Dynamic modeling of labor productivity in construction projects

The presence of labor with high productivity at each stage of a project's development plays a significant role in project success. This research presents a system dynamics (SD)-based approach to model labor productivity. The complex inter-related structure of different factors affecting labor productivity is modeled using system dynamics approach. The qualitative model of labor productivity is constructed using governing cause and effect feedback loops. Then, the relationships that existed between different factors are determined and the quantitative model of the labor productivity is built. Using the proposed SD model, the labor productivity is simulated considering the effects of all the influencing factors. The effect of labor productivity on different project performance measures is also assessed in terms of time and cost. Using the proposed model, the project manager may find the root causes of a decrease in productivity. Therefore, the labor productivity may be improved by implementation of proper solutions.

► A system dynamics based approach is presented to model labor productivity.
► The complex inter-related structure of different factors affecting labor productivity is modeled.
► The labor productivity is simulated considering all the influencing factors.
► The effect of labor productivity on project performance measures is assessed.
► Using the proposed model, the root causes of a decrease in productivity is found.