Inefficient management practices and processes on construction sites: Possible solutions to improve construction productivity

Alexander Fässler

Master's thesis

Inefficiencies on Construction Sites in Switzerland: Solutions to Increase Productivity

Abstract:

This thesis was written to examine current inefficiencies on construction sites in Switzerland and to find innovative solutions that aim to increase overall productivity. The findings are based on extensive academic literature review, expert interviews with construction professionals, construction site visits and benchmarking companies from other industries. The research focuses on Construction Project Management and evaluates current industry trends such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). Interviews and Site visits give insights into current problems and inefficiencies. Benchmarking compares construction to other industries such as manufacturing and robotics. The findings of the research resulted in describing 5 solutions, namely:Developing a Project Management application to better track construction progress by digitizing communication and paperwork;Implementing a tracking system to locate material, tools, and equipment on construction sites to reduce search time;Creating a partnership between universities and construction companies to increase the use and accelerate the development of BIM as well as to boost innovation;Increasing presence of construction companies in schools to improve the image of the industry and attract talent;Employing autonomous carts to automate part of the material flow and waste management;The thesis gives insights and guidance on how to approach today’s digital transformation by analyzing the construction industry, its processes and taking current market trends into consideration.

Abstract:

This thesis was written to examine current inefficiencies on construction sites in Switzerland and to find innovative solutions that aim to increase overall productivity. The findings are based on extensive academic literature review, expert interviews with construction professionals, construction site visits and benchmarking companies from other industries. The research focuses on Construction Project Management and evaluates current industry trends such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). Interviews and Site visits give insights into current problems and inefficiencies. Benchmarking compares construction to other industries such as manufacturing and robotics. The findings of the research resulted in describing 5 solutions, namely:Developing a Project Management application to better track construction progress by digitizing communication and paperwork;Implementing a tracking system to locate material, tools, and equipment on construction sites to reduce search time;Creating a partnership between universities and construction companies to increase the use and accelerate the development of BIM as well as to boost innovation;Increasing presence of construction companies in schools to improve the image of the industry and attract talent;Employing autonomous carts to automate part of the material flow and waste management;The thesis gives insights and guidance on how to approach today’s digital transformation by analyzing the construction industry, its processes and taking current market trends into consideration.

Keywords

Construction Productivity, Construction Logistics, Switzerland, Smart construction, Innovation in construction, Building Information Modeling

Keywords

Smart construction, Construction Productivity, Innovation in contruction, Construction Logistics, Building Information Modeling, Switzerland

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 16. 1. 2019

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 27. 1. 2020
• Supervisor: Ladislav Tyll
• Reader: Patrik Sieber

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Ekonomika a management / International Management