Department of Building Technology

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Effects of Workers Motivation on Construction Productivity
(Built Environment Journal, 2014) OJ Adebowale
The issue of construction workers motivation becomes a subject of debate among construction project management professionals. Therefore, there are diverse opinions on whether motivation of construction workers positively impacts construction workers performance or rather adversely affects the general performance of construction labours. This brings about different motivation concepts and principle by researchers towards improvement of construction workforce performance. The paper takes into cognisance the perception of construction practitioners on motivation in relation with construction productivity towards achieving construction project objectives. In order to obtain a viable result of the study, the study adopts quantitative research approach on construction workforce motivation with project managers, contract managers, site managers, contractors, and site supervisors. Quantitative data obtained was analysed with SPSS statistical tools. The perception of construction practitioners was explored on motivation drives of construction workforce. However, it was found that motivation is important for construction workers performance, giving bonus to workers is important to improve workers efficiency and there is a need for construction workers recognition by management. The adequate application of recommendation of this study will enhance construction labour productivity, reduce wastes in construction, improve general construction performance and ultimately heightens customer's satisfaction.
ANALYSIS OF CONSTRUCTION-RELATED FACTORS AFFECTING THE EFFICIENCY OF CONSTRUCTION LABOUR
(Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation, 2015) OJ Adebowale
Irrespective of significant relevance of construction industry to economic growth of developed and developing nations, labour efficiency in the construction industry remains relatively low and thus affects construction project delivery and client’s satisfaction. This paper aims at exploring adverse construction related factors contributing to the shortfall of construction labour efficiency in the South African construction industry. The study adopts mixed methodological approach, administering closed ended questionnaires to construction professionals on Western Cape and Gauteng construction sites, while experienced construction site supervisors were interviewed to validate quantitative data obtained. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version 22) and content analysis were used respectively to analyse data obtained. Communication ability of site managers, construction skills of site supervisors and effective site planning ability of contractors were found as the predominant construction related factors affecting the efficiency of construction labour. This study is restricted to contractors, site supervisors and site managers’ related factors affecting the efficiency of construction labour. Adequate application of findings presented in this study will significantly reduce the current prevalent construction time and cost overruns through an improved construction workforce performance. Enhanced construction productivity is a product of construction labour efficiency that ensures achievement of construction project objectives and heightens contribution to South African economic development.
A Review of Factors Affecting Construction Labour Productivity in Developed and Developing Countries
(Association of School of Construction of Southern Africa, 2016) OJ Adebowale
The construction industry remains a major player in the economic development of any nation. As a result, a number of studies have addressed construction productivity over decades. However, schedule overruns, cost overruns, and quality challenges remain the recurring issues that impair the optimum performance of the construction sector. This paper reports on a survey of the literature constrained in terms of selected construction productivity research conducted during the last twenty-nine years. The findings obtained in the articles reviewed are presented under related headings to determine the frequency of each factor. The study determined that management-related, design-related, and material-related factors are the underlying issues influencing construction productivity in developed and developing countries. The study presents the need to measure the impact of productivity-influencing factors against each of cost, quality and time as this has been unheeded in construction labour productivity related research. Subsequently, a review of the existing body of knowledge in terms of the factors influencing construction labour productivity across developed and developing countries is presented. It is concluded that improved construction labour productivity will engender cost effective, quality, and timeous project delivery to increase construction stakeholder satisfaction. This will ultimately improve the contribution of the construction industry to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in both developed and developing countries.
Effects of pulverized burnt clay waste fineness on the compressive strength and durability properties of concrete
(Engineering Journal, 2018-03-30) Ajayi, Emmanuel Onaivi
In this study, the fineness of pulverized burnt clay waste (PBCW) was evaluated as a factor that affects the compressive strength, resistance to chloride penetration and acid attack on concrete. PBCW obtained from a source was divided into two different fineness portions using 75 and 150 µm sieves and classified as a fine and coarse portion, respectively. Portland cement was replaced at 0 (control), 10 and 20% by weight with fine and coarse portions separately. Additional mix containing 105% binder content consisting of 5% excess fine and coarse portions were included in the 10 and 20% cement replacement. Chloride penetration was measured using full immersion technique in 3% sodium chloride solution while percentage mass loss and strength deterioration were assessed using a 5% sulphuric acid solution. Incorporating PBCW in concrete increases the demand for superplasticiser at a constant water-cement ratio but more prominent with the fine PBCW. The use of fine PBCW resulted in a significant improvement in compressive strength, chloride ion penetration and strength deterioration of the concrete. The fine PBCW is suggested to be more reactive due to the increased specific surface area resulting from its particles been obtained from a smaller sieve size than the coarse PBCW. Concretes containing PBCW performed better in mass loss reduction than control specimens in the aggressive medium. The PBCW cement concrete properties were further improved with the use of 105% total binder content containing 5% excess pozzolan, especially at 10% cement replacement.
Contractors’ perceptions of factors affectingconstruction labour productivity in SouthAfrica
(Journal of Contemporary Management, 2020) OJ Adebowale
Despite significant contributions by the construction industry to economic growth of developed and developingcountries, productivity on construction projects is reportedly poor. This necessitates the need for studies that willcontribute to improve productivity performance in the construction sector. This article reports on the perceptionsof contractors regarding factors that affect productivity growth in the South African construction industry. Siteengineers (n=18), site managers (n=27) and site supervisors (n=51) in four South African provinces that havesignificant construction capital outlay were surveyed using random and convenient sampling techniques (N=96).The data obtained for the study was analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established asignificant mean difference with respect to the perception of respondents regarding factors that affectconstruction labour productivity. Based on the p-values obtained in the study, the most significant productivityinfluencing factors were determined to include excessive bureaucracy, late delivery of materials, industrial actionresulting from political activities, inadequate project planning, and awarding contracts to the lowest bidders. Thestudy makes recommendations towards improving construction productivity performance. The outcome of thisstudy will contribute to improving the profitability of construction businesses and enhance constructionstakeholders’ satisfaction.
QUALITATIVE MODEL OF FACTORS INFLUENCING CONSTRUCTION LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
(Journal of Construction, 2020) OJ Adebowale
Purpose Productivity in the construction industry is an important area to continually improve upon if the industry wishes to contribute meaningfully to the economy of nations. Despite the myriad of studies aimed at improving productivity in construction, poor productivity remains a major concern and threat to the survival of many construction organizations. Design A quantitative study, which entailed a sample of 523 contractors in four South African provinces and the circulation of a self-administered questionnaire, enabled the essential factors that contribute to poor productivity on South African construction projects to be determined. The data analysis entailed the computation of descriptive statistics. Findings The results indicate that inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to the lowest bidders, and industrial action resulting from political activities were the major threats to construction productivity. The study further revealed that most of the factors influencing construction productivity are largely dependent on one another. Value A holistic approach to addressing productivity in South African construction in the form of a qualitative model was evolved from the study.
Impediments to Construction Safety Improvement
(Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 2021) OJ Adebowale
Construction safety is one of the parameters for evaluating the success of a construction project. Evidence from the literature suggests that a poor health and safety (H&S) record is a matter of concern to project stakeholders. The benefits of improved H&S performance include, inter alia, increased productivity, reduced construction cost, reduced workplace accidents, and an enhanced industry image. This research seeks to determine major obstacles to project site safety in Nigeria. An understanding of these impediments provides an opportunity to develop strategies for H&S at construction sites. A questionnaire survey was used to address the objectives of the study, while descriptive statistics were employed to interpret the quantitative data obtained. The findings revealed that stakeholders’ lack of commitment, ineffective H&S regulations, and inadequate H&S training among construction professionals are the major obstacles to H&S performance. This study provides in-depth knowledge by highlighting the significant obstacles to H&S practice. The research is limited to Nigeria and did not secure enough evidence to generalise its findings. Therefore, similar studies are required in other developing countries to compare the impediments to construction H&S in those countries to the findings of this study.
Ameta-analysis of factors affecting labour productivity of construction SMEsindeveloping countries
(Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 2021) OJ Adebowale
Purpose– The global construction industry is significant to economic development, whereas the sector, particularly its small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have continued to suffer from low labour productivity for decades. This has given rise to the concern of relevant construction stakeholders on the need to address the challenges undermining labour productivity growth in construction. Hence, this study aims to conduct a meta-data analysis of factors that hamper productivity growth of construction SMEs in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach– A systematic review of existing studies relative to factors affecting construction labour productivity (CLP) is presented. Thereafter, eight developing countries-based studies that are specific to SMEs were selected for meta-data analysis using relative importance index values from the studies. Findings– The essential productivity influencing factors were identified and quantitative data of the selected studies were synthesised. The effect summaries derived from the meta-data analysis revealed that the most significant factors that negatively affect CLP amongst SMEs include: workers’ skills, inadequate training, rework, management style andincentive tolabour. Research limitations/implications– The study is limited to scientifically analysed secondary data relative to SMEcontractors in developing countries. Practical implications– The findings of the study can be adopted by construction stakeholders to evolve productivity growth policies for construction SMEs in developing countries. Originality/value– Synthesis of quantitative data of different studies has lent deeper insight into a more realistic and scientific precision of factors affecting labour productivity of construction SMEs.
Ascientometric analysis and review of construction labour productivity research
(Productivity and Performance Management, 2022) OJ Adebowale
Purpose–Labourproductivityinconstructionhasfallenbehindotherindustriesinmostoftheworldandhas declined continuously for decades. Although several scholarly research projects have been conducted to salvage the prevalent low labour productivity in construction, contractors in the construction industry have continuedtograpplewiththedevastatingimpactoflowproductivity.Thepurposeofthisstudyistodetermine key areas of focus necessary to promote productivity growth in construction. Design/methodology/approach– Bibliometric and scientometric assessments were conducted to map the existing construction labour productivity (CLP) studies and establish key focus areas in the research domain. The keywords “Construction Productivity” OR “Construction Labour Productivity” OR “Construction Labor Productivity” OR “Construction Worker Productivity”. Findings– Emerging trends in the CLP research field are reported. The study also determined the most productive authors and collaboration among authors, most productive journals, most active regions and publications with the highest impact in CLP research. Research limitations/implications– Documents published in the Scopus database were considered for analysis because of the wider coverage of the database. Journal and conference articles written in English language represent the inclusion criteria, while articles in press, review, book chapters, editorial, erratum, note, short survey and data paper were excluded from analysis. The study is also limited to documents published from 2012 to 2021. Practical implications– The study brought to the awareness of the industry practitioners and other construction stakeholders, the key knowledge areas that are critical to promoting productivity growth in construction. Originality/value– Except bibliometric analysis, previous research studies have used different approaches to investigate productivity in construction. The study presented future research directions through the emerging knowledge areas identified in the study.
Ascientometric analysis and review of construction labour productivity research
(Productivity and Performance Management, 2022) OJ Adebowale
Purpose–Labourproductivityinconstructionhasfallenbehindotherindustriesinmostoftheworldandhas declined continuously for decades. Although several scholarly research projects have been conducted to salvage the prevalent low labour productivity in construction, contractors in the construction industry have continuedtograpplewiththedevastatingimpactoflowproductivity.Thepurposeofthisstudyistodetermine key areas of focus necessary to promote productivity growth in construction. Design/methodology/approach– Bibliometric and scientometric assessments were conducted to map the existing construction labour productivity (CLP) studies and establish key focus areas in the research domain. The keywords “Construction Productivity” OR “Construction Labour Productivity” OR “Construction Labor Productivity” OR “Construction Worker Productivity”. Findings– Emerging trends in the CLP research field are reported. The study also determined the most productive authors and collaboration among authors, most productive journals, most active regions and publications with the highest impact in CLP research. Research limitations/implications– Documents published in the Scopus database were considered for analysis because of the wider coverage of the database. Journal and conference articles written in English language represent the inclusion criteria, while articles in press, review, book chapters, editorial, erratum, note, short survey and data paper were excluded from analysis. The study is also limited to documents published from 2012 to 2021. Practical implications– The study brought to the awareness of the industry practitioners and other construction stakeholders, the key knowledge areas that are critical to promoting productivity growth in construction. Originality/value– Except bibliometric analysis, previous research studies have used different approaches to investigate productivity in construction. The study presented future research directions through the emerging knowledge areas identified in the study.
Applications of augmented reality for construction productivity improvement: a systematic review
(Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 2022) OJ Adebowale
Purpose– Despite the significance of the construction industry to the nation’s economic growth, there is empirical evidence that the sector is lagging behind other industries in terms of productivity growth. The need for improvements inspired the industry’s stakeholders to consider using emerging technologies that support the enhancement. This research aims to report augmented reality applications essential for contractors’ productivity improvement. Design/methodology/approach– This study systematically reviewed academic journals. The selection of journal articles entailed searching Scopus and Web of Science databases. Relevant articles for reviews were identified andscreened.Contentanalysiswasusedtoclassifykeyapplicationsintosixcategories.Theresearch results were limited to journal articles published between 2010 and 2021. Findings– Augmented reality can improve construction productivity through its applications in assembly, training and education, monitoring and controlling, interdisciplinary function, health and safety and design information. Originality/value– The research provides a direction for contractors on key augmented reality applications they can leverage to improve their organisations’ productivity. Keywords Applications, Augmented reality, Construction, Labour productivity, Systematic review, Technology
Managing the risk and challenges of COVID-19 on construction sites in Lagos, Nigeria
(Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 2022) OJ Adebowale
Purpose – The novel COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk in construction operations. New systems are, thus, required on construction sites to mitigate the risk and challenges associated with the pandemic. This paper aims to determine construction organisations risk control systems and the challenges of implementing safety measures on construction sites. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a qualitative research method. A purposive sampling method was used to select study participants, who were administered open-ended questionnaires designed to gather qualitative data. The contents of the data were analysed, presented and reported based on the objectives of the study. Findings – Some of the construction organisations conducted COVID-19 related risk assessments, whilst a few organisations did not conduct a risk assessment. Inspections to ensure COVID-19 compliance was done by government officials, health organisations and client’s health and safety officers. The construction organisations demonstrated considerable competence in record keeping and some organisations further evolved a follow-up plan for sick workers. The study found that some construction practitioners had misconceptions about the disease, used COVID-19 personal protective equipment incorrectly and lack adequate information about the virus. It is required that construction stakeholders evolve policies and strategies that would promote risk control and foster compliance to COVID-19 safety measures. Originality/value – COVID-19 is still new, therefore, the body of knowledge is still at the infancy stage. This paper provided insight into the COVID-19 related risk and challenges that may increase the rate of virus infection amongst construction practitioners.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Sustainable Construction Practices—Implication on Construction Productivity
(Springer, 2022) OJ Adebowale
Damages being done to the ecosystem have continued to foster the clamor for sustainable development practices across sectors, including the construction industry. The construction industry’s operations account for about 33% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the earth, thereby making sustainable construction practices (SCPs) central to the global sustainable development goals. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to map the existing literature in SCPs research field. The analysis was utilized to ascertain the growth trajectory of publications in SCPs research domain, most productive and influential authors, collaboration among authors, geographical distribution of publications, and ultimately the emerging knowledge areas (EKAs) in the research field. The EKAs include: lean construction, procurement, energy, recycling, construction ecology, lifecycle costing, construction waste, and sustainable design. These knowledge areas have varying degree of implication on construction productivity. However, some of the knowledge areas, which include lean construction, energy, construction ecology, and sustainable designs have more notable implications on construction productivity. Documents published in the Scopus database were considered for analysis due to the wider coverage of the database. Besides, the study is limited to journal articles published from 2002–2021. Construction stakeholders can adopt the research findings to develop a framework that promotes SCPs and contributes to improving construction productivity. The reported knowledge areas provide directions for future research, whereas, factors with more notable implications on construction productivity should be investigated more extensively to determine their extent of implication.
A Causal Layered Analysis of Construction Labour Productivity in Developing Countries
(Journal of Future Studies, 2022) OJ Adebowale
The construction industry remains a major contributor to the economic growth of nations. Despite productivity being one of the key performance indicators of the industry, there is continuous, widespread criticism of prevailing low labour productivity within construction. This study used Causal Layered Analysis as a methodology to examine the current reality of labour productivity in construction. The study further presents a transformed future for construction labour productivity growth.
Assessment of Basic Measures Instituted to Curtail the Spread of COVID-19 on Construction Sites in Lagos, Nigeria
(Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 2022) OJ Adebowale
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered every industry’s operation and safety requirements, including that of the construction industry. Different measures are thus required to mitigate the spread of the disease among construction site workers. This article explores the basic measures construction organisations have instituted at construction project sites to curb the spread of the virus among construction site workers. A qualitative research method was adopted for the study, while data were collected through open-ended questions. Summative content analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data and determine the frequency of keywords that were further translated to quantitative measurements. The study determined that construction organisations have largely instituted some basic measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 on sites, whereas most organisations were lacking in the area of social distancing. COVID-19 is still new; therefore, the body of knowledge is still in the infancy stage. To date, there is no evidence of empirical studies that addressed the compliance level of Nigerian construction organisations with basic measures for curtailing the spread of COVID-19. Policymakers could adopt the interventions arising from this study to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Sustainable building materials utilization in the construction sector and the implications on labour productivity
(Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 2023) OJ Adebowale
Purpose The United Nations has demonstrated a commitment to preserving the ecosystem through its 2030 sustainable development goals agenda. One crucial objective of these goals is to promote a healthy ecosystem and discourage practices that harm it. Building materials production significantly contributes to the emissions of greenhouse gases. This poses a threat to the ecosystem and prompts a growing demand for sustainable building materials (SBMs). The purpose of this study is to investigate SBMs to determine their utilization in construction operations and the potential impact their application could have on construction productivity. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the existing literature in the field of SBMs was conducted for the study. The search strings used were “sustainable” AND (“building” OR “construction”) AND “materials” AND “productivity”. A total of 146 articles were obtained from the Scopus database and reviewed. Findings Bio-based, cementitious and phase change materials were the main categories of SBMs. Materials in these categories have the potential to substantially contribute to sustainability in the construction sector. However, challenges such as availability, cost, expertise, awareness, social acceptance and resistance to innovation must be addressed to promote the increased utilization of SBMs and enhance construction productivity. Originality/value Many studies have explored SBMs, but there is a dearth of studies that address productivity in the context of SBMs, which leaves a gap in understanding. This study addresses this gap by drawing on existing studies to determine the potential implications that using SBMs could have on construction productivity.
Artificial intelligence technology applications in building construction productivity: A systematic literature review
(Acta Structilia, 2023) OJ Adebowale
Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the potential to revolutionise the construction industry, by enhancing productivity and addressing the challenges posed by a skills shortage. Historically resistant to technological innovation, the construction sector lags behind other industries that have embraced innovative technologies to boost productivity. This study investigates AI technologies that can be used to improve construction productivity, as well as the barriers impeding the widespread adoption of AI in the construction sector. The research adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic review of scholarly journal articles and conference papers sourced from the Scopus database was conducted, employing relevant screening criteria to select the most pertinent sources aligned with the research objectives. Although AI applications in building construction are still emerging, AI technologies have been successfully deployed in various aspects of building construction. These include floor slab construction, steelwork, safety and risk management, materials management, and labour handling in multi-story buildings. The adoption of AI in the construction sector faces several challenges, including technical complexities, managerial and organisational barriers, economic justifications, and a shortage of AI-proficient talent. Drawing insights from this study, construction stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding AI investments and their specific areas of application within building construction.
LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION SMEs: PERSPECTIVES FROM SOUTH AFRICA
(Acta Structilia, 2023) OJ Adebowale
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are strategic to South African economic performance. Despite their strategic role in economic growth, South African construction SMEs are predominantly confronted with the problem of poor performance, which is partly due to poor productivity. This contributes to a negative outlook for construction and undermines its contribution to the nation’s economy. This study determines essential strategies to help improve construction SMEs’ productivity in South Africa. Qualitative data were collected from registered small and medium-sized construction organisations in South Africa, using a semi-structured interview approach. The research data were analysed, using content analysis. The study reported key strategies, including the need for proficiency at managerial and non-managerial levels, effective teamwork, and effective planning, to improve contractors’ productivity. Although existing studies have widely reported major factors influencing contractors’ productivity, there is still a shortage of research on SMEs’ productivity, especially in South Africa. This research determines SMEs-specific productivity challenges and the interventions needed to improve productivity in the SME sector.
Productivity improvement framework for South African constructionSMEs
(Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation,, 2023) OJ Adebowale
Contractors’ productivity holds strategic importance for both long-term micro and macroeconomic performance. A significant number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector in South Africa are characterised by poor performance, which can be attributed, in part, to low productivity rates. This scenario contributes to a pessimistic outlook for the South African construction industry and undermines its potential for job creation. This study aims to investigate the primary obstacles that hinder productivity within construction SMEs and proposes an improvement framework. The study employed a qualitative research approach, collecting data from registered SMEs in South Africa through semi-structured interviews. Qualitative content analysis was applied to analyse the research data. The key factors identified as undermining SMEs’ productivity include challenges related to workers' skillsets, directors' competencies, government interference, and workers’ remuneration. The implications of this research are valuable for SMEs, offering insights to expedite project delivery and thereby mitigating the risk of construction business failure. Previous studies have often focused on the overall performance of construction SMEs, with limited attention to their productivity. Moreover, productivity-focused studies tend to lack a strong SME-centered approach. This research bridges these gaps and introduces interventions that have the potential to enhance productivity in small and medium-sized construction organisations
Challenges and Coping Strategies of Built Environment Students During Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES): Perspective from Nigeria
(International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 2023) OJ Adebowale
Deficiencies associated with the proficiency of many Nigerian Built Environment graduates are a source of concern for the nation and academic community. A major factor responsible for the dysfunction are the challenges facing undergraduate students during the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). The purpose of this study is to investigate major challenges confronting students during SIWES and further propose measures to mitigate the challenges. Data was collected using quantitative research methods from 159 undergraduate students spread across six departments of the built environment. The findings reveal that the commitment of instructors, duration of the program, inadequate training resources, menial works allocated to students, and uncomfortable work environment were major challenges confronting the students during SIWES. The study found the need for routine stakeholders’ engagement meetings, reevaluation of the program duration, synchronization of policies and regulations, simplified registration and documentation, timely placement of students in relevant organizations, and gender parity. The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), institutions, and employers could consider findings from this study as a basis to improve the performance of SIWES.

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