IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

IIARD International Journal of Economics and Business Management (IJEBM )

E-ISSN 2489-0065
P-ISSN 2695-186X
VOL. 10 NO. 7 2024
DOI: 10.56201/ijebm.v10.no7.2024.pg14.21

---

The Impact of Unskilled Labour on the Project Performance in the Construction Industry

Obodoh, Dominic Anosike; Nwaiwu-Odus, Okechukwu Emmanuel; Uwenuyi, Augustine Young; Okolie, G. John; Ibe, Emmanuel & Chukwunwike, Alex O. :

---

Abstract

This research looks at the effects of unskilled labour on project performance within the construction industry. Recognizing the pivotal function that labour skills play in project execution, the research investigates how the presence of unskilled labour influences various aspects of performance, including productivity, quality, safety, efficiency, cost, and overall reputation. By means of an extensive assessment of the literature and empirical examination, the research identifies the negative consequences of inexperienced personnel on project results. The results emphasise the necessity of focused actions to lessen these adverse effects. The study ends with a set of suggestions meant to increase unskilled workers' talents and skills, which should eventually result in better project performance in the construction sector. These recommendations encompass training and development programs, effective supervision and management strategies, the adoption of modern technology and tools, and the implementation of robust safety measures. By addressing the challenges posed by unskilled labour, construction companies can enhance their project outcomes, maintain competitiveness, and safeguard their reputation within the industry.

keywords:

Unskilled Labour, Project Performance, Construction Industry, Productivity, Safety

---

References:

Arshad M. N., Ab Malik Z. (2015). Quality of human capital and labour productivity: A case of
Malaysia. International Journal of Economics, Management and Accounting, 23(1)
Atkinson A. R. (1999). The role of human error in construction defects. Structural Survey, 17(4)
Au-yong C. P., Ali A. S., Ahmad F. (2013). Office building maintenance: Cost prediction
model. Gra?evinar, 65(9)
Bheemaiah K., Smith M. J. (2015). Inequality, technology and job polarization of the youth labour
market in Europe.
Chang-Richards Y., Wilkinson S., Seville E., Brunsdon D. (2017). Effects of a major disaster on
skills shortages in the construction industry: Lessons learned from New Zealand.
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 24(1)
Hossein K., Dadi G. B., Goodrum P., Srinivasan C. (2018). Impact of skilled labour availability
on construction project cost performance. Journal of Construction Engineering and
Management, 144(7)
Hussain S., Fangwei Z., Ali Z. (2019). Examining influence of construction projects’ quality
factors on client satisfaction using partial least squares structural equation
modeling. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 145(5)
Karimi H., Taylor T. R. B., Goodrum P. M. (2017). Analysis of the impact of craft labour
availability on North American construction project productivity and schedule
performance. Construction Management and Economics, 35(6)
Karimi H., Taylor T. R. B., Goodrum P. M., Srinivasan C. (2016). Quantitative analysis of the
impact
of
craft
worker
availability
on
construction
project
safety
performance. Construction Innovation, 16(3)
Khan G. F., Sarstedt M., Shiau W. (2018). Methodological research on partial least squares
structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM): An analysis based on social network
approaches.
Liepman K. (1960). Apprenticeship: An enquiry into its adequacy under modern conditions.
Routledge.
Love P. E. D., Li H. (2000). Quantifying the causes and costs of rework in
construction. Construction Management and Economics, 18(4)
Mahamid I. (2011). Risk matrix for factors affecting time delay in road construction projects:
Owners’ perspective. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 18(6)
Maloney W. F. (1983). Productivity improvement: The influence of labour. Journal of
Construction Engineering and Management, 109(5)
Meng X. (2012). The effect of relationship management on project performance in
construction. International Journal of Project Management, 30(2)
Muthuveloo R., Shanmugam N., Teoh A. P. (2017). The impact of tacit knowledge management
on organizational performance: Evidence from Malaysia. Asia Pacific Management
Review, 22(4)
Naoum S. G. (2016). Factors influencing labour productivity on construction sites: A state-of-the-
art literature review and a survey. International Journal of Productivity and Performance
Management, 65(3)
Neugart M., Schömann K. (2002). Why forecast and for whom? Some introductory remarks.
In Forecasting labour markets in OECD countries: Measuring and tackling
mismatches (Vol. 12, pp. 1–25). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
Odeh A. M., Battaineh H. T. (2002). Causes of construction delay: Traditional
contracts. International Journal of Project Management, 20(1)
Paul H. K. Ho. (2016). Labour and skill shortages in Hong Kong’s construction
industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 23(4)
Petersen D. C. (1971). Techniques of safety management. McGraw-Hill.
Richter N. F., Gabriel C., José L. R., Ringle C. M. (2015). European management research using
partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). European Management
Journal, 33(1)
Rigdon E. E. (2016). Choosing PLS path modeling as analytical method in European management
research: A realist perspective. European Management Journal, 34
Ringle C. M., Sarstedt M., Mitchell R., Gudergan S. P. (2018). Partial least squares structural
equation modeling in HRM research. The International Journal of Human Resource
Management, 1
Ringle C. M., Sarstedt M., Straub D. (2012). A critical look at the use of PLS-SEM in MIS
Quarterly. MIS Quarterly (MISQ), 36(1)
Sarstedt M., Ringle C. M., Cheah J. H., Ting H., Moisescu O. I., Radomir L. (2019, January).
Structural model robustness checks in PLS-SEM. Tourism Economics, 1(1)
Sarstedt M., Ringle C. M., Hair J. F., Otto-von-guericke-universit M. S., Ringle C. M., Universit
T., View S., Results C., Approaches C., Modeling S. E., View F. P., Sarstedt M. (2017).
Partial least squares structural equation modeling. In Handbook of market research 1–40.
Cham: Springer.
Sarstedt M., Ringle C. M., Smith D., Reams R., Hair J. F. (2014). Partial least squares structural
equation modeling (PLS-SEM): A useful tool for family business researchers. Journal of
Family Business Strategy, 5(1)
Saunders M., Lewis P., Thornhill A. (2015). Research methods for business students. Pearson.
Schlägel C., Sarstedt M. (2016). Assessing the measurement invariance of the four-dimensional
cultural intelligence scale across countries: A composite model approach. European
Management Journal, 34(6)
Shehata M. E., El-Gohary K. M. (2012). Towards improving construction labour productivity and
projects’ performance. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 50(4)
Sherekar V., Tatikonda M., Student M. (2016). Impact of factor affecting on labour productivity
in construction projects by AHP method. International Journal of Engineering Science and
Computing, 6(6)
Shmueli G., Hair J. F., Ting H., Ringle C. M. (2019). Predictive model assessment in PLS-SEM:
Guidelines for using PLSpredict.
Shmueli G., Ray S., Manuel J., Estrada V., Chatla S. B. (2016). The elephant in the room:
Predictive performance of PLS models. Journal of Business Research, 69(1)
Slattery D. K., Sumner M. R. (2011). Leadership characteristics of rising stars in construction
project management. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 7(3)
Stone M. (1974). Cross-validatory choice and assessment of statistical predictions. Journal of the
Royal Statistical Society, 36(2)
Tabassi A. A., Bakar A. H. A. (2009). Training, motivation, and performance: The case of human
resource management in construction projects in Mashhad, Iran. International Journal of
Project Management, 27(5)
Wang Y., Bhanugopan R., Lockhart P. (2015). Examining the quantitative determinants of
organizational performance: Evidence from China. Measuring Business Excellence, 19(2)
Wang Y., Goodrum P. M., Haas C. T., Glover R. W. (2008). Craft training issues in American
industrial and commercial construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and
Management, 134(10)
Wong J. M. W., Chan A. P. C., Chiangn Y. H. (2006). The changing construction labour market:
A case of Hong Kong. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 4(1)
Wong M. J. (2006). Forecasting manpower demand in the construction industry of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Xiao H., Proverbs D. (2002). The performance of contractors in Japan, the UK and the USA: An
evaluation of construction quality. International Journal of Quality & Reliability
Management, 19(6)
Zou P. X. W., Zhang G., Wang J. (2007). Understanding the key risks in construction projects in
China. International Journal of Project Management, 25(6)

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back