Short description:

This book examines an issue of constant concern in the construction industry, that of productivity. Using data from Ghana and South Africa, it presents research into the productivity of local contractors in these countries whilst examining the predominance of labour-intensive production methods.

Long description:

This book examines an issue of constant concern in the construction industry, that of productivity. Using data from Ghana and South Africa, it presents research into the productivity of local contractors in these countries whilst examining the predominance of labour-intensive production methods.

The book begins by considering the theoretical and conceptual perspectives on labour productivity in the construction industry in the existing literature, before reviewing current productivity measurement frameworks. The book then explores the productivity of labour-intensive public works projects in South Africa and Ghana alongside a general discussion of key factors affecting construction productivity in these countries. Whilst the focus is on road construction, the framework developed can be applied to any number of construction projects to measure, and ultimately improve productivity.

This book is useful reading for researchers and practitioners looking to understand the factors influencing labour productivity in construction at both the industry and the project level, including construction managers, quantity surveyors, cost engineers and project managers.

"As governments seek to achieve construction objectives using poor labour-intensive methods plagued by inefficient policies and practices, weak institutions and adverse business environment, complicated by complex social and cultural practices, which makes it difficult for the indigenous contractor in Africa to perform efficiently. this book addresses the issues of the productivity of the labour-intensive work practices that has emerged; with special regards to Road Construction Works in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa as Construction Industry Practitioners contend with the twin issues of poor human resource base and Low technology environment." - Ozo Professor Nathaniel Anny Aniekwu, University of Benin. Benin City. Nigeria.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction, 2. Construction Productivity Measurement, 3. Frameworks on Construction Labour Productivity, 4. Productivity of Labour-Intensive Works Africa, 5. Productivity Labour Intensive Public Works (LIPW) in Ghana, 6. Factors Influencing Productivity Labour Intensive Public Works (LIPW) in Ghana