Introducing a model for determining the efficiency of sustainable human resource management in construction projects
Subject Areas : Project Managementseyed ali zadeh khatmi mab 1 , Mohsenali Shayanfar 2 , Masoud zabihi samani 3 , Mehdi Ravanshadniya 4
1 - Ph.D. candidate,Department of Civil Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - . Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4 - Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Tehran Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad
University, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Productivity, human resource management, construction projects,
Abstract :
The pivotal role of human power as the most important resource and asset in construction companies is undeniable. Therefore, improving productivity in these companies has been one of the primary concerns for executive directors. Given the significance of this issue today, most of the development programs focus on increasing human resource productivity. Consequently, the senior managers of the construction industry should apply relevant research findings to enhance efficiency. The current study is developmental in purpose, employs a survey for data collection, and adopts a cross-sectional approach based on data from 2021. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combing both quantitative and qualitative methods. The statistical population in the qualitative phase includes university professors and experts involved in the construction projects of the Ministry of Energy, Roads and Urban Development, with a sample size of 15 participants. The quantitative phase includes experts and engineers working on construction projects within the same ministry comprising a population of 144 people, from which a sample of 132 was selected.
In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis method with MaxQDA software. Through these interviews with experts, nine key dimensions (final theme) were identified to design the model. Subsequently, after designing the model, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with the help of Smart PLS software, to examine the significance of the relationships among the factors influencing productivity in sustainable human resource management within construction projects.
Key Words: productivity, human resources management, construction projects
1.Introduction
Construction projects account for a major share of allocated credits. On the one hand, they create new opportunities for national growth and development; on the other hand, they generate large-scale employment for a wide range of human resources, including workers, craftsmen, supervisors and engineers. Additionally, the improper use of resources and wasting them in projects not only reduce the country’s limited resources, but also is considered one of the main factors in increasing costs and reducing project value. Therefore, in order to enhance sustainable human resource management, the construction industry and urban development sectors require targeted planning and strategic reforms, particularly those aimed at improving the productivity of sustainable human resource management in construction projects.
2- Literature Review
Ghanbari (2022) in a study, entitled “Investigating factors affecting the improvement of human resource productivity in line with strategic goals in Haraz Institute of Higher Education”, concluded that knowledge management, commitment and job motivation of human resources significantly influence the enhancement and level of workforce productivity. Song et al. (2023) in their research on the impact of sustainable development policy on the productivity of company agents, concluded that companies rely on both resource reallocation and technological innovations to enhance productivity. In particular, firms with stronger environmental regulations and more human capital tend to increase total labor productivity growth through technological innovation while firms with greater resource dependence and political connections tend to benefit more from resource reallocation efforts.
3- Methodology
The current research is developmental in terms of its purpose. Furthermore, considering that this research employs both library study and field methods such as interviews and questionnaires, it is classified as a survey based on its data collection method. From a temporal perspective, it is cross-sectional as the interviews were conducted in 1400. Also, since this study integrates both quantitative and qualitative techniques, it is considered mixed-methods research. The statistical sample of this stage includes 15 participants, seven university professors, and eight experts, working in construction projects who were selected purposefully. They were working in the field of human resources. The analysis of the data related to the interviews was done using the thematic analysis method with the help of MaxQDA software.
4- Result
The first research question was as follows:
What are the factors that influence the validity and accuracy of productivity measurement, and how can measurement bias due to subjectivity and uncertainties be reduced?
In response to this question, 97 key points, 50 open codes, and 12 sub-themes were identified. These sub-themes were then classified into five categories (main themes). The second sub-question addressed the impact of sustainable human resource management and background factors in determining the productivity of sustainable human resource management in construction projects. In response to this question, 45 key points and 26 open codes, 6 sub-themes and 4 main themes (categories) were counted.
The third sub-question explored the solution to create an expert system to evaluate productivity and provide improvement policy in construction projects. In response to the third question of the research, 76 key points and 40 open codes, 9 sub-themes and 5 main themes (categories) were identified. The fourth sub-question examined the factors and indicators affecting the productivity of construction projects. In response to this question, 40 key points and 24 open codes, 6 sub-themes and 5 main themes (categories) were found. In addressing all research questions, an inductive approach was employed, moving systematically from raw data to the identification of themes and categories.
5- Discussion
In response to the first research question, the qualitative findings indicate the following factors: 1. Technical management of the project by efficient human resources; 2. Detailed operational definition; 3. Responsible monitoring and evaluation; 4. Solving hardware problems; and 5. Clarity of individual goals and duties These findings regarding the intra-organizational factors are in line with the research results reported by Taqwa et al. (2018).
Regarding the second question, 4 main themes (categories) were counted: 1) project operational management; 2) communication management; 3) financial management and policy making; and 4) organizational management of human resources. These results are consistent with the results obtained by Wang et al. In response to the third research question, 5 main themes (categories) were identified: 1) selection, training and compensation of employees; 2) use of experience from previous projects; 3) registration and use of updated information; 4) communication management between employees; and 5) spending for the project and the productivity of employees. These results are in line with the results of Afkhami Ardakani's research (2017). Finally, in response to the fourth research question, five main themes (categories) were found: 1)organizational management of human resources; 2)financial management of human resources; 3)training of executive forces and managers; 4)selection of the best solutions and implementation policies; and 5)gaining from the technical knowledge of consultants and officials. The mentioned result is in line with the result of the research conducted by Haghighi Nasab and Tagavi (2019).
Conflict of interests: none
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