Applying total interpretive structural modeling to study factors affecting construction labour productivity

Abstract

Construction sector has always been dependent on manpower with most of the activities being labour intensive. Project productivity, thus, depends directly on productivity of labour. Enhancing labour productivity would contribute to overall success of the project. In order to improve labour productivity, associated factors need due consideration. Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) is implemented as a methodology for identifying and summarizing relationships among factors which affect productivity of labour. 10 most significant factors negatively affecting construction labour productivity are considered for developing model that establishes interpretive relationship among these factors. The result shows that material shortages, tool/equipment shortages, drawing & specification alterations during execution and working seven days per week without holiday have strong driving power and weak dependence power and are at the lowest level in hierarchy in the TISM model. Lack of labour surveillance and lack of labour experience have strong driving and strong dependence power. Top management of the project must stress on variables having high driving power so as to facilitate improvement in the overall productivity of construction site.