2026-09-25T22:49:10Zhttps://openrepository.aut.ac.nz/server/oai/requestoai:openrepository.aut.ac.nz:10292/205332026-06-13T16:33:56Zcom_10292_3col_10292_4
AUT Research Repository
advisor
Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun
advisor
Naismith, Nicola
author
Kirby, Mark
2026-01-22T19:20:29Z
2026-01-22T19:20:29Z
2025
http://hdl.handle.net/10292/20533
Despite sustained investment, the New Zealand (NZ) residential construction sector exhibits a persistent productivity paradox, constrained by systemic challenges and an estimated annual cost of NZD 2.5 billion attributed to defects and rework. The extant literature exhibits a conceptual divergence, treating quality management (QM) and construction productivity as fragmented. Although seemingly aligned, theoretical foundations and practical approaches are distinct, thereby hindering the development of a holistic solution. This thesis addresses this oversight by rigorously investigating what effect QM has on enhancing productivity in the New Zealand residential construction sub-sector.
Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the study utilised an initial survey (N = 106) to empirically rank productivity factors, followed by a diagnostic application of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) model. Quantitative findings were subsequently validated through qualitative semi-structured expert interviews (N=15).
The TOC analysis demonstrated that poor QM is the singular non-physical bottleneck limiting productivity and restricting the system’s capacity, driven by an endemic culture that “hyper normalises substandard practices.” The analysis establishes QM not as a contributory factor but as the root cause constraint. The study’s primary contribution is the development of a synthesised evidence-based QM strategy, (HEM) that resolves the conceptual divergence and provides a framework for sustainable performance.
The research culminates in a proposal for a National Construction, Productivity and Quality Commission (NCPQC), offering policymakers a blueprint for institutionalising systemic national-level reform. The findings move productivity improvement from an aspiration to a viable societal goal, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s economic resilience and societal well-being.
en
An Investigation Into Sub-Sector Productivity: The New Zealand Residential Construction Industry
Thesis
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URL
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File
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KirbyM.pdf
URL
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KirbyM.pdf.txt