The objective of this course is to provide knowledge of the modern techniques used for assessing the level of productivity, forecasting optimum levels of productivity and deciding on how to reach productivity goals through strategic management action at organizational and project levels.

On completion of this course, students would be able to:

• Recognize and analyze critical success and failure factors in relation to project operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Apply productivity improvement techniques to construction projects at organizational, project, and task levels
• Perform as a change agent who can build an improvement team and design/implement a performance improvement program for construction organizations and projects

None

I.      Fundamental Understanding of Construction Productivity

1. Introduction to Construction Productivity Analysis
2. Characteristics of the Construction Industry
3. Factors Affecting Construction Productivity
4. Improvement methods and Work Study Package
5. Change and Resistance to Change
6. Components for Communication and Interactions

 II.    Construction Performance Management Program

1. Construction Preplanning and Preplanning Techniques
2. Program Steps for Construction Productivity Improvement
3. Work Improvement Program
4. Developing a Performance Management System
5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for construction
   

III.    Construction Improvement Methods

1. Construction Productivity Measurement
2. Construction Site Investigation and Design
3. Human factors and motivation in construction

None.

No designated textbook, but class notes and handouts will be provided to the students.

1. Oglesby, C., Parker, H. and Howell, G. (1989) Productivity Improvement in Construction, McGraw-Hill, New York
2. Illingworth, J. R. (2002) Construction Methods and Planning 2^nd edition, E&FN Spon, London
3. O’Brien J. J. and Zilly R. G. (1991) Contractor’s Management Handbook, McGraw-Hill, New York

• Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• Construction Management & Economics, Taylor and Francis
• Engineering Construction and Architectural Management, Emerald
• International Journal of Project Management, Elsevier
• Project Management Journal, Wiley

Lectures:                              45 hours

Self-study:                          110 hours

Project and Assignment:      25 hours

Mass Instruction: Lectures, Class room exercises and presentations

Individualized Learning: Individual homework assignment is given weekly to develop comprehension and analytical skills. Also, real-life project is given for students to develop productivity improvement method for a given situation  

Group Learning: Practical case studies are given week to ensure that students can apply theoretical knowledge into practical situations. Also, real-life situations are given for group of students to analyze productivity so that improvement methods can be recommended at project and activity level. 

Home Assignments:                            10%

Individual Project:                                10%

Group Project:                                     10%

Class Participation:                               5%

Mid Semester Exam (Open Book):     25%

Final Exam (Open Book):                   40%

“A” will be awarded if a student can demonstrate clear understanding of the topics learned in class, has integrated knowledge of the course, can apply the knowledge appropriately in the project/case study, and actively contribute in class discussion.

“B” will be awarded if a student can demonstrate basic understanding of the topics learned in class, can apply the knowledge in the project/case study, and contribute in class discussion.

“C” will be given if a student can demonstrate partial understanding of the topics learned in class, can apply the knowledge in the project/case study, and quiet during class discussion.

“D” will be given if a student demonstrates lack of understanding of the topics learned in class, cannot apply the knowledge appropriately in the project/case study, and cannot contribute in class discussion.