Case studies can provide some genuine insight into ways to improve productivity in the field. In what ways can case studies be helpful?

Learning Outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Evaluate and explain why construction productivity may not be at high performance.
• Outcome 2: Recognize and select various ways of evaluating productivity.
• Outcome 6: Apply the data from studies and develop programs that will improve construction productivity.
• Outcome 7: Assess the productivity associated with construction and be able to communicate the programs to others.

Directions

1. Reply to the discussion topic question with an original post.
2. Respond to two classmates posts.

Original post is due by Thursday at 11:59 pm and two responses are due by Sunday at 11:59 pm.

Requirements for the Discussion:

Discussion Topic Question:

Case studies can provide some genuine insight into ways to improve productivity in the field. In what ways can case studies be helpful?

Case studies are a way of looking at other people’s solutions to similar problems. Using these ideas as a base, a person may develop new ideas that will solve the particular problem. When accessing a construction project, what would you do to suggest any programs to the contractor that may improve the company’s productivity? 

Comment 1

Case studies are a valuable resource for improving productivity as they offer practical examples of successful productivity improvement techniques that have been implemented in real-life situations. This provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to learn from the experiences of others and adapt these methods to their own unique circumstances. Additionally, case studies can help identify common challenges and issues that may arise during productivity improvement initiatives. This can help anticipate and address these issues proactively, ultimately saving time and resources in the long run.

To suggest productivity improvement programs to a contractor on a construction project, a thorough analysis of the current workflow processes must be conducted first. This can involve collecting and analyzing data on worker productivity, equipment utilization rates, and other relevant metrics. Based on this analysis, specific productivity improvement programs can be recommended, such as introducing new training programs or optimizing crew configurations. The potential benefits of these programs, such as increased productivity, reduced overhead costs, and improved profitability, should be communicated to the contractor to encourage buy-in and support.

Comment 2

The case study method is a learning technique in which the construction project is faced a particular problem, the case. The case study facilitates the exploration of a real issue within a defined context, using a variety of data sources to demonstrates how the productivity improvement data collection techniques is described and could be implemented on construction projects and how to determine the percentage of productivity improvement that might be obtained by altering work processes according to productivity improvement studies.

Case Study helps the Contractor to foresee a situation that can cause serious problems to a project and to solve it in advance by stimulating adequate solutions for a given future case to implement alternative work processes with the expectation that the proposed productivity improvement techniques will reduce costs (inputs), increase profits, or provide a safer working environment.

To improve the Company’s productivity my proposition would to suggest first the development of a site plan which will aim to properly locate the site offices , storage of equipment , the paths to facilitate traffic on the site, the parking lot for the unloading of materials and the loading of construction debris, a strategic place for the installation of the pump for pouring concrete, the crane position (if it not a mobile one) .Secondly leverage new technology to manage the construction site, maintain construction equipment regularly and a positive relationship with suppliers. Without neglecting reduce nonproductive activities by streamlining communication and provide the right training to employees.