CHAPTER 1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Project Context
Carpentry projects in the construction business encounter several obstacles that impact the level of craftsmanship. An important problem is the need for more expertise and proficiency among workers, as evidenced by an average index score of 3.12, which suggests a major influence on the quality of buildings (Salleh et al., 2022). More training and skill development initiatives exacerbate this issue. Although there are 12,471 carpenter graduates from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority National Certification Level II (TESDA NC II), a significant number of them still lack the requisite abilities and experience to achieve the requirements set by the industry (Orbeta & Corpus, 2021).
Furthermore, the lack of standardized procedures emphasized the difficulties in a research study on a sample of 150 carpenters in the ASEAN region. An analysis of in-depth interviews conducted with 20 construction project managers reveals that inadequate project planning and management are widespread concerns. These inefficiencies result in delays and cost overruns, as reported by 60% of carpenters, while 55% have observed a reduction in job quality (ASEAN Journal of Management & Innovation, 2022). 75% of the carpenters studied used informal planning methods to worsen these issues, resulting in inefficiencies and delays. The absence of uniformity substantially affects project results, leading to cost overruns for 60% of carpenters and a considerable decline in work quality for 55% (GlobalData UK Ltd., 2023). Miscommunication, design alterations, and inadequate project management are the prevailing issues that significantly impact 60% of carpenters every month.
Rover Danny et al. (2022) conducted a survey that revealed that 80% of carpenters view standardizing project planning processes as a crucial solution. Furthermore, delays in building projects are a significant issue in Southeast Asia. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have identified a total of 36 factors that contribute to delays (Wuala & Rarasati, 2020). Following 26 studies conducted by Tariq and Gardezi (2023), inadequate project planning and scheduling are significant factors that contribute to these delays. The Philippines' construction sector faces additional challenges. The government's commitment to construct 205,000 residences for families affected by a typhoon has only been partially realized, with approximately 60% of the houses finished and a portion of them failing to meet the required standards. This underscores the complex difficulties, such as land disputes and deficiencies in government execution (Ravelo, 2019).
To tackle these difficulties, CCarp employs a comprehensive strategy to enhance the planning and implementation of carpentry projects. Carpenters can use a platform that streamlines job searches and highlights their expertise, making it easier to identify potential prospects. The platform also offers tools for streamlined project planning, enabling carpenters to create and adhere to efficient project plans. Enhanced project monitoring capabilities enable clients to ensure that the quality of work aligns with their requirements, resulting in benefits for them. The platform's objective is to diminish inefficiencies and delays in construction projects by incorporating standardized processes and improved communication tools. This will lead to more successful project outcomes and improved overall quality.
Purpose and Description
In the Purpose and Description section of the capstone project, we need to address several key aspects:
Rationale, timeliness, and relevance: The carpentry sector encounters notable obstacles, such as restricted access to employment prospects, the absence of defined project planning methodologies, and inadequate protocols for supervising work excellence. These problems lead to inefficiency and missed opportunities for both carpenters and clients. The CCarp effort seeks to tackle these difficulties by establishing a framework for carpentry projects that is both more accessible and standardized. The increasing need for superior workmanship and effective project coordination in nearby markets emphasizes the urgency of this project.
Potential solutions and improvements: CCarp addresses the existing challenges in the carpentry sector by enhancing carpenters' access to work prospects and facilitating the demonstration of their talents. The initiative used standardized project planning procedures to improve the efficacy and efficiency of carpentry projects. In addition, it incorporates standardized protocols for checking the quality of work, guaranteeing exceptional standards and consumer contentment. These enhancements result in a more systematic and dependable carpentry sector, benefiting both carpenters and their clientele.
Beneficiaries and Their Benefits: The primary beneficiaries of CCarp include clients seeking carpentry services and carpenters looking for job opportunities. Clients benefit from higher quality work, improved project management, and greater reliability. Carpenters have easier access to a broader range of projects, allowing them to demonstrate their skills and secure more consistent work.
Contribution to Knowledge: CCarp introduces an innovative approach to providing carpentry services by facilitating better connections between clients and carpenters. It offers a structured framework for project planning and quality monitoring, which is currently lacking in the industry. By highlighting effective solutions to common industry problems and proposing practical applications, this project contributes to the body of knowledge in similar trades.
Possible Implications: The outcomes of the CCarp project could significantly impact the carpentry industry. By addressing the current challenges, this project can serve as a model for future research and policy-making, emphasizing the need for standardized procedures and better job accessibility. The project could lead to new policies supporting the integration of innovative carpentry services into traditional business models, fostering industry-wide improvements. Practically, it could reshape current practices, making carpentry services more responsive to contemporary client needs and driving industry evolution.
These five essential elements establish a well-justified framework for the CCarp capstone project, ensuring transparency in its goals and anticipated impacts. The significance of this research is communicated, providing readers with a broad understanding of the project's purpose and direction. This comprehensive approach lays a stable foundation for the subsequent content and objectives, promising a focused and impactful exploration of the carpentry industry in the context of contemporary challenges and industry dynamics.
Problem Statement and Objective
General Problem
Limited accessibility of carpentry job opportunities in local markets.
Specific Problem
Lack of standardized project planning processes for carpenters.
Lack of standardized procedures for monitoring work quality.
General Objective
Increase the accessibility of carpentry jobs in local markets by at least 30% by encouraging clients to post more of their ideas and plans, making it easier for carpenters to find and secure opportunities to showcase their skills.
Specific Objectives
Develop and implement standardized project planning processes for carpenters to improve the efficiency of their project plans, measuring the impact by aiming for at least a 20% improvement in project completion times. Through this project, carpenters can provide a comprehensive plan after evaluating the client's initial proposal.
Establish and enforce standardized procedures for monitoring work quality to ensure high standards, measuring success by achieving at least a 25% reduction in client complaints related to work quality. Throughout this project, carpenters can post regular updates, including daily and hourly progress reports, which clients can view in real time.
Capstone Project Gap Objectives
CCarp aims to address key gaps in the carpentry industry by providing innovative solutions.
Hiring Carpenters Virtually
Traditionally, hiring a carpenter involves a client visiting various carpenters in person to discuss their project. This project simplifies the process by enabling clients to hire carpenters virtually. Clients post a detailed project plan online, which carpenters can review. Carpenters can then evaluate the plan and decide whether to accept the project, saving time and increasing convenience for both parties.
Creating an Effective Plan
One major issue in the carpentry industry is the lack of standardized project planning processes, leading to misunderstandings and inefficiencies. Through this project, carpenters can provide a comprehensive plan after evaluating the client's initial proposal. This step ensures that all aspects of the project are thoroughly considered and agreed upon before work begins, thereby minimizing potential problems and enhancing project outcomes.
Micromanaging Work Quality
Ensuring high work quality and keeping clients informed about project progress can be challenging. This project introduces a system for detailed micromanagement of work quality. Carpenters can post regular updates, including daily and hourly progress reports, which clients can view in real-time. This transparency allows clients to monitor the project's development closely, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed and that the work meets their standards.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Scope of the Study
Deliver carpentry services exclusively within Davao City.
Provide comprehensive carpentry services specifically tailored for property developers who require skilled carpenters for various construction and renovation projects.
Create more job opportunities for carpenters, allowing them to display their skills, connect with potential employers, and fulfill the demand for quality carpentry services.
Focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of project planning, which helps avoid common pitfalls and inefficiencies that can arise during the planning phase of construction projects.
Implement micro-management tools that allow for detailed monitoring of work progress. Regular updates is provided to keep all stakeholders informed about the ongoing status and developments of the projects.
Enable users to purchase necessary equipment, materials, and tools from partnered shops directly through the CCarp platform, ensuring a seamless procurement process.
Limitations of the Study
While striving for a thorough investigation, this study acknowledges certain limitations beyond the control of the researcher:
Only carpenters actively seeking job opportunities can utilize the CCarp platform, which may limit its user base to those specifically in need of work.
The platform requires compatible devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and updated web browsers, which might limit access for users without access to these technologies.
Accessing premium features or additional services within the CCarp platform may incur additional costs for clients, which could be a barrier for some users.
The primary focus of the project is on functionalities related to opening job opportunities for carpenters, making project planning more effective, and micromanaging work quality. Other potential features may not receive the same level of priority.
The study's target market is estimated to be approximately 698,000 potential customers within Davao City, which could limit the geographical applicability and relevance of the findings to this specific area.