factors affecting employee productivity in the uae construction industry nabil ailabouni

421 Pages·2010·6.73 MB·English

FACTORS AFFECTING EMPLOYEE
PRODUCTIVITY IN THE UAE
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

NABIL AILABOUNI

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the
requirements of the University of Brighton for the
degree of Doctor of Philosophy

September 2010

School of Environment and Technology
University of Brighton
Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 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

No Description Page No.
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………… ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………. iii

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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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010

2.1.4 The Contingency Approach……………………………………………... 39
2.2 Common Factors in Organizations…………………………………... 39
2.3 Theories of Motivation………………………………………………. 41
2.3.1 Early Theories…………………………………………………………….. 43
2.3.2 Modern Theories: Content Theories of Motivation………………….. 44
2.3.3 Modern Theories: Process Theories of Motivation……………......... 49
2.4 Construction Industry Related Productivity Studies…………………. 52
2.4.1 Factors Affecting Productivity (A review of contemporary
publications)………………………………………………………………. 53
2.4.2 Factors Affecting Motivation of Construction Operatives
(A review of contemporary publications)…………………………….. 61
2.5 Background to the UAE Construction Industry ……………………... 71
2.5.1 Economic Characteristics of the UAE Construction Industry……… 71
2.5.2 UAE Labour Market……………………………………………………… 77
2.5.3 Demographic Influence and Cultural Backgrounds………………… 78
2.5.4 Environmental Conditions……………………………………………….. 79
2.5.5 UAE Statutory Laws……………………………………………………… 79
2.5.6 No Trade Unions………………………………………………………….. 80
2.5.7 UAE National Workplace Employment Relations Survey….............. 81
2.6 Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry…. 84
2.6.1 Environmental Factors…………………………………………………... 87
2.6.2 Organizational Factors………………………………………………….. 89
2.6.3 Group / Team Factors………………………………………………….... 94
2.6.4 Personal Factors…………………………………………………………. 95
2.7 Conclusion ……….…………………………………………………. 97

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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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010

3.5 Perception Surveys for the effect on productivity
(Survey No’s 2 & 3)…………………………………………………. 112
3.6 Analysis of the Results of the Perception Surveys (2) and (3)…….. 121
3.7 Chi-Square Test for Significance …………………………………… 122
3.7.1 Chi-Square Test for Significance (Internal Perception Survey)….. 122
3.7.2 Chi-Square Test for Significance (External Perception Survey ….. 123
3.8 Field Data Collection………………………………………………… 127
3.8.1 Case Study Company ……………………………………………………. 127
3.8.2 Field Data Collection ………………………………………….………... 127
3.9 Technical Factors Affecting Productivity…………………………… 133
3.9.1 Type of Projects…………………………………………………………... 134
3.9.2 Technical Nature of the Trades ………………………………………… 134
3.10 Conclusion…………………………………………………………… 137

4 DATA COLLECTION, DATA ANALYSIS AND THE
DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY EVALUATION MODEL... 139
4.0 Chapter 4 – Introduction…………………………………………….. 140
4.1 Productivity Model: Overall Versus Individual Construction Trades … 141
4.2 Data Collection and Analysis………………………………………... 143
4.3 Definition of Statistical Parameters Used…………………………… 147
4.3.1 R2 – Coefficient of Determination ....………………………………….. 147
4.3.2 d – Durbin Watson Statistic ………………….……………..…….……. 147
4.3.3 Alpha (α) – Level of Significance……………………….....…………... 148
4.3.4 p-Value ……………………….………………….………………………. 149
4.4 Model Formulation ………………….………………………………. 149
4.4.1 Homogenization of Field Data………………………………………….. 150
4.4.2 Statistical Modelling Using MINITAB 15 Software…………………. 153
4.5 Regression Models For Productivity of Construction Trades……….. 157
4.5.1 Regression Model for the Excavation Trade…………………………. 158
4.6 Conclusion…………………………………………………………… 180

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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010

5 MODEL VALIDATION AND EVALUATION OF VARIABILITY
OF PRODUCTIVITY ….……………………………...........................… 182
5.0 Chapter 5 – Introduction…………………………………………….. 183
5.1 Background Considerations…………………………………………. 183
5.2 Sites Used for Model Validation……………………………………. 185
5.3 The Validation of the Model ………………………………………… 186
5.4 Validation Excavation Productivity Model –ARS Site …………….. 191
5.5 Validation Results ……………………….…………………………... 198
5.6 Evaluation of Factors Affecting Productivity……………….………. 201
5.7 Conclusion …………………………………………………………... 205

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

LIST OF APPENDICES…………….................…………………………………. 245
Appendix 1 Master Field Data for Model Formulation ....................... 246 - 263
Appendix 2 Master Field Data for Model Validation ......................... 264 - 285
Appendix 3 Questionnaire Formats Used ............................................ 286 - 294

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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010

Appendix 4 Collection of Productivity Modelling Data & Graphs….. 295 - 323
For Excavation, Formwork, Reinforcement, Concreting,
Blockwork, Plastering and Tiling Works
Appendix 5 Collection of Validation Data & Graphs ................................. 324 - 348
For Excavation, Formwork, Reinforcement, Concreting,
Blockwork, Plastering and Tiling Works
Appendix 6 Predicted Productivity for all Possible Combinations
of Factor Levels ................................................................. 349 - 383
Appendix 7 Statistical Tables and Definitions ..................................... 384 - 396
Appendix 8 Project Profiles ................................................................. 397 - 407

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Factors Affecting Productivity in the UAE Construction Industry, Nabil Ailabouni, 2010

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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