I am a Civil Engineering Construction Methods Analyst. I find that productivity challenges are usually caused by the adoption of inappropriate methods for the execution of work. My project planning is construction method based and is prepared as a simulation of the execution of the works. Planning is done in a bottom-up process. Producton rates are culculated in accordance with the details of the job, site conditions and the type of resources which are available at or in the vicinity of the project. Obviously, if nothing is available locally, the search area is expanded as may be needed.
My experience includes dams (earthfill, rockfill with asphalt core, rockfill with upstream concrete lining, concrete arch, mass concrete gravity and RCC), water pipeliines from 50 - 2400 mm dia and 0,5 - 365 km long, fuel pipe lines, refinery works, water storage reservoirs, harbour works, roads of all kinds (gravel, paving blocks, bitumen & concrete surfaced, single cattiageway, multi carriageway, interchanges), railway lines, railway and road bridges, airports, power stations (Hydro electric, nuclear and coal fired), structures and civil engineering services. My first precedence diagram planning experience was in 1974 for reprogramming a large arch dam for forecasting concrete placement quantities for setting up a monthly bonus system based on the man hours per cubic meter of concrete placed. A 1500 activity network was developed by hand on pre-printed A0 sheets. Input of data was by means of punch cards. It was a great success.
In every case during my career where I prepared the method statement and programme for a project or for part thereof and where the contractor adhered to the my prescribed method and order of works it was a success. Unfortunately this does not happen often.