
of the 5 levels may not necessarily be true; that is the levels do not reflect the
actual magnitude of change between these levels.
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This was achieved by conducting a survey amongst the industry players in the
UAE.
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The participants selected for the three surveys were selected from a mix of
deliberate judgment sampling and simple random sampling. The deliberate
judgment sampling was used to ensure participants were representative of the
population.
Other reasons for adopting deliberate judgment sampling was because the chosen
population was around 1000 people within the case study company, its
employees and subcontractors. Another reason was to ensure that participants
were of the right calibre and disposition to understand the questions posed; the
importance of the research and to answer freely without fear of reprisal.
The questions asked were related to the four factor groups identified in Chapter 2,
Table 2.10, pg. 86, which are:
• Environmental Factors
• Organizational Factors
• Group / Team Dynamics Factors
• Individual Factors
Following formulas have been used to determine the importance index, frequency
index and severity index. (Kadir et al, 2005)
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where,
Sample Computation
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Severity Index
= Importance Index x Frequency Index
(Rank)
Therefore,
Table 3.2 gives the results of the Survey (1). The factors have been sorted for
ranks within the group for identifying the most significant of the group. As the
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rank scores differed within each group, it was difficult to put a threshold value; so
the first 8 within each group have been retained in the table.
Table 3.3 has been reproduced as a matrix from Table 3.2 for summarizing
significant factors in each category.
Thus the most significant factors affecting productivity listed above are related to
the players involved – the supervisors and their leadership skills, the workmen
themselves – their competency and attitude, work timings and whether salaries
are paid on time and how transparent and accountable the management is. Other
factors within the environmental group affecting productivity are related to
whether the workmen is paid well, feels a sense of security and feels appreciated
and has effective appraisals.
On the other hand a review of the factors which did not return high rankings are
also worth a mention – For example – political situation, high temperature /
humidity or in general climate conditions scored low – giving a possible
indication of the mindset of most of the expatriates in the UAE. Giving
consideration to the extreme temperature and humidity level during summer
period lasting 4-6 months in the UAE, the climate factor has been added to the
Perception Survey, discussed further in section 3.5, pg. 112.
However, it will be seen later on that climate as one of the major factors affecting
the excavation trade and contributed to almost 32% of the change in productivity
of the excavation trade when the other underlying factors were varied.
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Rank
Ref Importance Frequency
Factors affecting productivity (Severity
No Index Index
Index)
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Proper Work Timings giving a balance between
1 0.9025 0.7339 0.6624
work and recreation and time with family
2 Salaries on time 0.8496 0.7507 0.6378
3 Reasonably well paying job 0.8462 0.7465 0.6317
4 Safe Secured Job 0.8412 0.7479 0.6291
A job where your voice is heard and experience is
5 0.8361 0.7297 0.6101
valued
Employee Welfare oriented schemes.. Health,
6 0.8361 0.7101 0.5937
Recreation, Vacation
Appraisals where improvements needed are
7 0.8067 0.7269 0.5864
identified
Free and Frank Two Sided Performance
8 0.8202 0.7087 0.5812
Appraisals
ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS
1 Leadership Skills of supervisors 0.8437 0.7619 0.6428
Transparency and Accountability of each level of
2 0.8555 0.7283 0.6230
management
Overtime Paid for work done beyond normal
3 0.8353 0.7381 0.6165
Working hours
4 Materials available on time 0.8580 0.7185 0.6165
5 Defined policies and procedures by management 0.8185 0.7521 0.6156
6 Competence of supervisors 0.8244 0.7451 0.6142
Systematic method statements / procedures in
7 0.8345 0.7353 0.6136
place and known?
8 Setting of goals and targets 0.8496 0.7115 0.6045
GROUP DYNAMICS
1 Individual or Personal Skills 0.8050 0.7633 0.6145
2 Knowledge of Work 0.8261 0.7423 0.6132
3 Overall Work Group / Team Skills 0.8126 0.7395 0.6009
4 Self Initiative and Competence 0.8118 0.7157 0.5810
5 Reasonable / Achievable targets given 0.7975 0.6961 0.5551
6 Nature of work given 0.7815 0.7059 0.5517
7 Frequent changes in teams 0.7412 0.7129 0.5284
8 Frequent changes in work allocation 0.7496 0.6961 0.5218
PERSONAL FACTORS
1 Technical qualified / educated for the trade 0.8437 0.7507 0.6334
2 Overall appreciation of ones work 0.8925 0.7164 0.6394
3 Attitude of person 0.8210 0.7255 0.5956
4 Overall appreciation of ones work 0.8303 0.7101 0.5895
5 Previous Experience 0.8143 0.7199 0.5862
6 Overall job satisfaction 0.8017 0.7269 0.5827
7 Accumulated Training 0.8151 0.7087 0.5777
8 Motivation of the Operative 0.7849 0.7269 0.5705
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5 A job where your voice is Defined policies and Reasonable / Overall job
heard and experience is procedures by Achievable satisfaction
valued management targets given
6 Employee Welfare oriented Competence of Nature of work Accumulated
schemes ? Health, Recreation, supervisors given Training
Vacation
7 Appraisals where Systematic method Frequent Motivation of the
improvements needed are statements / procedures changes in teams Operative
identified in place and known
8 Free and Frank Two Sided Setting of goals and Frequent Overall
Performance Appraisals targets changes in work appreciation of
allocation ones work
On the group / team front, the cultural differences seem not to matter as is the
nationality of the team members, structure and the language. Again on the
personal front, the age of person, creativity, overall communal feeling and camp
conditions seemed not to matter much in productivity.
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Importance Frequency
No Factors affecting productivity Rank
Index Index
Proper Work Timings giving a balance between
1 0.9025 0.7339 0.6624
work and recreation and time with family
2 Leadership Skills of supervisors 0.8437 0.7619 0.6428
3 Salaries on time 0.8496 0.7507 0.6378
4 Technical qualified / educated for the trade 0.8437 0.7507 0.6334
5 Reasonably well paying job 0.8462 0.7465 0.6317
6 Safe Secured Job 0.8412 0.7479 0.6291
Transparency and Accountability of each level of
7 0.8555 0.7283 0.6230
management
Overtime Paid for work done beyond normal
8 0.8353 0.7381 0.6165
Working hours
9 Materials available on time 0.8580 0.7185 0.6165
10 Defined policies and procedures by management 0.8185 0.7521 0.6156
11 Individual or Personal Skills 0.8050 0.7633 0.6145
12 Competence of supervisors 0.8244 0.7451 0.6142
Systematic method statements / procedures in
13 0.8345 0.7353 0.6136
place and known
0.6132
14 Knowledge of Work 0.8261 0.7423
The factors were then resorted and the top fourteen factors as detailed in Table
3.4 have been retained to enable field data collection. Then factors of similar
nature were regrouped to form the broad factors of Timings, Competence of
Supervisors, Salaries, Materials, Systems and Procedures, Group Dynamics with
the added factor of Climate accounting for the extreme temperature and humidity
level in the UAE. These form the contents of the Perception Survey discussed
below. Factors that afforded practical variation were kept while others were
dropped.
Two additional surveys were conducted – Survey 2 – within the company and
Survey 3 for participants external to the company. These surveys were
undertaken to determine the magnitude of the effect of the significant factors of
productivity returned from Survey 1, especially those listed in Table 3.3. Further
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the results of these surveys were subjected to statistical tests of significance and
formed the basis of the factor variables used for Field Data Collection. They
helped formulate the actual site factors that could be varied during the progress of
the construction trades along with the corresponding change in productivity.
Fig. 3.4 gives a snapshot of the Questionnaire format for both Survey (2) and (3).
The respondents in this survey were within the case study company and hence the
title – internal; the respondents were chosen in the same way as in Survey (1). A
total of 158 responses were received against the 250 no’s questionnaires given.
The respondents in this survey (3) were from outside the case study company and
hence the title – external the respondents were chosen in the same way as in
Survey (1). A total of 176 responses were received against the 250 no’s
questionnaires given.
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Climatic Conditions
Hot / Humid Weather 7.6% 10.8% 25.3% 17.7% 10.8% 13.9% 6.3% 1.9% 5.1% 0.6% 0.0% 100%
Cold / Windy Weather 1.3% 4.4% 6.3% 15.8% 29.1% 13.3% 12.0% 7.6% 7.0% 3.2% 0.0% 100%
Pleasant Weather 0.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.6% 2.5% 9.5% 13.9% 28.5% 15.2% 11.4% 17.7% 100%
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Competence of Supervisors
Team with Classified Supervisor 0.0% 2.3% 9.1% 5.1% 4.0% 4.5% 4.5% 23.9% 26.7% 11.9% 8.0% 100%
Known Team Members 0.0% 1.7% 9.1% 5.7% 6.3% 3.4% 4.5% 27.8% 27.8% 10.2% 3.4% 100%
Supervisor Change 1.1% 2.3% 5.7% 7.4% 21.6% 19.9% 27.3% 6.3% 2.8% 2.8% 2.8% 100%
Team Member Change 1.1% 1.7% 4.5% 8.5% 21.6% 21.6% 25.0% 6.3% 2.8% 2.8% 4.0% 100%
Salaries
Fixed Daily Rates 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% 4.5% 13.1% 64.2% 9.1% 5.7% 1.1% 1.1% 0.0% 100%
Increase Rates 0.0% 10.8% 9.1% 4.5% 2.3% 2.3% 5.1% 14.8% 29.0% 18.8% 3.4% 100%
Incentive Given for Specific Amount 1.1% 11.4% 6.8% 3.4% 0.0% 1.1% 4.0% 11.9% 19.3% 26.7% 14.2% 100%
of Job
Materials
Materials Available and Tracked 1.1% 4.5% 14.2% 2.3% 0.6% 5.7% 0.0% 17.6% 38.1% 8.5% 7.4% 100%
Materials Not Available / Tracked 9.7% 14.8% 31.8% 13.6% 5.7% 0.6% 0.0% 5.1% 15.3% 2.8% 0.6% 100%
Systematic Procedures and Work 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% 1.7% 4.5% 53.4% 10.2% 10.8% 4.0% 5.7% 8.5% 100%
Instruction available
Group Dynamics
Groups with all Skilled Members 1.7% 3.4% 14.8% 4.5% 0.0% 0.0% 2.3% 6.8% 39.2% 19.9% 7.4% 100%
Groups with Unskilled Members 6.8% 15.3% 30.1% 14.8% 8.0% 0.6% 0.6% 3.4% 16.5% 2.3% 1.7% 100%
Groups with Mix of Skilled and 0.6% 0.0% 0.0% 5.1% 8.5% 64.2% 8.0% 9.7% 2.8% 0.6% 0.6% 100%
Unskilled Members
Climatic Conditions
Hot / Humid Weather 3.4% 7.4% 25.0% 25.6% 9.7% 3.4% 9.1% 5.7% 8.0% 2.8% 0.0% 100%
Cold / Windy Weather 0.6% 2.8% 5.1% 21.0% 23.3% 21.6% 11.9% 9.7% 3.4% 0.6% 0.0% 100%
Pleasant Weather 0.6% 5.7% 10.8% 2.8% 2.8% 8.0% 3.4% 17.0% 19.3% 24.4% 5.1% 100%
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Competence of Supervisors
Team with Classified Supervisor 0.00 3.20 13.60 8.10 6.65 8.00 8.40 46.20 54.05 25.20 17.50 1.0847
Known Team Members 0.00 2.40 13.60 9.00 10.45 6.00 8.40 53.90 56.35 21.60 7.50 1.0750
Supervisor Change 1.50 3.20 8.50 11.70 36.10 35.00 50.40 12.10 5.75 6.00 6.25 1.0028
Team Member Change 1.50 2.40 6.80 13.50 36.10 38.00 46.20 12.10 5.75 6.00 8.75 1.0063
Salaries
Fixed Daily Rates 0.00 0.00 1.70 7.20 21.85 113.00 16.80 11.00 2.30 2.40 0.00 1.0014
Increase Rates 0.00 15.20 13.60 7.20 3.80 4.00 9.45 28.60 58.65 39.60 7.50 1.0659
Incentive Given for Specific Amount 1.50 16.00 10.20 5.40 0.00 2.00 7.35 23.10 39.10 56.40 31.25 1.0926
of Job
Materials
Materials Available and Tracked 1.50 6.40 21.25 3.60 0.95 10.00 0.00 34.10 77.05 18.00 16.25 1.0744
Materials Not Available / Tracked 12.75 20.80 47.60 21.60 9.50 1.00 0.00 9.90 31.05 6.00 1.25 0.9173
Group Dynamics
Groups with all Skilled Members 2.25 4.80 22.10 7.20 0.00 0.00 4.20 13.20 79.35 42.00 16.25 1.0872
Groups with Unskilled Members 9.00 21.60 45.05 23.40 13.30 1.00 1.05 6.60 33.35 4.80 3.75 0.9256
Groups with Mix of Skilled and 0.75 0.00 0.00 8.10 14.25 113.00 14.70 18.70 5.75 1.20 1.25 1.0097
Unskilled Members
Climatic Conditions
Hot / Humid Weather 4.50 10.40 37.40 40.50 16.15 6.00 16.80 11.00 16.10 6.00 0.00 0.9366
Cold / Windy Weather 0.75 4.00 7.65 33.30 38.95 38.00 22.05 18.70 6.90 1.20 0.00 0.9744
Pleasant Weather 0.75 8.00 16.15 4.50 4.75 14.00 6.30 33.00 39.10 51.60 11.25 1.0761
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Competence of
Supervisors
Known Team Members 1% 3% 4% 54% 37% 2% 21% 3% 60% 14%
Team with Classified 2% 1% 4% 53% 40% 2% 18% 5% 55% 20%
Supervisor
Team Member Change 12% 55% 13% 18% 2% 3% 35% 22% 34% 7%
Supervisor Change 11% 53% 18% 15% 3% 3% 35% 20% 36% 6%
Salaries
Increase Rates 0% 2% 7% 68% 23% 11% 16% 2% 49% 22%
Incentive Given for Specific 2% 0% 4% 34% 61% 13% 10% 1% 35% 41%
Amount of Job
Fixed Daily Rates 2% 8% 56% 27% 8% 0% 19% 64% 16% 1%
Materials
Materials Available and 1% 3% 11% 41% 44% 6% 17% 6% 56% 16%
Tracked
Materials Not Available / 44% 38% 8% 9% 2% 24% 51% 1% 20% 3%
Tracked
Group Dynamics
Groups with Mix of Skilled and 1% 11% 41% 38% 9% 1% 14% 64% 20% 1%
Unskilled Members
Groups with all Skilled 5% 4% 6% 33% 51% 5% 19% 0% 48% 27%
Members
Groups with Unskilled 27% 50% 9% 12% 2% 22% 53% 1% 20% 4%
Members
Climatic Conditions
Pleasant Weather 1% 3% 9% 58% 29% 6% 16% 8% 40% 30%
Cold / Windy Weather 6% 51% 13% 27% 3% 3% 49% 22% 25% 1%
Hot / Humid Weather 18% 54% 14% 13% 1% 11% 60% 3% 23% 3%
Table 3.11: Combined Analysis % wise – Perception Surveys (2) & (3)
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The outcome of perception surveys 2 & 3 has been presented in Table 3.5 to
Table 3.8 for the INTERNAL Perception Survey and in Table 3.8 – Table 3.10
for EXTERNAL Survey.
The combined outcome and narrative is presented in this section with reference to
Table 3.11 which gives the combined summary of both INTERNAL and
EXTERNAL surveys. The survey response was divided into three bands – band
1: neutral, band 2 – below 15% and band 3 – above 15%.
Timings – The internal survey indicates that as much as 60% of the respondents
agreed that productivity could be increased by upto 15% if 8+4 over time hours
are given. On the other hand, the external survey reveals that 58% of the
respondents believe 8+6 over time hours could give as much as 15 % increase in
productivity. Night work obviously would have reduced productivity as both
surveys indicate; 46% of the internal respondents agreed that productivity would
be reduced, while 66% of the external respondents believed the same.
Materials – The surveys return logical results – 85% of the internal respondents
agree that productivity can be enhanced if materials are available for the
construction trade; whereas 72% of the external respondents agree.
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Systems and Procedures – 85% of the internal respondents agree that having
systematic procedures can enhance productivity while surprisingly only 39% of
the external respondents agree. However there seems to be an agreement, that
stringent quality and HSE procedures does produce marginal effects on
productivity change. Examining findings on table 3.14 shows that according to
the internal survey the effect of stringent quality procedures is only 2% higher
than the average productivity and only 0.1% higher than the average as reported
by external surveys. While the stringent HSE requirements results in 1% higher
productivity rates according to the internal survey it is suggested by the external
surveys that this will decrease productivity by about 0.3%. At any rate, it is
obvious that all the above percentages are of minor nature confirming the
marginal effect of these procedures.
Group Dynamics – 84% of the internal respondents agree that having skilled
members within the groups can lead to enhanced productivity, while 75% of the
external respondents agree. Both groups agree that having unskilled members in
the group could reduce the productivity.
The internal survey response was then summarized for each factors and a Chi
Square Test for Significance was conducted. The null hypothesis is that there is
no significant difference in the effects of each of the factors affecting productivity
– the ones which were used in the survey.
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The computations for the calculated Chi Square is shown in Table 3.12 which
returns the calculated value of Chi Square of 777.19 which is greater than the
statistical value of 79.0819. Hence the null hypothesis is rejected. Therefore it
means that there is significant difference in the effects of each of the factors on
productivity.
Similar to the Chi Square computations for the internal survey a Chi Square Test
for Significance was conducted on the summary responses for all the different
factors of the survey. Once again the null hypothesis is that there is no significant
difference in the effects of each of the factors affecting productivity – the ones
which were used in the external survey.
The computations for the calculated Chi Square is shown in Table 3.13 which
returns the calculated value of Chi Square of 1121.03 which is greater than the
statistical value of 79.0819. Hence the null hypothesis is rejected. Therefore it
means that there is significant difference in the effects of each of the factors on
productivity.
The Chi Square Tests for Significance both for the internal and external survey
indicated that the factors have significant effects on productivity. This
information coupled with the previous survey giving out the most significant
factors then became the main areas of research.
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Table 3.12: CHISQUARE COMPUTATIONS: Survey Data - Productivity Factors and their effects – Internal Survey
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Table 3.13: CHISQUARE COMPUTATIONS: Survey Data - Productivity Factors and their effects – EXTERNAL Survey
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Table 3.14 gives the seven factor variables with their weighted averages for both
internal and external perception surveys. These are Timings, Competence of
supervisors, Salaries, Procedures, Group dynamics, Individual factors,
Availability of material and Climate conditions.
Weighted Average
Factors Affecting Productivity
Internal External
8+2 1.030 1.021
Timings 8+4 1.080 1.068
Fixed work at any hours 1.090 1.008
Team with Classified Supervisor 1.140 1.085
Competence of
Known Team Members 1.140 1.075
Supervisors
Supervisor Change 0.950 1.003
Fixed Daily Rates 1.032 1.001
Increase Rates 1.117 1.066
Salaries
Incentive Given for Specific Amount of
1.175 1.093
Job
Materials Available and Tracked 1.140 1.074
Materials
Materials Not Available / Tracked 0.870 0.917
Systematic Procedures and Work
1.140 1.049
Instruction available
Systems &
Specific / Stringent Quality
Procedures 1.020 1.001
Requirements
Specific / Stringent HSE Requirements 1.010 0.997
Groups with all Skilled Members 1.140 1.087
Group Groups with Mix of Skilled and
1.050 1.010
Dynamics Unskilled Members
Groups with Unskilled Members 0.901 0.926
Pleasant Weather 1.122 1.076
Climatic
Cold / Windy Weather 0.979 0.974
Conditions
Hot / Humid Weather 0.912 0.937
Table 3.14: Field Variables using Weighted Averages from Survey 2 & 3
The analysis of Perception Survey (2) and (3) together with the Chi Square
Significance tests described in section 3.8 and 3.9 and the weighted average
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results in Table 3.14 formed the basis to establish the field factor variables for
practical variation on site.
The case study company selected for field data collection is one of the leading
contracting companies based in Abu Dhabi. It was chosen because of the large
number of construction contracts, the company is executing and the fact that the
researcher has full access to the baseline productivity data base of the company
and to the construction sites for the field data collection. Established in 1975, the
case study company offers a broad range of products and services for the
construction industry, the scope of which includes Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
and Marine Works. The expansion and growth of the company has been
supported by management initiatives from each of its partners aimed at controlled
growth vis-à-vis the cyclical construction market. As of December 2009, the
company has around 9600 employees - all expatriates from the Middle East,
European, and Asian continents with varied educational backgrounds, social
culture, age, language and consequent productivity / efficiency levels.
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The process of data collection and reporting from sites took time as the site
personnel had to be briefed on the whole process of data collection, its
importance to the research and to the project and the company; while still not
letting the actual personnel working namely the workmen know that they were
being monitored to eliminate bias as much as possible.
Data has been recorded on sites for the basic construction trades selected. The
forms used in data collection had to be modified to make it easier for the user and
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Table 3.15 shows the list of construction sites and the general activities which
were used in data collection. As per the initial plan, the data collection was to be
carried out on three current (running) projects being executed at different cities
(site locations), varying the parameters, then comparing the results and trying to
find out correlations.
Table 3.15: Sample Sites and Activities under study for productivity
However due to the constraints listed above, new projects were added to the list
to maintain the data collection for the selected activities. New sites are also
required for validating the models, as current sites from which models were
formulated would not have those particular activities still ongoing; in other
words, those would have been completed.
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b) The team members / workmen were not informed about the study or of
the fact that they have been selected for this experiment. This is meant to
remove and personal bias and to be able to measure as accurately as
possible the effect of the change in the factors / parameters affecting
productivity rates.
c) Special care was taken on site to ensure team members remain together
and are not given other work as so far as is reasonably practical. As is
understood; if the trades are changed there would be a partial dip in the
productivity of the preceding and the following trades.
Table 3.16 gives the summary range of the minimum, maximum, range and the
average productivity obtained at the sample sites. The variation is evident and is
generally supportive of the fact that it may not be practical to assign a baseline
productivity figure attached to an activity as there are several factors interacting
with each other and affecting the overall productivity. Comparison of the
percentage productivity change for the variation in factors of Timings,
Supervision, Group Dynamics, Procedures, Materials and Climate revealed
abnormally large variations and units of change.
This was controlled by using the site average as the basis for comparison. The
site average thus turned out to be a better indicator than the base line productivity
data with the company. The technical reasons / factors affecting productivity are
discussed in section 3.9.
Field data has been collected from six construction sites of the “case study”
contracting company in Abu Dhabi as discussed in 3.8.1. To remove any possible
bias in the productivity results, the workmen involved in the productivity studies
on sites, are unaware that their work was being recorded. Further, practical
difficulties of raising wages to vary the factor on Salaries led to its inclusion
within the Timings factor. The remaining six factor variables were subjected to
three levels of variation. Refer Table 3. 17.
Productivity was measured for the seven construction trades of Excavation (cubic
metres/man-hour), Formwork (square metres/man-hour) Reinforcement
(tonnes/man-hour), Concreting (cubic metres/man-hour), Block-work (square
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Measured values during data collection Unit of Baseline values over last 10 years
Site Code Activity
Minimum Maximum Range Averages Measurement Minimum Maximum Range Averages
OAG Excavation 0.0100 0.1700 0.1600 0.0882165 cu.m./mhr
0.010 0.470 0.460 0.3750
ARS Excavation 0.0400 0.0830 0.0430 0.0652833 cu.m./mhr
ARS Formwork 0.1100 0.2270 0.1170 0.1649444 sq.m./mhr
BCC Formwork 0.1670 0.3300 0.1630 0.2002500 sq.m./mhr
OAG Formwork 0.1500 0.5800 0.4300 0.4300000 sq.m./mhr 0.300 3.000 2.700 0.3380
NLB Formwork 0.1520 1.2000 1.0480 0.6985657 sq.m./mhr
JIC Formwork 0.3600 1.1500 0.7900 0.8435600 sq.m./mhr
NLB Reinforcement 0.0030 0.1100 0.1070 0.0646364 M tonnes/mhr
BCC Reinforcement 0.0200 0.0394 0.0194 0.034148 M tonnes/mhr
ARS Reinforcement 0.0100 0.0300 0.0200 0.0180333 M tonnes/mhr 0.100 0.400 0.300 0.2670
OAG Reinforcement 0.0100 0.1300 0.1200 0.0790656 M tonnes/mhr
JIC Reinforcement 0.0150 0.0700 0.0550 0.0421250 M tonnes/mhr
RIH Concreting 0.0800 0.3000 0.2200 0.1921053 cu.m./mhr
NLB Concreting 0.1490 3.1600 3.0110 0.7384000 cu.m./mhr
ARS Concreting 0.1500 0.4010 0.2510 0.3032000 cu.m./mhr
OAG Concreting 0.0500 0.2800 0.2300 0.1792000 cu.m./mhr 0.100 2.000 1.900 0.1430
OAG Concreting 0.7500 2.6400 1.8900 1.6482759 cu.m./mhr
BCC Concreting 0.2980 0.6200 0.3220 0.4419726 cu.m./mhr
JIC Concreting 1.5830 3.2800 1.6970 2.2610000 cu.m./mhr
NLB Blockwork 0.1120 0.5290 0.4170 0.3292143 sq.m./mhr
ARS Blockwork 0.1690 0.2780 0.1090 0.2034110 sq.m./mhr 0.350 0.450 0.100 0.3780
JIC Blockwork 0.2500 0.4990 0.2490 0.3708611 sq.m./mhr
NLB Plasterwork 0.0480 1.1960 1.1480 0.3956667 sq.m./mhr
0.035 1.200 1.165 0.7260
JIC Plasterwork 0.2760 0.4160 0.1400 0.3151111 sq.m./mhr
NLB Tiling 0.0960 0.6700 0.5740 0.3291530 sq.m./mhr
NLB Tiling 0.1250 0.4100 0.2850 0.3068571 sq.m./mhr 0.125 0.830 0.705 0.3830
JIC Tiling 0.1620 0.2360 0.0740 0.1938000 sq.m./mhr
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The field data collection included recording the change in productivity values in
the construction trades of excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concreting,
blockwork, plastering and tiling works, when the levels of the factors (variables)
- namely the TIMINGS, SUPERVISION, GROUP DYNAMICS,
PROCEDURES, MATERIALS, and CLIMATE were intentionally varied. The
factors have been varied at three levels as explained in Table 3.17 below. Chapter
4 is dedicated to field data Collection, analysis and model formulation.
No Productivity 1 2 3
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b) Type of Projects – Oil & Gas projects and industrial projects require
more coordination and are subjected to rigorous inspection schemes,
which may affect productivity. E.g. Industrial Equipment foundations can
not be poured till anchor bolts are laid with accuracy, and earthing /
grounding of structure completed. Offshore Associated Gas (OAG), Das
Island project form work, rebar and concrete productivity are almost
uniform since the type of equipment, pipe rack support is almost uniform
and each group were allocated same number of structures. Such projects
are also covered by method statements and other procedures and include
coordination and approvals for proceeding with further work; which
impair productivity. Work around live plants requires careful planning
and work in constrained areas therefore affecting productivity.
Further the trade themselves have inherent factors which affect work
productivity. These are:
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Type of substrate
Type of finishes on plaster surface
Due to the above, it is expected that the regression models to be established may
not be able to explain all the variation in the data sets.
3.10 CONCLUSION
This chapter detailed the research methodology and utilized the results of three
surveys to establish the basis of setting up the on site factor variables for
productivity data collection.
These three surveys were the Significance Survey giving a comprehensive listing
of factors affecting productivity followed by two perception surveys giving the
magnitude of the effect of the factors on productivity. The results of the
significance survey gave the fourteen factors affecting productivity. The
perception surveys using these fourteen factors helped identify the seven most
significant factors namely - Work Timings, Supervision, Salaries, Group
Dynamics, Control by Procedures, Material, and Climate. Later on the salary
factor was merged with the Timings factor for practical application at site. These
six factors were then given three levels 1, 2 and 3 with ideal conditions at level 3.
These three levels of variation helped to vary the factor practically at the
construction sites of the case study company. Seven construction sites were
identified for data collection.
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Finally other multiple technical factors were highlighted for each of the
construction trades of excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concreting,
blockwork, plastering and tiling works.
Chapter 4 deals with the actual data collection on site analysis and model
formulation and Chapters 5 is dedicated to the validation of the models. Further
Chapter 6 gives the possible improvements to the model and concludes the
research.
***
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This chapter details the steps in the development of the productivity evaluation
model. A total of 1090 data sets were collected from six sample sites at various
levels of progress.
The field data involved the collection of productivity data for the seven trades of
excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concreting, blockwork, plastering and
tiling on seven construction sites of the case study company in Abu Dhabi; whilst
varying the levels of the final six factors affecting productivity – Work Timings
(T), Level of Supervision (S), Group Dynamics (G), Availability of Materials
(M), Control by Procedures (P), and the Climate (C).
This data was then reviewed for outliers, analyzed and used in statistical
regression to arrive at productivity models. The modelling included removing
outliers and subjecting the homogenized data to regression analysis using the
MINITAB 15 software.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Initial trial runs were made using MINITAB 15 Software to establish an overall
model using time order productivity changes achieved whilst varying the factors
understudy namely Timings (T), Supervision (S), Group Dynamics (G), Material
(M), Procedure (P) and Climate (C).
All the factors were varied at three levels. The variation in the factors was
effected through the controlled decisions by the researcher and the job
requirements specific to the project and the availability of dedicated resources on
site.
Work Timings (T) – this factor was varied at 1) normal 8 hours + 2 hours
overtime, 2) normal 8 hours + 4 hours and 3) fixed quantities of work assigned
irrespective of the work hours put. In the construction industry, workmen prefer
the last level as this gives them incentive to finish early, gain extra money and
rest for the remaining part of the day. This factor was controlled and constrained
by site progress conditions.
Level of Supervision (S) – this factor was varied at three levels - 1) Supervisor
with average competence, 2) Supervisor with Good Competence and 3)
Supervisor with Excellent Competence. The competence level was pre-
determined separate from this research; based on actual past performance on sites
reported by their direct in-charge’s on site. This factor was therefore controlled
directly by the researcher.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Group Dynamics (D) – this factor was varied at three levels - 1) Team of
unskilled workmen, 2) Team of Mixed Skilled and Unskilled workmen and 3)
Team of skilled Workmen. This factor was controlled from site and constrained
sometimes by the availability of people on a particular site.
Control by Procedures (P) – this factor was varied at three levels – 1) lack of
documented procedures, 2) normal control and 3) Tight Control. For clarity sake
lack of documented procedures does not mean no procedures or no control, rather
it means the company standard procedures apply. No specific needs of
documented procedures and method statements are required in such projects. This
is more dependent on the nature of clients – for example the Oil & Gas Industry
clients would be have stringent requirements for documented procedures for all
processes, which would fit in the category of 3) Tight control; Some clients like
the commercial developers or the municipalities or the Water and Electricity
Department will have procedure requirements more fitting to 2) normal control.
This factor was therefore controlled by site conditions and nature of client
requirements.
Climatic Conditions (C) – this factor was varied at three levels – 1) Extreme 2)
Normal and 3) Pleasant. UAE experiences extreme climate conditions of heat and
humidity during peak summer months of July – August – September. The other
months could fall anywhere between 2) normal and 3) pleasant depending upon
the temperature, humidity, dust, and fog. This factor was therefore recorded on an
as is basis based on the specific conditions on the day.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
(outliers) also did not improve the R2 result which was about 22.6%. Thus the
attempt to establish an overall Productivity model which included all trades was
aborted in favour of trade wise productivity models.
It was found during the regression modelling in MINITAB 15, that some of the
iterations resulted in one of the major factors of Timings (T), Supervision (S),
Group Dynamics (G) were being deleted out of the regression equation. At this
point the further iterations were stopped and the R2 accepted. Keeping in mind
the aim of the research and the significant contribution by other technical factors
related to site and the trade itself; it was decided to accept a R2 value of 70% for
accepting the model.
However, the minimum R2 value where the iterations were stopped at 75%,
73.8% and 78.5% for Formwork, Reinforcement and Concreting respectively.
Table 4.1 gives brief profile of the construction project sites, from which data has
been collected. The project profiles with detailed description of the projects can
be found in Appendix 8.
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Table 4.1: Brief Profile of Construction Projects Used for Field Data Collection
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
The field data collection consisted of recording the productivity data for the
construction trades of excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concreting,
blockwork, plastering and tiling works. These have been collected from the
project sites of the case study company as indicated in Chapter 4, section 4.2, pg.
143. Details of the data collected for model formulation has been summarized in
Table 4.2.
As can be seen the data sets remained after homogenization (checking within the
± 40% band) is 74% of the original data. Individually the data sets from sites
retained after homogenization are minimum 54% for Tiling and maximum 91%
for Blockwork. The readings are thus falling within the first and the third
percentiles band. Appendix 1 gives the Master Field Data for Model Formulation.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Data sets
Total Used Measured Baseline
Activity Site %
Data Average Average
± 40% band
OAG 98 66 0.088217
Excavation ARS 38 38 76% 0.065283 0.3750
136 104
JIC 25 23 0.843560
OAG 173 162 0.38308
NLB 50 25 0.698566
Formwork 85% 0.3380
ARS 16 16 0.164944
BCC 3 2 0.200250
267 228
JIC 18 10 0.042125
OAG 184 107 0.079066
Reinforcement NLB 11 6 59% 0.064636 0.0333
ARS 16 11 0.018033
229 134
JIC 4 2 2.261000
RIH 21 11 0.192105
Concreting
ARS 5 4 0.303200
BCC 48 48 77% 0.441973 0.1430
OAG 29 22 1.648276
OAG 48 32 0.179200
155 119
JIC 55 55 0.370861
NLB 22 13 0.329214
Blockwork 91% 0.3780
ARS 22 22 0.203411
99 90
JIC 57 57 0.315111
Plastering NLB 41 23 82% 0.395667 0.7260
98 80
JIC 5 5 0.193800
Tiling 0.329153
NLB 101 52 54% 0.4000
0.306857
106 57
Total 1090 812 74%
Table 4.2: Summary of Data Collected and Used for Formulating Model
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
R2 = 1 – Σ (Yi – Ŷi) 2
Σ (Yi – Ÿ) 2
Where,
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
where,
ei = ith residual
ei-1 = residual for the previous observation
n = number of observations
Durbin Watson test for auto correlation is a statistic that indicates the likelihood
that the deviation (error) values for the regression have a first order auto
regression component. The regression models assume that the error deviations are
un correlated. Small values of the Durbin Watson statistic indicate the presence
of autocorrelation. However a value less that 0.80 usually indicates that
autocorrelation is likely. Statistical texts indicate that the value of Durbin Watson
statistics is close to 2 if the errors are un-correlated. (Reference. MINITAB 15
help menu.)
4.3.3 Alpha, α
Used in hypothesis testing, alpha (α) is the maximum acceptable level of risk for
rejecting a true null hypothesis (type I error) and is expressed as a probability
ranging between 0 and 1. Alpha is frequently referred to as the level of
significance.
· If the p-value is less than or equal to the α -level, the null hypothesis is rejected in
favor of the alternative hypothesis.
· If the p-value is greater than the α -level, the null hypothesis is true.
The most commonly used alpha (α) is 0.05 (Reference. MINITAB 15 help
menu). At this level, the chance of finding an effect that does not really exist is
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
only 5%. The smaller the α value, the less likely that one will incorrectly reject
the null hypothesis. However, a smaller value for α also means a decreased
chance of detecting an effect if one truly exists (lower power). (Reference.
MINITAB 15 help menu.)
4.3.4 p-Value
The p-value is calculated from the observed sample and represents the probability
of incorrectly rejecting the null hypothesis when it is actually true (Type I error).
In other words, it is the probability of obtaining a difference at least as large as
the one between the observed value and the hypothesized value through random
error alone. (Reference. MINITAB 15 help menu).
For ease of understanding; the null hypothesis in the linear regression modelling
is the assumption that data remaining after removal of outliers fits the model
well.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Data as received from sites was reviewed for completeness and clarity; the values
were fed into EXCEL sheet, to compute site averages and outliers were removed
to ensure the sample readings received represented a normal population.
The reason for removal of outliers is that the site data could include possible
errors of recording, possible manipulation, computation errors; productivity
outputs may have been subjected to unaccounted for factors such as isolated
activities of stoppage, waiting for inspection, unusually confined spaces to work,
varying complexities of the construction trade itself.
Further, the technical constraints listed in section 3.9, pg. 133, together with the
size and complexity of the structure make it difficult to fix a productivity level
and therefore varying levels of productivity were seen in the data. The computed
site averages were significantly different from the baseline values available from
the database of the case study company. This is the reason why separate site
productivity averages, which are more representative of the site, were used in the
computations.
This consideration is also in line with removing of outliers using the first and
third percentiles, ensuring at least 50% of the data sets are used. In this research,
Table 4.2 indicates a total data sets of 1090 as against 812 (74 %) data sets used
after the discarding those out of the ± 40% band.
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Group
Tim ings Supervision Material Procedure Clim ate
Dynam ics m3 / hour m3 / hour PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
This has been automatically calculated in EXCEL sheet, as the column is already
fed with a formula.
The percentage productivity change as measured (PPCM) ….
Computation sample
Reference. Sr. No. 3, Table 4.1. EXCAVATION, OAG site
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Clarify unclear 1
information
Enter Data into EXCEL
sheets (fig.5.1)
Compute Percentage
Change in Productivity as 3
measured (PPCM)
a) Open MINITAB 15
b) Copy relevant columns of data into MINITAB 15 Worksheet; Ensure
columns headings are correctly aligned with the data
c) Keep cursor at the end of the data on row number 1
d) In MINITAB 15 software, use the Menu – Stat(Statistics) –
Regression; For Response select ‘PCPM’ from left box. For Predictors
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
154
Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
l) Print out finalized data sheets and graphs. A screen grab of the
MINITAB 15 – four in one graphs is shown on the next page.
The flow chart of MINITAB 15 regression modelling is shown on the next page.
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Copy contents of
1 homogenized data from
the EXCEL sheet into Select Factors - Timings,
MINITAB 15 w orksheet Supervision, Group
Dynamics, Procedures, 2-2
Material, Climate as
PREDICTORS
4
From Session Window No 5
Is R2 ≤ 80%
Are there any outliers
displayed
6 Yes 5-1
Accept Regression
Equation
Review Session Sheet
6-1 and Remove Outliers
from MINITAB Worksheet
starting from bottom 5-2
Print Session Window s,
Four in Graphs
R2 value of 70%
6-3 accepted w hen major
prdictors get eliminated Model Formulation
during regression COmplete
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Using the sequence of steps presented in section 4.4 and the flow chart in Fig.
4.4, the productivity models for each of the construction trades of Excavation,
Formwork, Reinforcement, Concreting, Blockwork, Plastering, and Tiling. A
number of iterations were required to reach the acceptable coefficient of
determination - R2 value. These models are later validated using data sets as
available from the other project sites of the case study company.
Appendix 4 gives the following model formulation sheets for each of the seven
construction trades, presented in the following order.
• Summary Table
• Summary of Iterations carried out to reach an acceptable model
• a MINITAB 15 ‘four in one graph’ showing the Normal Probability Plot,
Histogram of Residuals, Standardized Residuals Versus Fits and Time
line plot of the data sets used in model formulation. This is done for the
last iteration.
• a MINITAB 15 session print outs for the last iterations, giving values of
the R2, Durbin Watson Statistic and lack of fits suggesting curvature or
interactions with their respective p values.
For convenience of reading, the summary of the MINITAB 15 iterations for the
EXCAVATION trade and the accepted model along with the R2 value has been
retained in this section with all tabulations, graphs, MINITAB 15 session
printouts and field productivity data have been shifted to Appendix 4 as described
above.
It is seen that the Materials (M) factor has been removed from the regression
equations during the first MINITAB 15 iteration itself, for all the seven
construction trades. This is because the field data collection did not show any
variation, and in almost all the data sets, the material factor was considered a
normal condition. Thus the contributing factors to the productivity model are
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
limited to only five. This is one of the limitations of the models and has been
further discussed in Chapter 6.
The procedural steps in arriving at the regression model for the excavation trade
are explained in this section. Reference to the Flow Chart shown in Fig. 4.2, the
field data has been homogenized in accordance with the steps 1-5.
Total Productivity Data Sets Received 136 no’s, 98 from OAG site, 38 from ARS
site. After homogenization (See table 4.2), the total data sets remained 104. This
is about 76% of the data sets retained from the raw data received from site.
These 104 readings (Table 4.3a) duly homogenized (within a band of ± 40%)
have been taken to the MINITAB 15 Software for conducting the regression
analysis.
Sample Computation
OAG Site Average of Excavation Productivity (Ŷ) = 0.08821649 m3/ man hour
Reference Sr. No. 1, Table 4.3a, Excavation Data, OAG Site
Measured Productivity (Yi) = 0.060 m3/ man hour
= - 31.9855 %
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Group
Tim ings Supervision Material Procedure Clim ate
Dynam ics m3/hour m3/hour PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
Group
Tim ings Supervision Material Procedure Clim ate
Dynam ics m3/hour m3/hour PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
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Group
Tim ings Supervision Material Procedure Clim ate
Dynam ics m3/hour m3/hour PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
EXCAVATION REGRESSION - 1
Aug 29 09
DATA SET- 104
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Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 0.94775 0.18955 9.85 0.000
Residual Error 98 1.88643 0.01925
Lack of Fit 8 0.29156 0.03644 2.06 0.048
Pure Error 90 1.59488 0.01772
Total 103 2.83418
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 0.02284
Supervision (S) 1 0.01124
Group (G) 1 0.08087
Procedure (P) 1 0.46444
Climate (C) 1 0.36836
Unusual Observations
Timings
Obs (T) % Productivity Fit SE Fit Residual St Resid
1 2.00 -0.3199 0.0431 0.0343 -0.3629 -2.70R
7 2.00 0.3603 0.0431 0.0343 0.3172 2.36R
14 2.00 -0.3199 0.0431 0.0343 -0.3629 -2.70R
32 2.00 -0.3199 0.0431 0.0343 -0.3629 -2.70R
34 2.00 -0.3652 0.0431 0.0343 -0.4083 -3.04R
40 1.00 -0.2632 0.0645 0.0191 -0.3277 -2.38R
68 2.00 0.1336 -0.1520 0.0657 0.2855 2.34RX
73 1.00 -0.3873 -0.0020 0.0329 -0.3852 -2.86R
92 1.00 0.1642 0.0869 0.0586 0.0773 0.61 X
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So in iteration step no. 1, it is seen that R2 is 33.4% and observation no’s 1, 7, 14,
32, 34, 40, 68, 73 and 92 (9 readings) are considered unusual observations which
either give large standardized residuals or have a large leverage as indicated by
MINITAB 15. See box in previous page.
Standardized Residual
99 2
90
Percent
0
50
10
-2
1
0.1
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
45 2
Frequency
30 0
15
-2
0
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 1 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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Step 2 – These 9 readings were removed and iteration 2 is done using the
MINITAB software.
EXCAVATION REGRESSION - 2
Aug 29 09
DATA SET- 95
Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 1.13451 0.22690 27.24 0.000
Residual Error 89 0.74140 0.00833
Lack of Fit 6 0.02712 0.00452 0.53 0.788
Pure Error 83 0.71428 0.00861
Total 94 1.87591
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 0.00091
Supervision (S) 1 0.16171
Group (G) 1 0.07496
Procedure (P) 1 0.55709
Climate (C) 1 0.33984
Unusual Observations
Timings
Obs (T) % Productivity Fit SE Fit Residual St Resid
2 1.00 -0.09314 0.08919 0.01295 -0.18233 -2.02R
3 1.00 -0.20650 0.08919 0.01295 -0.29569 -3.27R
6 1.00 -0.20650 0.08919 0.01295 -0.29569 -3.27R
8 1.00 -0.09314 0.08919 0.01295 -0.18233 -2.02R
10 1.00 -0.09314 0.08919 0.01295 -0.18233 -2.02R
13 1.00 -0.20650 0.08919 0.01295 -0.29569 -3.27R
35 1.00 -0.09314 0.08919 0.01295 -0.18233 -2.02R
81 1.00 -0.12535 -0.16357 0.04012 0.03822 0.47 X
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
99
90
0
Percent
50
10
-2
1
0.1 -4
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
0
20
-2
0 -4
-3 -2 -1 0 1 1 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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Iteration No. 3
EXCAVATION REGRESSION - 3
Aug 29 09
DATA SET- 87
Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 1.25682 0.25136 72.05 0.000
Residual Error 81 0.28260 0.00349
Lack of Fit 5 0.04472 0.00894 2.86 0.020
Pure Error 76 0.23788 0.00313
Total 86 1.53942
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 0.01306
Supervision (S) 1 0.16939
Group (G) 1 0.03577
Procedure (P) 1 0.70616
Climate (C) 1 0.33245
Unusual Observations
Timings
Obs (T) % Productivity Fit SE Fit Residual St Resid
1 2.00 0.02022 0.18376 0.01908 -0.16355 -2.93R
10 2.00 0.02022 0.18376 0.01908 -0.16355 -2.93R
30 1.00 0.24693 0.12724 0.00905 0.11969 2.05R
31 1.00 0.24693 0.12724 0.00905 0.11969 2.05R
44 2.00 0.36029 0.23968 0.01607 0.12061 2.12R
58 2.00 0.27138 0.11745 0.02215 0.15394 2.81R
61 1.00 -0.11156 0.00500 0.01481 -0.11657 -2.04R
69 1.00 -0.11156 0.00500 0.01481 -0.11657 -2.04R
70 1.00 -0.11156 0.00500 0.01481 -0.11657 -2.04R
71 1.00 -0.13914 0.00500 0.01481 -0.14414 -2.52R
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Standardized Residual
99
2
90
Percent
50 0
10
-2
1
0.1
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
2
Frequency
30
0
15
-2
0
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 1 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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Iteration No. 4
EXCAVATION REGRESSION - 4
Aug 29 09
DATA SET- 77
Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 1.12547 0.22509 202.56 0.000
Residual Error 71 0.07890 0.00111
Lack of Fit 4 0.00402 0.00101 0.90 0.469
Pure Error 67 0.07487 0.00112
Total 76 1.20436
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 0.04397
Supervision (S) 1 0.22141
Group (G) 1 0.08164
Procedure (P) 1 0.55613
Climate (C) 1 0.22230
Unusual Observations
Timings
Obs (T) % Productivity Fit SE Fit Residual St Resid
8 1.00 0.02022 0.13161 0.00537 -0.11139 -3.39R
40 1.00 0.24693 0.15056 0.01114 0.09637 3.07R
49 2.00 0.13357 0.23113 0.00999 -0.09755 -3.07R
53 1.00 -0.03498 0.03590 0.01005 -0.07088 -2.23R
55 1.00 -0.06561 0.03590 0.01005 -0.10152 -3.19R
57 1.00 0.10289 0.03590 0.01005 0.06698 2.11R
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So in iteration step no. 4, it is seen that R2 is 93.4% and accept the model at
this R2 value. There are further unusual observations, which if removed could
lead to a better R2 value, but for practical reasons, the iterations are stopped at
this juncture.
Standardized Residual
99
2
90
Percent
50
0
10 -2
1
0.1 -4
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
30
0
15
-2
0 -4
-3.2 -1.6 0.0 1.6 3.2 1 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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* Legend: Work Timings = T, Level of Supervision = S, Group Dynamics = G, Control by Procedure = P, Availability of Material = M, Climate = C
Table 4.3b: REGRESSION MODELS - ITERATION SUMMARY for EXCAVATION (use of MINITAB 15 software)
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The iterations are summarized in Table 4.3b. As can be seen from the regression
model, the Excavation Trade Productivity Change is greatly influenced by the
Climate factor (32.8%) followed by Group Dynamics (23.3%) and Procedures
(15.7%), then by Timings (8.06%) and finally by Supervision (1.9%).
Table 4.4 also shows the contribution of each of the factors Timings (T),
Supervision (S), Group Dynamics (G), Procedures (P) and Climate (C).
Now with reference to Table 4.4, it is seen that each factor has a unique
measurable effect (in percentage contribution) to the change in productivity. The
review following has been done in two ways first across the factors and then
across the construction trades.
Timings (T) factor seems to have a good contribution to the productivity change
in six trades of construction – Excavation, Formwork, Reinforcement,
Concreting, Blockwork, and Plastering. The effect is more than 10% in four out
of the seven trades which is around 57%. Surprisingly the effect of Timings on
the Tiling activity was below one percent. The highest contribution is seen in
Plastering with a contribution of 24.2%. This information can therefore be used
by site personnel to enhance productivity of these activities by ensuring
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
favourable work timings for the operatives to give in their best thus enhancing the
productivity of the construction trades.
Supervision (S) factor also seems to have a good contribution to the productivity
change in Formwork, Reinforcement, Concreting, Blockwork, and Tiling Works.
The supervision factor contributes 24.2% for the critical activity of
reinforcement, which if unsupervised and un-checked may lead to missing bars,
wrong bars and incorrect overlaps leading to structural instability and strength
issues after concreting. The highest contribution 35.4% is in Tiling Works which
also needs competent supervision as this activity is the final product the client
will see and use on a daily basis. It also seems quite reasonable to assume that
supervision of these activities is critical to ensure good quality of the finished
product. Thus quality work done correctly first time without rework would
definitely enhance productivity.
Group Dynamics (G) factor seems to have a significant contribution only for the
activities of excavation (-23.3%) and blockwork (-12.8%) and in tiling (8.78%).
This factor contribution of 10% or more is only 2 out of 7 which is around
28.6%. The general situation on sites is a mix of skilled and unskilled personnel
on sites with an ongoing learning curve for new and unskilled personnel to pick
up relevant skills on the job. Therefore to enhance productivity one would need
more skilled personnel, but in the long run, retaining same team composition with
known team members would reduce learning curve and help enhance
productivity.
Procedures (P) factor also seems to have a good contribution to the productivity
change in Excavation, Concreting, Blockwork, and Tiling Works. This factor like
Timings (T) has more than 10% contribution in four out of the seven trades
around 57%. The highest contribution is in Tiling works (-28.2%), while it is 12.5
% on blockwork.
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Reinforce-
9 134 73.8 - 0.748+0.150T+0.242S-0.0386G+0.0301P-0.0499C 15.00% 24.20% -3.86% 3.01% -4.99%
ment
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Climate (C) factors has a 32.8% contribution on Excavation for obvious reasons
– as excavation is done outside and extreme climatic conditions do affect the
operatives in a negative way thus reducing their productivity. The other
contribution of -17% is seen in the Tiling Works. Obviously this factor is natural
and out of human control, the best that can be done is to plan out the activities in
such a way that outside works could be done at different times of the day when
climatic conditions are not that extreme.
Further review of the construction trades and the major factors affecting
productivity can be summarized in Table 4.5 below.
.
Trades Contributing (> 10%) Factors ranked in descending order
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Contribution of Factors
Excavation Productivity Model
40.00%
32.80%
30.00%
20.00%
8.06%
10.00%
1.90%
0.00%
Timings Supervision Group Procedures Climate
‐10.00%
Dynamics
‐20.00% ‐15.70%
‐30.00% ‐23.30%
Thus for excavation (Fig. 4.6a), climate, group dynamics and procedures are
major contributing factors. It is also seen that Climate plays an important role in
excavation productivity as this activity is normally done outside under the sun.
This would mean that excavation productivity could be enhanced by ensuring
excavation done in earlier parts of the day or late afternoons when the climatic
conditions could be more favourable. Similarly excavation productivity could be
enhanced by ensuring better group dynamics and control by procedures.
Contribution of Factors
Formwork Productivity Model
25.00%
19.50%
20.00%
14.00%
15.00%
9.66%
10.00%
5.00%
‐1.96% 0.57%
0.00%
Timings Supervision Group Procedures Climate
‐5.00%
Dynamics
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For formwork (Fig. 4.6b), the major contributing factors seem to be Timings,
Supervision, and Procedures. It would therefore mean that ensuring favourable
work timings giving more cash incentives to operatives, competent supervision
which would result in less rework and control by procedures could result in
increased productivity. As can be seen, climate does not have a significant impact
(0.57%) on the productivity, as formwork is done partly in the carpentry shop
which is shaded and erection is done on site.
Contribution of Factors
Reinforcement Productivity Model
30.00%
24.20%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00% 3.01%
‐3.86%
0.00%
‐5.00% Timings Supervision Group Procedures Climate
Dynamics ‐4.99%
‐10.00%
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Contribution of Factors
Concreting Productivity Model
20.00%
14.30%
15.00%
10.00% 7.33%
5.14% 3.89%
5.00%
0.00%
‐5.00% Timings Supervision Group Procedures Climate
Dynamics
‐10.00%
‐15.00%
‐20.00% ‐18.00%
For Concreting (Fig. 4.6d)– the major contributing factors are Procedures,
Supervision and Timings. Again control by procedures, competent supervision
and favourable work timings giving cash incentive for operatives would enhance
productivity of the concreting operations.
Contribution of Factors
Blockwork Productivity Model
20.00%
13.80% 14.10%
15.00% 12.50%
10.00%
4.44%
5.00%
0.00%
‐15.00% ‐12.80%
For Blockwork (Fig. 4.6e) – the major contributing factors are Supervision,
Group Dynamics and Procedures. Therefore competent supervision, cohesive
group members and control by procedures will help enhance productivity.
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Contribution of Factors
Plastering Productivity Model
30.00%
24.20%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00% 3.28%
‐0.49% ‐3.44%
0.00%
‐5.00% Timings Supervision Group Procedures Climate
Dynamics ‐5.48%
‐10.00%
For Plastering (Fig. 4.6f) – the major contributing factors are Timings,
Procedures and Climate. Climate factor may depend whether the plastering is
done externally or is being done internally. However better work timings
resulting in cash incentives for operatives and control by procedures will
definitely enhance productivity.
Contribution of Factors
Tiling Productivity Model
40.00% 35.40%
30.00%
20.00%
8.78%
10.00%
0.50%
0.00%
‐10.00% Timings Supervision Group Procedures Climate
Dynamics
‐20.00%
‐17.00%
‐30.00%
‐28.20%
‐40.00%
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Table 4.6 : Extracts from Appendix 6-1: Excavation Trade Productivity at various Runs / Levels of Factors
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For Tiling (Fig. 4.6g) – the major contributing factors are Supervision,
Procedures and Climate. Surprisingly Timings has a very low contribution.
Competent supervision would mean the operatives would have a better direction,
control by procedures would mean patterns are known and not left to the
operatives.
Similarly, for the Procedure factor, its contribution to the excavation trade as
given by the model is -12.18-3.52 = -15.7%. This effect of the Procedure factor
change remains constant for all combination of the levels of the other factors.
The other tables in Appendix 6 can be reviewed to re-confirm this fact for all the
trades and for all the coefficients at all possible combination of factor levels.
Thus Table 4.4 and Table 4.5 and the graphical representations are critical and
need to be reviewed by site personnel to understand the role and contribution of
each of the factors and how controlling these factors for creating favourable
conditions on site will help enhance productivity.
4.6 CONCLUSION
This chapter dealt with establishing the regression models for the seven
construction trades of Excavation, Formwork, Reinforcement, Concreting,
Blockwork, Plastering and Tiling. Linear regression models were arrived at for
the above seven trades and the percentage effect of each factor was determined.
The six factors under study and used in modelling were the Timings, Supervision,
Group, Procedures, Materials and Climate.
MINITAB 15 was used to conduct regression analysis and models returned were
accepted based on the R2 value. Table 4.4 shows the summary of models so
established along with the number of iterations and the final R2 noted. The
highest R2 achieved is 93.4% for Excavation trade, while the lowest was for
Reinforcement at 73.8%
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For practical application of the model on construction sites, and serving the aim
and objectives of the research, the regression involving curvature and interactions
amongst the factors themselves has been avoided. This could be part of the
further research on this topic.
***
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This chapter deals with the testing and validation of the trade wise productivity
models established in Chapter 4 using the MINITAB 15 software. It also details
the methodology applied including the background considerations necessary to
understand the possible deviation from the productivity change actually found
and that predicted by the model.
The validation process helps to determine if the models can be practically used to
predict productivity changes on construction sites, when underlying factors
affecting productivity are changed. The validation was performed on the field
data on productivity changes collected in the same manner as that for
productivity model formulation. Field Data from six construction sites were used
for validation.
A total of eleven data sets covering the seven productivity models for the
construction trades of excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concreting,
blockwork, plastering, and tiling have been validated. These eleven data sets
were subjected to validation by finding out the error in estimating the predicted
productivity change as against that measured ones on site. Outliers were removed
using the two sigma band of control limits on the individual error readings. The
balance data readings were then checked against the ±15% acceptance band.
Models were accepted if the balance data readings were within this band.
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The regression models chosen were a straight line linear regression as against
possible curvilinear or logarithmic relationships. Interactions between factors
were also not considered. This was done to ensure practicality on site and due to
the fact that a broad range of possible productivity changes of ±40% and more
were possible in practice; reference also the productivity data values chosen for
the regression model after homogenization was limited to consider this band of
±40%. The data sets used in the final modelling represented overall 74%,
minimum 54% for tiling works and the maximum being 91% for blockwork,
Reference. Chapter 4, Table 4.2, pg. 146. The regression line fitted was the
optimal chosen to give as high a value of R2 of over 70%.
These band limits are proposed to be set at ± 15% taking into consideration the
broad range of complex relationships between the model and the data, the
numerous technical constraints on site with regards to the expected productivity
in each of the activities reference to Chapter 3, section 3.9, pg. 133, the
subjectivity of the factors themselves & therefore the allocation of factor levels
chosen for research. Band limits less than ± 15% would be too narrow for
practical application; as the model efficiency depends upon human response
which is not exactly accurate as that can be expected from a machine. On the
other hand, a band limit more than ± 15% was thought as too loose for
verification and model reliability.
Further the productivity average used in the computations for the model may not
be relevant for computing predicted increase or decrease in productivity; as there
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is a chance that site dynamics might have changed, activities completed, less
pressure of progress and that from the client, movement of workmen and so on.
The threshold of ± 15% also made sense as actual data from time sheets, cost
control charts and productivity figures from the case study company sites over
the last 34 years indicate that the maximum increase or decrease in productivity
would be in the range of ± 40%.
Six sites have been used for Model formulation while four sites have been used
for validation since the other sites were completed/handed over. Table 5.1 below
shows the sites used in model formulation and those used for validation.
Table 5.1: Construction Sites Used for Model Formulation and Validation
It can be noted that the same sites were not always available for model validation
as concerned activities were completed as the project progressed further.
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Is computed site
Yes productivity average
w ithin ± 15% of the
average used in model
formulation
In case no previous productivity
value exists, then use new
productivity average
No
PPCM PPCP
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a) Ensure minimum 15 readings are available for the validation data set for each
trade per site. This takes care of possible shortage of data from ongoing sites
for certain activities (e.g. in some sites, certain activities may have been
completed and some may not have started).
b) Further check the data for completeness and clarify any unclear data from the
concerned sites.
c) Ensure data is entered onto the preformatted EXCEL sheets. (Table 5.2 shows
the format). It is to be noted that the validation is performed per construction
trade for a given site.
d) Compute the site productivity average of the field data for the relevant
construction trade for the particular site. The next step is to check and
compare whether site productivity average is within ± 15% of the
productivity average used in model formulation. If the computed site average
is within the ± 15% of the productivity average used in model formulation,
then the percentage productivity change as measured (PPCM) is computed on
the basis of the previous productivity average used in model formulation. If
outside or if the site was not used in model formulation, then the newly
computed productivity average is used.
The band of ± 15% seemed practical to allow for variations and change in
site dynamics as affecting that particular construction trade. However if the
computed site productivity average is outside this band of ± 15%, then it
means that the data set no longer represents the one used in the model and a
fresh average needs to be worked out. It is normal to expect a different range
of productivity, as site dynamics change, personnel are changed, nature and
complexity of work gets changed and there is less pressure of work as work
has progressed, peaked and balance work activities are undertaken. Later it
is recognized that the productivity model validations seemed more accurate
and acceptable for those sites whose productivity average was within the ±
15%.
e) Once the site average to be used is fixed as explained in d), compute the
Percentage Productivity Change as measured (PPCM) for the validation data
sets.
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Further steps in validation involve using graphs from MINITAB and these are
shown in Fig. 5.2, while the narrative follows in steps i) – o).
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Copy contents of
validation data from the
EXCEL sheet into
MINITAB 15 w orksheet
Yes
6
7
Click on PARAMETERS,
With cursor at end of f irst row , in Type 0.05 for Standard 7-1
MINITAB, choose the menu - Deviation
STATISTICS - CONTROL CHARTS -
VARIABLE CHART FOR INDIVIDUALS - Go to S LIMITS and type
I CHART OPTIONS 3 for getting the ± 15% 7-2
band
10 11
9
Check Graphically - No Check Graphically -
Are all data points w ithin Are all data points w ithin Are outliers w ithin 5%
the ± 15% band the ± 20% band No
Using MINITAB menu GRAPH - SCATTER Using MINITAB menu GRAPH - HISTOGRAM, Using MINITAB menu EDITOR -
PLOT, plot the scatter graph for PPCM, PPCP plot the histogram w ith fit for 'Error' data LAYOUT, plot all the f our
and Error (Graph 3) (Graph 4) graphs in one sheet.
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The validation process is described below using the steps detailed in section 5.3
validation process and the flow charts shown in Fig. 5.1 and Fig. 5.2.
For the Excavation Productivity Model Validation, from ARS site, a total of 27
data sets were available. Refer Table 5.3 for the EXCEL tabulation.
Site Average of these 27 readings is (Ŷ) = 0.0652833 m3 / man-hour
% Variance between averages used in model formulation and that from data
available for validation
= (0.06276 – 0.06528) / 0.06528
= - 0.038653
~ -3.9%
This -3.9% is within the ± 15% band and therefore it follows from 5.3 d), that we
can use the previous average used in model formulation.
Table 5.2 gives the summary of the 27 readings of data sets for validation of
excavation model and line 1 was taken as a sample computation.
PPCM = - 1.97 %
Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
For Sr. No. 1, Reference Table 5.2, the factors levels for Timing, Supervision,
Group Dynamics, Procedures and Climate are T=3, S=3, G=3, P=2 and C=2. For
convenience the reader is reminded that the factors were varied at three levels.
Therefore,
PPCP = - 0.0024+0.0806T+0.0190S-0.233G-0.157P+0.328C
PPCP = - 0.0024+0.0806 x 3 + 0.0190 x 3 - 0.233 x 3 - 0.157 x 2 + 0.328 x 2
PPCP = - 0.0024+0.0806 x 3 + 0.0190 x 3 - 0.233 x 3 - 0.157 x 2 + 0.328 x 2
= - 0.0606
= - 6.06%
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0.1
_
0.0 X=-0.0128
Individual Value
-0.1
-0.2 -2SL=-0.1699
-0.3
-0.4
1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25
Observation
Fig. 5.3a : Error Chart for the ± 2 sigma limits (from MINITAB 15)
Excavation Productivity Model Validation
It is seen that two data sets are out, one (data from 26) below the LCL and one
(data set no 27) above the UCL, which are then eliminated from the data set.
Data set no. 26.
In Minitab 15 Worksheet, this data set is deleted, apply the ± 15% limits by using
a standard deviation of 0.05 and 3 sigma limits.
The new mean of the remaining 25 readings is now -0.0059 and the UCL / LCL
is set at ± 15%, which gives UCL=0.1441 and LCL = -0.1559.
The reason for the selection of the ± 15% band means that the model is
acceptable at 85% accuracy. Although it is less than the 95% accuracy expected
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at 2-sigma limits (Mendenhall et al, 2001, pg. 33); an 85% accuracy was
considered practical for field application)
It is now seen that all the 25 readings are within the limits and the model is
validated and accepted.
0.15 UCL=0.1441
0.10
0.05
Individual Value
_
0.00 X=-0.0059
-0.05
-0.10
-0.15
LCL=-0.1559
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
Observation
Fig. 5.3b : Error Chart for Excavation for the ± 15% band (from MINITAB 15)
Fig. 5.3 c shows the histogram of the errors for all the 27 sets.
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6
Frequency
0
-0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2
Error
0.00
-0.05
Y-Data
-0.10
-0.15
-0.20
-0.25
0 5 10 15 20 25
No
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The all in four graphs is plotted from MINITAB using the EDITOR –
LAYOUT tool, whilst on any of the graphs.
0.1
_
Individual Value
Individual Value
0.0 X=-0.0128
_
0.0 X=-0.0059
-0.2 -2SL=-0.1699
-0.1
LCL=-0.1559
-0.4 -0.2
1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
Observation Observation
Excavation Productivity Model : Scatterplot of PPCM, PPCP and Error Histogram (with Normal Curve) of Error
0.1 Variable Mean -0.01279
Actual I /D StDev 0.09264
Predicted I /D N 27
8
Error
0.0
6
Frequency
Y-Data
-0.1 4
2
-0.2
0
0 6 12 18 24 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2
No Error
Table 5.3 gives the grand summary of the data sets used for validation of the
productivity models and the results of the validation, including details of the data
eliminated during the homogenization within ± 2 sigma limits and whether
revalidation was required for any sets.
A total of 1963 data readings out of which 812 (74%) were utilized were taken in
11 sets for each of the seven trades considered in the model formulation. This is a
significant number for validation as compared to the model formulation, where a
total of 1090 data sets were available.
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Out of the 11 sets, the errors from three data sets were revalidated as discussed
below.
• Data Set 3 - Reinforcement for OAG Site
1 out of the 42 readings (2.38%) was out of the ± 15% band. This is less
than the 5% band agreed for revalidation and hence the model was
accepted for practical use on site.
• Data Set 8 – Concreting and Data Set 9 - Blockwork for BCC Site
The concreting and blockwork validation data sets for BCC site did not
pass the ± 15% band after the outliers were removed using the band of 2-
sigma limits. These two sets of data were revalidated using a truncated
band of readings, which were within ± 20% of the average used in the
model. The truncated data sets thus obtained were subjected to
revalidation as before and the Concreting set passed the ± 15% band. The
Blockwork set still returned 6 out of 270 out of the ± 15% band after
truncation of the outlier readings as above. This meant 2.2% were still
out; this is less than 5% and hence the models were accepted for practical
use on site.
A review of the BCC site could possibly offer explanations of why the
models for concreting and blockwork in this particular site did not fit the
data. One reason was that BCC site concreting data was not used in model
formulation. Therefore its specific characteristics of a horizontal spread
project may not have been represented in the model formulation. It is also
significant to know that the validation data from BCC were 191 for
concreting while for model formulation the data sets used numbered 119
after homogenization.
For blockwork the total data sets used for model formulation were 90 and
the validation data from BCC were 347. It would mean that a more
efficient model would result in using more data sets.
Table 5.3 also indicates that the 2 sigma bands are well within the ± 40% band
initially considered for homogenizing data before carrying over for regression
analysis.
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2 OAG 34 0.38308 0.37477 -2.2% Yes 0.38308 -2.67% -16.37% 11.03% 6 1.24% -13.76% 16.24% 0 Yes
3 Formwork ARS 51 0.16494 0.16951 2.8% Yes 0.16494 -1.74% -12.21% 8.73% 3 -4.25% -19.25% 10.75% 0 Yes
4 BCC 408 0.20025 0.25431 27.0% No 0.25431 -2.86% -16.25% 10.53% 98 -0.59% -15.59% 14.41% 0 Yes
5 OAG 54 0.07907 0.10910 38.0% No 0.10900 7.82% -5.64% 21.28% 12 11.81% -3.19% 26.81% 1/42 Yes
Rein-
6 ARS 92 0.01803 0.02530 40.3% No 0.02530 -4.89% -15.52% 5.74% 22 -5.26% -20.26% 9.74% 0 Yes
forcement
7 BCC 306 * 0.03148 - - 0.03148 0.39% -8.18% 8.96% 56 0.37% -14.63% 15.37% 0 Yes
Revalidated
8 Concreting BCC 191 0.44197 0.50211 13.6% Yes 0.44197 0.16% -18.45% 18.12% 9 -0.75% -15.75% 14.25% 27/182
±20% band
8-1 Concreting BCC 87 0.44197 0.46347 4.9% Yes 0.44197 3.77% -10.95% 18.49% 2 3.75% -11.25% 18.75% 0 Yes
Revalidated
9 Blockwork BCC 347 * 0.45465 - - 0.45465 0.19% -18.91% 19.29% 36 0.19% -14.81% 15.19% 27/311
±20% band
9-1 Blockwork BCC 298 * 0.454651 - - 0.454651 0.67% -15.14% 16.48% 29 1.03% -13.97% 16.03% 6/270 Yes
10 Plastering ARS 41 * 0.35178 - - 0.35178 -2.34% -17.38% 12.71% 3 -2.93% -17.93% 12.07% 0 Yes
11 Tiling JIC 27 0.19380 0.22120 14.1% Yes 0.19380 -0.58% -15.47% 14.30% 2 -0.57% -15.57% 14.43% 0 Yes
Note 1 -If Site Average is within the ± 15% of the average used in model formulation, then
Total 1963 * No data used during Model Formulation
previous average is used in validation; if not new computed is used
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The productivity models have been used to evaluate the variability in the
productivity of the seven construction trades. Table 5.4 below is an extract from
Table 4.4 from Chapter 4. It gives a summary of the productivity models and
indicates the factors that would most introduce change in the productivity.
These are different for different trades. For example climate has the maximum
impact on excavation which is generally an external activity. A review of the
graphical plots (Fig. 4.5a – 4.5g) presented in Chapter 4 can help to gauge the
effect of each of the factors on productivity of the individual trades.
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As can be seen from Table 5.4 and 5.5, Timings (T) factor has a good
contribution to the productivity change in six trades of construction – Excavation,
Formwork, Reinforcement, Concreting, Blockwork, and Plastering. It was found
that the effect is more than 10% in four out of the seven trades which is around
57%. Surprisingly the effect of Timings on the Tiling activity was below one
percent. The highest contribution is seen in Plastering with a contribution of
24.2%. This information can therefore be used by site personnel to enhance
productivity of these activities by ensuring favourable work timings for the
operatives to give in their best thus enhancing the productivity of the construction
trades.
Supervision (S) factor also seems to have a good contribution to the productivity
change in Formwork, Reinforcement, Concreting, Blockwork, and Tiling Works.
The supervision factor contributes 24.2% for the critical activity of
reinforcement, which if unsupervised and un-checked may lead to missing bars,
wrong bars and incorrect overlaps leading to structural instability and strength
issues after concreting. The highest contribution 35.4% is in Tiling Works which
also needs competent supervision as this activity is the final product the client
will see and use on a daily basis. It also seems quite reasonable to assume that
supervision of these activities are critical to ensure good quality of the finished
product. Thus quality work done correctly first time without rework would
definitely enhance productivity. It is therefore obvious that competent
supervision will enhance productivity on sites.
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Group Dynamics (G) factor seems to have a significant contribution only for the
activities of excavation (-23.3%) and blockwork (-12.8%) and in tiling (8.78%).
This factor contribution of 10% or more is only 2 out of 7 which is around
28.6%. The general situation on sites is a mix of skilled and unskilled personnel
on sites with an ongoing learning curve for new and unskilled personnel to pick
up relevant skills on the job. Therefore to enhance productivity one would need
more skilled personnel, but in the long run, retaining same team composition with
known team members would reduce learning curve and help enhance
productivity.
Procedures (P) factor also seems to have a good contribution to the productivity
change in Excavation, Concreting, Blockwork, and Tiling Works. This factor like
Timings (T) has more than 10% contribution in four out of the seven trades
around 57%. The highest contribution is in Tiling works (-28.2%), while it is 12.5
% on blockwork.
Climate (C) factors has a 32.8% contribution on Excavation for obvious reasons
– as excavation is done outside and extreme climatic conditions do affect the
operatives in a negative way thus reducing their productivity. The other
contribution of -17% is seen in the Tiling Works. Obviously this factor is natural
and out of human control, the best that can be done is to plan out the activities in
such a way that outside works could be done at different times of the day when
climatic conditions are not that extreme.
For excavation, the Group Dynamics contributes with – 23.2 % and procedure
with -15.7%. This seems to be logical and in line with the characteristics of this
activity. This is purely non-skilled labour type of activity which is mostly directly
related to the amount of muscles that is put into it rather than the harmony and
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dynamics of the group members. It is also noted that the procedure factor is
contributing with -15.7%. This is also reasonable since excavation activity is a
risky operation and much care must be given to underlying services, rerouting;
health and safety considerations such adequate shoring, access and ventilation
may be required for this activity. Hence the negative contribution of the stringent
procedures seems to be in line with field experience.
Studying the effect of the Group Dynamics on the blockwork activity reveals a -
12.8% contribution. This is well explainable due to the fact that Blockwork
activity is generally not a final finished product at practically all job sites in the
UAE. It subsequently receives either plastering, tiling, or marble cladding. Hence
high quality calibre of personal can be compromised by Managers on the account
of gaining higher productivity.
For tiling activity, both procedures and climate factors contribute negatively to
the level of productivity by -28.2% and -17% respectively. Tiling is normally one
of the last activities in a project resulting in a final finished product. This leads to
the fact that stringent quality procedures are mandatory to guarantee the
requirement of a finished product. This is very much in line and explains the
negative contribution of procedure on tiling activity. While for the climate,
severe, adverse climatic conditions normally produces negative impact on this
activity. Extremely hot and humid weather reduces the output and impacts
negatively on the productivity.
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5.7 CONCLUSION
The validations of the model were performed on data collected from four sites –
namely OAG, ARS, BCC and JIC sites of the case study contracting company.
A total of 1963 data readings were reviewed and subjected to validation as per
the procedure set in section 5.2. Basically the data was plotted against the upper
control and lower control limits of ± 2 sigma limits followed by checking against
a band of ± 15% for the error in productivity change as predicted by model to that
actually measured on site when the factors are varied.
Outliers were removed using the upper control limits and lower control limits for
the 2 sigma band. Out of the 11 data sets, 8 data sets have validated the
productivity models developed for the construction trades. The three data sets
have been subjected to revalidation using a narrower band of readings within ±
20% of the average used in the model formulation. These were for reinforcement
at OAG site, and for concreting and blockwork at the BCC site. The models have
been accepted on revalidation as per the procedure in section 5.2.
For ± 2 sigma limits, it is seen that errors obtained between the predicted and the
actual productivity increase / decrease are within a band of 17.14% to 38.2%
further justifying the initial homogenization range of ± 40%.
Despite setting up ± 15% band, the majority of the data sets follow a lower band
as can be seen on the error plots. It is also found that when the site average as
measured is closer to the site average used in model formulation, then most of the
data used in validation seems to lie within the ± 15% band.
A review of the validation results vis-à-vis the construction trades shows that
simpler activities such as excavation, formwork, plastering and tiling were
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It can thus be concluded with fair amount of confidence that the productivity
models established in Chapter 4 can be used for predicting quantifiable changes
in productivity when the factors levels are changed within an accuracy of ± 15%
***
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CHAPTER 6 – CONCLUSION
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CHAPTER 6 – CONCLUSION
The discussions in this chapter form a basis for further refinement in the
productivity models and possible future research areas on the subject. However,
it is always important to keep in mind the practical use of the model later on by
construction industry players. In other words, there is no need to go to
exponential regression models to give results that are fairly accurate to the nth
decimal, and then try to apply this to the construction industry, where
approximations on a day to day level are mandatory.
As indicated in Chapter 1, 1.1, this research was undertaken with the aim to
evaluate factors that would affect productivity of construction trades in order to
optimize output. The objectives to fulfill the research aim were identified and
they would now be evaluated using the models that were developed.
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levels of variation were fixed for field data collection. These are the Work
Timings, Level of Supervision, Group Dynamics, Control by Procedures,
Availability of Material, and Climate.
Data was collected for the seven construction trades – subject of this study:
excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concreting, blockwork, plaster and tiling
works. Data was collected from six sites of at various locations in UAE with
different site constraints. A total of 1090 sets were collected. After homogenizing
the data within a ± 40% band, a total of 812 data sets were subjected to statistical
modeling using the MINITAB 15 software. Straight line regression was used for
practical application of the model. A minimum R2 – the coefficient of
determination of 70% was chosen as the threshold value to accept a model.
Thus productivity models were identified for all the seven trades. The
coefficients of each of the factors in the productivity model equation indicated
the contribution of each of the factors to the productivity change of that particular
trade.
After removal of any outliers, this was compared with the acceptable band of ±
15% of the errors. A total of 1963 data sets from four sites were used in the
validation process. All the construction trades were covered in the validation;
two of the data sets were revalidated after removing the outliers at the ± 15%
band. It was observed that despite setting up the ± 15% band, the majority of the
data sets follow a lower band as can be seen on the error plots. It is also found
that when the site average as measured is closer to the site average used in model
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formulation, then most of the data used in validation seems to lie within the ±
15% band.
Thus the productivity models were acceptable and are estimated to be 85%
accurate and can be used for productivity enhancement initiatives at sites. This
can be done by reviewing the factors, which have the maximum impact and then
creating favourable conditions of those factors to attain the desired enhanced
productivity.
The challenge involved the selection of the teams used in productivity data
collection especially as the team members were not aware that their work is being
recorded for further study and research. The selection of teams and the supervisor
in charge was therefore left to the discretion of site management. Other than
locations and differential client requirements, there was no much choice in the
selection of sites as the ongoing activities on site dictated the selection of sites.
The accuracy and completeness of the data collected was checked, where the data
was collated and fed into the EXCEL sheets. Odd events such as holidays,
sickness of supervisor or any of the team members, change of timings during
Ramadan Season and summer leave was not recorded. Data collection at site
required several rounds of briefing and correction, until a stable pattern of data
collection was achieved.
The factor on materials could not be varied which is one of the reasons why it got
removed from the regression equations. One of the reasons that could be
attributed for this event is that good contractors would seldom let material
availability affect site progress. Procurement is an important and critical phase of
project management, and material approvals, ordering and delivery are
coordinated so as to have the material on time on the site. Common construction
material such as sand, wood, steel, blocks, cement are ordered in bulk using
economies of scale and stored centrally in company warehouses and then
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dispatched to sites as required. Another reason why material variation was not
seen is that any deliberate delay of material could have influenced the operatives
as they were unaware that their work was being recorded.
The challenge was to define the factors that would affect productivity. The broad
categories of Environmental, Organizational, Group and Individual factors were
derived from a thorough research of the management theory literature coupled
with the study of contemporary works on productivity and studies in countries of
similar conditions.
The selected trades are those that other than MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and
Plumbing) constitute the bulk of the project and these present a challenging task
to all contractors. The seven trades selected are Excavation, Formwork,
Reinforcement, Concreting, Blockwork, Plastering and Tiling. Although other
trades exist and can be studied, yet it is believed that the selected trades for this
study represent the backbone of construction sites.
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Construction sites do not always have the same characteristics. Some have unique
traits and conditions that reflect on productivity of certain trades, making them
significantly different from other sites. For example; while some sites might have
bulk excavation, others might have limited pits or trench excavations. Obviously
the productivity rates in these two cases are expected to be significantly different.
Added to that if the soil conditions are different, that is if hard strata is
encountered, then productivity rate for that site would be significantly lower than
the site having soft strata soil.
Thus the technical issues of the trades needed to be understood and this challenge
was overcome by using a site specific average of the productivity rate in the
computations to absorb such variances in productivity.
It was also important to understand the basic nature of the construction trades to
understand the wide variation and the outliers. Number crunching without
understanding the nature of work, the constraints involved and the factor
combinations will be of little use. Obvious factors of working under the direct
sun rays, while excavating against the benefits of utilizing the early hours or late
afternoons is a case in point. This would help enhance productivity of excavation
trade.
Construction projects are of normally short duration with an average span of 1.5
to 2 years. This presented the researcher with a few technical problems. Firstly
some of the construction sites on which the models were developed were
completed and thus the possibility to collect data for validation from the same
sites was not possible. Secondly the technical nature of these construction trades
possibly could have changed. Although the total work was not completed; for
some trades, the bulk of the work had been executed during data collection for
model formulation and during the process of data collection for model validation,
only limited areas or small quantities yet to be executed were available.
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Although new sites were used for collecting data for validation of some trades
(since either sites or activities used during model formulation were completed)
the model was still proven to be valid within ±85% accuracy which adds to the
robustness of the model.
As indicated in Chapter 1, section 1.2, pg. 9, the aim of this research was to
evaluate factors that would affect productivity of construction trades in order to
optimize output.
The factors were narrowed down to six factors taken for field data collection by
utilizing the results of three surveys – one for establishing the significant factors
in the UAE construction industry and then utilizing another two perception
surveys establishing the magnitude of the effect of those factors on productivity.
The six factors are the TIMINGS, SUPERVISION, GROUP DYNAMICS,
CONTROL BY PROCEDURES, MATERIAL, and CLIMATE.
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sense that they constitute an important part of the construction project start up
activities and any lapse in productivity would eventually lead to decreased
productivity in the overall project itself. Moreover they generally lie on the
critical path and need to be completed before installation of services and other
finishes can start. Together they may contribute to more than 15% of the total
activities in the project, but need to be completed on time for other works to start.
In this sense they are very critical to the progress on site.
Chapter 4 shows the development of the productivity models for each of the
construction trades while Chapter 5 gives details of the validation of these
models.
As indicated in Chapter, 1, section 1.4.9, pg. 23, the models can be used by
construction personnel – Project Managers, Engineers and Supervisors to
understand the dynamics involved in productivity of the construction trades and
investigate what best they can do to improve the conditions that affect
productivity on site.
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The productivity models may be used by companies to try and vary the factors /
parameters, especially those whose coefficients are high to improve productivity
in certain trades. This will be particularly significant when the construction trades
are behind schedule and need acceleration or are on the critical path. Using the
models would also help effective budgeting and cost control and would provide a
more competitive work climate.
With some more work, the models could provide a reasonable quantification of
the predicted productivity, when the underlying factors are varied. The models
should be used judiciously, complimented with a thorough understanding of the
grounded realities on the construction site, the demography, age, training and
skills of the people themselves, the mental situation of the work, their motivation
levels; the nature, detail and complexity of the work activities themselves.
The research and the models underlined therein therefore require the supervisors
and the site construction management in general to understand that their
responsibility lies in providing favourable conditions of timings, supervision,
group dynamic, materials, procedures and of course amiable weather bringing out
the best in people; thus effectively increasing the output and therefore the
efficiency and productivity of the works.
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For example, if any activity is on the critical path for completion of the project,
site management can use the factor coefficients as a guideline to the change that
might be introduced to create favourable conditions that would lead to increase in
productivity.
This would mean that site management undertake planning for productivity and
help utilize available resources of time and money at the right place resulting into
enhanced productivity and the time for completion of these critical activities
(those on the critical path) be controlled.
In brief, utilization of the model would provide an opportunity for being cost and
time effective on the construction site and help ensure projects are successfully
completed.
To ensure systematic and efficient use of the models in successfully planning and
executing construction projects, it is suggested to record initiatives by site
management to provide favourable conditions to enhance the productivity;
document productivity before and after application of the models. This will help
to further validate the efficacy and accuracy of the models.
Limitations if any in the models, arise from simplifying assumptions used in the
research, the subjectivity of factor levels, the accuracy of the data itself, the
existence of a combination of several factors besides the significant factors; the
possible errors of recording and analyzing data, and the presence of human
motivation. Thus the models need to be used with caution, understanding the
contribution of the each of the factor variables; but at the same time
understanding the ground realities of site execution. Nevertheless, these
simplifications do not affect the overall robustness of the model since it was
proven to be accurate upto 85%.
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Similar models can be established for other critical activities and underlying
significant factors could then be controlled to ensure enhanced productivity in
those activities.
The following issues underlying the basis of establishing linear regression models
using the MINITAB 15 software give rise to possible limitations of the
application of the models. Understanding these and ways and means to overcome
these could lead to more refined and efficient productivity models for practical
use on construction sites.
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Any surveys are as good as they are planned and as good as the efforts put
into developing effective survey questions aimed at eliciting specific
responses to questions. The three surveys undertaken in this research were
critical as they formed the basis of identifying the significant factors
affecting productivity in the UAE Construction industry. Changes in the
survey results would mean that the factors and the magnitude of their effects
could change. It would also help to have more contractors involved in the
survey as this could help more get responses from people with similar
experiences.
Measured data from site was taken on an as is basis with the assumptions
that no horseplay or tampering is involved. However inherent in the
measurement is the subjectivity of the factor levels themselves. The three
levels of variations planned for each of the seven factors do have an overlap
between them and it is possible that unintended errors of judgment could be
expected in the data. The research also did not consider the individual mental
state or motivation levels of each operative used in the measurement of
productivity. Ones mental situation could very much affect performance on a
given day. The other aspects related to the work activity – as discussed in b)
could relate to the complexity of the work itself, and the nature of the project
itself; work in live plants generally brings in constraints of operation,
permits, health and safety issues, thus affecting the normal flow and
therefore productivity. Thus taking into account these details, the factor
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The effectiveness of the model and its validation is critically based on the
average used in determining the percentage productivity change as measured
(PPCM). It was also discussed how the baseline value of the productivity
from the database of the case study contracting company could not be used
in the computations for being far away from the measured productivity
average. Hence continuous efforts are required to be put to have larger sets
of data before one can accurately use the models. For practical purposes, a
run of 200 data sets would give a fairly practical average value to base the
model and utilize it to enhance productivity.
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than that used by the case study company. Moreover productivity of a given
trade is different on different sites – depending on the nature of the project,
the stage of the project, the constraints on site, and the factors of Timings,
Supervision, Group Dynamics, Procedures and the climatic conditions on a
given day.
6.5 CONCLUSION
The previous researches studied one trade and / or one variable at a time, or
studied the variables in isolation without interaction between variables and they
were generally qualitative rather than quantitative. Trends or a relationship were
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suggested, but stood short of quantifying this relation and even when quantified
this was arrived at; it was still for factors in isolation or for one specific trades.
This research led to construction trade productivity models that combine the
effect of several factors to be established and validated; models which can give a
reasonable quantification of the predicted change in productivity when the factors
are purposefully varied.
The first chapter introduced the thesis title, established the aim, objectives, and
definitions of productivity while reiterating the need for research against the
background of productivity of construction trades and its importance in the
construction industry.
The aim of this research was to evaluate factors that would affect productivity of
construction trades in order to optimize output. The research methodology was
depicted graphically (Fig. 1.1.) with cross reference to chapter numbers.
The literature review included the management theories and published literature
on productivity by contemporary researchers. The classical theories included the
scientific management, bureaucracy, human relations, systems approach and
contingency approach. Further management theories on motivation – content and
process theories were reviewed – those that affect the behaviour patterns of
individuals. This review combined with the published literature by contemporary
authors gave three matrices showing factors affecting construction productivity in
general, the second matrix gave the motivation factors in the construction
industry and the third matrix gave the factors affecting construction productivity
over different countries.
The construction industry in the UAE is dynamic and has estimated annual
revenues of AED 500 billion and profitability ranges from 2% to 20% depending
upon type of projects. The industry has many contractors of various sizes;
competition is tough and the industry is labour intensive with the construction
operatives mostly coming from the Asian subcontinent. It was indicated that the
economy of the UAE will continue to be dependent on non-national workers.
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Chapter 3 detailed the research methodology in detail, and utilized the results of
three surveys to establish the basis of setting up the on site factor variables for
productivity data collection. These three surveys were the Significance Survey
giving a comprehensive listing of factors affecting productivity followed by two
perception surveys giving the magnitude of the effect of the factors on
productivity. The first survey determined the significant factors affecting
productivity, using the importance index, the frequency index and the severity
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index or rank. This survey used 61 questions based on the above four broad factor
categories which were then ranked and sorted for the first 14 factors. These
fourteen factors were then used in the other two surveys, which returned the
magnitude of the effect of the factors on productivity as perceived by the industry
personnel both within the case study company and outside the company.
The results of the significance survey gave the fourteen factors affecting
productivity. The perception surveys using these fourteen factors helped identify
the seven most significant factors namely - Work Timings, Supervision, Salaries,
Group Dynamics, Control by Procedures, Material, and Climate. Later on the
salaries factor was merged with the Timings factor for practical application at
site. These six factors were then given three levels 1, 2 and 3 with ideal
conditions at level 3. These three levels of variation helped to vary the factor
practically at the construction sites of the case study company. Seven
construction sites were identified for data collection.
Finally other multiple technical factors were highlighted for each of the
construction trades of excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concreting,
blockwork, plastering and tiling works.
Chapter 4 dealt with the actual data collection on site, analysis and model
formulation. This chapter helped establish the regression models for the seven
construction trades of Excavation, Formwork, Reinforcement, Concreting,
Blockwork, Plastering and Tiling. Linear regression models were arrived at for
the above seven trades and the percentage effect of each factor was determined.
The six factors under study and used in modeling were the Timings, Supervision,
Group, Procedures, Materials and Climate.
These factors were varied at three different levels and the corresponding change
in productivity was recorded when the factor levels were changed. The change in
productivity was then subjected to regression analysis to determine a straight line
multifactor regression model using the MINITAB 15 software.
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However due to a combination of several factors, the complexity of job and the
nature of the construction activity / trade itself, the presence of human elements
of motivation, etc, the coefficient of determination R2 was found to be low and
hence individual models for each of the construction trades of excavation,
formwork, reinforcement, concreting, blockwork, plastering and tiling were
established successfully with a R2 value above 70%. An R2 value of 70% which
is the coefficient of determination actually relates to a coefficient of correlation R
= √0.7 = 0.836 indicating high correlation. This value of R2 was accepted because
the next iteration to establish a model with a higher R2 removed one of the six
major factors that were taken for field data collection.
MINITAB 15 was used to conduct regression analysis and models returned were
accepted based on the R2 value. The highest R2 achieved is 93.4% for Excavation
trade, while the lowest was for Reinforcement at 73.8%. For practical application
of the model on construction sites, and serving the aim and objectives of the
research, the regression involving curvature and interactions amongst the factors
themselves was avoided.
Following a number of iterations, the models were then established and accepted
for a minimum threshold value of 70% and above. The regression models
developed are summarized in Table 4.4 pg. 173. The major three contributing
factors in order of contribution are also shown in Table 4.5, pg. 174.
A total of 1963 data readings were reviewed and subjected to validation as per
the procedure set in section 6.2. Basically the data was plotted against the upper
control and lower control limits of ± 2 sigma limits followed by checking against
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a band of ± 15% for the error in productivity change as predicted by model to that
actually measured on site when the factors are varied.
Outliers were removed using the upper control limits and lower control limits for
the 2 sigma band. Out of the 11 data sets, 8 data sets have validated the
productivity models developed for the construction trades. The three data sets
have been subjected to revalidation using a narrower band of readings within ±
20% of the average used in the model formulation. These were for reinforcement
at OAG site, and for concreting and blockwork at the BCC site. The models have
been accepted on revalidation as per the procedure explained in Chapter 5. For ±
2 sigma limits, it is seen that errors obtained between the predicted and the actual
productivity increase / decrease are within a band of 17.14% to 38.2% further
justifying the initial homogenization range of ± 40%.
Despite setting up ± 15% band, the majority of the data sets follow a lower band
as can be seen on the error plots. It is also found that when the site average as
measured is closer to the site average used in model formulation, then most of the
data used in the validation seems to lie within the ± 15% band.
A review of the validation results vis-à-vis the construction trades shows that
simpler activities such as excavation, formwork, plastering and tiling were
validated easily, while concreting, reinforcement and blockwork had to be
revalidated probably indicating that the complexity involved in concreting,
reinforcement and blockwork for the particular sites and in particular the relevant
structures might have caused the higher error and thus the revalidation. However
for practical purposes, the revalidation has been acceptable. Other than these the
models seem to work well for the validation data’s collected from the sites.
Given the limitations of the models, mostly due to the assumptions and
simplifications during research for practical application at site, it can therefore be
concluded that in the validation trails the models returned reasonable
quantification of the predicted productivity when the factors are varied.
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However for new sites, where average site productivity figures may not be
available, more work is required to be done to establish average site productivity
figures for trades, from baseline averages of other similar sites and applying the
corresponding models. In cases where the site productivity values are outside the
band of ±15% of the productivity value used in establishing the models, then
models would need to be re-established, using the procedure outlined in Chapter
4.
The research and the models underlined therein therefore require the supervisors
and the site construction management in general understand that their
responsibility lies in providing favourable conditions of timings, supervision,
group dynamic, materials, procedures and of course amiable weather bringing out
the best in people; thus effectively increasing the output and therefore the
efficiency and productivity of the works.
Further the results of this research could have wider applications in the
construction industry in the sense that such models could be developed for all
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construction trades and if the individual parameters and technical constraints are
controlled, an overall productivity model can be developed for the construction
industry which could be comprehensively used to understand the underlying
factors and control these to achieve favourable conditions on site for enhanced
productivity.
It can thus be concluded with fair amount of confidence that the productivity
models established in Chapter 4 could be used for predicting quantifiable changes
in productivity when the factors levels are changed within an accuracy of 85%.
However it was not expected that the model will give 100% accurate results in
predicting the change in productivity when the underlying factors are varied as
compared to the actual change as measured on site.
Possible refinements of the models are presented in section 6.4, pg. 216.
Although a number of suggestions are listed for future research, this does not
undermine or weakens the findings of this research. The research took into
consideration, the practical applications of the model and as such set certain
limits – for example the models were limited to linear regression model and
higher levels of regression and interactions were not considered. Although these
are suggested as possible future studies, this is with an idea in mind that the
findings will furthermore support the robustness of the model and the logic of
limiting it to linear regression. One may want to note the incremental
improvement in accuracy of the models and field application on construction sites
vis-à-vis the additional research that might be required for higher regression and
study of interactions. Further areas of future research may provide refinements
that would eventually lead to validation of the practical assumptions made and
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the techniques used in this study. However, it is not anticipated that the findings
of future studies would change or affect the integrity of the findings of this study.
Based on the above discussions and those in section 6.4 and 6.5, the possible
areas for future research include:
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***
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References
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***
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Bibliography
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APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Master Field Data for Model Formulation ....................... 246 - 263
Appendix 2 Master Field Data for Model Validation ......................... 264 - 285
***
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Appendix 1
Master Field Data for Model Formulation
Parameters
% Productivity
Measured
Not Available=1 Lack of Site Average Change
8+2=1 Average=1 Unskilled=1 Extreme=1 Productivity
Normally Procedure=1 Ŷ =
8+4=2 Good=2 Mixed=2 Normal = 2 Yi
No Date Site Ref Activity Contract=3 Excellent = 3 Skilled=3
Available=2 Normal Control=2
Pleasant=3
[100 (Yi-Ŷ)] / Ŷ
Ideal Situation = 3 Tight Control=3
Group
Timings Supervision Material Procedure Climate
Dynamics Unit Unit PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010 Appendix 1
Group
Timings Supervision Material Procedure Climate
Dynamics Unit Unit PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010 Appendix 1
Group
Timings Supervision Material Procedure Climate
Dynamics Unit Unit PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010 Appendix 1
Group
Timings Supervision Material Procedure Climate
Dynamics Unit Unit PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
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Group
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(G)
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(G)
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Timings Supervision Material Procedure Climate
Dynamics Unit Unit PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
Discarded
3 12-May-08 NLB 14 Block Work 1 2 2 2 2 1 0.529 0.329214 60.69%
5 13-May-08 NLB 15 Block Work 1 2 2 2 2 1 0.154 0.329214 -53.22%
6 14-May-08 NLB 16 Block Work 1 2 2 2 2 1 0.192 0.329214 -41.68%
9 22-May-08 NLB 22 Block Work 1 3 3 2 2 1 0.472 0.329214 43.37%
8 28-May-08 NLB 27 Block Work 1 3 3 2 2 1 0.51 0.329214 54.91%
7 31-May-08 NLB 29 Block Work 1 3 3 2 2 1 0.5 0.329214 51.88%
2 23-Jun-08 NLB 50 Block Work 1 1 1 2 2 1 0.123 0.329214 -62.64%
4 25-Jun-08 NLB 52 Block Work 1 1 1 2 2 1 0.149 0.329214 -54.74%
1 26-Jun-08 NLB 53 Block Work 1 1 1 2 2 1 0.112 0.329214 -65.98%
10 15-Dec-08 ARS 6 Concreting 1 3 3 2 2 2 0.15 0.303200 -50.53%
12 24-Aug-08 JIC 71 Concreting 3 3 3 2 2 1 3.28 2.261000 45.07%
11 29-Oct-08 JIC 72 Concreting 3 3 3 2 2 1 1.583 2.261000 -29.99%
19 1-May-08 RIH 9 Concreting 1 3 3 2 2 2 0.28 0.192105 45.75%
16 8-May-08 RIH 10 Concreting 1 1 3 2 2 2 0.09 0.192105 -53.15%
17 15-May-08 RIH 11 Concreting 1 1 2 2 2 2 0.1 0.192105 -47.95%
14 22-May-08 RIH 12 Concreting 1 1 3 2 2 2 0.08 0.192105 -58.36%
18 5-Jun-08 RIH 14 Concreting 1 1 3 2 2 2 0.11 0.192105 -42.74%
13 16-Jul-08 RIH 18 Concreting 1 3 3 2 2 2 0.08 0.192105 -58.36%
15 26-Jul-08 RIH 19 Concreting 1 1 3 2 2 2 0.08 0.192105 -58.36%
20 2-Aug-08 RIH 20 Concreting 1 2 3 2 2 2 0.3 0.192105 56.16%
21 31-Aug-08 RIH 23 Concreting 1 3 3 2 2 2 0.3 0.192105 56.16%
22 8-Sep-08 RIH 24 Concreting 1 3 3 2 2 2 0.3 0.192105 56.16%
25 13-Jul-08 OAG 143 Concreting-1 3 3 3 2 2 2 0.76 1.648276 -53.89%
24 14-Sep-08 OAG 161 Concreting-1 1 3 2 2 2 2 0.82 1.648276 -50.25%
27 2-Nov-08 OAG 174 Concreting-1 1 3 2 2 2 2 2.64 1.648276 60.17%
28 9-Nov-08 OAG 176 Concreting-1 1 3 2 2 2 2 2.4 1.648276 45.61%
29 23-Nov-08 OAG 180 Concreting-1 1 3 2 2 2 2 2.56 1.648276 55.31%
23 4-Jan-09 OAG 191 Concreting-1 2 3 2 2 2 2 1 1.648276 -39.33%
26 4-Jan-09 OAG 193 Concreting-1 2 3 2 2 2 2 0.75 1.648276 -54.50%
30 7-Feb-08 OAG 9 Concreting-2 3 1 3 2 2 2 0.18 0.179200 0.45%
45 9-Feb-08 OAG 12 Concreting-2 3 2 2 2 2 2 0.26 0.179200 45.09%
40 13-Feb-08 OAG 19 Concreting-2 3 2 2 2 2 2 0.28 0.179200 56.25%
41 20-Feb-08 OAG 33 Concreting-2 3 2 2 2 2 2 0.28 0.179200 56.25%
42 2-Mar-08 OAG 56 Concreting-2 3 2 2 2 2 2 0.28 0.179200 56.25%
38 5-Mar-08 OAG 62 Concreting-2 3 2 2 2 2 2 0.26 0.179200 45.09%
31 6-Apr-08 OAG 115 Concreting-2 3 1 2 2 2 2 0.05 0.179200 -72.10%
32 6-Apr-08 OAG 114 Concreting-2 3 1 2 2 2 2 0.06 0.179200 -66.52%
34 13-Apr-08 OAG 116 Concreting-2 3 1 2 2 2 2 0.08 0.179200 -55.36%
36 20-Apr-08 OAG 118 Concreting-2 3 1 2 2 2 2 0.1 0.179200 -44.20%
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(G)
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(G)
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(G)
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Dynamics Unit Unit PPCM
(T) (S) (M) (P) (C)
(G)
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Appendix 2
Master Field Data for Model Validation
Parameters
%
% Productivity Error
Measured Productivity
Not Available=1 Lack of Site Average Change
8+2=1 Average=1 Unskilled=1 Extreme=1 Productivity
Ŷ =
Change - (PPCP -
Normally Procedure=1 Yi Predicted
No Date Site Activity 8+4=2 Good=2 Mixed=2 Normal = 2 [100 (Yi-Ŷ)] / Ŷ PPCM)
Available=2 Normal Control=2
Contract=3 Excellent = 3 Skilled=3 Pleasant=3 using Model
Ideal Situation = 3 Tight Control=3
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 4-0
Summary of Productivity Models for all trades
Reinforce-
9 134 73.8 - 0.748+0.150T+0.242S-0.0386G+0.0301P-0.0499C 15.00% 24.20% -3.86% 3.01% -4.99%
ment
Tiling
7 57 83.1 +0.073+0.0050T+0.354S+0.0878G-0.282P-0.170C 0.50% 35.40% 8.78% -28.20% -17.00%
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Appendix 4-1a
Summary Table : Excavation Productivity Model
Attachments :-
Appendix 4-1b : Iteration Summary : Excavation Productivity Model
Appendix 4-1c : Field Data Collection – Excavation
Appendix 4-1d : Residual Graphs & Minitab Session Printouts for
Iterations 1-4 : Excavation Productivity Models
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 4-1b
Iteration Summary : Excavation Productivity Model
* Legend : Work Timings = T, Level of Supervision = S, Group Dynamics = G, Control by Procedure = P, Availability of Material = M, Climate = C
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Appendix 4-1c
Residual Graphs and Minitab Session Printouts
Iteration 4 : Excavation
Standardized Residual
99
2
90
Percent
50
0
10 -2
1
0.1 -4
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
2
Frequency
30
0
15
-2
0 -4
-3.2 -1.6 0.0 1.6 3.2 1 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 1.12547 0.22509 202.56 0.000
Residual Error 71 0.07890 0.00111
Lack of Fit 4 0.00402 0.00101 0.90 0.469
Pure Error 67 0.07487 0.00112
Total 76 1.20436
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 0.04397
Supervision (S) 1 0.22141
Group (G) 1 0.08164
Procedure (P) 1 0.55613
Climate (C) 1 0.22230
Unusual Observations
Timings
Obs (T) % Productivity Fit SE Fit Residual St Resid
8 1.00 0.02022 0.13161 0.00537 -0.11139 -3.39R
40 1.00 0.24693 0.15056 0.01114 0.09637 3.07R
49 2.00 0.13357 0.23113 0.00999 -0.09755 -3.07R
53 1.00 -0.03498 0.03590 0.01005 -0.07088 -2.23R
55 1.00 -0.06561 0.03590 0.01005 -0.10152 -3.19R
57 1.00 0.10289 0.03590 0.01005 0.06698 2.11R
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Appendix 4-2a
Summary Table : Formwork Productivity Model
Attachments :-
Appendix 4-2b : Iteration Summary : Formwork Productivity Model
Appendix 4-2c : Field Data Collection – Formwork
Appendix 4-2d : Residual Graphs & Minitab Session Printouts for
Iterations 1-8 : Formwork Productivity Models
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 4-2b
Iteration Summary : Formwork Productivity Model
Lack of Fit Test
Durbin
Data R2 2
Activity Steps Regression Model having best R value Watson Possible Possible Significant
Set %
Statistic Curvature* Interaction at p-value
p = 0.000
Iteration
stopped as
8 181 75 -0.661+0.195T+0.140S- 0.0196G+0.0966P+0.0057C 1.89354 T, S, C T, G,
Procedure
factor gets
deleted in 9
* Legend : Work Timings = T, Level of Supervision = S, Group Dynamics = G, Control by Procedure = P, Availability of Material = M, Climate = C
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Appendix 4-2c
Residual Graphs and Minitab Session Printouts
Iteration 8 : Formwork
Standardized Residual
99
90
Percent
50 0
10
1
-2
0.1
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
0
10
0 -2
-1.8 -1.2 -0.6 0.0 0.6 1.2 1.8 1 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 5.8438 1.1688 105.23 0.000
Residual Error 175 1.9436 0.0111
Lack of Fit 10 0.6749 0.0675 8.78 0.000
Pure Error 165 1.2687 0.0077
Total 180 7.7873
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 3.8915
Supervision (S) 1 1.8206
Group (G) 1 0.0615
Procedure (P) 1 0.0699
Climate (C) 1 0.0002
Unusual Observations
Timings
Obs (T) % Productivity Fit SE Fit Residual St Resid
114 2.00 0.25972 0.28888 0.03409 -0.02915 -0.29 X
117 2.00 0.31842 0.28888 0.03409 0.02954 0.30 X
129 2.00 0.38352 0.17447 0.01572 0.20905 2.01R
168 1.00 -0.27248 -0.26305 0.03513 -0.00943 -0.09 X
169 1.00 -0.33311 -0.26305 0.03513 -0.07006 -0.71 X
172 1.00 -0.27248 -0.26305 0.03513 -0.00943 -0.09 X
173 1.00 -0.21186 -0.26305 0.03513 0.05120 0.52 X
174 1.00 -0.27854 -0.26305 0.03513 -0.01549 -0.16 X
175 1.00 -0.28461 -0.26305 0.03513 -0.02156 -0.22 X
176 1.00 -0.26642 -0.26305 0.03513 -0.00337 -0.03 X
177 1.00 -0.22398 -0.26305 0.03513 0.03907 0.39 X
179 1.00 -0.22398 -0.26305 0.03513 0.03907 0.39 X
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Appendix 4-3a
Summary Table : Reinforcement Productivity Model
Attachments :-
Appendix 4-3b : Iteration Summary : Reinforcement Productivity Model
Appendix 4-3c : Field Data Collection – Reinforcement
Appendix 4-3d : Residual Graphs & Minitab Session Printouts for
Iterations 1-9 : Reinforcement Models
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 4-3b
Iteration Summary : Reinforcement Productivity Model
Lack of Fit Test
Durbin
Data R2 2
Activity Steps Regression Model having best R value Watson Possible Possible Significant at p-
Set %
Statistic Curvature* Interaction value
Reinforcement
5 120 69.7 - 1.78312 T, S, G, C P p=0.000
* Legend : Work Timings = T, Level of Supervision = S, Group Dynamics = G, Control by Procedure = P, Availability of Material = M, Climate = C
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Appendix 4-3c
Residual Graphs and Minitab Session Printouts
Iteration 9 : Reinforcement
Standardized Residual
99
90 1
Percent
50
0
10
-1
1
0.1
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.4 -0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
20
0
10
-1
0
-1.5 -1.0 -0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 1 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 2.92375 0.58475 60.24 0.000
Residual Error 107 1.03860 0.00971
Lack of Fit 7 0.14997 0.02142 2.41 0.025
Pure Error 100 0.88863 0.00889
Total 112 3.96235
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 0.81321
Supervision (S) 1 2.06487
Group (G) 1 0.01634
Procedure (P) 1 0.01520
Climate (C) 1 0.01413
Unusual Observations
Timings
Obs (T) % Productivity Fit SE Fit Residual St Resid
35 3.00 0.18889 0.28142 0.04038 -0.09254 -1.03 X
88 3.00 0.25816 0.31150 0.04173 -0.05334 -0.60 X
91 3.00 0.26477 0.28142 0.04038 -0.01665 -0.19 X
93 1.00 -0.10267 0.02223 0.05578 -0.12491 -1.54 X
94 1.00 -0.02532 0.02223 0.05578 -0.04755 -0.59 X
96 3.00 0.22683 0.31150 0.04173 -0.08467 -0.95 X
100 3.00 0.26477 0.28142 0.04038 -0.01665 -0.19 X
113 3.00 0.39125 0.31150 0.04173 0.07975 0.89 X
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Appendix 4-4a
Summary Table : Concreting Productivity Model
Attachments :-
Appendix 4-4b : Iteration Summary : Concreting Productivity Model
Appendix 4-4c : Field Data Collection – Concreting
Appendix 4-4d : Residual Graphs & Minitab Session Printouts for
Iterations 1-5 : Concreting Models
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 4-4b
Iteration Summary : Concreting Productivity Model
Lack of Fit Test
Durbin
Data R2 2
Activity Steps Regression Model having best R value Watson Possible Possible Significant at
Set %
Statistic Curvature* Interaction p-value
* Legend : Work Timings = T, Level of Supervision = S, Group Dynamics = G, Control by Procedure = P, Availability of Material = M, Climate = C
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Appendix 4-4c
Residual Graphs and Minitab Session Printouts
Iteration 5 : Concreting
Standardized Residual
99
90
Percent
50 0
10
1
-2
0.1
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
8
0
4
-2
0
-1.50 -0.75 0.00 0.75 1.50 1 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 1.97605 0.39521 72.15 0.000
Residual Error 99 0.54232 0.00548
Lack of Fit 34 0.37074 0.01090 4.13 0.000
Pure Error 65 0.17158 0.00264
Total 104 2.51836
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 0.36684
Supervision (S) 1 0.92336
Group (G) 1 0.00156
Procedure (P) 1 0.64234
Climate (C) 1 0.04195
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Appendix 4-5a
Summary Table : Block work Productivity Model
Attachments :-
Appendix 4-5b : Iteration Summary : Blockwork Productivity Model
Appendix 4-5c : Field Data Collection – Blockwork
Appendix 4-5d : Residual Graphs & Minitab Session Printouts for
Iterations 1-7 : Blockwork Models
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 4-5b
Iteration Summary : Blockwork Productivity Model
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Appendix 4-5c
Residual Graphs and Minitab Session Printouts
Iteration 7 : Blockwork
Standardized Residual
99
90
Percent
50 0
10
1
0.1
-2
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
10
0
5
-2
0
-2 -1 0 1 2 1 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 1.90508 0.38102 64.87 0.000
Residual Error 67 0.39354 0.00587
Lack of Fit 14 0.10709 0.00765 1.42 0.179
Pure Error 53 0.28645 0.00540
Total 72 2.29862
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 1.36266
Supervision (S) 1 0.14275
Group (G) 1 0.20046
Procedure (P) 1 0.17327
Climate (C) 1 0.02593
315
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Appendix 4-6a
Summary Table : Plastering Productivity Model
Attachments :-
Appendix 4-6b : Iteration Summary : Plastering Productivity Model
Appendix 4-6c : Field Data Collection – Plastering
Appendix 4-6d : Residual Graphs & Minitab Session Printouts for
Iterations 1-4 : Plastering Productivity Models
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 4-6b
Summary Table : Plastering Productivity Model
no evidence,
2 75 87.9% - 2.15155
p ≥ 0.1
Plastering
3 69 90.5% - 2.08803 P - p = 0.058
no evidence,
4 65 92.6% -0.203+0.242T-0.0049S-0.0344G-0.0548P+0.0328C 1.99670 P -
p ≥ 0.1
* Legend : Work Timings = T, Level of Supervision = S, Group Dynamics = G, Control by Procedure = P, Availability of Material = M, Climate = C
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Appendix 4-6c
Residual Graphs and Minitab Session Printouts
Iteration 4 : Plastering
Standardized Residual
2
99
90
Percent
50 0
10
1
-2
0.1
-4 -2 0 2 4 -0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
Standardized Residual
Frequency
8
0
-2
0
-2 -1 0 1 2 1 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
Standardized Residual Observation Order
- 318 -
Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010 Appendix 4
Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 1.43607 0.28721 147.44 0.000
Residual Error 59 0.11494 0.00195
Lack of Fit 18 0.05307 0.00295 1.95 0.038
Pure Error 41 0.06186 0.00151
Total 64 1.55101
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 1.30367
Supervision (S) 1 0.05632
Group (G) 1 0.00547
Procedure (P) 1 0.03183
Climate (C) 1 0.03880
Unusual Observations
Timings
Obs (T) % Productivity Fit SE Fit Residual St Resid
10 1.00 -0.17860 -0.13210 0.02506 -0.04650 -1.28 X
16 1.00 -0.11542 -0.16648 0.02426 0.05106 1.38 X
19 2.00 0.12976 0.21751 0.01424 -0.08775 -2.10R
48 1.00 0.00282 -0.08538 0.01184 0.08821 2.07R
49 2.00 0.06946 0.15628 0.00903 -0.08681 -2.01R
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Appendix 4-7a
Summary Table : Tiling Productivity Model
Attachments :-
Appendix 4-7b : Iteration Summary : Tiling Productivity Model
Appendix 4-7c : Field Data Collection – Tiling
Appendix 4-7d : Residual Graphs & Minitab Session Printouts for
Iterations 1-7 : Tiling Productivity Models
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 4-7b
Iteration : Tiling Productivity Model
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Appendix 4-7c
Residual Graphs and Minitab Session Printouts
Iteration 7 : Tiling
Standardized Residual
90
Percent
50 0
10
1 -2
-2 -1 0 1 2 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2
Standardized Residual Fitted Value
8
0
4
0 -2
-2 -1 0 1 2 1 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Standardized Residual Observation Order
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Analysis of Variance
Source DF SS MS F P
Regression 5 1.66432 0.33286 39.21 0.000
Residual Error 40 0.33958 0.00849
Lack of Fit 2 0.03879 0.01940 2.45 0.100
Pure Error 38 0.30079 0.00792
Total 45 2.00390
Source DF Seq SS
Timings (T) 1 0.04523
Supervision (S) 1 1.42438
Group (G) 1 0.00458
Procedure (P) 1 0.15534
Climate (C) 1 0.03479
Unusual Observations
Timings
Obs (T) % Productivity Fit SE Fit Residual St Resid
45 1.00 -0.0402 -0.1022 0.0652 0.0619 0.95 X
46 1.00 -0.1641 -0.1022 0.0652 -0.0619 -0.95 X
***
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-0
Grand Summary of Validation Data and Results
2 sigma limits ± 15 % Validation band
% Is Site
No. of Average Average as Outliers New
Variance Average Average as Mean 2 sigma limits
Data sets as Used in Computed used in Error ±2 Mean Outliers
Set Activity Site on Within (sigma = Std. ± 15 % band Accept Model
Used Model from Data Validation of indi- sigma Error of ± 15 %
Average ± 15% Deviation)
See Note 1 vidual limits remain- band
Yes/No
data ing data
D X (X1) (X1-X)/X LCL UCL LCL UCL
1 Excavation ARS 27 0.06528 0.06276 -3.9% Yes 0.06528 -1.28% -16.99% 14.43% 2 -0.59% -15.59% 14.41% 0 Yes
2 OAG 34 0.38308 0.37477 -2.2% Yes 0.38308 -2.67% -16.37% 11.03% 6 1.24% -13.76% 16.24% 0 Yes
3 Formwork ARS 51 0.16494 0.16951 2.8% Yes 0.16494 -1.74% -12.21% 8.73% 3 -4.25% -19.25% 10.75% 0 Yes
4 BCC 408 0.20025 0.25431 27.0% No 0.25431 -2.86% -16.25% 10.53% 98 -0.59% -15.59% 14.41% 0 Yes
5 OAG 54 0.07907 0.10910 38.0% No 0.10900 7.82% -5.64% 21.28% 12 11.81% -3.19% 26.81% 1/42 Yes
Rein-
6 ARS 92 0.01803 0.02530 40.3% No 0.02530 -4.89% -15.52% 5.74% 22 -5.26% -20.26% 9.74% 0 Yes
forcement
7 BCC 306 * 0.03148 - - 0.03148 0.39% -8.18% 8.96% 56 0.37% -14.63% 15.37% 0 Yes
Revalidated
8 Concreting BCC 191 0.44197 0.50211 13.6% Yes 0.44197 0.16% -18.45% 18.12% 9 -0.75% -15.75% 14.25% 27/182
±20% band
8-1 Concreting BCC 87 0.44197 0.46347 4.9% Yes 0.44197 3.77% -10.95% 18.49% 2 3.75% -11.25% 18.75% 0 Yes
Revalidated
9 Blockwork BCC 347 * 0.45465 - - 0.45465 0.19% -18.91% 19.29% 36 0.19% -14.81% 15.19% 27/311
±20% band
9-1 Blockwork BCC 298 * 0.454651 - - 0.454651 0.67% -15.14% 16.48% 29 1.03% -13.97% 16.03% 6/270 Yes
10 Plastering ARS 41 * 0.35178 - - 0.35178 -2.34% -17.38% 12.71% 3 -2.93% -17.93% 12.07% 0 Yes
11 Tiling JIC 27 0.19380 0.22120 14.1% Yes 0.19380 -0.58% -15.47% 14.30% 2 -0.57% -15.57% 14.43% 0 Yes
Note 1 -If Site Average is within the ± 15% of the average used in model formulation, then
Total 1963 * No data used during Model Formulation
previous average is used in validation; if not new computed is used
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-1a
Summary Table :
Excavation Productivity Model Validation (ARS Site)
Trade = Excavation
Unit = m3/man hour
Site = ARS
Total data sets = 27
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-1b : Validation Graph : Excavation Productivity Model
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-1b
Validation Graph :
Excavation Productivity Model Validation
_
Individual Value
Individual Value
0.0 X=-0.0128
_
0.0 X=-0.0059
-0.2 -2SL=-0.1699
-0.1
LCL=-0.1559
-0.4 -0.2
1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
Observation Observation
Excavation Productivity Model : Scatterplot of PPCM, PPCP and Error Histogram (with Normal Curve) of Error
0.1 Variable Mean -0.01279
Actual I /D StDev 0.09264
Predicted I /D N 27
8
Error
0.0
6
Frequency
Y-Data
-0.1 4
2
-0.2
0
0 6 12 18 24 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2
No Error
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-2a
Summary Table :
Formwork Productivity Model Validation (OAG site)
Trade = Formwork
Unit = m2/man hour
Site = OAG
Total data sets = 34
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-2b : Validation Graph : Formwork Productivity Model
(OAG site)
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Appendix 5-2b
Validation Graph :
Formwork Productivity Model Validation (OAG site)
_
0.0 0.1
Individual Value
Individual Value
X=-0.0267
_
X=0.0124
-0.1
0.0
-2SL=-0.1637
-0.2
-0.1
-0.3 LCL=-0.1376
1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 34 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28
Observation Observation
3.0
0.0
1.5
-0.2
0.0
0 10 20 30 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15
No Error
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-2c
Summary Validation Table :
Formwork Productivity Model (ARS site)
Trade = Formwork
Unit = m2/man hour
Site = ARS
Total data sets = 51
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-2d : Validation Graph : Formwork Productivity Model
(ARS site)
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Appendix 5-2d
Validation Graph :
Formwork Productivity Model Validation (ARS site)
Individual Value
0.00
_ 0.0 _
X=-0.0452 X=-0.0425
-0.05
-0.10 -0.1
-0.15
-2SL=-0.1501
-0.2 LCL=-0.1925
1 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46 51 1 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46
Observation Observation
0.2 9
Frequency
Y-Data
6
0.0
-0.2
0
0 12 24 36 48 -0.16 -0.12 -0.08 -0.04 0.00 0.04
No Error
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-2e
Summary Validation Table :
Formwork Productivity Model (BCC Site)
Trade = Formwork
Unit = m2/man hour
Site = BCC
Total data sets = 408
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-2f : Validation Graph : Formwork Productivity Model
(BCC site)
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Appendix 5-2f
Validation Graph :
Formwork Productivity Model Validation (BCC site)
0.2 +2SL=0.1053
0.1
_
X=-0.0286
Individual Value
0.0
Individual Value
_
0.0 X=-0.0059
-0.2
-2SL=-0.1625
-0.1
-0.4
LCL=-0.1559
-0.6 -0.2
1 42 83 124 165 206 247 288 329 370 1 32 63 94 125 156 187 218 249 280
Observation Observation
20
0.0
10
-0.2
0
0 100 200 300 400 -0.15 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15
No Error
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-3a
Summary Validation Table :
Reinforcement Productivity Model (OAG site)
Trade = Reinforcement
Unit = metric tonnes/man hour
Site = OAG
Total data sets = 54
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-3b : Validation Graph : Reinforcement Productivity Model
(OAG site)
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-3b
Validation Graph :
Reinforcement Productivity Model Validation (OAG site)
0.2
Individual Value
Individual Value
_ _
0.1 X=0.0782 X=0.1181
0.1
0.0
-2SL=-0.0564
-0.1 0.0
LCL=-0.0319
1 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46 51 1 5 9 13 17 21 25 29 33 37 41
Observation Observation
0.0 7.5
Frequency
Y-Data
5.0
-0.2
2.5
-0.4 0.0
0 15 30 45 60 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25
No Error
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-3c
Summary Validation Table :
Reinforcement Productivity Model (ARS site)
Trade = Reinforcement
Unit = metric tonnes/man hour
Site = ARS
Total data sets = 92
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-3d : Validation Graph : Reinforcement Productivity Model
(ARS site)
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-3d
Validation Graph :
Reinforcement Productivity Model Validation (ARS site)
Individual Value
0.0
0.0 _ _
X=-0.0489 X=-0.0526
-0.1 -0.1
-2SL=-0.1552
-0.2
-0.2
LCL=-0.2026
1 10 19 28 37 46 55 64 73 82 91 1 8 15 22 29 36 43 50 57 64
Observation Observation
0.2 12
Frequency
Y-Data
8
0.0
4
-0.2
0
0 20 40 60 80 -0.16 -0.12 -0.08 -0.04 0.00 0.04 0.08
No Error
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-3e
Summary Validation Table : Reinforcement Productivity
Model (BCC site)
Trade = Reinforcement
Unit = metric tonnes/man hour
Site = BCC
Total data sets = 306
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-3f : Validation Graph : Reinforcement Productivity Model
(BCC site)
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-3f
Validation Graph :
Reinforcement Productivity Model Validation (BCC site)
0.2
0.1
+2SL=0.0896
Individual Value
Individual Value
0.1
_
_ X=0.0037
X=0.0039 0.0
0.0
-0.1 -2SL=-0.0818
-0.1
-0.2 LCL=-0.1463
1 32 63 94 125 156 187 218 249 280 1 26 51 76 101 126 151 176 201 226
Observation Observation
45
Frequency
Y-Data
0.00
30
-0.15
15
-0.30 0
0 100 200 300 -0.12 -0.08 -0.04 0.00 0.04 0.08 0.12
No Error
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-4a
Summary Validation Table : Concreting Productivity
Model
Trade = Concreting
Unit = m3/man hour
Site = BCC
Total data sets = 191
REVALIDATION
Truncated Data Set within ± 20% = 87
Mean Error = 3.77%
Control Limits (2 sigma limits) = -10.95% to 18.49%
Outliers (2 sigma limits) = 2/87 (2.30%)
Outliers in ± 15% band = 0
Accept Model = Yes
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-4b : Validation Graph : Concreting Productivity Model
(BCC site)
Appendix 5-4c : Re-validation Graph : Concreting Productivity Model
(BCC site)
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-4b
Validation Graph :
Concreting Productivity Model Validation (BCC site)
Individual Value
Individual Value
0.1
_
_ X=-0.0075
X=-0.0016 0.0
0.0
-0.1 -0.1
LCL=-0.1575
-0.2 -2SL=-0.1845 -0.2
1 20 39 58 77 96 115 134 153 172 191 1 19 37 55 73 91 109 127 145 163 181
Observation Observation
0.2 18
Frequency
Y-Data
12
0.0
-0.2
0
0 50 100 150 200 -0.24 -0.18 -0.12 -0.06 0.00 0.06 0.12 0.18
No Error
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Appendix 5-4c
Re-Validation Graph :
Concreting Productivity Model Validation (BCC site)
0.1
Individual Value
Individual Value
0.1
_ _
X=0.0375
X=0.0377
0.0 0.0
-0.1 -0.1
-2SL=-0.1095 LCL=-0.1125
1 10 19 28 37 46 55 64 73 82 1 9 17 25 33 41 49 57 65 73 81
Observation Observation
0.0
8
-0.1
4
-0.2
0
0 20 40 60 80 -0.12 -0.06 0.00 0.06 0.12 0.18
No Error
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Appendix 5-5a
Summary Validation Table :
Blockwork Productivity Model (BCC Site)
Trade = Blockwork
Unit = m2/man hour
Site = BCC
Total data sets = 347
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-5b : Validation Graph : Blockwork Productivity Model
(BCC site)
Appendix 5-5c : Re-validation Graph : Blockwork Productivity Model
(BCC site)
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Appendix 5-5b
Validation Graph :
Blockwork Productivity Model Validation (BCC site)
+2SL=0.1929
0.2 _ 0.2
X=0.0019 UCL=0.1519
Individual Value
Individual Value
_
X=0.0019
0.0 0.0
-2SL=-0.1891
-0.4 -0.4
1 36 71 106 141 176 211 246 281 316 1 36 71 106 141 176 211 246 281 316
Observation Observation
0.0
30
-0.2
15
-0.4 0
0 100 200 300 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
No Error
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Appendix 5-5c
Re-Validation Graph :
Blockwork Productivity Model Validation (BCC site)
0.1 0.1
Individual Value
Individual Value
_
X=0.0067 _
0.0 X=0.0103
0.0
-0.1
-0.1
-2SL=-0.1514
-0.2
LCL=-0.1397
1 31 61 91 121 151 181 211 241 271 1 28 55 82 109 136 163 190 217 244
Observation Observation
0.1
20
Frequency
Y-Data
0.0
10
-0.1
-0.2
0
0 100 200 300 -0.12 -0.06 0.00 0.06 0.12 0.18
No Error
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-6a
Summary Validation Table :
Plastering Productivity Model (ARS Site)
Trade = Plastering
Unit = m2/man hour
Site = ARS
Total data sets = 41
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-6b : Validation Graph : Plastering Productivity Model
(ARS site)
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Appendix 5-6b
Validation Graph :
Plastering Productivity Model Validation (ARS site)
0.1
+2SL=0.1271
0.1
Individual Value
Individual Value
0.0 _
_ X=-0.0293
0.0 X=-0.0234
-0.1
-0.1
0.1 6
Frequency
Y-Data
0.0
4
-0.1
2
-0.2
0
0 10 20 30 40 -0.15 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10
No Error
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-7a
Summary Validation Table :
Tiling Productivity Model (JIC Site)
Trade = Tiling
Unit = m2/man hour
Site = JIC
Total data sets = 27
Attachments :-
Appendix 5-7b : Validation Graph : Tiling Productivity Model
(JIC site)
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5-7b
Validation Graph :
Tiling Productivity Model Validation (JIC site)
0.1 0.1
Individual Value
Individual Value
_ _
0.0 X=-0.0058 0.0 X=-0.0057
-0.1 -0.1
-2SL=-0.1547 LCL=-0.1557
-0.2 -0.2
1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
Observation Observation
0.1
4
0.0
2
-0.1
0
0 10 20 30 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10
No Error
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Legend :
PPCP - Percentage Productivity Change Predicted
T- Timings
S - Supervision
G - Group Dynamics
P - Procedure
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Legend :
PPCP - Percentage Productivity Change Predicted
T- Timings
S - Supervision
G - Group Dynamics
P - Procedure
C - Climate
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Legend :
PPCP - Percentage Productivity Change Predicted
T- Timings
S - Supervision
G - Group Dynamics
P - Procedure
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Legend :
PPCP - Percentage Productivity Change Predicted
T- Timings
S - Supervision
G - Group Dynamics
P - Procedure
C - Climate
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Legend :
PPCP - Percentage Productivity Change Predicted
T- Timings
S - Supervision
G - Group Dynamics
P - Procedure
C - Climate
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Appendix 7 -1
Random Number Table
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Appendix 7 -1
Random Number Table
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Appendix 7-2
Chi Square Values
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Appendix 7 -2
Chi SquareValues
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Appendix 7-3
Statistical Definitions
(as used in MINITAB 15)
The definitions appearing are an extract from the above MINITAB 15 – Methods and
Formulas screen.
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Regression equation
For a model with multiple predictors, the equation is:
…..
The fitted equation is:
ŷ= …..
In simple linear regression, which includes only one predictor, the model is:
ŷ = fitted response
Regression coefficients
Each predictor in a regression equation has an estimated coefficient associated with the
population regression coefficients, β . Use the estimated coefficients (b ) with the
k k
bo =
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Notation
yi = ith observed response value
= mean response
xi = ith predictor value
= mean predictor
x = response matrix
y = predictor matrix
t-value (T)
Compare the t-value to the t-distribution to determine if a predictor is significant. The
bigger the absolute value of the t-value, the more likely the predictor is significant. The
formula is:
Estimated coefficient
Standard error of the coefficient
p‐value (p)
Used in hypothesis tests to help you decide whether to reject or fail to reject a null
hypothesis. The p-value is the probability of obtaining a test statistic that is at least as
extreme as the actual calculated value, if the null hypothesis is true. A commonly used
cut-off value for the p-value is 0.05. For example, if the calculated p-value of a test
statistic is less than 0.05, you reject the null hypothesis.
S
An estimate of σ, the estimated standard deviation of the error in the model. Note that s2
= MS Error.
R2 (R-sq)
Coefficient of determination; indicates how much variation in the response is explained
by the model. The higher the R2 , the better the model fits your data. The formula is:
∑
R2 = 1- = 1-
∑
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Notation
yi = ith observed response value
= mean response
ŷi = i fitted response
th
Adjusted R2
Accounts for the number of predictors in our model and is useful for comparing models
with different numbers of predictors. The formula is:
∑
Radj2 = 1- =1-
∑
Notation
yi = ith observed response value
= ith fitted response
= mean response
N = number of observations
P = number of terms in the model
SS Error ∑ (yi – ŷ) 2
SS Total ∑ (yi – y )2
Notation
yi = ith observed response value
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Notation
n = number of observations
p = number of terms in the model
MS Regression
The formula for mean square regression is:
SS Regression
MS Regression =
DF Regression
∑ (ŷi - y )2
Notation
P
y= mean
response
ŷi = ith fitted
response
p= number
of terms
in the
model
MS Error
Mean square error, which is the variance around the fitted regression line. MS Error =
s2. The formula is:
MSE = SS Error = ∑ (yi – ŷi)2
DF Error n–p-1
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Notation
yi = ith observed response value
n = number of observations
MS Total
The formula for mean square total is:
∑
MS Total = =
Notation
= mean response
n = number of observations
F - If the calculated F-value is greater than the F-value from the F-distribution, then at
least one of the coefficients is not equal to zero. The F-value is used to determine the p-
value. The formula for the calculated F-value is:
MS Regression
MS Error
Fitted value
The predicted y or ŷ; the mean response value for the given predictor values using the
estimated regression equation.
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SE Fit = s2 1 + (x0 - x )2
n ∑ (xi - x )2
The standard error of the fitted value in a regression model with more than one
predictor is:
Sqrt(s2 [x'o(X'X)-1xo])
x’o = [ 1, x1,0,….,xk,0 ]
Notation
xi = ith predictor value
x = mean predictor
x = response matrix
n = number of observations
2
s = mean square error
Residuals
The difference between the observed values and predicted or fitted values. This part of
the observation is not explained by the fitted model. The residual of an observation is:
ei = yi-ŷi
Notation
yi = ith observed response value
ŷi = i fitted response
th
Standardized residuals
The standardized residual is helpful in identifying outliers. Also called the internally
Studentized residual and is calculated as:
ri = ei
2
s (1 – hi)
Notation
ei = i residual
th
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hi = i diagonal element of
th
x(x’x)-1x’
s2 = mean square error
Confidence interval
The range in which the estimated mean response for a given set of predictor values is
expected to fall. The formula is:
⁄ ,
s = =
Notation
= fitted response value for a given set of predictor value
= level of significance
N = number of observations
P = number of terms in the model
= variance-covariance matrix of coefficient
X = response matrix
xo = matrix of given predictor values
Prediction interval
The range in which the predicted response for a new observation is expected to fall. The
formula is:
⁄ ,
s = 1
Notation
= fitted response value for a given set of predictor value
= level of significance
n = number of observations
p = number of terms in the model
x = response matrix
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F- Statistics =
Large F-values and small p-values suggest that the model is inadequate.
***
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Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010
The Project Scope of works include major civil and mechanical works, with related electrical works for the
Offshore Associated Gases (OAG) project, Das Island. New facilities on Das Island are designed to compress
and dehydrate the additional quantities of offshore associated LP gases. Design capabilities for the new
facilities at Das Island is 211 MMscfd and includes provision for future expansion to 470 MMscfd.
Mechanical works include related piping and equipment installations whilst civil works include site preparation,
piling, trenching, building works, drainage, foundations, structures, including detailed design and supply /
installation of HVAC systems.
Period of Construction 28 Months – Start: February 2007 Expected Finish: July 2009
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Th project
The j t scope off works
k include
i l d th
the d
design,
i engineering
i i studies,
t di procurementt and
d tturnkey
k
construction of the Anode Rodding Shop EMAL Smelter Complex, Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi.
Works include the 108x48x11 m building area, 5500 sq. m. area, equipment foundations,
construction of the control room, Amenities Building, Pump House Building, Steel Structure,
Metal claddings, MEP services include Power and Lighting, Water Supply and Drainage
Works, HVAC, and associated Civil Works.
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Ju e a Islands
Jumeirah s a ds – Heights,
e g ts, Dubai;
uba ;
Cluster C Apartments Courtesy www.jumeirahheights.com/en/living/the-clusters
The works
Th k consist
i t off the
th
construction of the 2 clusters - 3
buildings each in the East and
West Cluster; and having a
common basement. Total Built up
area is approximately 81,000 sq.
m. Project includes a substation.
Period of Construction 16 months Start : Dec 2007 Expected Finish : March 2009
Peak Manpower 1600
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Engineering,
g ee g, Procurement
ocu e e t and
a d Construction
Co st uct o
(EPC) For Borouge Quality Control Laboratory
Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the Quality Control Laboratory which is part of the
overall Borouge 2 Project and comprises the following main areas:
PP & PE Lab, Chemistry Lab, Mechanical Testing, Instrument Workshop, Gases Cylinders Room,
Chemicals Store, Electrical Rooms, Office Area.
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The civil engineering works include the construction of the Administration Building, Crisis Management
centre, extensions, control tower, sports facilities – recreational centre and basket ball court, sand blasting
facilities, Utilities building, Decompression Chamber, and a Helipad, including a gatch service road.
Mechanical installations include a water pumping station, fire water pumping station with pumps, hydrants,
pressure vessels, jockey pumps and piping, Diesel fuel storage tank and associated pumps and piping,
HVAC and building services. Electrical Installations include a new 11 KV electrical supply with associated
switchgears and transformers, a new 415 V distribution system, low current control and power systems for
equipment, earthing and lighting protection systems, telecommunications, fire detection and intruder alarm
system, CCTV systems, security access control systems, integrated ELV systems and SCADA systems.
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Baniyas
y Commercial and Residential
Complex, Abu Dhabi
The works comprises the construction, completion, maintenance and handing over of the following
building/structure as per project specifications/drawings
1. Villas: 1.1 Detached Types (Ground Floor, 1st Floor & Roof) V1-9 Nos.
V2-2 Nos. V3-1 No.
1.2 Attached Types (Ground Floor, 1st Floor & Roof) VA1 (8 Attached
Villas)1 No., VA2 (4 Attached Villas)- 3 Nos VA3 (4 Attached Villas) – 3 Nos. VA4
(6 Attached Villas) -2 Nos.
407