Reward and Productivity in Construction

Introduction

In every organization, the productivity and performance of the employees are important to increase the effectiveness of the organization in the market. The performance of the employees in their tasks depends on the demanded responsibilities of the organization. However, according from the past research studies that focuses in the organization, the rewards and other incentives given to the employees can increase the productivity and effectiveness in the performance of the people. In this paper, the focus centers in the issue of reward and productivity, and the steering question is “how does reward system increase productivity and efficiency in construction?”

What is Productivity in Construction Industry?

The operations in the field of construction is managed and controlled through the use of schedule. All the activities are monitored according to the appropriate projects and have a wise allocated budget (TBR, 1980). Because of the strict compliance on the activities, the performance of the employees takes an important role. Therefore, the productivity that each employee will exert should be maintained and should reflect in the performance.

Based on the statistics, the long-term productivity has an impact to increase the trend in the performance in many of the industries. However, the construction industry cannot be the same as for the mining and manufacturing industries. This is due to the measurement and difficulties regarding the real inputs and output which are unique to the construction industry. But, within the comparison of the industrial sectors, the construction productivity definitely varies because of the application of the technological and technical supports. And in the continuous development of processes in the construction productivity, the potentials to enhance the productivity are discovered not only on the machineries or materials but on the labor. The performance of the people under the construction industry is another important factor to gain the advantage because of their knowledge, skills and innovativeness (BFC, 2006).

The Rewards

Again, for most on the organizations, the rewards or incentives are awarded for the people who showcases the productivity and quality performance during the given time and which created a significant impact in the overall performance of the organization. Rewards in construction industry can be also applied to increase the productivity. With the use of reward system, the unnecessary forces are reduced to increase the strength of the positive ones. This simply means that the labor forces, knowing that there is an existed reward in the system will change their traditional work to achieve the most desirable outcome. The efforts and performances of the employees guarantee that the organization receives the productivity from the people and delivers the same productivity to the market. The productivity, in long practice, can be achieved and influence the other changes in the area of work to gain the same effect. If there is a great productivity in the organization, there is an assurance that the people comply on the objectives of the organization and at the same time qualified to receive the reward. This rewarding system is a motivational factor that affects the behavior of the worker but adds value to their system. Obviously, the business leaders use this approach as a best way to improve the productivity but should be apply depending on the specific situation and not placing the financial aspect of the organization at risk (Mattila, Li, & Pocock, 2007).

Pentagram of Productivity

The productivity on an organization signifies the measurement on how the entity uses the resources to produce the desirable outputs. In the attempt of the organization to set the standards in aiming for the productivity, there are discover links between the individual, firm and sectors, and the entire economy (BFC, 2006). To increase the knowledge in productivity, there are five most used productivity concepts:

1. Labor productivity, based on gross output that measures the labor requirement per unit of output

2. Labor productivity, based on value-added that are useful in the analysis of micro-macro links, such as an individual industry’s contribution to the economy

3. Capital-labor MFP (multifactor productivity), based on value added that can also be part in the analysis of micro-macro links in the contribution of the industry in the economy.

4. Capital productivity, based on value-added which represent the idea regarding the changes in capital productivity, there is a degree of output growth.

5. Multi-factor productivity which measure through the technical change

Conclusion

Predicting the construction productivity is difficult, therefore, it is important that the entire management can control and administer each project. The contribution of comprehensive project management and labor are good foundation of successful construction activities.

References:

BFC, (2006) Measuring Productivity and Evaluating Innovation in the U.S. Construction Industry, The Building Futures Council, Accessed 03 Aug 2010, from http://www.thebfc.org/uploads/BFC_Productivity_whitepaper.pdf

Mattila, K.G., Li, K., & Pocock, J., (2007) Demonstrating Construction Productivity, American Society for Engineering Education, Accessed 03 Aug 2010, from http://www.icee.usm.edu/ICEE/conferences/asee2007/papers/3125_DEMONSTRATING_CONSTRUCTION_PRODUCTIVITY.pdf

TBR, (1980) Scheduled Overtime Effect on Construction Projects: A Construction Industry, Cost Effectiveness Task Force Report - The Business Roundtable, Accessed 03 Aug 2010, from http://www.curt.org/pdf/156.pdf

The Influence of the Architecture and Landscape of Middlesex England on Urban and Regional Planning in the U.S.A

Introduction

The methods employed in the architecture evolved from the earliest time. The design associated with the structures is connected with the way on how the society is shaped. There comes practicality and functionality when it comes to the design of the architectures. However, the early influence of the architectures creates a big impact in the continuous evolution of design and usefulness of one structure that might set another improvement in the country.

Background and Problem Statement

Middlesex is an area in England which is one of the 39 historical countries of England. The administrative and historic boundaries began in urbanizing the suburbs of London. From the railways, the architectural designs and landscape improvement changed the place to be a historic country. The influence of the architecture in the country finally reached the other parts of the world which serves as an inspiration for the other countries (or individuals) to pursue the professionalism in architecture. With this very same idea, what is the influence of the architecture and landscape of Middlesex England on Urban and Regional planning of the country, particularly in USA?

Research Aim and Objectives

The main aim of the study is to focus on the estates of the English aristocracy and their architectural ideology and how it resulted in the layout of the squares and streets of West London and architecture in the colonies of America. In order to deliver the aim of the study, there are three objectives that should be satisfied. First is to show the situation of architecture and landscape of Middlesex in 17th and 18th century of England U.K. Second, is to determine the influence of architecture in the early urban planning of Virginia in the U.S.A. Third is to recognize the situation of Middlesex in a Utopian settlement in 17th century.

Literature Review

As reference of the landscape architectures in forging the knowledge in their chosen field, case studies became the important tool in reviewing the practice. Because of the increase of demand in architecture, the primary body of knowledge can be assessed through the written and visual documentation of the projects which will definitely guide the architectures. This is the most common form of education, innovation, and testing for the profession. The New York’s Central Park is one of the modest parks developed through the use of collective records and advancement in knowledge landscape architecture. The case studies conclude that the method that an architect should use is highly appropriate and valuable approach in their projects. At some degrees, the experience and inspiration can be matched with the case studies to effectively facilitate the critical analysis to efficiently perform the projects (Francis, 1999). The designs used by the architectures are inspired by the historical views came from the different parts of the world. It is often termed as a “mystery” because of the genius creation and uniqueness among the others. The development of the designs carried the solution by being the practical over the issues such as funding and scarcity of materials. The process and details enclosed in the architectural designs maybe seen as the result of the continuous practice of the architectures in their field. However, the systematic techniques applied in the architectural process are the revolution of ideas and characterized as the ability of the professionals to be dare in their creations (Lidy, 2006).

Methodology

The suggested method in the study is to use the secondary information that is focused and associated in the architectures and landscape in Western societies. The materials where the information and data can be gathered are from the architectural books, historical books, annual reports, and Internet based documents. The obtained information is organized according to the objectives of the paper that can be steered to satisfy the aim. With the help of the secondary information, the study can link the present and contemporary architecture from the past century’s architecture, and discover the literature gaps.

Conclusion

The architectural designs and the functions are also derived from the environment to successfully achieve the certain purpose. With the appropriate instructions that can effectively guide the architectures in making them, there is another viewed possibility for the evaluation of the next generation. The essence of historical creations is only not to provide the inspiration in the modern architectures but also to teach the methods and promise the effectiveness of the process.

References:

Francis, M., (1999) A Case Study Method for Landscape Architecture, Landscape Architecture Foundation [Online] Available at: http://lda.ucdavis.edu/people/websites/francis/CaseStudy%20MethodAbstract.pdf [Accessed 20 July 2010]

Lidy, C.J., (2006) A Study of Landscape Architecture Design Methods [Online] Available at: http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-03132007-100753/unrestricted/designmethodsetd.pdf [Accessed 20 July 2010].

Suspension Bridges

Introduction

Amazed by the tall skyscrapers, mesmerized by the intricate designs of the infrastructures, and got exhausted in crossing the bridges – it seems like the modern engineering already perfected the combined art and function. Civil works became one of the highest paid jobs in the world because of the knowledge, skills, and talent that steered in the profession. In the modern day, there is an addition on the requirements and that is to provide the appropriate approach among the issues involve, whether in managerial, safeness, cost efficiency, and many others which makes the continuous development in the profession. Based on the history, engineering starts even in the Stone Age, where the early people learned to build their own bridges. In this era of civilization, bridges are also used as part of the daily transportation owed from the professional engineers.

Society of Civil Engineers

Civil engineering is referred to as the oldest branch in engineering. The continuous development of the profession originated from the knowledge of mathematical and physical sciences that are gained through the study, experience, and practice. All of these factors are used to apply in judgment to develop ways to economically utilize the materials and forces (both human and environment) in the progression of human beings. The application of knowledge is assumed to be responsible in constructing one project that is beneficial for the entire society. The work and responsibility of an engineer may be difficult and they should perform according to the functions of investigations and survey, planning and design, construction, research, and facilitating, control and management (USOPM, 1998). The most common position that a civil engineer might acquire is in the public works in which the service is dedicated for the public good. Suspension bridge is one of the major types of project that continuous to serve the people even after 10 years.

Suspension Bridges

Suspension bridges are a typical infrastructure that can deteriorate but cannot be easily replaced or easy to break. In San Diego (California), the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge remains the only suspension foot-bridge since its construction in 1911. The structure of the bridge was facilitated by the professional engineers. The combination of the knowledge and technology made it possible to build. However, since changes occur in all sides of the earth, monitoring and reconstruction is the attention given to the suspension to continue its service. On the inspection of the bridges most repairs are for broken flanges that connect hand rail cables to the bridge deck, because people rock the bridge and the flanges break. This is great evidence that ordinary people do not understand the functions of the bridge and mistakenly understood as the place to have fun (Brownlee, 1984). Obviously, a suspension bridge represents a significant capital investment and plays an important role in the transportation system. It is true that the parts of the bridge can be maintained and/or replaced but it might the reason to carry the heavy traffic (Nickerson, 2003).

Safeness of Suspension Bridges

As the response of the civil engineers in the needs of people, the safeness and reliability of the suspension bridges are firstly measured. Because of the complex structures involve in the work of engineers, the evaluation is addressed to measure the flutter reliability of a suspension bridge. Uncertainties such as the material properties, geometric parameters, wind velocity, structural site, and other elements are considered. It is important to determine the safeness of the project of suspension bridge (Cheng, et al., 2005). The primary concern of safeness in suspension bridges is that the collapse of structures in the case of high magnitude earthquake, which is placed as the top priority of the engineers – assuring that the construction is safe and such dilemma can be prevented. The earliest form of bridges was made from woods and ropes which the safeness is questionable. Other countries also spend time in building bridges through the use of twisted grasses and other materials that can be found in their place and is available (Schafer, 2002). As a replacement, the civil engineers provided the materials that maybe difficult to administer and costly but can support the load-carrying capability. Because of the importance and capital investment, the suspension bridges are usually designed to functions for 100 years or more. And because of the cost and time involved in the monitoring and evaluation technique, it is usually done only after a bridge has been in service for many years (Nickerson, 2003).

Conclusion

There should be applicable guidelines and techniques that the engineers should apply to avoid failure in the construction of suspension bridges. Furthermore, it is better if the inspection can be done in an interval years to maintain the safeness of the bridges.

References:

Brownlee, J.C., (1984) "Bull Strong, Horse High, and Hog Tight:" The Work and Character of Edwin M. Capps, The Journal of San Diego History 30(3) [Online] Available at: https://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/84summer/capps.htm [Accessed 16 July 2010].

Cheng, J., Cai, C.S., Xiao, R., & Chen, S.R., (2005) Flutter Reliability Analysis of Suspension Bridges, Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics 93:757–775 [Online] Available at: http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~schen/flutter.pdf [Accessed 16 July 2010].

Nickerson, R., (2003) Safety Appraisal of Suspension Bridge Main Cables [Online] Available at: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_w20.pdf [Accessed 16 July 2010].

Schafer, B., (2002) Civil Engineering Structures [Online] Available at: ce.jhu.edu/whatis2/lecture/Civil Engineering Structures.ppt [Accessed 16 July 2010].

USOPM, (1998) Civil Engineering Series GS-0810 Workforce Compensation and Performance Service Classification Programs Division, United States Office of Personnel Management [Online] Available at: http://www.azguard.gov/hro/documents/standards/gs_standards/gs0810.pdf [Accessed 16 July 2010].

Tall Manufacturing

Introduction

Every country has their strategies in driving the economy. Due to the prolonged influence of economic recession and global uncertainties, many developing countries are shrouded with consequences and slow progression. The industries that are recognized to be one of the leading drivers, aside from hospitality and tourism, are the industrialization. Even if the concept of industrialization came from the Western culture, the influential benefits reached every part of the globe. In this way, the country can survive and recognize some improvements in the economy.

Background and Problem Statement

In the midst of total development and globalization, Zimbabwe significantly experienced the growth in the manufacturing sector and still reflects in the new generation. The involvement of the processes in manufacturing made it possible to boost the industry and happen to export the manufactured products. The competition in the international market abruptly became intensified and thus, the nation proved that the investors have a room in the manufacturing industry. Other than that, the country also introduced promising areas of building and construction (Munzwa and Wellington, 2008). The human capital and the natural resources became the biggest asset of the country. However, what is the impact of tall manufacturing in the iron and steel industry, and how is it benefiting the economy of Zimbabwe?

Research Aim and Objectives

The aim of the study centers in the recognizing factors involved in the iron and steel industry and its aid in strengthening the economy of Zimbabwe. There are three objectives that should be lifted towards the completion of the study. First is to recognize the current situation of Zimbabwe’s under the manufacturing industry. Second is to measure the strengths of iron and steel industry to make it as the frontier of the economy. And third is to determine any changes in the industry that may add strength in the development and progress of the economy.

Literature Review

In Zimbabwe, there are towns that intentionally transformed into industrial towns. Because of the impact and growth of iron and steel industry, there is a great opportunity for the country to receive investments that can be utilized for the improvement of the communities. The two towns namely, Kadoma and Kwekwe, became the industrialized towns but apparently followed the establishment of the cotton research center. This is a great for the country for the long-term goal because the agricultural sector should also adopt improvements along with the industrial sector. The increase in capital investments made it possible to divide the other funds towards the total economic growth. Zimbabwe, as once a colony, seeks development by gearing the infrastructure development, in noticeably promising (Munzwa and Wellington, 2008).

Overall, the iron and steel sector in Africa, slowly awakening because of the investments made in Zimbabwe, and also in Nigeria. The slow recognition as a driver of economy of entire Africa is caused by the civil wars and strife. Added to that is the lack of political will. But when Zimbabwe acquired sophisticated technologies for steel making, there is the birth of integrated steel plants (Al-Haji Mohamed, 2006). In recent assessment of the country, Zimbabwe is classified as an active developing country because of the continuous increase of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It remains positive and the improvement in social statistics is recognized because of the independence and freedom, and better access to health and education services. Covering the 44% of the economic development of the country came from the manufacturing industry. Although the country is dependent in their natural resources, still the manufacturing industry is the biggest contributor in generating employment, income, and foreign exchange (MMET, 1998). In terms of labor relations and employment, the country assured that the industry plays an important segment in delivering the competitive performances towards the other industries that are dependent or using the iron and steel (Turnbull and Harvey, 2001).

Methodology

The applicable method in the study is the use of the secondary information that is concerns in the development and improvement in the iron and steel manufacturing industry. The data can be obtained from the industrial reports of the country, the case studies being made and focused on the economy of Zimbabwe, and/or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Economy Report. Through the use of the secondary information, all of the necessary data can be organized and help the current generate its analysis and draw conclusions. Since the manufacturing of iron and steel is the main component of the industry, all the industries that are dependent in the use of the said materials (aviation industries, buildings, constructions, infrastructures, transportations facilities, etc.) are also part of the study.

References:

Al-Haji Mohamed, S., (2006) “The African Iron and Steel Industry: Realities and Prospects”, Accessed 21 June 2010, from http://www.arabsteel.info/asis2006/w_p/Africa_final.pdf

MMET, (1998) “Zimbabwe’s Initial National Communication on Climate Change”, Ministry of Mines, Environment and Tourism, Accessed 21 June 2010, from http://www.klima.ph/resources/UNFCCC/NC/zimnc1.pdf

Munzwa, K.M., & Wellington, J., (2008) “Urban Development n Zimbabwe: A Human Settlement Perspective”, Theoretical and Empirical Researches in Urban Management 5(14), Accessed 21 June 2010, from http://www.um.ase.ro/No14/8.pdf

Turnbull, P., & Harvey, G., (2001) “The Impact of 11 September 2001 on the Civil Aviation Industry: Social and Labor Effects”, Sectoral Activities Programme, Accessed 21 June 2010, from http://www.ilo.org/public/english/dialogue/sector/techmeet/tmica02/tmica-wp182.pdf