Abstract
M.Tech. (Construction Management)
The construction industry plays a very important role in the development of any national economy and it contributes considerably to employment and growth for all relevant stakeholders. Notwithstanding its importance, the level of its productivity has a great effect on national economic growth. Thus, this study investigated factors affecting labour productivity on the construction projects in Northwest Province of South Africa. A quantitative approach was adopted for the study. The primary data was collected through adopted questionnaire which was spread to professionals that ranged from architects, projects managers, quantity surveyors and engineers. Out of the 120 distributed questionnaire, 102 were received back representing an 85% response rate. Based on the reviewed of literature, the factors affecting labour productivity were grouped into four categories namely, the management factors, human /labour factors, material factors and technical factors. Findings of the study revealed that shortage of fund, poor workmanship, and waste due to negligence were the major causes that affect the delivery of the construction projects. Findings revealed that; on time payment, proper training to the labours and motivation to worker toward projects completion were the most effective ways to improve labour productivity. The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge and provide prised understanding into factors that affect labour productivity on the construction projects as well as motivational measure that can be used to measure work improvement in improving labour productivity in construction industry. The findings of this study verified the results of other researchers specifically that an enormous variety of causes affect labour productivity on the construction projects, and this has a negative influence on productivity. The study recommends that construction firms pay closer attention to grooming management personnel in order to develop communication with the workforce and minimise coast leakage and also improve supervision. The training courses and seminars in the topics that will improve productivity in construction projects should be implemented.