W4_Abiola Ojo_Improving Construction Group Timewriting Performance

Problem Statement

Timewriting from the offshore field-based construction group has been very poor with an average performance of 30% in the last 2 years. The under-performance in timewriting has resulted in significant increase in charge-out rate and management has expressed its displeasure at this trend. Currently, timewriting is done via a network based application called self service (SS) system. This requires every timewriter to log-on to the company intranet to book his time. A root cause analysis shows that lack or slow network connectivity in some remote locations, inadequate timewriting training, and occasional SS system malfunctioning are some of the causes of this problem. Also, it was discovered that field personnel are too busy supervising work on site and cannot afford to spend several useful manhours trying to book their time.

Alternatives

In a bid to find a lasting solution to this problem, the task team came up with several alternatives:

Alternative 1: Move the group from SS system to Speed system which allows time to be booked in the system on behalf of others.

Alternative 2: Improve network connectivity in the offshore area by installing more radio frequency receivers and retain the SS system.

Alternative 3: Retrain staff on timewriting and increase timewriting supervision while retaining the SS system

Outcome of the Alternatives

Alternative 1:

This alternative involves developing an excel timesheet template which timewriters will complete weekly and submit to a designated time administrator for logging into the Speed system.

     Set-up cost – $5,000

Maintenance cost/year – $200

Set-up Timeline – 2months

Expected increase in timewriting – 200%  

Level of Required Support – One FTE administrator required

Alternative 2:

This alternative involves awarding of contracts for the procurement and installation of radio frequency receivers in the remote offshore locations. Timewriters will continue to book their time directly through the SS system.

     Set-up cost – $65,000

Maintenance cost/year – $2,000

Set-up Timeline – 18months

Expected increase in timewriting – 150%

Level of Required Support – Nil

Alternative 3:

This alternative involves organizing series of trainings for timewriters and increasing the level of timewriting supervision. Timewriters will continue to book their time directly through the SS system.

     Set-up cost – $10,000

Maintenance cost/year – Nil

Set-up Timeline – 1months

Expected increase in timewriting – 100% 

Level of Required Support – Half FTE supervisor required

Selection Criteria

S/N	Criteria	Weight
1	Set-up cost	3
2	Maintenance cost	2
3	Set-up Timeline	4
4	Expected increase in timewriting	5
5	Level of Required Support	1

Analysis of Alternatives

Alternative	Set-up cost	Maintenance cost	Set-up Timeline	Expected increase in timewriting	Level of Required Support	Ranking
	Weight
	3	2	4	5	1
Alternative 1	3	2	2	3	1	37
Alternative 2	1	1	1	2	3	22
Alternative 3	2	3	3	1	2	31

            Key: Best – 3, Fair – 2, Worst - 1

Alternative Selected

Based on the above analysis, Alternative 1 which is “Move the group from ESS system to Speed system which allows time to be booked in the system on behalf of others” got the highest score and is therefore the selected alternative.

Performance Monitoring

Actual timewriting will be measured by generating monthly timewriting reports and analyzing it to determine performance against expectation. This will enable the team assess the level of success of the new system with a view to improving it or changing it if required.

References

1.     Engineering Economy, 14th Edition. (Chapter 1, Page 27, William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C.    Patrick Koelling