Title: Study of relationship between cost overrun and labour productivity in road construction projects

Authors: Ibrahim Mahamid

Addresses: Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This study aims at examining the relationship between cost overrun and labour productivity. To do so, a questionnaire survey was used to elicit the attitude of consultants and contractors towards the factors affecting cost overrun and labour productivity in road construction projects in the West Bank. The study has established that among the various factors that causes cost overrun, awarding the bid to the lowest price, poor planning in early stages of the project, and financial status of the owner top the list. The respondents' input revealed that the most significant factors affecting labour productivity are: lack in materials, inaccurate drawings and specifications, and lack of labour experience. Regression analysis was used to show the impact of labour productivity on cost overrun using data collected from implemented projects in the West Bank. Significant direct relationship was found between cost overrun and labour productivity in base works of road construction projects.

Keywords: labour productivity; cost overrun; road construction; construction management; cost increase; contractors; consultants; construction; productivity; performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2018.091791

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2018 Vol.24 No.2, pp.143 - 164

Received: 19 Apr 2016
Accepted: 01 Mar 2017
Published online: 16 May 2018 *

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