Contents

1 2 3 work ASSIGNMENT ...........................................................................................................3 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................3 PROBLEMS AND REASONS ................................................................................................4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 4 Working condition at a remote location. .................................................................4 Lack of Manpower Management (or) Planning........................................................5 Involvement of Dangerous / hazardous activity ......................................................5 Absence due to sickness ..........................................................................................6 Absence due to quarrels & drinks ............................................................................6 Accidents on site .....................................................................................................7

NEEDS AND THEIR FULFILLMENT ON SITE.........................................................................8 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Involvement in High risk construction activity .........................................................8 Improper Manpower Management Planning & absenteeism of workmen: .............9 UN-Hygienic surrounding & Temporary Accommodation: .....................................10 First aid camp: .......................................................................................................11 Availability of Alcohol & Consumption of Alcohol by the Labours:.........................11 Safety Department: ...............................................................................................12 Training: ................................................................................................................12

SUGGESTED METHODS FOR HYGIENE FACTOR AND MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS: .............13 5.1 Motivation: ...........................................................................................................13

6 7

RECOMMENDATION TO MANAGEMENT ........................................................................14 Bibiliography/Readings: .................................................................................................15 2|Page

WORK ASSIGNMENT
You are a Project Manager on site where work for 3 Km long Tunnel has been undertaken. The site is remote and takes about 2 days travel to nearest town. Supervisors, technicians & skilled workers are engaged in dangerous / hazardous work. Absenteeism due to sickness, quarrels, drinking are added to less output of work and the chances of accidents on site are increasing. Management has urged to do something so that time targets can be achieved. Discuss how will you tackle the problem and increase the output of work.

INTRODUCTION
Tunneling is one of the most dangerous works in the field of construction. It has been reported that around 18% of the total fatality in the field is caused by tunneling. Thus it is clear that one has to be more cautious while executing a tunneling process. The task here is to identify the measures one can adopt to increase the output of work taking the various problems into consideration. The main objective of this assignment is to put emphasis on the abilities of a project manager to understand the problems of workers and come up with solutions, the organization skills in setting up a new project in a remote area, motivation to the complete team and the ability to take the complete project team ahead as a good leader. The project manager should know his duties, responsibilities and have full knowledge of the pros and cons of his decisions and activities. Thus the main objective of the project manager is not only to keep the work progress going on but at the same time minimize the risk factors and create a safe working condition.

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Besides the motivation techniques, the project manager must also look into the problems being faced by the workers and realize their basic needs, the fulfillment of which will result in contentment of workers and improved work output.

PROBLEMS AND REASONS

The project managers must identify the problems and thereafter the reasons for the downfall in productivity of the workers and also the staff in order to get solutions for the same and march to betterment. The problems are as follows.
1. Working condition at a remote location. 2. Lack of Manpower Management (or) Planning. 3. Involvement of Dangerous / hazardous activity 4. Absence due to sickness. 5. Absence due to quarrels & drinks. 6. Accidents on site.

3.1

Working condition at a remote location.

Working sites located in the remote areas are less accessible as compared to other sites. Generally these sites are connected with Kacha roads of inadequate width or even mule path operating with foot bridges or small culverts over the nallahs. Further hostile topographical conditions viz. steep slopes, landslides and involvement of forest, private land may delay the construction /widening of new/existing roads, making it difficult for the transportation/mobilization of heavy construction equipment for the

commencement of the work. This mobilization of man and machinery remains an area of concern in the early stages and optimum deployment of resources is not easily achieved. In case of natural calamities/disasters (viz. Flash floods, earthquakes) life becomes very miserable as these areas remain cut off from the rest of the world for a considerable time.

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3.2

Lack of Manpower Management (or) Planning.

The absenteeism of the workers, slow progress of work can be attributed to lack of manpower management and poor planning.

3.3

Involvement of Dangerous / hazardous activity

The technicians, supervisors and skilled workers are involved in dangerous work of handling explosives and also the landslide problem is a threat to the cost of lives. The construction practice is tremendously exposed to threats and worker safety is a big issue. No safety measures are taken and workers are not practicing safe working style. There is no safety department on site to handle the safety issues. There is not a single person who is allotted responsibility of looking after safety issues. The workers dont know how to deal with the accidents. Immediate first aid is not available for accident victims. Those who are handling explosives need training for safe handling of those explosives. The quantity of explosives to be used for exploding lacks accuracy. Each time the quantity of explosives is either falling short or exceeding the required amount. Proper calculations are needed for the amount of explosives to be used. The technicians need the help of the qualified engineers. Because the wrong amount of explosives is increasing the risk of landslides. Rescue operations are increasing the tension to the workers. The numbers of trial and errors are increasing in the explosions. This is increasing the time of job as correcting the situation takes more time. The technicians are not maintaining the excavators and other equipments thus leading to frequent breakdown of the excavators and other equipments. The efficiency of the equipments is also getting affected. Safety is not observed in case of equipment handling.

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3.4

Absence due to sickness

The working hours are exceeding overtime. Workers are forced to work beyond their physical capacity. This is one of the reasons for sickness and eventually leads to absenteeism. The workers are not getting immediate medical assistance to solve their problems. Food quality in the canteen is deteriorating. The number of persons handling the canteen is falling short of the demand. Very less number of members in canteen team are leading to the unhygienic running of the canteen. Clean drinking water is not available for workers, and this is adding up to the problem of sickness. In all, the workers are not getting hygienic conditions for living on site and the work hours are exceeding the affordable limits. The restrooms are not maintained clean. The maintenance team is falling short in handling the disturbances. The number of persons in the team is very less to catch up to the demand. The night shelters surrounding is dirty. This is attracting mosquitoes and indicating new threats.. Workers and cleaners are suffering from diseases like malaria, etc. As the site is located in a remote area, it is very difficult to take the infected to the hospital in the nearest town. The technicians, supervisors and skilled workers are suffering from dust problem and throat infections. The local insects and infections are adding up to the problem. This problem has led to the absenteeism, thus affecting progress of work.

3.5

Absence due to quarrels & drinks

The workers are suffering from sickness. This is leading to absenteeism. The performance is getting affected due to that. The project is lagging to catch up to the schedule. Each department does not have a separate schedule so that they can apply for their part of the job. Schedule of one department is getting affected because another is

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lagging to do the job on time. The result is that the overall project is running behind the scheduled time. This is resulting in tension for the engineers and they are blaming and forcing their juniors to do the job as fast as they can. This leads to increase in mistakes which take even more time to get corrected. This overall situation is creating an increase in temper of the engineers. The technicians are forced to complete the jobs faster and thus adding to their irritation. Supervisors asked for completing milestones on time, hence they are forcing the workers to work hard even more than their capacity. Supervisors are failing to motivate the workers. The desired quality is not maintained because of the frustration and grievances. The technicians and others are suffering because of increased stress. Many people have complaints regarding food provided in the canteen. Workers are blaming each other for the mistakes happening on site. Workers are not communicating freely with the supervisors to express their problems. Workers are suppressing their feelings and thus not concentrating on the work. The communication between the supervisors and workers is not good enough. Even the supervisors and engineers are not communicating to solve the problems of workers. The problems are not reported to the managers on time. Supervisors are not willing to listen to the workers. The job is not being explained properly to the workers. Supervisors are blamed that they are not solving the workers problems and this is creating problems in the engineer and supervisor relations. In all, everybody is blaming others and nobody is improving his part of behavior.

3.6

Accidents on site
Construction of underground works is a challenging task, especially in a remote area. Construction supervisors have a great deal of responsibility. In addition to managing project constraints including deadlines, supervisors must also address the safety of their co-workers. This includes the administration of safety procedures and guidelines as well

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as the enforcement of these policies. Supervisor negligence can result in serious injury and even death on the job.

NEEDS AND THEIR FULFILLMENT ON SITE

To overcome all the situations the management must first ensure worker/employee satisfaction. They must realize the basic needs and social needs of any human being for happy living and working. Once these are near to fulfillment, the workers/employees show better productivity and performance due to increased interest in the work.

4.1

Involvement in High risk construction activity

The proper construction methodology is to be established prior to starting of activity. Design stability to be ensured for each supporting / enabling works. Identify risk involvement on each project related activity and their impact. Highlight / intimate risk identified and collect the suitable economical suggestion through conducting inter brainstorming or consultancy from outside. Involvement of human resource to be minimized by identifying alternative automated methods. Explore the possibilities of engagement of modern technology applicable for the project work. Ensuring the good condition of the machinery involved. Prepare methodology statement understandable for front line supervisor / technician who have more practical knowledge but less theoretical knowledge. Recommendation for dangerous and hazardous constructing activity: 1) Ensure Preparation of proper construction methodology prior to start. 2) Conduct training for the supervisor / technician on the methodology adopted. 3) Identifying more automated method for carrying out the construction activity. 4) Engage in more machinery and reduce manpower involvement as much as possible. 5) Keep equipment in good condition.

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6) Ensure the stability of the enabling structure. 7) Conduct regular training for workmen engaged in particular activities.

4.2

Improper Manpower Management Planning & absenteeism of workmen:

Preparation of a proper schedule of Project and assign resources to each task i.e. each activity, Assigning resources means identify manpower required for each Task and what is the availability of manpower and how much work has been done till date and how much work is to be done. Identify type of manpower required i.e. Skilled or unskilled. If manpower is in adequate try to get more manpower or try to use the available manpower fully so that maximum amount of work to complete and try to complete the urgent works such that it does not effect our project duration, reschedule the project and update schedule to head office and inform them weekly work progress so that they can help you to overcome the manpower problem or try to motivate the available manpower by giving extra benefits if they complete the project in time or if manpower is very less than required then immediately inform head office so that they can send some more manpower so that the project can run smoothly. Recommendation of Manpower Management Planning: 1) Manpower planning involved some of steps project manager has to follow the same for engagement of manpower, because the Tunnel project is a large project more number of manpower is involved in the project . 2) Developing a source of manpower supply for all categories of manpower. 3) Understanding the project in all respects and get all details of the project i.e. Site condition, contract conditions, technical specifications, construction techniques, and time frame. 4) Working out the labour component in various parameters of the project, by using consultants to work out labour requirement.

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5) Classifying and categorizing labour requirement and various jobs by level of skill, responsibility, the nature of work etc. 6) Estimation of manpower required in view of the anticipated of absenteeism and labour turnover and the stability factor. 7) Ensure the guideline set by the organization for engagement of manpower to be followed.

4.3

UN-Hygienic surrounding & Temporary Accommodation:

Before starting of the project management has to well plan because this project is long duration so manpower involved will be more it is the one of the preliminary need for the employees & workers. UN-Hygienic surrounding observed in the project sites are as follows: 1) Poor drainage condition resulting stagnant water causing growth of mosquito, which develop the possibilities of malaria of workmen. 2) Shallow tube oil for drinking water resulting water diseases. 3) Improper toilet & latrine facilities for workmen. 4) Inadequate space for living. 5) Cooking facilities not available towards labour hut 6) Canteen for food not allotted to labours. 7) Cleaning of waste material from the colony area. Suggestion Methods for Hygiene Factors: Management has to plan for the temporary shelters in such a way that number of workers will be involved in the project and how many shelters are required for different category of employees will be working on the site and it should be completed before starting the project. Management should built temporary shelters for the workers who will be working on the site because the site is a remote area, workers cannot be able to

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stay in there and come to work it is the preliminary requirement for the workers so management has to take extra precautions, A site office also built with all necessary requirements, drinking water should be good because most of diseases are spread by water so it is an important step to take care of the management.

4.4

First aid camp:

First aid camp should be established on site. This will give immediate first aid to the victims of accidents if any. Healthy is the team, healthy is the organization. One doctor should be appointed on site with a helper. Separate room should be provided for them. This will help in solving the problem of local diseases that our workers and cleaners are facing. Help should be taken from government if the insecticide treatment is to be given to clear the area from diseases. The health of the team should be the prime concern of the organization. Once the site surrounding is clear, the cleaners health problems will be solved. This will reduce their absenteeism and thus the site accommodation will be maintained clean and hygienic conditions will be established. Prevention is better than cure. Hence, the root cause of sickness will be eliminated.

4.5

Availability of Alcohol & Consumption of Alcohol by the Labours:

This is the major problem with labour because they drink daily after work so that they get some relief from whole days work and body pains, but management should try to avoid drinking alcohol or try to get them in limited dose so that they have it in just go for sleep if they get it in excess quantities they will be drinking whole night and next day they will be absenteeism and also after excess drinking they start quarrelling between themselves its a big problem for the project manager while quarrelling their may be any accidents that leads to more absenteeism that will also indirectly effect the progress of project. If this quarrelling happens regularly then management has to take some precaution steps to handle that problem. Such as try to avoid the availability of alcohol

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near the site so that the labour cannot consume much alcohol and this problem is solved and the project may continue smoothly.

4.6

Safety Department:
The separate safety department should be provided and Safety Manager appointed for the project. He will be present on site till the project completion. His job is to identify the threats and suggest remedies. Safety demonstrations should be given to each person who is involved in the risky jobs. The safety kit is to be provided for each person present on site. The safety department office will be well equipped with fire extinguishers and other requirements. Detailed fire training should be given to the site persons. The workers should feel confident in the safety team. Safety manager will give time to time instructions regarding safety and safe equipment handling. The safety manuals should be issued to the technicians and supervisors. Supervisors should give instructions to the workers with the help of safety manager. Workers should be explained that the safety is of utmost importance.

4.7

Training:
Proper training should be given to the engineers and technicians for required tasks, if needed. Training should be given to the technicians for handling the explosives with safety. Training should be given to the engineers and they should work out the optimum quantity of explosives to be used each time. This will reduce the mistakes in wrong judgments and the trial and errors will be reduced. Thus the time required for correcting the job will be reduced. Also the problem of landslides can be reduced. The safety manager will do time to time checking of the possibility of landslides with the help of engineers.

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SUGGESTED METHODS FOR HYGIENE FACTOR AND MOTIVATIONAL

FACTORS:
The controllable reasons for absenteeism and turnover involve the ingredients of the environment of a construction site. In addition, each ingredient is important in its own right, quite apart from its effect on absenteeism and turnover. Careful attention to planning, safety, hygiene, interpersonal relationships, and other management fundamentals will not only reduce absenteeism and turnover, but will have other positive effects on job costs and schedules. A relatively small portion of the work force is causing most of the absenteeism and turnover. This reinforces a conclusion that prompt management action with respect to chronic offenders can be very effective. The persons who test positively for the presence of drugs or alcohol from a category of individuals and that being in this category is ground for labeling them as problematic. This type of absenteeism should be dealt seriously. Distance from a workers home to the job site seemed to have an effect on turnover and absenteeism at a range of 50 to 100 miles. Though the distance is uncontrollable, the only way for this category of workers is to arrange for transport or provide them accommodation near the site. Nonfinancial benefits such as transport, meals, and uniforms have a high effect on labour productivity.

5.1

Motivation:
Motivation is the effective key for a good team. Workers should be satisfied with the wages and other facilities provided to them then only they will work properly. Along with that if workers are motivated to do the job right the outcome will be appreciable. If workers are working very hard and dont have confidence in their job quality then the job will get affected. The supervisors should motivate their team to do the job right. A 13 | P a g e

supervisor is a leader of the team of workers. He should develop enough confidence in the workers. But the motivation should follow a chain in the organization. This will result in an organized motivation and then each small team will feel like they are a part of a big project team.

5.1.1

Motivation of Employees in Construction Project:

Motivation is the driving force within individuals that drive them physiologically and psychologically to pursue one or more goals to fulfill their needs or expectations. Motivators may be intrinsic or extrinsic. An example of an intrinsic motivator is the selffulfillment of a worker as a result of performing a task well. Some slogans should be developed for each team so that teams will be motivated each time they slogan are singing. Reward system should be developed to motivate the employees.

5.1.2

Motivation of labour in Construction Project

Construction labour can be motivated. This is important because dwindling productivity is a major problem confronting construction today. Productivity is decreasing every year for the past decade, in part because of increasing design complexity, more rigorous federal and state regulations and socioeconomic changes affecting the workforce.

RECOMMENDATION TO MANAGEMENT
Considering the project analysis and feasibility study made the following recommendation extended towards management. 1) Deployment of consultant for construction method finalization. 2) Deployment of Doctor and fast aid center with adequate medical facilities. 3) Arrangement of periodic medical check-up for labours 4) Proper screening for labour prior to engage them on risk job. 5) Technical knowledge to be screened for workers.

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6) Identifying more resource pull for workers. 7) Promoting the motivational scheme for labours 8) An incentive scheme to be implemented for enhancing motivation towards work. 9) Special care to be taken into account of hygienic aspects of labour hut. 10) Separate gang to be deployed for maintenance of labour colony. 11) Remote allowance can be introduced for labours.

BIBILIOGRAPHY/READINGS:
1. Management in organization by Koontz and Odoneal, MacGraw Hill 2. Construction Personnel Management for Construction Industry Managers SODE, NICMAR.

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