A hybrid simulation approach to model and improve construction labor productivity

This research presents an integrated fuzzy System Dynamics (SD) approach for modeling and improving of labor productivity. The complex inter-related structure of different factors affecting labor productivity is modeled using SD approach. Owing to the imprecise and uncertain nature of many factors affecting the labor productivity, fuzzy logic is integrated into system dynamics to account for the existing uncertainties. The values of different uncertain factors affecting the labor productivity are determined by fuzzy numbers based on the opinions of different experts involved in the project. Using the proposed fuzzy-SD approach, the value of labor productivity is determined as a fuzzy number considering the effects of all the influencing factors. Different alternative solutions are then defined to improve the labor productivity. The impact of the alternative solutions on project performance is simulated using the proposed fuzzy-SD model prior to their actual implementation. Using the proposed integrated fuzzy-SD approach, the project manager may decide on the most appropriate alternative solution to improve the labor productivity.