by Jeffrey C Kadlowec, Architect
Abstract
The intent of lean construction is to increase productivity while reducing waste. This requires continuous improvements in means and methods through investment in people, tools and equipment. With changes experienced by the fourth industrial revolution and the rapid growth of urban centers throughout the world, there is a current need to rethink communication through information technology. By exploring new management systems and focusing on training, greater efficiency and profitability can be obtained.
Keywords: project management, industry 4.0, information technology, communication strategies, construction labor
Project and Labor Management
Lean Construction focuses on increasing production efficiency while simultaneously reducing waste. These continuous improvements can only be achieved by investing in people, as tools and equipment must be sustained through labor [Salling 2023]. The concept does not intend to create a stress-free environment, rather a challenging one where personnel can learn and grow by entrusting and empowering them with responsibility and authority. A recent study in Denmark [Salling 2023] about project management, work environment and health & safety, revealed that unrealistic commitment to plans and poor communication with management are the most significant issues hindering worker performance. Promoting psychological needs is therefore crucial to the lean principle of ‘respect for people’.
As the fourth industrial revolution (see Fig 1) enhances many industries while simultaneously disrupting others, the design and construction sectors face many new challenges. Technological advancements from prior industrial revolutions were slow to be adopted when compared with other economic sectors. The industry also remains fragmented between activities and tradesmen with segregation between labor and management [Ejohwomu 2021]. Rapid population growth worldwide, especially in developing countries and urban centers, will compound these issues further. While tasked with creating everything from affordable housing to megaprojects, public view of the industry is often negative due to unethical practices, financial corruption, structural collapse, accidents & injuries, poor employment terms, and the dirty nature of the work.
Figure 1. The Four Industrial Revolutions [Rodriguez 2023]
Globalization across all market sectors is redefining human experiences along with how we relate to each other and the planet [Adekunle 2022]. Utilizing innovations in information technology interfaces more individuals through larger networks to accomplish greater objectives. New methods of communication among project teams free some of the workforce away from grunt work to engage in roles oriented towards client satisfaction. This allows for better efficiency and effectiveness while also becoming timelier and more predictable [Adekunle 2022]. Growth is the driving factor of most construction companies, both in the size of the firm and the scale of the projects. It requires large volumes of information and advanced management systems to handle sharing of data. Gaining and maintaining an advantage requires implementing strategizes not applied by existing and prospective competitors [Adekunle 2022].
The complex and dynamic nature of construction projects often creates claim disputes, adversarial partnerships, and deteriorating relationships between stakeholders [Daboun 2023]. Developing a framework of tools and strategies to manage those interactions is key to project success. Due to lengthy timelines, huge financial investments and multiple risk factors, proper management of human resources is vital. Construction organization must enhance employee relations to combat design changes, gaps in knowledge and experience, low wages, payment delays, poor working conditions, and bad schedules, while attending to job safety and equipment maintenance [Srinivasan 2023]. Although these all require additional personnel resources, the net benefit is essential for increasing overall productivity.
Construction is one of the largest industries with an overwhelming public presence and a significant contribution to national economies [Patil 2023]. Respect for the health, safety and welfare of all workers must therefore be emphasized. Training of contractors with clearly define roles will increase efficiency and effectiveness of laborers, resulting in greater profitability.
References
Adekunle, Peter; Aigbavboa, Clinton; Thwala, Wellington; Oke, Ayodeji & Akinradewo, Opeoluwa. (2022). Construction Information Management: The Role of Fourth Industrial Revolution Tools. 10.54941/ahfe1002359.
Daboun, Omar; Abidin, Nur; Khoso, Ali; Chen, Zhen-Song; Md Yusof, Aminah & Skibniewski, Miroslaw. (2023). Effect of relationship management on construction project success delivery. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management. 29. 372–397. 10.3846/jcem.2023.18827.
Ejohwomu, Obuks; Adekunle, Samuel; Aigbavboa, Clinton & Bukoye, O T. (2021). The Construction Industry and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Issues and Strategies. 10.52305/JDFM1229.
Patil, Virgonda. (2023). Enhancement of Labor Management at Construction Sites. International Journal of Management, Technology and Engineering. 8: 2244-2253.
Rodriguez, Jean-Paul. (2023). The Four Industrial Revolutions. Dept of Global Studies & Geography. Hofstra University, New York.
Salling, Stephanie; Pérez, Cristina & Wandahl, Søren. (2023). Perception of Project Management Among Construction Workers: A Survey in Denmark. 10.24928/2023/0124.
Srinivasan, N P; Saravana, K; Rahul, R; Rahulnath, S; Rajadurai, B; Kumaravel, S & Mukesh, Panneerselvam. (2023). Manpower Management in Construction Projects. E3S Web of Conferences. 399. 10.1051/e3sconf/202339903004.
