The influence of management on construction system productivity at the project level : A conceptual system causal research model

This thesis is concerned with exploring construction productivity at the project level, with the intention of identifying the major managerial factors that determine and/or strongly influence system productivity. To achieve this a conceptual system causal research model has been developed to inter-relate and illustrate the main endogenous and exogenous system productivity managerial variables, into a theoretical framework. The model isolates 89 variables and classifies them into seven managerial activities or subsystems. To structure the model and accomplish the basic objective, three concurrent stages are employed. Firstly, a conceptualisation stage, using system and causal methodologies. A comprehensive review of the literature is made relating to the concepts of productivity definition; productivity measurement, management, project management and management activities, in the construction industry as well as in other industries. Certain conclusions are drawn. The second stage involves a model building exercise. An eclectic approach has been employed to develop seven subsystem causal models. The seven models are integrated into a conceptual system causal research model. Stage three is the testing stage of the theoretical model. The opinions of the practitioners (the project managers) on the different variables of the model and their interaction have been collected and assessed. Path analysis has been employed to establish a quantitative measure of causal connection between the variables of the model. This thesis is not intended to be merely a review but, in a field as diverse and far-ranging as the managerial factors affecting system productivity, to organise and integrate, with the addition of a logical contribution, the knowledge developed of the factors into the context of a conceptual system causal research model. The model is comprehensive and aids in evaluating the managerial influence on productivity, from a system perspective and thus avoiding a short-sighted concentration on one or two variables. The usefulness of the model as a diagnostic tool in system fault-finding and its value in providing a foundation for further research is also outlined. Reference is made to 475 books and articles.