Untitled Flashcards Set

Topic 1: Management Aspects of Productivity

1. How can the productivity of the following resources be measured? What factors can hurt their productivity?

• Labor / Crews: Measured by work output per hour, cost per unit produced, or schedule adherence.

  • Factors hurting productivity: Poor supervision, low morale, lack of training, absenteeism, and inefficient scheduling.

• Material: Measured by waste percentage, usage efficiency, and procurement time.

  • Factors hurting productivity: Material shortages, improper storage, damage, and delayed deliveries.

• Equipment: Measured by utilization rate, downtime, and maintenance costs.

  • Factors hurting productivity: Breakdowns, poor maintenance, operator error, and inefficient use.

• Subcontractors: Measured by schedule adherence, quality of work, and cost performance.

  • Factors hurting productivity: Poor communication, lack of coordination, site congestion, and labor shortages.

2. How is the knowledge of productivity of resources critical for the following construction management functions?

• Scheduling: Helps in setting realistic timelines, preventing bottlenecks, and ensuring smooth workflow.

• Estimating and Costing: Provides accurate cost estimates, prevents overruns, and enhances budget planning.

• Quality and Safety Management: Reduces errors and rework, enhances compliance with safety regulations, and minimizes project risks.

3. How do the following management techniques improve worker productivity?

• Improved Communication: Reduces misunderstandings, enhances teamwork, and ensures clear task allocation.

• Well-Planned Site Layout: Minimizes worker travel time, improves material handling, and optimizes workflow.

• Short-Term, Look-Ahead Planning: Identifies potential delays, ensures proactive resource allocation, and enhances coordination.

• Focusing on Safety: Prevents accidents, reduces work stoppages, and improves morale.

• Focusing on Quality: Reduces rework, ensures compliance with standards, and enhances efficiency.

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

• Helps in future project planning and benchmarking.

• Identifies areas for improvement and inefficiencies.

• Supports better cost estimation and resource allocation.

5. How are productivity standards typically established by construction companies?

• Based on historical project data and industry benchmarks.

• By conducting field studies and time-motion analysis.

• Using expert opinions and subcontractor input.

Topic 2: Preconstruction Decisions & Their Impact on Productivity

1. Which preconstruction activities have long-reaching impacts on worker productivity?

• Jobsite layout planning.

• Early procurement and material planning.

• Safety and quality control planning.

• Subcontractor coordination.

2. Why is expert feedback valuable when estimating large projects?

• Ensures estimates reflect real-world conditions.

• Helps identify labor and material challenges.

• Provides insights into equipment efficiency and cost risks.

3. How should a project manager focus on the "vital few" activities?

• Identifying "vital few": Prioritize tasks with high labor costs, schedule impact, and risk potential.

• Ensuring productivity: Regular monitoring, tracking key performance metrics, and proactive problem-solving.

4. When should a jobsite layout plan be made?

• Before mobilization, during preconstruction planning.

5. What should be included in a logistics plan?

• Material storage locations.

• Equipment movement paths.

• Worker access and safety zones.

6. Why is a jobsite logistics plan critical for productivity?

• Reduces congestion and delays.

• Ensures efficient resource allocation.

• Enhances worker safety and efficiency.

Topic 3: Overcoming Productivity Barriers

1. How does a 4-10 schedule reduce the impact of adverse weather?

• Provides flexibility to shift workdays based on weather forecasts.

• Reduces overall project duration by working longer hours.

2. Why should a superintendent be aware of site drainage?

• Prevents water-related delays and foundation issues.

• Ensures worker safety and protects materials.

3. How does scheduling impact worker productivity?

• Prevents idle time and ensures a steady workflow.

• Avoids resource conflicts and bottlenecks.

4. How can extreme weather impacts be mitigated?

• Use shade structures and cooling stations for heat.

• Provide insulated clothing and heating for cold weather.

• Adjust work hours to avoid peak weather extremes.

5. On which projects is lighting critical for worker productivity?

• Night shifts, tunnels, enclosed spaces, and precision work sites.

6. What is the impact of overtime on productivity?

• Short-term gains but long-term fatigue and decreased efficiency.

7. How does start-stop work affect productivity?

• Causes inefficiencies due to frequent re-mobilization.

• Leads to loss of momentum and increased costs.

8. What causes worker waiting, and how can it be eliminated?

• Causes: Late material deliveries, lack of tools, poor scheduling.

• Solutions: Improve planning, ensure material readiness, streamline communication.

9. How can congestion be mitigated on-site?

• Stagger work shifts.

• Designate work zones.

• Improve site layout planning.

Topic 4: Managing Subcontractor Productivity

1. Best practices for pre-bid phase:

• Clear scope definition.

• Early engagement with key subcontractors.

• Detailed contract requirements.

2. Why involve subcontractors in scheduling?

• Ensures realistic timelines.

• Aligns workforce availability.

• Reduces coordination conflicts.

3. How can a GC improve subcontractor productivity?

• Regular communication.

• Monitoring progress.

• Resolving issues proactively.

4. When should a GC assist subcontractors beyond contract requirements?

• When delays impact the overall project.

• To maintain quality and schedule efficiency.

5. Why should project engineers frequently communicate with subcontractors?

• Ensures project alignment and reduces miscommunication.

6. Common causes of change orders:

• Design errors.

• Unforeseen site conditions.

• Owner modifications.

7. How do change orders impact subcontractors?

• Cause rework and schedule delays.

• Increase labor and material costs.

8. What are three types of delays and their impact?

• Excusable Delay: Uncontrollable (e.g., weather), may extend schedule but no cost compensation.

• Compensable Delay: Owner-caused, results in cost reimbursement.

• Non-Excusable Delay: Contractor-caused, leading to penalties.

Topic 5: Trade Sequencing & Minimizing Variability

1. Causes of subcontractor underperformance:

• Poor planning.

• Inadequate resources.

• Coordination issues.

2. Reasons for low subcontractor productivity:

• Scheduling conflicts.

• Labor shortages.

• Misalignment with other trades.

3. How does an improper schedule affect productivity?

• Causes delays.

• Creates resource conflicts.

4. How does one subcontractor’s variability impact others?

• Disrupts sequencing.

• Causes rework and extended durations.

5. Two types of production variation:

• Assignable (specific issue-based).

• Common (natural fluctuations).

6. Three buffers to reduce variability:

• Time buffer.

• Capacity buffer.

• Inventory buffer.

7. Reliable vs. predictable workflow:

• Reliable: Consistent output.

• Predictable: Output that can be planned for.