Value management in government construction projects in South Africa
- Mngeni- Nobala, Thandokazi Yvonne
- 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
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- 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
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The state of professional compliance during project implementation in a selected construction industry in Gauteng
- Authors: Mailula, Manyaku Jerida
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65677 , vital:74227
- Description: Public sector construction projects in South Africa are not always implemented successfully as a result of professional non-compliance in the construction industry by professionals entrusted with the responsibility to deliver construction projects. Professionals in the construction industry registered with the built environment regulatory bodies must demonstrate professionalism in terms of competency and conduct when carrying out their professional duties as prescribed by the relevant regulatory bodies they belong to. This study utilised a qualitative case study to investigate the state of professional compliance during project implementation in a selected construction industry in Gauteng. A purposive sampling method was adopted to select participants with at least two years’ experience in managing public sector construction project implementation in Gauteng, resulting in 11 participants in the study. Semi-structured interview questions were designed and put to the participants during telephonic interviews. The research findings suggest that professional competency and conduct compliance requirements which contribute to effective project implementation include a relevant qualification as an initial step to become professional in the construction industry, followed by work experience, knowledge and registration with relevant regulatory and professional bodies which also require registered professionals to abide by their ethics and code of conduct. The findings suggest that the forms of non-compliance in terms of professional competency and conduct affecting effective project implementation were the result of a lack of experience or knowledge of construction professionals in relation to the project, poor quality of work and professionals’ neglect of duties. The perceived types of professional non-compliance affecting effective project implementation in the construction industry revealed by the findings included amongst others, breach of obligations, corruption, bribery and fraud, conflict of interest and carelessness; and factors of professional non-compliance such as high discounts, community disruptions, junior staff not been monitored, political relations and competition. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Mailula, Manyaku Jerida
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65677 , vital:74227
- Description: Public sector construction projects in South Africa are not always implemented successfully as a result of professional non-compliance in the construction industry by professionals entrusted with the responsibility to deliver construction projects. Professionals in the construction industry registered with the built environment regulatory bodies must demonstrate professionalism in terms of competency and conduct when carrying out their professional duties as prescribed by the relevant regulatory bodies they belong to. This study utilised a qualitative case study to investigate the state of professional compliance during project implementation in a selected construction industry in Gauteng. A purposive sampling method was adopted to select participants with at least two years’ experience in managing public sector construction project implementation in Gauteng, resulting in 11 participants in the study. Semi-structured interview questions were designed and put to the participants during telephonic interviews. The research findings suggest that professional competency and conduct compliance requirements which contribute to effective project implementation include a relevant qualification as an initial step to become professional in the construction industry, followed by work experience, knowledge and registration with relevant regulatory and professional bodies which also require registered professionals to abide by their ethics and code of conduct. The findings suggest that the forms of non-compliance in terms of professional competency and conduct affecting effective project implementation were the result of a lack of experience or knowledge of construction professionals in relation to the project, poor quality of work and professionals’ neglect of duties. The perceived types of professional non-compliance affecting effective project implementation in the construction industry revealed by the findings included amongst others, breach of obligations, corruption, bribery and fraud, conflict of interest and carelessness; and factors of professional non-compliance such as high discounts, community disruptions, junior staff not been monitored, political relations and competition. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
The role of management in the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays
- Authors: Smit, Gerrit
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management Industrial management -- South Africa Transformational leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20681 , vital:29371
- Description: The construction industry is known as a very highly-fragmented industry with a large number of activities involving different parties and professionals such as project managers, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, suppliers and financiers. As it is a fragmented industry, management efficiency and competency in the industry is needed to gain a higher level of competitiveness. Although it is often clear what the causes and effects of construction projects delays are, little attention has been given to the role of management in the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays. This research fills this gap in the literature. For the study, a theoretical framework to investigate the role of management in the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays was developed. The framework showed how four management functions predicted the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays. Nine factors were identified as the causes of construction project delays, namely, clients, contractors, labour, equipment, materials, consultants, community, contract and external issues. For the study, three effects of delays were proposed, namely, finance related delays, human related delays and legal related delays. In addition, the incidence of delays included the frequency of delays and duration of delays. This framework was empirically tested, and partial correlations were used to test the four hypotheses of the study. Three of the four hypotheses were accepted while the forth one was only partially-accepted. It was determined that demographics significantly predicted organising and leading of contractor managers in construction project delays. More specifically, demographics influenced how contractors with different educational levels executed organising and leading in managing construction project delays. The results further showed that management functions employed in construction projects, predicted five of the nine causes of construction delays. Further, the causes of construction project delays predicted both frequency and duration representing the incidence of construction delays. Lastly, the causes of construction project delays predicted the financial, human and legal effects of construction delays. The empirically-tested framework produced only two factors causing construction project delays. Factor one included variables relating to contractor and consultant related issues, and factor two included community, contractual and external issues. The factors for the effects of construction project delays and incidence of construction project delays remained the same. Respondent contractors in this study indicated that education was important as it influenced both leadership and organising functions of these contractors. Age, sex and other demographics did not influence the management functions for these contractors. Although much has been written on the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays, very little attention has focussed on the role of management in these. For the respondent contractors who were included in the research, the two management functions that would influence the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays, included organising and leadership. It further showed that these contractors were adequately dealing with planning and controlling, but needed to pay attention to organising and leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Smit, Gerrit
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management Industrial management -- South Africa Transformational leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20681 , vital:29371
- Description: The construction industry is known as a very highly-fragmented industry with a large number of activities involving different parties and professionals such as project managers, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, suppliers and financiers. As it is a fragmented industry, management efficiency and competency in the industry is needed to gain a higher level of competitiveness. Although it is often clear what the causes and effects of construction projects delays are, little attention has been given to the role of management in the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays. This research fills this gap in the literature. For the study, a theoretical framework to investigate the role of management in the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays was developed. The framework showed how four management functions predicted the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays. Nine factors were identified as the causes of construction project delays, namely, clients, contractors, labour, equipment, materials, consultants, community, contract and external issues. For the study, three effects of delays were proposed, namely, finance related delays, human related delays and legal related delays. In addition, the incidence of delays included the frequency of delays and duration of delays. This framework was empirically tested, and partial correlations were used to test the four hypotheses of the study. Three of the four hypotheses were accepted while the forth one was only partially-accepted. It was determined that demographics significantly predicted organising and leading of contractor managers in construction project delays. More specifically, demographics influenced how contractors with different educational levels executed organising and leading in managing construction project delays. The results further showed that management functions employed in construction projects, predicted five of the nine causes of construction delays. Further, the causes of construction project delays predicted both frequency and duration representing the incidence of construction delays. Lastly, the causes of construction project delays predicted the financial, human and legal effects of construction delays. The empirically-tested framework produced only two factors causing construction project delays. Factor one included variables relating to contractor and consultant related issues, and factor two included community, contractual and external issues. The factors for the effects of construction project delays and incidence of construction project delays remained the same. Respondent contractors in this study indicated that education was important as it influenced both leadership and organising functions of these contractors. Age, sex and other demographics did not influence the management functions for these contractors. Although much has been written on the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays, very little attention has focussed on the role of management in these. For the respondent contractors who were included in the research, the two management functions that would influence the causes, effects and incidence of construction project delays, included organising and leadership. It further showed that these contractors were adequately dealing with planning and controlling, but needed to pay attention to organising and leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Risk analysis and management systems in South African construction project management practices
- Authors: Cook, Iain Murray
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction projects -- Management , Construction industry -- Risk management , Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3469 , vital:20433
- Description: Risk management (RM) should be seen as one of the most important functions in the South African built environment. Without the effective management of the risks associated with the industry, the noble vision of a sector that is efficient, profitable, and sustainable cannot be achieved. By embracing tried and tested policies that successfully mitigate risk, industry stakeholders will achieve many project successes, and will outlast any competitors that choose to ignore, or are ignorant of the fact, that the negative impact risk has on projects is inversely proportional to the level of RM employed. Construction Project Management (CPM) practices, realising that there are excellent business opportunities across South Africa’s borders, and faced with a competitive South African market, are engaging with developers and government entities involved in cross border projects in the hope of securing these potentially lucrative African projects. With this move into Africa comes increased uncertainty and risk for these CPM practices, and other project stakeholders. Similarly, CPM practices that have made the strategic decision to remain operational only within South Africa’s borders, are faced with a competitive and complex built environment and industry, made increasingly challenging by a weakening economy, exacerbated by industrial strikes, infrastructure deficiencies and a decrease in industry skill levels. This study reports on Project Managers’ (PMs’) perceptions of project failures and inefficiencies resulting from inadequate RM on projects, including the RM methodologies currently being employed. The study focused on perceptions of PMs who operate within South Africa’s borders, PMs that operate across border into other African countries, as well as PMs who operate exclusively within South Africa’s built environment framework. A study was undertaken incorporating qualitative methodologies via a normative survey. The survey was split into three main phases. Phase one employed the use of a pilot survey executed with the objective of further investigating the main sub-problems to gain more insight into the related issues and challenges. For the pilot survey, PMs were selected based on their engagement in CPM activities within South Africa as well as across South Africa’s borders into other African countries. Phase two of the main survey, with the sample stratum being the Association of Construction Project Managers (ACPM), was aimed at PMs within the ACPM who have engaged, or are engaging, in CPM activities both within South Africa’s borders as well as across South Africa’s borders into other African countries. Phase 3 of the main survey, with the sample stratum being the ACPM, was aimed at PMs within the ACPM who have engaged, or are engaging, in CPM activities within South Africa’s borders only and have not engaged in cross border activities. Survey findings identified the commercial sector and value of the projects undertaken by the practices, the level of risk associated with different client typologies, the link between inadequate RM and project inefficiency and failure, and the importance of RM on projects. Findings also identified that RM methodologies are employed by CPM practices, and that CPM practices generally endeavour to create a culture of risk awareness amongst employees. Further findings indicated that CPM practices may not always understand the risks associated with new industry sectors, regions or countries that they are considering operating within, and that that there is room for improvement regarding the effectiveness of current RM systems. Survey findings also indicated that risk is not always transferred to the correct project stakeholder most suited to managing the risk, and CPM practices are not always able to accurately quantify the costs associated with project risk. Furthermore, it was identified that CPM practices do not always undertaken risk assessments (RAs) at the correct project stage resulting in inadequate risk contingencies allowances, regular risk reviews are not always undertaken for projects, project pre-mortems are seen as valuable tools by CPM practices as a method to reduce future risk, and project post-mortems relative to ‘lessons learnt’ are not always undertaken. Conclusions outline the link between effective RM, project inefficiencies and project failure, as well as the increase or decrease in risk relative to ineffective or effective use of risk identification and management methodologies for time, cost, and quality factors respectively. Conclusions also outline the fact that although CPM practices generally understand the link between RM and project success, they are not always able to fully comprehend the risks associated with new industry sectors, regions or cross border countries. This indicates that without the adequate identification of risk, the RM process or steps that follow the qualitative risk identification process will have little or no value. This is indicative of the requirement for professional associations to consolidate risk data for industry activities with the aim of improving the level of RM industry wide. Recommendations highlight the importance of the compiling of sector specific risk registers, compiled by the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) with registered member input, made available to all PMs via the SACPCMPs online database. Further recommendations include: the engendering, by senior management of CPM practices; a healthy ‘risk aware’ culture, by promoting RM practices aligned with best practice methodologies; the implementation of well balanced and formal RM systems throughout the CPM practice, with the aim of achieving effective RM without overburdening PMs with unnecessary documentation or ‘paperwork’; the attendance of risk conferences and workshops by all CPM practices, aimed at specifically identifying challenges that exist with RM and methods that can be employed to improve the status quo; the attendance of formal risk training courses, by all CPM practices, aimed at improving the knowledge base of PMs relative to effective RM, and the appointment of risk professionals, driven by the monetary value and risk levels of the project, to undertake the RM process and unburden PMs from the task, allowing PMs to concentrate on the other project knowledge areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Cook, Iain Murray
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction projects -- Management , Construction industry -- Risk management , Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3469 , vital:20433
- Description: Risk management (RM) should be seen as one of the most important functions in the South African built environment. Without the effective management of the risks associated with the industry, the noble vision of a sector that is efficient, profitable, and sustainable cannot be achieved. By embracing tried and tested policies that successfully mitigate risk, industry stakeholders will achieve many project successes, and will outlast any competitors that choose to ignore, or are ignorant of the fact, that the negative impact risk has on projects is inversely proportional to the level of RM employed. Construction Project Management (CPM) practices, realising that there are excellent business opportunities across South Africa’s borders, and faced with a competitive South African market, are engaging with developers and government entities involved in cross border projects in the hope of securing these potentially lucrative African projects. With this move into Africa comes increased uncertainty and risk for these CPM practices, and other project stakeholders. Similarly, CPM practices that have made the strategic decision to remain operational only within South Africa’s borders, are faced with a competitive and complex built environment and industry, made increasingly challenging by a weakening economy, exacerbated by industrial strikes, infrastructure deficiencies and a decrease in industry skill levels. This study reports on Project Managers’ (PMs’) perceptions of project failures and inefficiencies resulting from inadequate RM on projects, including the RM methodologies currently being employed. The study focused on perceptions of PMs who operate within South Africa’s borders, PMs that operate across border into other African countries, as well as PMs who operate exclusively within South Africa’s built environment framework. A study was undertaken incorporating qualitative methodologies via a normative survey. The survey was split into three main phases. Phase one employed the use of a pilot survey executed with the objective of further investigating the main sub-problems to gain more insight into the related issues and challenges. For the pilot survey, PMs were selected based on their engagement in CPM activities within South Africa as well as across South Africa’s borders into other African countries. Phase two of the main survey, with the sample stratum being the Association of Construction Project Managers (ACPM), was aimed at PMs within the ACPM who have engaged, or are engaging, in CPM activities both within South Africa’s borders as well as across South Africa’s borders into other African countries. Phase 3 of the main survey, with the sample stratum being the ACPM, was aimed at PMs within the ACPM who have engaged, or are engaging, in CPM activities within South Africa’s borders only and have not engaged in cross border activities. Survey findings identified the commercial sector and value of the projects undertaken by the practices, the level of risk associated with different client typologies, the link between inadequate RM and project inefficiency and failure, and the importance of RM on projects. Findings also identified that RM methodologies are employed by CPM practices, and that CPM practices generally endeavour to create a culture of risk awareness amongst employees. Further findings indicated that CPM practices may not always understand the risks associated with new industry sectors, regions or countries that they are considering operating within, and that that there is room for improvement regarding the effectiveness of current RM systems. Survey findings also indicated that risk is not always transferred to the correct project stakeholder most suited to managing the risk, and CPM practices are not always able to accurately quantify the costs associated with project risk. Furthermore, it was identified that CPM practices do not always undertaken risk assessments (RAs) at the correct project stage resulting in inadequate risk contingencies allowances, regular risk reviews are not always undertaken for projects, project pre-mortems are seen as valuable tools by CPM practices as a method to reduce future risk, and project post-mortems relative to ‘lessons learnt’ are not always undertaken. Conclusions outline the link between effective RM, project inefficiencies and project failure, as well as the increase or decrease in risk relative to ineffective or effective use of risk identification and management methodologies for time, cost, and quality factors respectively. Conclusions also outline the fact that although CPM practices generally understand the link between RM and project success, they are not always able to fully comprehend the risks associated with new industry sectors, regions or cross border countries. This indicates that without the adequate identification of risk, the RM process or steps that follow the qualitative risk identification process will have little or no value. This is indicative of the requirement for professional associations to consolidate risk data for industry activities with the aim of improving the level of RM industry wide. Recommendations highlight the importance of the compiling of sector specific risk registers, compiled by the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) with registered member input, made available to all PMs via the SACPCMPs online database. Further recommendations include: the engendering, by senior management of CPM practices; a healthy ‘risk aware’ culture, by promoting RM practices aligned with best practice methodologies; the implementation of well balanced and formal RM systems throughout the CPM practice, with the aim of achieving effective RM without overburdening PMs with unnecessary documentation or ‘paperwork’; the attendance of risk conferences and workshops by all CPM practices, aimed at specifically identifying challenges that exist with RM and methods that can be employed to improve the status quo; the attendance of formal risk training courses, by all CPM practices, aimed at improving the knowledge base of PMs relative to effective RM, and the appointment of risk professionals, driven by the monetary value and risk levels of the project, to undertake the RM process and unburden PMs from the task, allowing PMs to concentrate on the other project knowledge areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- 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.
- Full Text:
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Performance improvement in South African construction
- Authors: Emuze, Fidelis Abumere
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction projects -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9678 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1642 , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction projects -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: In general, dreams are conceived, ideas are conceptualised, and initiatives are embarked upon in order to alter the state of realities. Dreams change realities; when mechanisms are put in place to realise them, dreams succeed. However, anecdotal evidence as well as empirical findings has continued to reiterate the difficulties associated with realising dreams related to construction projects. Extending the „dream‟ analogy to the South African construction industry context therefore paints an uninspiring picture. Dreams associated with construction do not have a 100% chance of becoming realities as evident in reported poor project performance in the industry. Shattered dreams in the form of poor performing projects, poorly implemented construction processes, or worst, projects delivered at the expense of unexpected cost to the client as a direct result of poor H&S or time overruns, negate the intent of dreams. This thesis is primarily concerned with project performance related bottlenecks in South African construction. After an extensive review of related literature that entails the analysis of publications related to non-value adding activities (NVAAs), supply chain management (SCM), and system dynamics (SD) in the construction project management realm, an exhaustive mixed-mode quantitative survey was conducted among key participants in the South African infrastructure sector. Public sector clients, consulting engineers and contractors that were involved in civil engineering projects were surveyed repeatedly with approximately five survey instruments at convenient intervals. Results arising from the study, inter-alia, indicate that: an appreciable amount of NVAAs occur in South African construction; these NVAAs become further compounded when propagated into other value adding activities (VAAs) in the construction process; the identified NVAAs equally perpetrate the menace associated with poor performance to the detriment of the achievement of cost, H&S, quality, and time project targets, and the root cause of these NVAAs that often contribute to poor performance is not far from the much reported „shortage of skills‟ in South Africa. Notable contributions to the body of knowledge include SD models are extendable regardless of the source of their empirical data as evident in the qualitative models proposed in this study; within the SD domain, it is advisable to consider the „competence‟ of individuals assigned to tasks especially in a developing country as this study revealed that human resources issues predominate among the sources of NVAAs that eventuate in a range of poor project performance; the NVAAs that occur, and their causes on projects are perceived to be due to lapses and / or inadequacies that involved the entire construction supply chain; there is no single construction process / task that is immune from being affected by NVAAs; and within the South African, and by implication construction context generally iii in developing countries, the adequacy of required knowledge among project stakeholders is the most crucial determinant of project performance. As opposed to what is obtainable in developed countries, the construction industry in developing countries, particularly in South Africa, should take advantage of knowledge management (KM) techniques such as brainstorming, communities of practices, and face-to-face interactions. These techniques can be driven through appropriate mentorship programmes, industry focused built environment education, and other human resources driven avenues that do not necessarily require substantial investment in technologies, so that to a large extent organisations in the industry can prioritise KM, and thereafter, continually engage in it for future performance improvement. Using inferential statistical methods for hypotheses testing, and SD concepts for creating qualitative models led to a range of recommendations which, inter-alia, propose that halting the tide of NVAAs and poor performance requires the management of both tacit and explicit knowledge gained in construction; and most importantly, it requires the assurance that „competence‟ is the overriding criteria for selecting project partners, and also, for assigning either design or construction related activities to responsible parties involved in project realisation in South Africa. In effect, in order to engender a culture of continuous improvement in South African construction, other considerations should be subservient to „competence‟ in the construction supply chain. Competence must be located among everyone involved in project realisation, that is, enhancing the competence of all involved in project realisation is as good as ensuring performance improvement, which in turn, equates to the acceleration of project delivery in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Emuze, Fidelis Abumere
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction projects -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9678 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1642 , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction projects -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: In general, dreams are conceived, ideas are conceptualised, and initiatives are embarked upon in order to alter the state of realities. Dreams change realities; when mechanisms are put in place to realise them, dreams succeed. However, anecdotal evidence as well as empirical findings has continued to reiterate the difficulties associated with realising dreams related to construction projects. Extending the „dream‟ analogy to the South African construction industry context therefore paints an uninspiring picture. Dreams associated with construction do not have a 100% chance of becoming realities as evident in reported poor project performance in the industry. Shattered dreams in the form of poor performing projects, poorly implemented construction processes, or worst, projects delivered at the expense of unexpected cost to the client as a direct result of poor H&S or time overruns, negate the intent of dreams. This thesis is primarily concerned with project performance related bottlenecks in South African construction. After an extensive review of related literature that entails the analysis of publications related to non-value adding activities (NVAAs), supply chain management (SCM), and system dynamics (SD) in the construction project management realm, an exhaustive mixed-mode quantitative survey was conducted among key participants in the South African infrastructure sector. Public sector clients, consulting engineers and contractors that were involved in civil engineering projects were surveyed repeatedly with approximately five survey instruments at convenient intervals. Results arising from the study, inter-alia, indicate that: an appreciable amount of NVAAs occur in South African construction; these NVAAs become further compounded when propagated into other value adding activities (VAAs) in the construction process; the identified NVAAs equally perpetrate the menace associated with poor performance to the detriment of the achievement of cost, H&S, quality, and time project targets, and the root cause of these NVAAs that often contribute to poor performance is not far from the much reported „shortage of skills‟ in South Africa. Notable contributions to the body of knowledge include SD models are extendable regardless of the source of their empirical data as evident in the qualitative models proposed in this study; within the SD domain, it is advisable to consider the „competence‟ of individuals assigned to tasks especially in a developing country as this study revealed that human resources issues predominate among the sources of NVAAs that eventuate in a range of poor project performance; the NVAAs that occur, and their causes on projects are perceived to be due to lapses and / or inadequacies that involved the entire construction supply chain; there is no single construction process / task that is immune from being affected by NVAAs; and within the South African, and by implication construction context generally iii in developing countries, the adequacy of required knowledge among project stakeholders is the most crucial determinant of project performance. As opposed to what is obtainable in developed countries, the construction industry in developing countries, particularly in South Africa, should take advantage of knowledge management (KM) techniques such as brainstorming, communities of practices, and face-to-face interactions. These techniques can be driven through appropriate mentorship programmes, industry focused built environment education, and other human resources driven avenues that do not necessarily require substantial investment in technologies, so that to a large extent organisations in the industry can prioritise KM, and thereafter, continually engage in it for future performance improvement. Using inferential statistical methods for hypotheses testing, and SD concepts for creating qualitative models led to a range of recommendations which, inter-alia, propose that halting the tide of NVAAs and poor performance requires the management of both tacit and explicit knowledge gained in construction; and most importantly, it requires the assurance that „competence‟ is the overriding criteria for selecting project partners, and also, for assigning either design or construction related activities to responsible parties involved in project realisation in South Africa. In effect, in order to engender a culture of continuous improvement in South African construction, other considerations should be subservient to „competence‟ in the construction supply chain. Competence must be located among everyone involved in project realisation, that is, enhancing the competence of all involved in project realisation is as good as ensuring performance improvement, which in turn, equates to the acceleration of project delivery in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving project implementation in firms
- Authors: Hassen, Ismail
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8667 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1245 , Project management -- South Africa
- Description: Project implementation appears to be one the most difficult aspects of a manager’s job. The purpose of project management is to forecast or anticipate potential dangers and problems that may jeopardise the success of a project and then to plan, organise and control activities that will lead to the successful completion of projects in spite of all the envisaged risks. It is estimated that more than 80% of projects run late or over budget. Such failure often sinks small firms and erodes profits of larger organisations. Project implementation is therefore critical to the success of both small and big firms. The primary objective of this study is to improve project management in firms by investigating the variables that influence project implementation. More specifically, the study investigates the influence of organisational communication, leadership, business process management and resistance to change on project implementation. The sample consisted of 170 employees in a cross-section of industries. The sample was stratified to include senior managers, managers, supervisors and lower level employees. The empirical results show that organisational communication, participatory leadership, retention of the status quo and goal-oriented leadership increase project implementation, while resistance to change decreases project implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Hassen, Ismail
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8667 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1245 , Project management -- South Africa
- Description: Project implementation appears to be one the most difficult aspects of a manager’s job. The purpose of project management is to forecast or anticipate potential dangers and problems that may jeopardise the success of a project and then to plan, organise and control activities that will lead to the successful completion of projects in spite of all the envisaged risks. It is estimated that more than 80% of projects run late or over budget. Such failure often sinks small firms and erodes profits of larger organisations. Project implementation is therefore critical to the success of both small and big firms. The primary objective of this study is to improve project management in firms by investigating the variables that influence project implementation. More specifically, the study investigates the influence of organisational communication, leadership, business process management and resistance to change on project implementation. The sample consisted of 170 employees in a cross-section of industries. The sample was stratified to include senior managers, managers, supervisors and lower level employees. The empirical results show that organisational communication, participatory leadership, retention of the status quo and goal-oriented leadership increase project implementation, while resistance to change decreases project implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Influences on construction project delivery time
- Authors: Olatunji, Aiyetan Ayodeji
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9681 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1548 , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Description: Construction delays are a global phenomenon. Factors causing construction delays in construction projects differ from country to country, due to different prevailing conditions. The prevailing conditions that could exert an influence on project delivery time are: political, economic, and physical factors as well as level of technological development; management style, and construction techniques. The construction industry is a major player in the economy, generating both employment and wealth. However, many projects experience extensive delays and thereby exceed initial time and cost estimates. This study aims at determining the causes of delays in project delivery in South Africa; evolving interventions, and developing a model for the delivery of projects on time. Inferential and linear regression statistical tools were used in the analysis of data for the study. The sample population consists of architects, builders, quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and clients, and the metropolitan cities of five provinces constituted the geographical delimitation of the study. The provinces are: Eastern Cape; Free State; Gauteng; KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. The metropolitan cities are: Bloemfontein; Cape Town; Durban; Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth. Findings which negatively influence project delivery time in South Africa include the following: lack of adequate planning; management style; the lack of constructability reviews of designs; inadequate motivation of workers; economic policies; lack of prompt payment to contractors, and quality of management during design and construction. Recommendations include: (1) The introduction of the following courses in built environment tertiary education � quality management competences; operational planning; design management, and generic management; (2) pre-qualification of suppliers; (3) inclusion of the following in tender documentation � human resource schedule; plant and equipment schedule; quality assurance plan, and work schedule; (4) appointment of materials specialists on a large projects; (5) the model developed should be adopted for use in the South African construction industry for the delivery of projects on time, and (6) the linear regression equation: Y = 13.1159 + 1.1341x or 35.3 percent addition on time for the estimation of project delivery time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Olatunji, Aiyetan Ayodeji
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9681 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1548 , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Description: Construction delays are a global phenomenon. Factors causing construction delays in construction projects differ from country to country, due to different prevailing conditions. The prevailing conditions that could exert an influence on project delivery time are: political, economic, and physical factors as well as level of technological development; management style, and construction techniques. The construction industry is a major player in the economy, generating both employment and wealth. However, many projects experience extensive delays and thereby exceed initial time and cost estimates. This study aims at determining the causes of delays in project delivery in South Africa; evolving interventions, and developing a model for the delivery of projects on time. Inferential and linear regression statistical tools were used in the analysis of data for the study. The sample population consists of architects, builders, quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and clients, and the metropolitan cities of five provinces constituted the geographical delimitation of the study. The provinces are: Eastern Cape; Free State; Gauteng; KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. The metropolitan cities are: Bloemfontein; Cape Town; Durban; Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth. Findings which negatively influence project delivery time in South Africa include the following: lack of adequate planning; management style; the lack of constructability reviews of designs; inadequate motivation of workers; economic policies; lack of prompt payment to contractors, and quality of management during design and construction. Recommendations include: (1) The introduction of the following courses in built environment tertiary education � quality management competences; operational planning; design management, and generic management; (2) pre-qualification of suppliers; (3) inclusion of the following in tender documentation � human resource schedule; plant and equipment schedule; quality assurance plan, and work schedule; (4) appointment of materials specialists on a large projects; (5) the model developed should be adopted for use in the South African construction industry for the delivery of projects on time, and (6) the linear regression equation: Y = 13.1159 + 1.1341x or 35.3 percent addition on time for the estimation of project delivery time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The risks of civil engineering project development in emerging nations
- Authors: Fyvie, Richard Michael
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Engineering -- Management , Engineering firms -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Civil engineering -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1481 , Engineering -- Management , Engineering firms -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Civil engineering -- Africa
- Description: This research reviews the challenges and obstacles confronting multinational civil engineering consulting and contracting companies seeking to conduct project developments within Emerging Markets, specifically with regard to the regions of Africa and the Middle East. With the increasing convergence of the global economy towards an interconnected and co-dependant system, the emerging economies of previously underdeveloped parts of the world are now capturing the focus of the civil engineering industry as the primary area of operation. Multinational companies that historically were restricted to construction of the developed world must now adapt and reposition themselves with a footprint in these emerging markets, if they are to take advantage of the changing conditions within the global infrastructure construction industry. For companies historically unfamiliar with operating in Africa and the Middle East, a plethora of potential risks are associated with project development. This research incorporated a substantial literature study that determined a number of critical issues that directly and indirectly influence a company’s ability to complete a project within time and under budget. The literature bank was then tested against the expert opinions of four selected respondents utilising a case study research methodology, as detailed by Yin (1994: 1-17). The respondents represented two selected civil engineering consulting firms, one based in a developed country with an extensive interest in the Middle East, and the other based in an emerging country itself, with operations throughout Africa. The outcome of the research ii highlighted several internal risk factors affecting development in Africa and the Middle East, such as capacity, staff experience, available resources and corporate culture. External factors were, however, the primary focus of respondents’ feedback, and included the reliability of energy supply in the target country, the condition of the built infrastructure such as roads and ports, tax rates and cost of finance, the prevalence of corruption as well as the risk of civil conflict and political instability. The Project Risk Guideline was the final output of this research process, which represented a synthesis between the literature review, the case study investigations as well as synthesis of various accepted risk evaluation techniques. The Guideline is a stage-gate sequential process, and may be utilised by civil engineering consulting or contracting firms with an interest in risk profiling and mitigation for project developments in emerging nations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Fyvie, Richard Michael
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Engineering -- Management , Engineering firms -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Civil engineering -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1481 , Engineering -- Management , Engineering firms -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Civil engineering -- Africa
- Description: This research reviews the challenges and obstacles confronting multinational civil engineering consulting and contracting companies seeking to conduct project developments within Emerging Markets, specifically with regard to the regions of Africa and the Middle East. With the increasing convergence of the global economy towards an interconnected and co-dependant system, the emerging economies of previously underdeveloped parts of the world are now capturing the focus of the civil engineering industry as the primary area of operation. Multinational companies that historically were restricted to construction of the developed world must now adapt and reposition themselves with a footprint in these emerging markets, if they are to take advantage of the changing conditions within the global infrastructure construction industry. For companies historically unfamiliar with operating in Africa and the Middle East, a plethora of potential risks are associated with project development. This research incorporated a substantial literature study that determined a number of critical issues that directly and indirectly influence a company’s ability to complete a project within time and under budget. The literature bank was then tested against the expert opinions of four selected respondents utilising a case study research methodology, as detailed by Yin (1994: 1-17). The respondents represented two selected civil engineering consulting firms, one based in a developed country with an extensive interest in the Middle East, and the other based in an emerging country itself, with operations throughout Africa. The outcome of the research ii highlighted several internal risk factors affecting development in Africa and the Middle East, such as capacity, staff experience, available resources and corporate culture. External factors were, however, the primary focus of respondents’ feedback, and included the reliability of energy supply in the target country, the condition of the built infrastructure such as roads and ports, tax rates and cost of finance, the prevalence of corruption as well as the risk of civil conflict and political instability. The Project Risk Guideline was the final output of this research process, which represented a synthesis between the literature review, the case study investigations as well as synthesis of various accepted risk evaluation techniques. The Guideline is a stage-gate sequential process, and may be utilised by civil engineering consulting or contracting firms with an interest in risk profiling and mitigation for project developments in emerging nations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation of ICT project management techniques for sustainable ICT projects in rural development
- Authors: Pade, Caroline Ileje
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Project management -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Case studies , Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project , Dwesa ICT Project
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002769 , Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Project management -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Case studies , Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project , Dwesa ICT Project
- Description: Poverty alleviation by means of rural development has become a priority among developing countries. In turn, rural development may be significantly enhanced and supported by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the use of which is highlighted by the emerging importance of information and knowledge as key strategic resources for social and economic development. An analysis of rural case studies where ICTs have been introduced, suggests that there are a number of barriers and constraints that are faced when taking advantage of these technologies. These include access to infrastructure, limited formal education, insufficient training and capacity building, financial and political constraints, and social and cultural challenges. These challenges threaten the success and sustainability of rural ICT projects. Sustainability is key to the effectiveness of a rural ICT project; therefore it is important to understand the concept and categories associated with ICT project sustainability in rural areas. The categories of sustainability which include social and cultural, institutional, economic, political, and technological, reveal critical success factors that need to be considered in the implementation and management of rural ICT projects. The project management discipline acknowledges the importance of understanding the project’s environment, particularly environmental factors associated with rural communities. The complexity of the environment therefore implies the need for a project to be undertaken in phases comprising the project life cycle. Project management practice for rural ICT project sustainability can therefore be examined, adapting the traditional project life cycle to a rural ICT project. A Rural ICT Project Life Cycle (RICT-PLC) that is sensitive to the critical success factors of sustainability is therefore proposed. In order to further investigate the phases of the life cycle of a rural ICT project, two case study investigations are explored: the Dwesa ICT community project, and the Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project (RUMEP) (MathsNet). A multiple case study analysis confirms the practices associated with the RICT-PLC model, and identifies additional characteristics, phases and practices associated with rural ICT projects. Finally, an enhanced RICT-PLC model is developed, that sets sustainability guidelines for ICT project management in rural areas and identifies the people, environments, technologies, systems, and requirements for ICTs to support rural development activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Pade, Caroline Ileje
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Project management -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Case studies , Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project , Dwesa ICT Project
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002769 , Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Project management -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Case studies , Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project , Dwesa ICT Project
- Description: Poverty alleviation by means of rural development has become a priority among developing countries. In turn, rural development may be significantly enhanced and supported by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the use of which is highlighted by the emerging importance of information and knowledge as key strategic resources for social and economic development. An analysis of rural case studies where ICTs have been introduced, suggests that there are a number of barriers and constraints that are faced when taking advantage of these technologies. These include access to infrastructure, limited formal education, insufficient training and capacity building, financial and political constraints, and social and cultural challenges. These challenges threaten the success and sustainability of rural ICT projects. Sustainability is key to the effectiveness of a rural ICT project; therefore it is important to understand the concept and categories associated with ICT project sustainability in rural areas. The categories of sustainability which include social and cultural, institutional, economic, political, and technological, reveal critical success factors that need to be considered in the implementation and management of rural ICT projects. The project management discipline acknowledges the importance of understanding the project’s environment, particularly environmental factors associated with rural communities. The complexity of the environment therefore implies the need for a project to be undertaken in phases comprising the project life cycle. Project management practice for rural ICT project sustainability can therefore be examined, adapting the traditional project life cycle to a rural ICT project. A Rural ICT Project Life Cycle (RICT-PLC) that is sensitive to the critical success factors of sustainability is therefore proposed. In order to further investigate the phases of the life cycle of a rural ICT project, two case study investigations are explored: the Dwesa ICT community project, and the Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project (RUMEP) (MathsNet). A multiple case study analysis confirms the practices associated with the RICT-PLC model, and identifies additional characteristics, phases and practices associated with rural ICT projects. Finally, an enhanced RICT-PLC model is developed, that sets sustainability guidelines for ICT project management in rural areas and identifies the people, environments, technologies, systems, and requirements for ICTs to support rural development activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Assessing the effectiveness of project management practices in the South African communications industry
- Authors: Smith, Michael
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Telkom (Firm : South Africa) Management , Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/77 , Telkom (Firm : South Africa) Management , Project management -- South Africa
- Description: In many organisations, project management is no longer a separately identified function, but is entrenched in the overall management of the business. The typical project management environment has become multi-project. Most of the project decisions require consideration of schedule, resource and cost concerns on other project work, necessitating the review and evaluation of multi-project data. Resource management is at least as important as schedule (time) management. Functional managers, supporting multiple projects with shared and limited resources, need to know the demands on their resources and the impact of new project loads and changing priorities. This means that the effectiveness of project management is not only influenced by the function itself, but it permeates throughout the entire organisation, for which the overriding goal is to survive and prosper in a competitive environment. The research problem of this study is to assess how effective project management practices in the South African communications’ industry are, by using Telkom SA as the selected target group. The research method employed was to first identify the best practices of project management, by focusing on generally accepted standards and practices, that is those which are particularly effective in helping an organisation to achieve its objectives. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) which is considered to be the international standard for project management, was used as the framework for identifying the best practices. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent these practices are applied in Telkom SA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Smith, Michael
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Telkom (Firm : South Africa) Management , Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/77 , Telkom (Firm : South Africa) Management , Project management -- South Africa
- Description: In many organisations, project management is no longer a separately identified function, but is entrenched in the overall management of the business. The typical project management environment has become multi-project. Most of the project decisions require consideration of schedule, resource and cost concerns on other project work, necessitating the review and evaluation of multi-project data. Resource management is at least as important as schedule (time) management. Functional managers, supporting multiple projects with shared and limited resources, need to know the demands on their resources and the impact of new project loads and changing priorities. This means that the effectiveness of project management is not only influenced by the function itself, but it permeates throughout the entire organisation, for which the overriding goal is to survive and prosper in a competitive environment. The research problem of this study is to assess how effective project management practices in the South African communications’ industry are, by using Telkom SA as the selected target group. The research method employed was to first identify the best practices of project management, by focusing on generally accepted standards and practices, that is those which are particularly effective in helping an organisation to achieve its objectives. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) which is considered to be the international standard for project management, was used as the framework for identifying the best practices. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent these practices are applied in Telkom SA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
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