Key barriers to increase construction productivity: the Singapore case

Journal article


Ofori, G., Zhang, Z. and Ling, F.Y. Y. (2020). Key barriers to increase construction productivity: the Singapore case. International Journal of Construction Management. 22 (14), pp. 2635-2646. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2020.1819521
AuthorsOfori, G., Zhang, Z. and Ling, F.Y. Y.
Abstract

This study investigated the barriers to achieving high construction productivity in Singapore with the view to providing further input into policy formulation and action to enhance the industry’s productivity performance. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which was sent to all the 3032 members of the Singapore Contractors Association and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Statistical t-tests and factor analysis were conducted on the 109 valid responses using the SPSS software. The findings were validated via in-depth interviews with subject matter experts. The top three barriers are “delays in providing information to contractors”, “poor skills of workers” and “inadequate pre-project planning and pre-work planning”. The sources of these barriers are consultants and contractors, suggesting that these stakeholders should cooperate to improve productivity. The research findings for Singapore construction industry is unique in that most of the labourers on site are migrant workers from overseas. Nonetheless, the findings may be useful to countries that employ labourers mainly from overseas such as those in the Middle East and certain parts of Europe. This study adds to knowledge by identifying the most significant barriers to productivity improvement and providing suggestions to address them. To improve productivity, all participants should change their mind-set, attitudes and behaviours. Clients should support productivity initiatives and be more proactive concerning productivity through tender evaluation criteria, setting productivity targets and paying for productivity premium. Contractors should develop corporate productivity policies, monitor productivity closely and purposefully adopt measures to increase productivity of their projects.

KeywordsManagement of Technology and Innovation; Strategy and Management; Building and Construction
Year2020
JournalInternational Journal of Construction Management
Journal citation22 (14), pp. 2635-2646
PublisherInforma UK Limited
ISSN1562-3599
2331-2327
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2020.1819521
Publication dates
Online14 Sep 2020
Publication process dates
Accepted14 Sep 2020
Deposited13 Oct 2020
Accepted author manuscript
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File Access Level
Open
Additional information

his is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Construction Management, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com

Page range1-12
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