Beneficiaries’ Knowledge of Tools in Achieving Productivity of Labour-Intensive Work In Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: Equipment currently comprises 50-60 % of construction project costs. The lack of proper equipment is the number one cause of construction delays. This article aims to examine the equipment and tools control factors affecting construction labour productivity in Ghanaian construction firms.

Design/Methodology/ Approach: The study adopted a quantitative research design that used questionnaire - base descriptive survey to report on the factors influencing the labour productivity of labour-intensive works The purposive sampling technique was used to select 40 districts as they were on the road construction projects. 560 respondents were considered for the study. The summary of the data consisted of means, standard deviations, and percentages, cross-tabulations, frequencies, figures and charts. Also, factor analysis was used.

Findings: The findings established that the principal axis factoring revealed the presence of three(3) components with eigenvalues above 1. The components Appropriate tools; Beneficiaries’ knowledge of tools; and Recording of tools. Construction managers are to monitor workforce performance by asking their suggestions regarding productivity improvement this will go a long way in achieving high productivity.

Research Limitation/Implication: The study focuses equipment framework for estimating the optimal construction labour productivity for labour-intensive works.

Practical Implications: The knowledge of the influence of the three-factor construct which is Appropriate tools; Beneficiaries’ knowledge of tools; and Recording of tools could help stakeholders in the construction industry in strategic management of firms and capacity development of labour-intensive works on road construction firms in Ghana.

Social Implications: The knowledge espoused by this study will help the Ghana Social Opportunity project which supervises the implementation of labour-intensive public works on behalf of the Ministry of Employment and Labour in Ghana, in providing relevant training programmes that aim at developing the capacity of indigenous firms to enhance their productivity. 

Originality/ Value: The novelty of this study also lies in the labour productivity framework for labour-intensive works on road construction with the focus on the skilful use of equipment that determines labour productivity in the Ghanaian construction industry.