Manpower and productivity in the construction industry

The relationship between manpower and productivity is an important factor in the area of increasing construction costs. Manpower supply is affected by worker mobility, influx of minority workers, work accidents, and training and apprenticeship programs. A survey was conducted in the state of New Jersey to determine if a manpower shortage existed. The survey was conducted by submitting questionnaires to contractors, unions, owners, and architect-engineers. The results of the survey indicated that a manpower shortage does exist, and that the shortage has influ enced construction costs, Furthermore, as a result of the increasing costs, indications of a decline in new work became evident from responses by owners and architectengineers