Employment challanges in mega construction projects in Sri Lanka

Nissanka, S; Ramachandra, T; Hemba Geekiyanage, MD

Abstract

With the current economic trends, investments towards mega construction projects are happening in hefty amounts, consuming a considerable proportion, 8% of the global GDP. However, the inherent characteristics of megaprojects include a higher level of risk and uncertainty claiming a project failure rate of 66%. The literature indicates that employment challenges are of significant concern in many researchers. This study attempts to investigate the employment challenges in mega construction projects and propose possible strategies to overcome those challenges. A questionnaire survey was administered to ninety professionals experienced in handling mega constructions in Sri Lanka. According to descriptive statistics, the top three significant challenges are: shortage of on-site skilled workers, lack of professional expertise in technical areas, and lack of trained workers on site, with means value of above 3.900. However, a detailed scrutiny of these challenges indicates that they are inter-related and could be grouped into four major challenging areas: workforce supply, project management, human resource management and project-specific issues. The analysis further shows that human resource management issues are significant challenges for the professional sector (mean=4.356) while workforce supply issues are significant for technical, craft and operating sectors (mean>4.500). Having more attractive and desirable job market, producing more qualified workforce, and technological advancement are the topmost strategies which could be employed in addressing the above challenges. Based on these, the construction employment challenges across the various sub-sectors could be addressed in a strategic systematic approach which would ultimately contribute to successful implementation of mega construction projects in Sri Lanka.

Citation

Nissanka, S., Ramachandra, T., & Hemba Geekiyanage, M. (2018, September). Employment challanges in mega construction projects in Sri Lanka. Presented at The 42nd Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA) 2018, Singapore

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: The 42nd Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA) 2018
• Conference Location: Singapore
• Start Date: Sep 26, 2018
• End Date: Sep 28, 2018
• Publication Date: Sep 28, 2018
• Deposit Date: Oct 12, 2022
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference