Value management in government construction projects in South Africa
- Authors: Mngeni- Nobala, Thandokazi Yvonne
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Construction projects -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa , Value analysis (Cost control)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64673 , vital:73845
- Description: The public sector construction industry aims to deliver infrastructure services to its client satisfactorily. However, the public sector is notorious for delivering projects that are over budget, finish years behind schedule, and are of poor quality. Value management is one way to address these challenges. This research aimed to examine the level of awareness and implementation of value management within the public sector and the benefits thereof. In this qualitative study, interviews were employed to gain insight into the level of awareness of value management within the public sector department in the Eastern Cape. A total of ten professionals in the public sector working for the Department of Public Works were purposively selected to be interviewed and the secondary data was sought through document analysis . The data was thematically analysed. The South African government requires a strategic change that will help improve awareness of value management in government infrastructure projects in South Africa which will pave the way for the full implementation of VM. The study found that the obstacle to adopting value management for public projects was the lack of knowledge and practice of value management. It was also found that the respondents were keen to implement value management and saw it as part of an important step in the planning stage of a project as it would save the department time and money. In order to improve the performance of construction projects, there is a need to adopt innovative ideas and solutions that will work for South African construction industry. Value management is one way to improve the performance of construction projects. VM should be considered at a strategic level in public sector departments to improve its applicability to meet client’s objectives. The major goal of the VM is to ensure that projects are delivered to the best function at the lowest total life cost achievable. The satisfaction of clients is a key factor of construction project success. Value Management strives to address problems which may arise such as budgetary constraints trying to decrease unnecessary costs towards the project but without causing changes to quality of the finished product. Value management is believed to be a cost-cutting exercise as perceived by many but the most importantly it focuses on function of an element or project. This means that the project is procured at the lowest possible cost by utilizing multiple cost control mechanisms without compromising the project's value and function. Value management has proven to be a practical management strategy for improving value for money, creating a better focus on project objectives, working toward more effective design, and identifying wasteful expenses due to unneeded design, material, labor, and machine. To optimise the usage of value management and to improve project performance, there is a need to adopt new concepts like value management that will work for the South African construction sector. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
Invalid submission of extension of time claims in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Neethling, Juan Pierre
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management Project management Building -- Superintendence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46805 , vital:39663
- Description: Most construction projects are delayed in the construction industry due to internal and/or external influences. Proving delay is not a simple task but rather a time-consuming process, as projects consist of numerous activities and a substantial amount of detail, and they interface with the many stakeholders. Several different methods can be used to prove a delay; however, these are academic and are mainly for simple projects. Proving a delay is often difficult for the contractor, who is consistently dealing with multiple project constraints. Therefore, to be effective with an extension of time claim, the contractor must establish causation and liability, and assist in demonstrating the extent of time-related damages experienced as a direct result of the delay events relied upon. The process of recording the delays is dynamic and requires solid knowledge of contract clauses, the ability to distinguish between different types of delays and the capability to identify what constitutes valid evidence. Therefore, a need arises to establish a framework that would assist contractors by standardising their submission. This would contribute to expediting the evaluation and approval process, thus limiting the negative impacts associated with prolonged delay claims. The research obtains a “lived” view from contractors who have participated with EOT claims, therefore, utilising the qualitative research method. The choice of data collection method was semi-structured one-on one face to face interviews. In deriving the findings of the research, the coding scheme techniques were used throughout the research process to manage both the secondary and primary data. The main factors which cause major problems in EOT claims are contractual knowledge, lack of supporting information, contractual compliance, employer inference and the different philosophies of contracts, which often leads to confusion and misinterpretation. There is a lack of awareness and knowledge of the analysis techniques and strategies which could assist in preparing EOT claims, even though there is a substantial amount of literature available. The concept that the industry needs a standardised submission process was welcomed by the participants; the existence of a common strategy would certainly resolve many problems in the submission process, including reducing the number of disputes. There was a consensus among all participants that there is no standard approach to submitting EOT claims in the South African construction industry and exploring a common approach was an idea that was viewed as reasonable and maybe offered a practical solution to address the submission challenges. There were several delimitations to this study. First, the sample only included individuals within the Eastern Cape region. Since the sample size was relatively small, the researcher was cautious when interpreting and generalising the results. Secondly, the targeted population for this research was selected using the purposive sampling method, as opposed to a random sampling, which means that the results of the study cannot be generally applied to a larger population. Lastly, the research was a qualitative study which relied on the interpretations of the researcher based on his understanding of the data collected.
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- Date Issued: 2020
"A lean-led-evaluation" of infrastructure development improvement programme in South Africa
- Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44535 , vital:38131
- Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The challenges of professional women in a male-dominated South African construction industry
- Authors: Tyindyana, Xolile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management Women industrialists -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44962 , vital:38192
- Description: The opinions that South African construction industry is the most untransformed sector, highly gender active and men have difficulty in accepting women in the construction industry, hindered the development of the South African economy. The improved number of professional women entering the statuses of this male dominance is noticeable, but the percentage of men still speak volume. Hence, there are imbalances that are correspondent to discrimination trials. This study explore challenges faced by professional women in the construction industry of South Africa, in the Eastern Cape. The study embraced exploratory research design in order to formulate preliminary investigations based on relatively unknown areas of professional women in construction industry. Therefore, this qualitative method incorporated interpretivism as its research philosophy, with the motive that this paradigm succeeds individual ontology that does not perceive as objective and independent. The purposeful sampling technique deployed in identifying the research participants, coupled by ten (10) women rendering professional services in the construction industry. Data collected was analysed thematically, which gave rise to presented themes, deliberated and construed in headings framed from research objectives. The study revealed that professional women still trapped between resisting, accommodating masculine politics and femininity distinctions regardless of evolutions. Most participants attested to the gender imbalances that propagates marginalisation, which is in line with the revelations. The study also suggest that men reject professionalism identity in the context of women. Other key challenges were not limited to backgrounds of the industry, outlook and progression that necessitated women taking executive positions. Further still, participants are aware of flouted construction industry policies and the strategies to use to by their counterparts to obscure them. Hence, the study suggested monitoring and review of policies in place by the policy makers. A recommended that similar research be carried out in South Africa, particularly provinces, as a literature gap has been identified. These recommended studies could enhance professional women, men and policy makers in profound consideration of the challenges faced by professional women in the construction industry.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Construction company joint ventures in South Africa
- Authors: Sisilana, Owethu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Joint ventures Strategic alliances (Business) Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35554 , vital:33756
- Description: In the construction industry, construction joint ventures (CJVs) have become one of the major organisational forms utilised in large-scale projects. However, because of the complexity of CJVs, the management of CJVs is much more difficult than that of usual projects undertaken by a single construction firm. In South Africa the existence of a clear and effective strategy for the successful transformation of organisational culture in a CJV is not clear. Similarly, poorly organised administrative structures in a CJV can also be a barrier to organisational performance. In South Africa there seems to be no evidence of a common understanding on the CJV formation process. According to CIDB (2004) there is no standard CJV agreement document. Therefore, a need arises to establish guidelines on the formation of a CJV agreement. Secondly, there is a need to establish strategies for the successful transformation of organisational culture in CJV. The research obtains an inside view with contractors who have participated in CJV’s, therefore, utilising the qualitative research method. The choice of data collection method was semi-structured one-on-one face to face interviews. In deriving the findings of the research, the ATLAS.ti software was used throughout the research process to manage both the secondary and primary data. The main factors which cause major problems in CJV's is the preliminary agreement, the partner selection and cultural differences. There is no evidence of a collective understanding among CJV partners regarding the successful formation processes of a CJV. The concept that the industry needs a standardised CJV agreement has been welcomed by the participants, the existence of a common CJV agreement would certainly resolve many problems in the way things are done currently including the implementation of joint venture projects. There is consensus between all participants that there is no standard CJV agreement in use in the South African construction industry and exploring a common approach is an idea that is viewed reasonable and to be one of the practical solutions to the problems in the industry. There are several limitations in this study. First, the sample included emerging and established contractors who are currently registered with the CIDB under Contractor Development Program only. While the sample size is relatively small, the researcher was cautious when interpreting the results. Secondly the targeted population for this research was selected using a sample of convenience method as opposed to a random sample, then the results of the study cannot be generally applied to a larger population. Thirdly, an obvious weakness of the research is the methodological difficulties related to qualitative research which relies on the inferences that are made by the researcher based on their own understanding of the data collected. It is therefore crucial that the data gathered is credible and that the findings represent the truth and actual sentiments as they appear from the data collection process. The research is of importance to managers and supervisors of construction companies of all sizes. The findings of this study will assist in ensuring that CJV are efficiently managed irrespective of the cultural differences.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A sustainable water quality framework for South Africa towards 2050
- Authors: Osmond, Christopher John
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Water resources development -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3255 , vital:20417
- Description: There are a wide range of issues that stem from inadequate access to, and the unsustainable management of water resources, which can lead to ecological and human crises (Gleik, 1998: 571). With the increasing demand for clean water for drinking and sanitation, coupled with population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate change, many countries face a complex set of threats when dealing with their water resources and the management thereof (Environmental Protection Agency, 2012: 4). South Africa‟s challenges are no different, if current trends in water management continue and government does not intervene with what has been an unequal society even in terms of the division of water, it will continue to lose ground in its development and sustaining of water resources (Ukwandu, 2009: 24 - 30). “The objective of managing the quantity, quality and reliability of the nation‟s water resources is to achieve optimum, long-term, environmentally sustainable social and economic benefit for society from their use.” (Principle 7 of the National Water Policy, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, 1997: 20). The primary objective of this research is to develop a framework for water management and sustainable development by utilising a Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to develop strategies for innovation in South Africa towards 2050. New rules and regulations have been adopted by local municipal divisions in South Africa to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly buildings and methods. It is therefore the aim of the research to establish ways in which water can be harvested and saved in a simple and innovative yet sustainable manner. The complexity of erecting structures has also increased with some sustainable measures in water management taking place, however the water issues in South Africa continue to grow and cause concern. Government therefore plays a pivotal role in ensuring that water is managed sustainably at not only harvesting and infrastructure level but also re-cycling level, where simple innovative strategies can be adopted. This paper further seeks to highlight the positive and negative impacts of implementing water management methods and strategies that can be adopted.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Green procurement for municipal construction projects
- Authors: Maboza, Luthando Sithembele
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable construction , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3165 , vital:20407
- Description: The study is a qualitative investigation of the implementation of green procurement in the construction sector at Local Government level. The focus is on the Metropolitan Municipalities of EThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay and City of Cape Town. For the purpose of realising an extended comparative perspective, an additional three smaller municipalities were also reviewed. Green procurement is the tool used by governments to source the supply of products and services that are environmentally friendly to counter the global problem of climate change. The study commences with the exposition of the aspects of green procurement from the basis of the enabling legal framework to the scholarly contribution from which the study can be predicated. It becomes apparent from this review of legislation that there is a scope within the existing body of legislation for the use of green procurement as an environmental tool. Scholarly work addresses adoption of green procurement and considers, inter alia, the Bottom-up Approach, the Top-down Approach, and the Procura + Milestones model. Literature indicates that development has a negative impact on the environment, which includes vegetation loss, illegal dumping, and greenhouse gas emissions. Further, the literature recommends green lifecycle design and production of construction projects to reduce the impact of construction on the environment. A systematic investigation of municipalities by means of interviews with relevant municipal officials involved with the procurement of products and services, infrastructure services and environmental affairs officials made it possible to identify factors that impact on the implementation of green procurement. The investigation finds that the major obstacles to green procurement are socio-economic challenges that confront municipalities, lack of policy, and lack of awareness. Recommendations include the proposal of initiatives that encourage and improve the implementation of green procurement. The study hopes to inspire innovation in the implementation of green procurement in the construction sector.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Organizational culture in the South African construction industry : effects on work-life balance and individual performance
- Authors: Dlamini, Gcebekile Tikhokhile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Work-life balance -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018513
- Description: The South African construction industry plays an important role in the economy and overall development of the country, with respect to its total fiscal contribution and the total number of people who are employed. In addition, it is a major contributor to infrastructure development. However, the human resource base within this industry is confronted with a plethora of challenges that are inherent to the construction industry. These manifest themselves in stressful working conditions and long working hours, labour intensive jobs, reduced job security due to job losses and short-term projects, and the feeble health and safety (H&S) standards. Together with a variety of socio-economic and political issues, these challenges form a perceived and broad organisational culture of this industry, which impacts on the industry‟s productivity. As construction management efforts in the development of the human resources base increase, the industry recognises that work-life balance is an important and critical issue in the 21st century. Construction management is a discipline that embodies two interdependent dimensions; the management of the business of construction and the management of projects. Of the latter, the key principles thereof are, as part of a management strategy, planning, organizing, leading, controlling and coordinating projects. To achieve these strategic components, an effective human resource base is required. Work-life balance is therefore a management issue and organizational culture sets a backdrop from which it can be understood. This study focused on the status of the organisational culture of the production establishments that form part of the construction industry and the manner in which it manifests on the work-life balance of the workers. Furthermore, the correlation between work-life balance and individual work performance was examined. An exploratory research approach was adopted and the research technique followed an interview protocol. The main findings demonstrate that the South African construction industry is predominantly a clan culture with minor characteristics of the hierarchy, adhocracy and market cultures. Furthermore, work-life balance is difficult to attain and it influences individual work performance. The main conclusion is that organizational culture in construction firms is imbalanced. Thus, the main recommendation is that the industry adopts a balanced organizational culture and modern human resource practices.
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- Date Issued: 2015
The effectiveness of arbitration practice relative to South African construction
- Authors: Bvumbwe, Chikumbutso
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47981 , vital:40460
- Description: The study investigated the arbitration practice relative to the South African construction industry. Most of the construction contracts include an arbitration clause in the contract document as an instrument to be used for resolving disputes. The aim is to resolve disputes between the parties with minimum costs and within a reasonable period. Some parties opt to involve legal counsel in the process which has a potential of affecting time and cost. The literature review focuses on arbitration, in the construction industry, with a particular focus on how effective the methods are in terms of cost, time and the relationship between the disputing parties, the impact of using legal counsel during the arbitration process versus not involving legal counsel, the arbitration clause not specifying when to declare a dispute, and the perception of construction professionals on arbitration. The study was based on closed-ended questionnaires distributed among senior construction professionals including, architects, quantity surveyors, construction managers, project managers and practising attorneys. 61 respondents completed the questionnaire. The respondents were asked to comment on the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution, cost, time, causes of disputes, and impacts of disputes. The cost of arbitration seems to escalate as a result of legal counsel being involved during the arbitration procedures. The time factor also seems to be prolonged. A notable finding indicates that the arbitration clause in the contract document should specify when to declare the dispute. The survey was conducted and limited to the Gauteng Province in South Africa. Findings are of value to clients, contractors and consultants and provides a basis for addressing arbitration effectively in the construction industry.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Building Information Modelling as a catalyst for an Integrated Construction Project Delivery culture in South Africa
- Authors: Froise, Timothy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Construction projects -- South Africa , Acculturation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020872
- Description: The importance of technology in construction partnering agreements has been recognised as a vital part of integrated project delivery (IPD) philosophy. Building information modelling (BIM) is increasingly being used by consultants in South Africa during the design phase of construction projects. However, its use is generally not aimed at an integrated project delivery approach, but rather as a tool to generate documentation, as BIM is generally more efficient than traditional computer aided design (CAD) software. For the full benefits of BIM to be realised, a greater degree of acculturation is required between construction project organisations (CPOs). The current cultures of CPOs are separationist in nature and tend to inhibit acculturation within the industry. BIM provides a central source of information that can improve communications between CPOs and foster a collaborative culture. The research examines IPD and BIM in the South African context and investigates how BIM can contribute to IPD. A survey was conducted among registered contractors from the three top grades and architecture practices from two regions in South Africa. The survey was placed in context by a case study that analysed the use of BIM and the resulting communication network seen in a public works project using typical procurement methods. The associated problems with the current accepted paradigm are illuminated by the research.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The effects of the labour skills shortage in the construction industry
- Authors: Vanqa, Inga Bongo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Building trades -- Employees , Skilled labor -- South Africa , Labor supply -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9728 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021125
- Description: Purpose of this treatise: The aim of this research is to determine, if the skilled labour shortage has had any impact on how construction projects are executed. If there is an impact the study aims to determine the nature and extent of the problem. Design/methodology/approach: A review of related literature was conducted, mainly to ensure that existing research is not replicated, in order to generate new ideas. The quantitative research approach was applied for this research. The questionnaire was designed so that scores can be easily summed in order to obtain an overall measure of the attitudes and opinions of the respondents. Findings: The results revealed that the skilled labour shortage has a negative effect on how construction projects are executed. The results further revealed that the biggest concern amongst employers and management of construction companies was the negative impact the shortage of skilled labour has on the levels of workmanship. Research limitations: The sample (construction companies) is mostly situated in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Practical implications: The research is of importance to managers and supervisors of construction companies of all sizes. The findings of this study will assist in ensuring that projects are efficiently managed irrespective of the current skills crisis in the construction industry.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A systems approach to project implementation within the public sector towards formulating a framework for project evaluation
- Authors: Greyling, Een Lange
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa , Corporations, Government -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021223
- Description: The procurement process, from the demand formulation to the final delivery of a public building to the end-user, is defined by the government in terms of procedures and policies to be followed, which is based to be ineffective and inefficient where the process as a whole from a client-value perpective, is flawed. Presently, the National Department of Public Works(NDPW) as a governmental administration is deemed to be a controlling institution and cost centre rather than a service provider. This mind-set is reflected by the inability of government project implementing agencies such as the NDPW to deliver projects successfully in terms of cost, time, and quality whilst failing to meet the government's socio economic objectives to create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and transfer skills to the previously disadvantaged through black economic empowerment (BEE) initiatives. Client satisfaction has widely been recognised by researchers as one of the key challenges for quality improvement in the construction industry. It is a vital factor in the development and management of the construction process, as well in the creation of efficient organisation-client relationship. In addition, client satisfaction is deemed to be a catalyst for client retention which is a success strategy for any organisation. This thesis is primarily concerned with project performance and service delivery by the NDPW as a government project implementing agency that involves an integrated approach that considers the entire supply chain of a construction project. The success or failure of a project is is not the effect of a single variable, or factor, but a set of variables interacting with each other to produce the final result. An extensive review of related literature that entails the analysis of publications related to the projectimplementation and construction project management realm was deemed necessary to formulate a clear understanding of the complexities of implementing projjects within the public sector. The use of systems thinking as the nucleus of the multi-methodological approach to this research was to assist in ascertaining the primary causes of the problem situation and to clarify the process of project implementation as a sub-system within the greater system of the construction industry. The success of projects depends as much on the client as it does on the implementing agencies, project managers (PMs), consultants, contractors and the suppliers of materials.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Defect in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Le Roux, Martyn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Buildings -- Defects -- South Africa , Quality assurance -- Standards -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9711 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020320
- Description: Lack of quality in the South African construction industry is causing various problems for different stakeholders. The causes of this lack in quality are due to various different attributes. Corruption has become one of the leading causes with regards to lack of quality. Quality assurance can mitigate or eliminate defects through the implementation of a quality management system. Defects manifest primarily through cracking, dampness, detachment, and water leaks. Defects are categorized as structural, subsidence, acoustic and thermal. In terms of time, defects are either patent or latent, and can be discovered through observation, inspection and various tests. The causes of defects are ultimately due to error or omission, either during design or during the construction phases. Defects may also result due to procurement related factors, such as appointment of incompetent contractors. The result of defects is customer dissatisfaction, rework and disputes. Non-conformance to requirements results in rework and this in turn contributes to time and cost overruns. The aim of this research was to investigate the greatest cause that leads to defects in houses; the most common type of defect; and why projects fail in term of project management terms (due to defects). Results of quantitative research amongst professionals within the construction industry in the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa as well as literature that has been reviewed form the basis of this study. Architectural practices, consulting engineering practices, and general building contractors were selected on a random sample basis, and surveyed using an online questionnaire. The study revealed that inadequate artisan skills is the biggest cause leading to defects in houses, and that cracks are the most frequent type of defect occurring. Projects fail in project management terms because of defects as the construction time of the projects are increased. The study revealed that construction related causes of defects dominate over design related causes. This study should be of value to both construction industry professionals as well as their clients.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Measuring the competitiveness of small, medium and micro enterprice contractors through the use of the register of contractors
- Authors: Gasa, Zanele Bridgette Nompumelelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Construction contracts -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014325
- Description: This research focuses on and summarises the methodology followed to demonstrate that the South African construction industry can use the Construction Registers Service, in particular the Register of Contractors, as a tool to measure the competitiveness of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs). The Register of Contractors (RoC) was developed by the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) in terms of the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) Act 38 of 2000. As a tool, it was designed to offer a basis for sustainable constructor development, growth, improved delivery, performance and sustainable empowerment. It was also developed to be used by the construction industry to, inter alia, and provide statistical data which would enable the construction industry to better understand the contracting capacity in South Africa. Beyond providing the statistical data, the register of contractors was meant to be enhanced with functionalities that would measure the growth and performance of contractors as they apply business practices that improve their value offering to the construction industry as a whole. This research looks at how this tool can be used by the construction industry to measure the competitiveness of the contractors within the selected grades, with the intent of demonstrating the overall value of the RoC as a tool. The research undertaken looks at how the use of the RoC can measure the competitiveness of a targeted group of small contractors. The research limits itself to the entry levels of contractors registered with the cidb between grades 2 and 5 with a view to establish a benchmark for contractor competitiveness within those bands. The research further proves the correlation between contractor capability and the ‘ability’ to be competitive in growing their value proposition and businesses. The unit of study for the purposes of this research is at firm level drawing from a reflection on who is an active participant in the South African construction industry particularly as it pertains to the smaller contractors within the targeted group elucidated above. The focus of the research is on the efficacy of the RoC as a tool that identifies the areas needing targeted development to support SMMEs and the subsequent demonstration of improved business processes within that sector. The qualitative research methodology was followed through this study as its nature was such that there was no requirement to rely only entirely on statistics or numbers due to the articulated problem there needed to be a qualitative enquiry into data needed which would adequately land to a significant synthesis on the responses and arrive at suitable solutions to the identified problem. The qualitative research methodology followed by this study was used to gain insight into the construction SMMEs’ attitudes towards the sector within which they trade, their behaviours, their value systems [to the extent where this was possible], their concerns, their motivations and aspirations. All of these, the study concluded that they inform the business decisions which the SMMEs make. How structured information was collected and analysed provided a synthesis of themes and aided in extracting meaning. The main findings of the research were that there is no shared understanding within the local construction industry of what contractor competitiveness is and to what extent it would benefit both the industry and the SMME sector. As a result of this competitiveness could not be measured and there was no clarity as to what tools of measure could be used to forecast the capabilities of the industry. This research was focused on exploring how the RoC can be used to measure improved capability and competitiveness on the part of SMME contractors. The implications of these findings are that there would now be improved and measurable competitiveness allowing the contractors to bid for work both within their provincial regions but also outside of their geographical location and to measure their growth as they achieve higher grading statuses within the register of contractors (RoC). The efficacy of contractor development programmes would also improve as they go beyond enhancing contractor capacity but also include competence improvements, training for business acumen, improved capability and innovation. The conclusion is that South Africa’s construction industry could achieve sustainable development and growth as a result of SMME contractors whose competitiveness would have been measured through the use of the RoC tool. The main recommendation is that there be a clear understanding of competitiveness and what its benefits to the South African construction industry are whilst at the same time the RoC is acknowledged as the tool embedded with functionalities able to measure this competitiveness amongst graded contractors. The RoC would allow construction clients to not only measure contractor competitiveness but also that they may have an improved ability to measure the direct impacts of contractor development interventions. , Lolucubungulo lugxile ekubhekeni izimo ezinqala ngaphakathi komkhakha wezokwakha. Lubuka igalelo losonkontilaka abasebancane kulomkhakha ekuzithuthukiseni kanti futhi nemizamo eyenziwe uHulumeni endimeni edlalwe uhlu olushicilwelwe iBhodi yomkhakha wezokwakha (i-cidb). Umbhali walolucubungulo ukholelwa ekutheni loluhlu lungasetshenziswa hhayi kuphela ekuthuthikiseni ononkontilaka kodwa futhi ekwenzeni ukuthi bakhule kulo lona loluhlu baze bakwazi ukuthola amathuba angcono emisebenzi. Uhlu ekukhulunywa ngalo lapha lwashicilelwa i-cidb ngomgomo womthetho kaHulumeni we-Act 38 of 2000. Luyithuluzi elenzelwe ukuba likhulise umkhakha wezokwakha, lithuthukise osomabhizinisi abasebancane, likhuthaze imigomo efanelekile ekwakheni (improved delivery). Enye injongo yokushicilela lelithuluzi kwakuwukwenzela ukuthi kwaziwe inani labo osonkontilaka, ubulili babo nokuthi bagxile-phi ngokwezindawo zokusebenza. Konke loku kwakufanele ukuze uHulumeni kanye nabanye abaqashi bazi ukuthi uma kusikelwana ngemisebenzi bangaki na ononkontilaka abazokwazi ukufeza izidingo zemiphakathi esiphila kuyo? Lolucubungulo luzobheka ithuluzi elasungulwa umkhakha wokwakha ekutheni lingakwazi na ukudlondlobalisa osonkontilaka abasafufusa phakathi kwalemikhakha (grades) ababekwe kuyo? Kuzobhekwa futhi ubugugu balo lona lelithuluzi. Akuzoqxilwa kubo bonke osonkontilaka, kodwa kulabo abasabancane ngokwamabhizinisi abo ababekwe emazingeni kusukela ku-2 kuya ku-5 ngokoshicilelo le-cidb. Kuzobhekwa amakhono abo labosonkontilaka, kubhekwe futhi izinkomba ezingabadlondlobalisa ngokwamabhizinisi. Okunye okuhloswe yilolucubungulo ukubheka ukuthi umkhakha wezokwakha uyakwazi na ukukhiqiza amathuba anele isikhathi eside kwenzelwa osonkotilaka belu nokuthi uyakwazi na ukuqhubeka wakhe amathuba azokhuthaza ukukhula kwabo. Ekugcineni okufanele kufezwe yilolucubungulo wukuthi uhlu olushicilelwe losonkontilaka lungasiza ekukhuthazeni udlondlobalo losonkontilaka abancane.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The influence of project management service provision on role-players within the South African construction industry
- Authors: Hefer, Andre le Roux
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9663 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008295 , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Description: The legitimate existence of the Project Management Profession in the South African construction industry needs to relate to positive project influence on the industry roleplayers. This study assessed the perceived lack of recognition and acceptance of Project Management as a stand-alone profession relating to: · Appointments of Project Managers being questioned due to a perceived lack of influence and impact on project success. · Project Managers not being recognised as an integral part of the industry. · Project Management not being perceived as having a unique and defined function. Interviews were held with 23 industry role-players made up of clients, contractors and consultants. The interviews solicited input on the role-players’ perception and experience related to the influence of Project Management over the past 10 years, not only on a list of success criteria relative to their own role in the industry, but also their perception of the influence on the other defined role-player groups. Included in the interview questionnaire was also a range of general questions to refine the feedback and further test the hypotheses. The data were interpreted and analysed by comparing the feedback of the respondents as a combination and separately as groups. The results of the study indicate that: · Project Management could be seen as a legitimate part of the industry; · The industry role-players perceive Project Management as making an impact and having a growing influence on the industry; A specific but broad set of skills are required by Project Managers; · The Project Management function cannot be fulfilled by other consultants, but there are project related criteria which should be considered before making a final judgment. These criteria relate to project size and complexity; and · Project Management is currently perceived to be more related to a specific person’s skill than to a specific profession. The study’s aim was to influence and inform the views of industry role-players on the appointment of a Project Manager in the construction industry.
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- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation of training and mentoring of emerging contractors in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Moss, Ian
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Mentoring
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1630 , Construction industry -- South Africa , Mentoring
- Description: The first democratically elected government in South Africa came into power in 1994 and with this the whole country faced changes and new challenges. The construction industry faced the challenge of incorporating and empowering previously disadvantaged people that were part of the industry as well as new emerging contractors that entered the industry. Various training and mentoring programmes were initiated by government as well as quasi-government institutions which attempted to address these challenges. Having an effective mentoring programme in place in the construction industry is critical to the development and growth of the emerging contractors as well as the industry as a whole. This research focuses on a specific programme to establish if the need for training and mentoring programmes exist and which specific aspects of the training need the most attention. The study furthermore, investigates the effect the programme had on emerging contractors on the specific programme. Primary data was collected by means of a telephonic questionnaire to emerging contractors on the mentoring programme as well as the mentors and service providers of the programme. Secondary data was obtained from the literature reviewed and from relevant publications. The main findings were that a need for the training and mentoring of emerging contractors exists and the study emphasizes that there is a demand for the ongoing monitoring of emerging contractors after completion of the programme. The study furthermore reveals that all aspects of the training and mentoring programme is important but more time and effort should be spent on the management and financial aspects of the programme The research is limited to emerging contractors and mentors who participated in the East Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) mentoring programme in the Eastern Cape and is limited to two specific regions namely Port Elizabeth and East London. The findings from the study could be used by training providers as well as mentors to enhance the existing programme to ensure proper rounding of the emerging contractors.
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- Date Issued: 2008