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Journal of Production Research & Management

Economics of Construction Site Productivity: Work Environment Factors Affecting the Output of Craftmen in Nigeria

  1. Amadi Alolote Ibim
  2. Amadi Kelvin Chijioke

Abstract

The construction industry faces challenges and problems associated with craftsmen's output, which impacts the economic productivity of the construction sector. Construction workers in Nigeria have always been subjected to working within an unconducive environment, which has not allowed for a high level of economic productivity. This study extensively analyses some of these work environment factors affecting craftsmen's output on building sites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A survey of selected construction sites across Port Harcourt was carried out to acquire information regarding the work environment factors affecting craftsmen's output Using a mixed methods research approach, direct measurement of craftsmen output on site was carried out via observation, while questionnaires were designed to collate information on non-observable data. Observation of the activity of craftsmen within 8 working hours for three weeks was carried out to ascertain the craftsmen's output. A total of 160 questionnaires were sent out to eight (8) selected construction companies, which comprised large, medium, and small construction firms within Port Harcourt.The 12 most influential work environmental factors were identified and ranked using the overall importance index. Based on the questionnaire output, the highest ranked factors were Poor wages, Lack of financial motivation, Lack of materials, Weather changes, Supervision absenteeism, Interference, Overcrowding or congestion, unclear instruction, lack of tools/equipment, poor communication, rework and working high places. The variation in the output of craftsmen as observed on site was however mainly caused by delays to materials, receiving instructions, inclement weather, rework, and interference. Addressing these work environment factors, affecting craftsmen output on construction sites, is relevant to the increase in the economic productivity of the construction industry in Nigeria

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