THE ROLE OF MANAGEMENT IN INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY IN AN ORGANIZATION

This study is on sociological examination of single parenthood. Four objectives were raised which included; to identify factors affecting productivity in building construction project, to identify the role of management in productivity improvement in building construction project, to determine the appropriate tools that must be employed by management in order to achieve high productivity in building construction project, to ascertain the relationship between the managerial strategies and productivity increment in an organization. In line with these objectives, four research hypotheses were formulated and four null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 staff from different construction companies was selected randomly. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up managers, human resource managers, senior staff and junior staff was used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the study

Any country that will be on her feet of survival must have a productive workforce. The workforce in manufacturing, industrial, energy, banking, educational, commercial and construction must be productive so as to see that such country survives the global trend of economic development. However, construction sector is a giant sector in any economy which should be given a proper attention in seeing that the workforce is highly productive. As the 20^th century began, certain managers who wanted to improve the practice of management began to put their ideas in writing. The managers were particularly concerned with two issues; increasing the productivity of individuals performing work; and increasing the productivity of organizations within which work is performed. Directing the attention of individual performing work and their strengths to determine how to manage work, an organization produces high level of output by a better use of resources. A body of management known as the classical approach addresses jobs and productivities which are critical issues for modern managers. The problem of low productivity has been a perennial one, which has to be solved once and for all.   Gibson (1999) notes that, to improve productivity, managers functions would have to be efficiently practiced. The management process will necessitate direct attention to productivity, planning and action. Planning, organizing and controlling will need to focus in the relationship of quantities of output and inputs. He further stated that productivity can be boosted through the new equipment and job design. People are also extremely important; workers who should be given a befitting respect. Abiola (2004) is of the opinion that productivity improvement is a central challenge or management in all types and sizes of organization. Productivity also involves the relationship between input and output goods and services. However, many construction industry outputs include all goods and services produced during a given time while inputs include all resources consumed to produce an output. Labor, capital, materials and energy are the inputs resources used or consumed. He further noted that improved utilization of manpower asset is the key to the significant short and long term productivity improvement. This productivity improvement is concerned with increasing output, reducing cost and the profitability of the company.   Productivity indicators and measures help in goal setting, identifying the best cost of action that will optimize resources utilization and cost effectiveness. An analysis of the past productivity trends and development can help in making decisions that will determine the future of the enterprise. Planning is the most basic of the management functions because it involves the determination of organization mission, strategies and objectives. Productivity is a major objective for most organizations. It is logistical to suggest that this goal is part of the organization planning strategies. Organizations realize this everyday by making efforts to integrate productivity improvement into strategic planning.   Therefore, the purpose of this research work is to look at the role of management in improving productivity in Nigeria building construction project, also to examine those factors that affect the low level of productivity. To come up with solutions to those problems, and the tools to be used by the management for effective use of the resources put together to increase productivity.

• STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

During recent decades it has been possible to identify several problems in construction industry project management, related to systematic failures in terms of fulfilling its schedule, cost and quality targets, which highlights a need for an evaluation of the factors that may cause these failures. Therefore, it is important to understand how project managers plan the projects so that the performance and the result can be improved. However it is important to understand if other areas beyond cost and time management that are mentioned on several studies as the most critical areas, receive the necessary attention from construction project managers. Despite the cost and time are the most sensitive areas/fields, there are several other factors that may lead to project failure and this research  aims at understanding the reasons that may cause the deviation in terms of cost, time and quality.

• OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is the role of management in increasing productivity in an organization.  But for the successful completion of the study; the researcher intends to achieve the following sub-objectives;

1. To identify factors affecting productivity in building construction project.
2. To identify the role of management in productivity improvement in building construction project.
3. To determine the appropriate tools that must be employed by management in order to achieve high productivity in building construction project.
4. To ascertain the relationship between the managerial strategies and productivity increment in an organization
   • RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research                                                                                                                                                             hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H₀: there are no factors affecting productivity in building construction project.

H₁: there are factors affecting productivity in building construction project

H₀²: there is no significant relationship between the managerial styles and productivity increment in an organization

H₂: there is a significant relationship between the managerial styles and productivity increment in an organization

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will be of benefit to the clients, contractor and the consultant involved in the construction project. And the benefit of project management is to increase the contractor’s productivity in Nigeria, to increase and maintain a constant output by reducing the input resource. The study will also be of great benefit to the researchers who intends to embark on research on similar topics as it will serve as a guide. Finally, the study will be of great importance to academia’s, lecturers, teachers, students and the general public.

• SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the role of management in increasing productivity in an organization. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

1.7DEFINITION OF TERMS

ROLE: The function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation.

MANAGEMENT: Management (or managing) is the administration of an organization, whether it be a business, a not-for-profit organization, or government body.

INCREASING: Become or make greater in size, amount, or degree.

PRODUCTIVITY: The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.

ORGANIZATION: An organized group of people with a particular purpose, such as a business or government department.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

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