Learning Curve for Improved Productivity in the South African Construction Industry

Abstract

The South African construction industry has battled with productivity for years despite being the key contributors to the economy of the country. This paper aims to remedy this problem by introducing the learning curve tool into the South African construction industry. The study sought to deduce the level of awareness of the learning curve and determine the benefits of adopting the learning curve tool in the South African construction industry. The Quantitative Methodology was adopted for this study and participation from construction professionals was obtained through a well-structured questionnaire. A total of 106 questionnaires were sent out and 62 were received back representing a response rate of 58.5%. The findings revealed that there is a moderate awareness of the learning curve tool in the South African construction industry. Additionally, the findings revealed that the workers would become familiar with their job and sharpen their skills which would result in a higher quality of construction work and the reduction of time taken to complete a task with reduced cost. The adoption of the learning curve tool in the South African construction industry offers a solution to a lasting problem of productivity in the industry. This study will enlighten construction professionals on the concept of the learning curve and the benefits of the learning curve.