Conceptual Construction Process Model

Managers have tried several project‐specific methods to improve declining construction productivity with mixed results. Most solutions have focused on supporting craftsmen in the field. This paper presents a conceptual model of the construction process, defining goals for management and control systems to support the craftsman's needs in the field. This model comprises four generic flow charts with rules that govern them. The first defines the needs of the craftsman. The second specifies the support functions required from a site organization, while the third defines all of the other major site‐related functions. Finally, the limits of site management control are specified. Craft support is the acid test of a functioning system; thus validation of the model focused on the first two flow charts. Analysis of five groups of similar projects showed that the closer a site organization is to the conceptual model, the better its performance. Site evaluation tools are presented.