Organisational Elements Controlling the Labour Efficiency in Sri Lankan Road Construction Projects: Engineers’ Perspective

Labour efficiency is crucial for a construction firm’s long-term viability. According to recent studies, modernising organisational and administrative procedures is essential to improving labour efficiency in many developing countries, including Sri Lanka. The perspectives of construction engineers play a key role in strengthening organisational policies and management practices in the construction industry. As a result, based on the viewpoint of construction engineers, this study aims to identify the critical organisational elements that highly influence labour efficiency in Sri Lankan road construction projects. The elements/factors were qualitatively discovered after a thorough literature review. Then, a questionnaire survey was conducted among construction engineers employed by 31 Sri Lankan road construction contractors. The Relative Importance Index (RII) method was used to quantify each element’s level of influence on labour efficiency. Based on RII values, 33 organisational elements were determined as critical, where lack of communication and cooperation between the parties, delay in salary payment and lack of labour training facilities were determined as the top three ranking elements in the list. The validity and reliability of the results were confirmed by additional statistical tests. Using problem-based communication strategies, industry consultations were conducted among construction experts to determine the necessary future measures from relevant authorities based on the identified critical elements. These consultation outcomes suggest that the organisational policies of construction enterprises currently in place addressing financial procedures, communication strategies, resource management, performance management and training development practices must be improved in light of the new normal conditions facing the industry. The study findings might help to close the gap between management/organisational policies and workforce practices. Despite the fact that the study findings are limited to the Sri Lankan road construction industry, some of them could be used to address comparable issues in other developing nations

A Constructive System to Assess the Performance-based Grading of Construction Labour through Work-Based Training Components and Applications

Various industry sectors of many developing countries have been facing various challenges associated with low performance of labour due to poor work-based training practices. This study aims to assess the performance of labour in construction by applying systematic work-based training components. A comprehensive study methodology was adopted through literature reviews and experts’ interviews/discussions, with problem-focused and action-oriented communication approaches to develop effective tools, systems and practices related to labour training elements and performance assessments within a framework. Through a new construction supervisory training programme, the developed practices were applied to 200-300 labourers working on 23 construction projects in Sri Lanka. The results show the detailed patterns of the significant changes in labour performance with the quantified values. Overall quantitative values indicate a nearly 60% increase in the performance of labour within six months of the training period compared to the starting point. A considerable level of performance improvement was reported in the soft skills (90%) and material handling abilities (70%) of labourers. A moderate level of performance improvement was identified in other competency elements related to the application of basic science/technology-related practices (55%), simple engineering/technology-related practices (44%), construction methods and technology (56%), green practices (36%) and fundamental management aspects (34%). The overall performance values of labourers employed in road/bridge projects were found that noticeably lower compared to the labourers who worked on other types of projects. The results further describe the well-improved theoretical knowledge and operational skills of the trained labourers, which has uplifted their job standards from working under close supervision to working under general supervision with some autonomy. Moreover, the study findings contribute to controlling the excessive inclination of local firms toward foreign labour by unlocking the potential barriers to expanding the local labour supply with lifelong learning and career benefits/opportunities for labourers. The findings will have a significant impact on how other developing nations and industries must manage their labour to obtain higher work efficiency in the foreseeable future

Labour-related Causes Controlling the Efficiency of Road Construction Operations in Sri Lanka: Engineers’ Standpoint

The efficiency of workforce operations has a significant impact on how profitable a construction firm is. Studies from the past demonstrate that a variety of labour-related concerns have been affecting the construction sector in Sri Lanka and other developing countries, which has a negative impact on the efficiency of construction activities. Construction engineers are crucial resources who can play a key role in the development of decisions and regulations pertaining to construction labourers. This study intends to examine the influence of labour-related causes on the efficiency of construction operations in Sri Lankan road construction projects from the perspective of construction engineers. The significant labour-related causes were identified by a comprehensive scholarly review. Then, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 31 road construction contractors in Sri Lanka. The impact level of each cause was calculated using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method. A total of 26 causes were found to be critical, where labour skill shortage, labour discipline, labourers’ poor ability of reading, understanding, speaking and writing, labourers’ lack of thinking abilities and their communication problems were the top five ranking causes in the list. The validity and reliability of the study findings were established using statistical testing. The activities required in the construction site management processes were also evaluated in relation to the key variables identified through a number of industry consultative sessions. These consultative outcomes further confirmed the validity of the study results. The study findings will significantly aid in modernising current industry practices to boost output and efficiency. Even though the study findings are applicable and limited to the Sri Lankan road construction sector, some of those may still be considered in other developing sectors/countries

Project-level Factors Influencing the Performance of Building Construction Operations in Sri Lanka: Viewpoint of Engineers and Construction Managers

Productive-based project-level operations are the lifeblood for the construction sector, leading the firms to achieve their expected profitability and long-term sustainability. Past studies highlight the poor project-level practices resulting in productivity loss in many developing countries, including Sri Lanka. It is essential for construction management teams to have a proper controlling hand on the project-level factors that influence construction productivity. The engineers and construction managers are the key decision-makers in construction project activities. This study aimed to quantify the impacts of project-level factors on the productivity of construction operations in Sri Lankan building projects based on the viewpoint of engineers and construction managers. Initially, the project-level factors were qualitatively identified through a comprehensive literature review. A questionnaire survey was carried out among engineers and construction managers from 90 leading Sri Lankan building construction contractors. The Relative Importance Index (RII) method was used to measure the impacts of the project-level factors on construction productivity. The results spotlight the need for reinforcing the current planning and monitoring practices from construction management teams focusing on construction methods, working conditions, scheduling and sequencing of construction tasks, health and safety practices, quality control practices, reworks, labour skills improvement and workforce overtime. The statistical assessments ensured the reliability and validity of the results. In addition, a series of industry consultative workshops and discussion sessions were conducted among construction experts through problem-based communication approaches to identify future actions in the construction project planning processes. These discussion outcomes also ensured the validity of the above results. The study outcomes will push the construction management practices to reduce the conflict situations between the project-level activities in different stages, leading to the achievement of organizational goals. Although the study findings are limited to the Sri Lankan context, some findings may be tested in other developing countries in similar scenarios

A New Productivity Benchmarking System Connected to Well-designed Labour Apprenticeship Framework for Construction Projects

This study primarily identifies the knowledge gaps that must be filled to apply conceptualised methods for rising and benchmarking productivity levels of various construction operational tasks. Accordingly, this study intended to evaluate labour productivity in relation to labour performance using potential apprenticeship instruments and systems. Comprehensive literature analysis and expert consultations were carried out to create a new mechanism with the collection of potential models, methods and systems connected to labour training, performance evaluation and productivity measurements. A total of 23 construction projects in Sri Lanka employed the created approach methodically. The results demonstrate the precise patterns of substantial shifts in labour productivity and performance index values, which have sparked new conceptual mechanisms for construction project planning methods. The outcomes demonstrate that the suggested approach can be used in a way that is reliable, generalisable, productive and sustainable. The study provides project managers, planners and engineers with a new road map and helpful techniques to raise the standard for measuring labour productivity levels across a variety of jobs. The overall study outcomes strengthen the chain relationship among the training elements, labour skills, performance and productivity. Though the study findings were limited to the construction industry and Sri Lankan context, the study outcomes are expected to make a significant impact on the current practices of various industry sectors in many developing countries for achieving higher productivity levels in work operations. This paper discusses some more implications and future scopes of the study elaborately

Testing the Construction Site Supervisory Attributes in Applying Green Practices in Construction Operations

Sources highlight that poor application of green practices, ineffective supervising strategies and inadequate apprenticeship facilities significantly impact the overall efficiency of construction project flows. Accordingly, this research attempts to test the construction supervisory traits in executing green concepts/practices in construction site operations. As part of a newly designed supervisory apprenticeship that was systematically designed utilising consecutive approaches, 59 construction supervisors were evaluated using four key sections of competency characteristics and the relevant learning domains. An assessment tool encompassing various levels of descriptions and criteria was developed using a comprehensive literary analysis and consultations with subject matter experts. The results point to a generalised modern guideline that describes the types of supervision traits related to the application of green concepts/practices that can be theoretically and practically taken into account during the construction process. Using appropriate statistical tests and professional evaluations, the validation and generalisation of the study’s applications were ensured with the reliable-ness of the findings. New standards and recommendations for construction supervision procedures are produced by the research, which might elevate this profession and make it the key determinant of the sustainability of site operations. This paper elaborates on the study’s broad implications and potential future applications in order to close the knowledge gap in the area of developing the application procedures and protocols related to skill enhancement/upgrading. The implementation of the research outcomes will significantly impact future practices in other developing nations and developing industries, even though the supervisory samples were used from the Sri Lankan construction setting

Labour-related factors affecting construction productivity in Sri Lankan building projects: perspectives of engineers and managers

Purpose – Past studies highlight a wide range of labour-related problems resulting in productivity loss in the construction industry of many developing countries. This study aims to quantify the impacts of labour-related factors on the productivity of construction operations in Sri Lankan building projects based on the viewpoint of engineers and construction managers for upgrading management/organisational policies and practices. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to identify the critical factors. Further, a series of industry consultative discussions were conducted through problem-based communication approaches to analyse the actions required. Findings – A total of 21 factors were determined as critical, where skills shortage, labourers’ thinking abilities, work experience, knowledge in construction works and discipline were leading in the list. The statistical tests and the experts’ discussion outcomes ensured the validity and reliability of the study findings. Research limitations/implications – The study outcomes will contribute to finding out better ways for directing labour in the industry practices and revising organisational policies towards achieving higher productivity levels in construction operations. Though the study findings are limited to the Sri Lankan context, some findings may be tested in other developing countries in similar scenarios. Originality/value – The study findings show why the identified factors are critical, how those influence construction practices and what actions need to be considered for addressing the industry’s productivity-related challenges. These can play a key role in upgrading the construction management practices and organisational policies to the near-future stages

Stochastic approach of modelling large-scale moisture transport in partially saturated porous media

published_or_final_versionCivil EngineeringDoctoralDoctor of Philosoph

Effect of Prior Symptomatic Dengue Infection on Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in Children

Pathogenesis of dengue haemorrhagic fever is not fully understood, but it is thought that there is antibody enhancement during the secondary infection, which causes severe dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Therefore, patients who have DHF should have a documented history of symptomatic dengue infection in the past. A retrospective descriptive-analytical study was conducted at the University Paediatric Unit at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo, Sri Lanka. All children who had fulfilled the criteria for DHF admitted to the unit from April 2018 to September 2018 were recruited into the study. Relevant data were collected from bed head tickets. One hundred and eighty-four children were included in the final analysis. Thirty-three (17.9%) had a past history of documented symptomatic dengue infection, while 82.1% did not have a documented dengue infection. Twelve patients had dengue shock syndrome, and none of them had previously documented symptomatic dengue fever. Dextran was used in 96 patients in the critical phase. Twelve (42%) patients with past documented symptomatic dengue fever needed dextran while 84 (54.9%) patients without a documented past history of dengue fever needed dextran. In our clinical observation, we noticed that children with DHF mostly did not have a documented symptomatic prior dengue infection, while those with a documented symptomatic prior infection had a milder subsequent illness. In fact, the majority (82.1%) of patients with DHF did not have documented previous symptomatic dengue infection. It was also observed that the clinical course of subsequent dengue infection was less severe in patients with previously documented symptomatic dengue fever. This finding should be further evaluated in a larger scale study minimizing the all-confounding factors. This fact is more important in selecting recipients for vaccines against the dengue virus, which are supposed to produce immunity against the virus without causing the severe disease