A conceptual procedural framework for effective scheduling to enhance efficient use of construction resources on the jobsite

Abstract

Selection of construction methods, scheduling, site layout and component procurement arrangement affect efficiency of operations on the jobsite. Efficiency has been previously measured by such parameters as; budget, on time completion and meeting specification standards. Little attention has been given to the interim processes which create these. Efficiency in man- and machine-hour management may translate to cost and time gains and enhanced quality. The study reported recognises that there are numerous aspects to the question of efficiency of operations. To focus the study and narrow the scope to a manageable size, the issues of efficiency that can be addressed in the scheduling process are those considered. Extensive and thorough literature search identified guidelines for effective construction scheduling. Empirical data were collected following these guidelines to develop a scheduling procedure aimed at making the process more effective and which may enhance efficient use of construction resources on the jobsite. The developed framework show that activity criticality based on time analysis alone is a necessary condition but not usually sufficient to declare an activity critical. Other tasks not on the critical path which have very high delay potential should be considered. Therefore though the study does not out rightly refute the idea of criticality based on time analysis alone, it adds to it that if criticality means those things that should be done so as to progress the works to a scheduled finish, criticality should be re-assessed to include several other tasks not hitherto identified on the critical path.