HRM Best Practices in Construction Projects - Essay Example

Using an extensive literature review and a semi-structured survey of 24 of 50 targeted construction companies in the UK, this research study looks at the human resource management (HRM) best practices used by construction firms to address these external and internal challenges.  The study concludes that whilst most firms are adopting many HRM best practices to address manpower-related issues, there is a need for the industry, which accounts for a large proportion of the UK’s economy and employment, to get its act together and carry out a radical reform that would provide long-term solutions to its problems.

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance of the construction companies that have participated in the research study on condition of anonymity.  Although their names are indicated somewhere in this research study, most have participated on the condition that their responses would not be directly linked to any single response.  I have faithfully complied with their request.

My sincerest gratitude also extends to my dissertation adviser, Dr. Motiar Rahman, and Dr. Liang Jiang, whose valuable guidance helped me to proceed with this study.  Their timely indications and encouragement were the beacons of light that helped me continue in those moments of intellectual darkness.

Lastly, I would like to thank those who helped me in any way: my family and friends such as my parents, Miss Yuan Liu, Mr.Liang Sha, and Mr.Xujun Zhang, etc,  I dedicate this work to all of them, and I hope that the reader catches a glimpse of the exciting process I went through in making the study.

Chapter Introduction

The first chapter of this thesis is a summary of what the research paper is about the background and importance of the research, the issues being addressed and the questions being answered, how the research study was carried out, and an overview of the whole research paper.

Background of the Research Study

The construction industry has become very competitive with globalization taking place and with the development of new technology; there is a requirement for skillful and well-trained employees and their appropriate placement. This would ensure the maximum use of resources and the utility of their skills.  This research study is to see how Human Resource Management (HRM) best practices are integrated into the construction industry, an industry that has the highest rate of employment both in developed and developing countries. According to Scarbrough (2002), One of the main reasons why human resources are valuable in this sector is the fact that the construction industry is labor-intensive.