A Model for Assessing Maximum Overtime Rate in Labor Subcontracting Practices

Despite the rapid development in the construction industry due to the changing new technologies, many projects still fail to meet target deadlines. Shortage in manpower and skilled laborers is one of the main reasons for such delays. Markets with high economic growth and economic expansion (such as Gulf Countries in the Middle East) may have pronounced labor the shortages. Labor subcontracting practices are used sometimes to increase production rates and meet project deadlines. This paper explains and analyses labor subcontracting practices currently being used in many places around the world (and especially in the Gulf Countries) and in particular defines a maximum overtime rate for laborers in the laborer-subcontracting method ensuring that the contractor gains both the time saved during overtime and also reduces the cost per unit produced. The mathematical model used formalizes a closed-form equation for overtime pay in similar situations and as such can be applicable worldwide. Data was collected from representative projects that employed such practices from various trades. Validation of the model and formula has been tested successfully by analyzing historic data. The results prove that contractors often do not reach the optimum use of their practices resulting in a higher cost per unit. The presented model and the analysis should be of interest to many contractors currently involved in the practice or considering its use and to those who wish to find new methods that would help in eliminating as much wastes as possible by allocating their resources in the most efficient way.