System Dynamics Approach for Construction Labor Productivity Analysis Focusing on Social Influence

Abstract

Construction Labor Productivity is a significant index directly related to profitability of the industry. Since construction is a highly labor intensive industry, the importance of labor productivity is remarkable. Though the technology level in Korean construction industry is high, productivity appears to be low. Besides, the annual productivity in construction industry shows high fluctuation. High fluctuation can result in low average productivity which causes low profitability of the project. For these reasons, worldwide studies are performed in various methods to explain and improve Construction Labor Productivity. Important part of these studies is deriving Influential Factors and verifying their effects. Also, regarding this construction labor productivity as a complex social phenomenon, often System Dynamics approach is conducted to explain and simulate the Productivity in construction. This study focuses on explaining both low productivity level and intense annual fluctuation of productivity. A System Dynamics model is built at macro level concerning social influences on Labor Productivity. By analyzing the model, this study describes an approximative influence of social factors to Construction Labor Productivity.