Investigation into the labour factors affecting project performance within the Egyptian construction industry

Abstract

In today’s world, the construction industry is a key player in the economy, of any country and employment rate. After both the 2011 and 2013 revolutions construction projects have been extremely important to Egypt since they increase the employment rate, improve the economy, bring foreign investment, and help in the development of the country. Research has shown that 20% of these construction projects fail to achieve their goal as a result of delays, or cost overruns that can put any construction project at risk. One of the important part of these construction projects are labourers’ productivity, since labourers account for 30-50% of the construction budget it is important to study what are the factors that affect labourers’ productivity in the Egyptian Construction projects.

Since productivity factors cannot be eliminated, professionals can mitigate their risks on construction labour productivity through conducting proper project studies to manage the relevant affecting factors. This is why the researcher studies the factors affecting construction labour productivity, to identify and rank them, so professionals can consider and manage their effects during the whole life cycle of any construction project.

The research design includes primary data analysis and secondary data analysis from the literature review. In order to gather data, questionnaires and interviews have been undertaken by the researcher. The questionnaire followed the literature review and consisted of 41 factors the researcher believed might affect labour productivity in Egyptian Construction Projects. The interviews were conducted for a better understanding of the issues and possible ways to manage or reduce such factors that affect labour productivity on site. The findings of the questionnaire were analysed with previous research conducted in developed and developing countries. The researcher then recommends possible ways to manage or reduce such factors. He also shows the important role that government and contractors play in improving labour productivity in Egyptian Construction Projects.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	Messaoud Saidani (Supervisor) & Georgios Kapogiannis (Supervisor)