Developing a Constructive Mobile Application Tool for the Systematic Delivery of Work-based Training Components Associated with the Enhancement of Labour Performance and Productivity in Construction

Abstract

Various sources highlight that the ineffective work-based training methods in construction site procedures have been the primary cause for the construction firms experiencing labour skill shortages in many developing countries like Sri Lanka. This study attempts to investigate developing mobile application tools for systematically applying work-based training practices, performance evaluation methods and grading mechanisms in the practices on construction sites for labourers. With the aid of problem-focused and action-oriented communication techniques, a comprehensive study methodology was adopted through a sequential procedure, including literature studies, expert discussions/reviews and mobile application development practices. The study approach specifically lays a mechanism linking with efficacious/valuable models and systems offered in recent studies. The study findings display the sketches of user interface visual designs and data flow procedures for integrating the labour training components through mobile application tools within a constructive mechanism. Importantly, labour performance, labour grading/classification and labour productivity levels have been emphasised as the major units of analysis in the application of the proposed mechanism and tools. The validity and reliability of the proposed mechanism and tools were ensured using comprehensive approaches. The study opens a new window to implement constructive approaches, innovative practices and operational systems linking with organizational vision and mission elements within the direct scope of productivity and performance improvement in the direction of expanding the industrial and institutional linkages nationally and internationally towards the economic recovery, social development and sustainability of a nation. Though the study findings directly contribute to the construction sector of developing countries like Sri Lanka, the study outcomes may create considerable impacts in other developing industry sectors within a similar scope.