Search

To improve construction productivity and performance, it must be measured. The Construction Sector Council (CSC) has started a Labour Productivity and Project Performance Benchmarking Program for the infrastructure sector of the construction industry in Canada. Metrics were developed for project cost, time, safety, and quality performance; labour productivity; rework; project conditions; and management practices related to health and safety. Data from 19 projects located in different regions of Canada were collected and analyzed. Based on the results and on industry feedback, additional metrics for practices related to project planning, materials management, and construction supervisory skills development were developed. This paper describes the development of the program. Lessons learned during the development and implementation of the benchmarking and metrics program are summarized and steps to establish a sustainable program are identified. It is concluded that a successful program is feasible and has the potential to have broad impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the state of companies that develop information technology (IT) for the construction industry in Canada. The study collects survey results and other data about these companies. It explores the number and nature of companies; their products and markets; and their opinions about IT trends, opportunities and barriers, and collaboration with government and university resources. The study concludes that a small construction IT industry exists in Canada, with some established successful companies and a number of younger ventures. These companies offer some products on par with the best construction IT in other countries, but they fall somewhat behind other countries in forming an advanced construction IT community of practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]