Title: Towards the improvement of practical knowledge of artisans in the construction industry: an empirical evidence from a developing economy

Authors: Ernest Kissi; Matthew Ikuabe; Clinton Aigbavboa; Emmanuel Boakye

Addresses: Department of Construction Technology and Management, College of Art and the Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; SARChI in Sustainable Construction Management and Leadership in the Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa ' School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa ' SARChI in Sustainable Construction Management and Leadership in the Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa ' Department of Construction Technology and Management, College of Art and the Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract: The growing world population has propelled the need for more infrastructure development, creating an imbalance between the few skilled workers available and jobs in the market. This situation, therefore, brings about the need for more workers to obtain the practical knowledge required to perform the available jobs in the industry. Therefore, this study was conducted to improve artisans' practical knowledge using the Ghanaian Construction Industry (GCI) as a case study. A quantitative research method was adopted for the study. Through a critical review of available literature, a questionnaire was developed and administered purposively to professionals in the construction industry. The data generated was further validated using factor analysis. The findings suggested four critical strategies for improving the practical knowledge of artisans. The four key strategies include the implementation of training schemes, provision of technological tools, collaboration between firms, and regulatory actions by the government. This study's findings would help create individuals with the needed skills to work on challenging projects and bring out the best in quality work. It further would lead to more collaboration between local and foreign firms in exchange for knowledge programmes, which would help improve the practical knowledge of artisans in the construction industry.

Keywords: artisan; construction; Ghana; knowledge; skills; strategies; practical.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2026.155587

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2026 Vol.48 No.3, pp.383 - 403

Received: 12 Apr 2024
Accepted: 17 May 2024
Published online: 06 Aug 2026 *

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