FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTIVITY IN THE LIBYAN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: A CASE STUDY

Productivity is one of the most important issues in both developed and developing countries. The developed countries are aware of the importance of economic growth and social welfare. The developing countries which face unemployment problems, inflation and resource scarcity seek to utilise sources and in such a way to achieve economic growth and improve citizens’ lives. Productivity is an issue of particular importance to projects located within the Agdabia city in Libya, as it is considered a newly-developed area and a huge number of projects have been planned for the near future. Factors affecting construction productivity have been the subject of inquiry by many researchers. In order to improve productivity, a study of the factors affecting it, whether positively or negatively is necessary. Data was collected through questionnaires targeting various ranged construction projects in Libya. Of 90 distributed questionnaires, eighty six (86) useable questionnaires were received and analyzed. Productivity at construction projects was assessed using 20 important factors developed from literature studies. These data were then subjected to the calculation of importance indices, which enabled factors to be ranked. The results identified the fifth most important factors were Lack of labour experience; payment delay; tool and equipment shortages; increasing the workforce on the construction site; and aavailability of Machinery at Construction Site. The analysis drawn from this study is essential for construction projects to take these factors into account in increasing the productivity rates at construction projects.