Publisher's Synopsis
Construction in Hong Kong is unique in that output has been substantially increased under conditions of limited labour supply. Past and current design trends to reduce labour content are examined in this study and labour-saving site construction methods are thereafter identified. They key role of management systems, processes and personnel is reviewed. Innovations from highly industrialized countries in materials, design, construction plant, construction methods and managerial systems are discussed as are problems in technology transfer. The report also analyzes single factor productivity of key resources to understand the construction process better within a resource optimization approach. In the first study of its kind on Hong Kong, a number of policy recommendations related to design, materials, plant,contractor system, quality, safety, innovation, research and development are formulated in this study. The approach employed for this study may be adapted and extended to other countries facing a shortage of any key resource. This is first-hand documentation of research conducted over a four year period by experts in international and Hong Kong building construction.
