Keeping track of productivity in house-building

Abstract

The broad nature of productivity leads to different interpretations and uses depending on the purpose, context and levels giving many ways for measuring productivity. However, measuring productivity in ways that reveal substantial information for operational improvements in house-building seems challenging, and methods like single-factor productivity are reported not to be common in systematic ways to that end. It is unclear how productivity is used by house-builders on-site to control, evaluate and improve operations. This study addresses how Swedish house-building companies keep track of productivity in the processes and sub-processes of production. Productivity measurements and the control of influencing factors on productivity are discussed with findings from interviews and workshops with representatives from five Swedish housebuilding companies. Results show that some productivity measurements are done in parallel with “ordinary” project management assessments to control time and cost. Yet, most factors seemingly affecting productivity are measured qualitatively and “stay in the mind” of the managers. However, some results indicate an increased understanding amongst managers for using performance indicators to track and develop activities and processes assisted with digital tools. Still, further investigation is needed to better understand how factors influencing productivity can systematically be assessed and incorporated into methods for operational development.