Untitled Flashcards Set

How can the productivity of labor/crews be measured?

By work output per hour, cost per unit produced, or schedule adherence.

What factors can hurt the productivity of labor/crews?

Poor supervision, low morale, lack of training, absenteeism, and inefficient scheduling.

What measures are used to assess material productivity?

Waste percentage, usage efficiency, and procurement time.

What factors can negatively impact material productivity?

Material shortages, improper storage, damage, and delayed deliveries.

How is equipment productivity measured?

Utilization rate, downtime, and maintenance costs.

What factors hinder equipment productivity?

Breakdowns, poor maintenance, operator error, and inefficient use.

How are subcontractor productivity levels assessed?

Through schedule adherence, quality of work, and cost performance.

What factors can hurt subcontractor productivity?

Poor communication, lack of coordination, site congestion, and labor shortages.

Why is knowledge of resource productivity critical for scheduling?

It helps in setting realistic timelines, preventing bottlenecks, and ensuring smooth workflow.

How does understanding productivity aid in estimating and costing?

It provides accurate cost estimates, prevents overruns, and enhances budget planning.

What role does productivity data play in quality and safety management?

It reduces errors and rework, enhances compliance with safety regulations, and minimizes project risks.

What is a key benefit of improved communication in management techniques?

It reduces misunderstandings, enhances teamwork, and ensures clear task allocation.

How does well-planned site layout improve productivity?

It minimizes worker travel time, improves material handling, and optimizes workflow.

What is the purpose of short-term, look-ahead planning?

To identify potential delays, ensure proactive resource allocation, and enhance coordination.

How does focusing on safety impact productivity?

It prevents accidents, reduces work stoppages, and improves morale.

Why is it important to collect productivity data on every project?

It helps in future project planning and benchmarking, identifies areas for improvement, and supports better cost estimation.

How are productivity standards established by construction companies?

Based on historical project data, industry benchmarks, conducting field studies, and expert opinions.

Which preconstruction activities impact worker productivity?

Jobsite layout planning, procurement and material planning, quality control planning, and subcontractor coordination.

Why is expert feedback valuable for estimating large projects?

It ensures estimates reflect real-world conditions, identifies labor and material challenges, and provides insights into equipment efficiency.

How should project managers focus on

They should prioritize tasks with high labor costs, schedule impact, and risk potential.

When should a jobsite layout plan be made?

Before mobilization, during preconstruction planning.

What should be included in a logistics plan?

Material storage locations, equipment movement paths, and worker access and safety zones.

Why is a jobsite logistics plan critical for productivity?

It reduces congestion and delays, ensures efficient resource allocation, and enhances worker safety.

How does a 4-10 schedule affect productivity in adverse weather?

It provides flexibility to shift workdays based on weather forecasts and reduces overall project duration.

Why should a superintendent be aware of site drainage?

To prevent water-related delays and foundation issues, and ensure worker safety.

How does scheduling impact worker productivity?

It prevents idle time and ensures a steady workflow.

How can extreme weather impacts be mitigated?

Using shade structures for heat, insulated clothing for cold, and adjusting work hours.

When is lighting critical for productivity?

In night shifts, tunnels, enclosed spaces, and precision work sites.

What is the impact of overtime on productivity?

It provides short-term gains but may lead to long-term fatigue and decreased efficiency.

How does start-stop work affect productivity?

It causes inefficiencies due to frequent re-mobilization and increased costs.

What causes worker waiting and how can it be eliminated?

Causes include late material deliveries and poor scheduling; solutions involve improving planning and ensuring material readiness.

How can congestion be mitigated on-site?

By staggering work shifts, designating work zones, and improving site layout.

What are the best practices for the pre-bid phase?

Clear scope definition, early engagement with key subcontractors, and detailed contract requirements.

Why involve subcontractors in scheduling?

To ensure realistic timelines, align workforce availability, and reduce coordination conflicts.

How can a general contractor improve subcontractor productivity?

By maintaining regular communication, monitoring progress, and resolving issues proactively.

When should a general contractor assist subcontractors beyond contract requirements?

When delays impact the overall project or to maintain quality and schedule efficiency.

Why should project engineers communicate frequently with subcontractors?

To ensure project alignment and reduce miscommunication.

What are common causes of change orders?

Design errors, unforeseen site conditions, and owner modifications.

How do change orders impact subcontractors?

They cause rework, schedule delays, and increase labor and material costs.

What are the three types of delays and their impact?

Excusable Delay: uncontrollable, may extend schedule; Compensable Delay: owner-caused, results in cost reimbursement; Non-Excusable Delay: contractor-caused, leads to penalties.

What causes subcontractor underperformance?

Poor planning, inadequate resources, and coordination issues.

What are reasons for low subcontractor productivity?

Scheduling conflicts, labor shortages, and misalignment with other trades.

How does an improper schedule affect productivity?

It causes delays and creates resource conflicts.

How does one subcontractor’s variability impact others?

It disrupts sequencing and causes rework and extended durations.

What are the two types of production variation?

Common Cause (Specific to activity), Special Cause (external factors)

What are the three buffers to reduce variability?

Time buffer, capacity buffer, and inventory buffer.

What is the difference between reliable and predictable workflow?

Reliable workflow is consistent output, while predictable workflow is output that can be planned for.