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
Management of material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry
- Authors: Saidu, Ibrahim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Materials management -- Nigeria , Construction industry -- Nigeria -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3792 , vital:20463
- Description: While wastage of materials has become a serious problem requiring urgent attention in the Nigerian Construction Industry, cost overrun is a problem, which affects 90 percent of the completed projects in the world; the argument on how to reduce/eliminate cost overrun has been on-going for the past 70 years; as the on-site wastage of materials leads to increases in the final project cost. Studies from different parts of the world have shown that construction-material waste represents a relatively large percentage of the production costs. Consequently, as a result of low levels of awareness, the Nigerian construction industry pays little attention to the effects of generated material waste on cost overruns. Thus, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry. A comprehensive review of the related literature revealed that all material waste causes are related to cost overrun causes at both pre-contract and post-contract stages of a project; but not vice versa. The mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm was adopted for this study. Abuja, the federal capital territory of Nigeria was the selected geographical scope of this research, out of which thirty-one (31) construction projects were purposeful selected (projects to the value of 100 million Rand/1.6 billion Naira and above).The research instrument was an interview guide used in conjunction with a tick box. Other sources of data included field investigation (measurement of onsite material waste) and the collection of archival records from bills of quantities, project records, and specifications. Analyses of the findings lead to the conclusion that a relationship exists between material waste and cost overrun; at the pre-contract and at the post-contract stages of a project. The implication is that an increase in material wastage on-site leads to a corresponding increase in the amount of cost overrun, regardless of the percentage allowance for material waste in the process of bill preparation. The study also concluded that the average percentage contribution of material waste to project-cost overruns is four (4) percent. Material-waste sources, causes, and control measures were found to have significant effects (very high, high, medium, low, and very low), in causing or minimising cost overruns at both pre-contract and post-contract stages of projects. The research has developed a conceptual model for the management of material waste and cost overruns in the construction industry based on the results and informed by the theoretical framework. The research has also developed a mathematical model for quantifying the amount of material waste to be generated by a project; as well as a mathematical equation for the effective management of material waste and cost overrun for projects. The study has achieved its aim of establishing an understanding of the issues leading to the relationship between material waste and cost overruns, as well as their management in the Nigerian construction industry. The study recommends that the management of material waste and cost overrun should be revised, based on the findings of this research and included as part of the procurement process. The mathematical models for quantification of onsite material waste, and the mathematical equation for managing material waste and cost overruns developed in the study, could be usefully adopted to improve management of material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Saidu, Ibrahim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Materials management -- Nigeria , Construction industry -- Nigeria -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3792 , vital:20463
- Description: While wastage of materials has become a serious problem requiring urgent attention in the Nigerian Construction Industry, cost overrun is a problem, which affects 90 percent of the completed projects in the world; the argument on how to reduce/eliminate cost overrun has been on-going for the past 70 years; as the on-site wastage of materials leads to increases in the final project cost. Studies from different parts of the world have shown that construction-material waste represents a relatively large percentage of the production costs. Consequently, as a result of low levels of awareness, the Nigerian construction industry pays little attention to the effects of generated material waste on cost overruns. Thus, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry. A comprehensive review of the related literature revealed that all material waste causes are related to cost overrun causes at both pre-contract and post-contract stages of a project; but not vice versa. The mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm was adopted for this study. Abuja, the federal capital territory of Nigeria was the selected geographical scope of this research, out of which thirty-one (31) construction projects were purposeful selected (projects to the value of 100 million Rand/1.6 billion Naira and above).The research instrument was an interview guide used in conjunction with a tick box. Other sources of data included field investigation (measurement of onsite material waste) and the collection of archival records from bills of quantities, project records, and specifications. Analyses of the findings lead to the conclusion that a relationship exists between material waste and cost overrun; at the pre-contract and at the post-contract stages of a project. The implication is that an increase in material wastage on-site leads to a corresponding increase in the amount of cost overrun, regardless of the percentage allowance for material waste in the process of bill preparation. The study also concluded that the average percentage contribution of material waste to project-cost overruns is four (4) percent. Material-waste sources, causes, and control measures were found to have significant effects (very high, high, medium, low, and very low), in causing or minimising cost overruns at both pre-contract and post-contract stages of projects. The research has developed a conceptual model for the management of material waste and cost overruns in the construction industry based on the results and informed by the theoretical framework. The research has also developed a mathematical model for quantifying the amount of material waste to be generated by a project; as well as a mathematical equation for the effective management of material waste and cost overrun for projects. The study has achieved its aim of establishing an understanding of the issues leading to the relationship between material waste and cost overruns, as well as their management in the Nigerian construction industry. The study recommends that the management of material waste and cost overrun should be revised, based on the findings of this research and included as part of the procurement process. The mathematical models for quantification of onsite material waste, and the mathematical equation for managing material waste and cost overruns developed in the study, could be usefully adopted to improve management of material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Risk management practices on public sector construction projects: Case studies in Lesotho
- Authors: Nketekete, Molefi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Risk management Construction industry -- Lesotho Risk management -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11228 , vital:26900
- Description: Risk management (RM) is a knowledge area in project management (PM). The challenges of project complexity require astute RM. However, RM practices in Lesotho appear to lag behind international trends. Within the sub-Sahara African region, RM incompetence affects timely delivery of public projects owing to PM practices that do not address risks. This study, which adopts a case study approach, unravels the „how and why‟ of contemporary RM practices which are lacking in Lesotho, despite a poor record of project success in the construction industry. Through the reviewed literature and primary data collection, this study investigates three elements in order to determine the level of RM practice within Lesotho public sector construction projects. These elements were the basis of RM, the RM processes, and the peoples‟ perceptions which were essentially centred on the probability of risk and the impact thereof. The results from the study achieved through cross-case synthesis show that the level of RM practice in the Lesotho public sector construction projects is at variance with international practice. The notable gaps in practice include construction professionals who do not know about or who have not practiced project RM. The study thus propose that the Government of Lesotho (GoL) should invest in educating more people in the areas of construction project management or engage professionals with extensive project RM experience. The recommended initiatives should promote professionalism and accountability that are essential for bracing the RM practice in public sector construction projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nketekete, Molefi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Risk management Construction industry -- Lesotho Risk management -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11228 , vital:26900
- Description: Risk management (RM) is a knowledge area in project management (PM). The challenges of project complexity require astute RM. However, RM practices in Lesotho appear to lag behind international trends. Within the sub-Sahara African region, RM incompetence affects timely delivery of public projects owing to PM practices that do not address risks. This study, which adopts a case study approach, unravels the „how and why‟ of contemporary RM practices which are lacking in Lesotho, despite a poor record of project success in the construction industry. Through the reviewed literature and primary data collection, this study investigates three elements in order to determine the level of RM practice within Lesotho public sector construction projects. These elements were the basis of RM, the RM processes, and the peoples‟ perceptions which were essentially centred on the probability of risk and the impact thereof. The results from the study achieved through cross-case synthesis show that the level of RM practice in the Lesotho public sector construction projects is at variance with international practice. The notable gaps in practice include construction professionals who do not know about or who have not practiced project RM. The study thus propose that the Government of Lesotho (GoL) should invest in educating more people in the areas of construction project management or engage professionals with extensive project RM experience. The recommended initiatives should promote professionalism and accountability that are essential for bracing the RM practice in public sector construction projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Optimisation of glass scoring operation
- Authors: Bechoo, Durvesh Sookraj
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Glass -- Mechanical properties , Glass manufacture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9283 , vital:26559
- Description: The economic crisis and prior recession made a huge dent in many industries. Companies want a cheaper manufactured product with same quality to satisfy the customer in order be competitive yet profitable. Shatterprufe is a company that produces automotive glass. The company has a vast number of products and experience short production run lengths because of its order intake from customers. These short production run lengths require accurate setup to have a repeatable and stable process. An incorrect setup will produce a high scrap rate on production runs. Glass being very brittle and machining it incorrectly results in flaws, breakages or edge stresses that lead to latter process failures. The scoring operation of glass is key to achieve good edge quality to prevent such defects. The correct tools and machine parameters influence good edge quality during the setup procedure. Due to the process having many variables it is difficult to have a stable process and a repeatable stable process. This research will analyse the tool, parameters of the tool and machine parameters to achieve best edge quality and correlating these parameters that will lead to a repeatable stable process. An experimental analysis was conducted on 2.1mm and 2.5mm thick glass. These thicknesses are used predominantly at Shatterprufe automotive glass manufacturing company. The first sample and last sample was analysed during a production run. An average production run length is 36 pieces of glass. The edge quality was seen under a microscope and the fissure depth was measured. To achieve ideal edge quality, the fissure depth must be 15-20% deep of the glass thickness. A fissure is a crack propagated during the scoring of glass. A carbide wheel is used to score the glass. The carbide wheel parameters were varied being the wheel angle and wheel diameter. A 145 degree-4.1mm wheel, 145degree-5.6mm wheel and a 155 degree- 4.1mm wheel was used. The following relationships where observed being the wheel diameter and fissure depth. An increase in wheel diameter resulted in an increase in fissure depth but decreases the wheel life as the wheel becomes blunt. There was inconsistency on fissure depth with the larger diameter wheel. An increased in wheel angle from 145 degree to 155 degree promoted flaws in the glass. Larger wheel angles work better on glass thicknesses of 4-5mm as currently used in the Shatterprufe Struandale Company. An investigation on pressure variation in the pneumatic system was analysed using a pressure transmitter. The pressure transmitter measured the pressure per second versus the set pressure and recorded this data on a data logger. There was no pressure variation in the pneumatic system that can influence poor glass edge quality. A load cell analysis will investigate the physical applied pressure on the glass versus the set pressure. This analysis was to determine the relationship between set versus actual on the glass. It will indicate any mechanical fault. A mechanical fault could be a loose coupling or linkage that can influence the fissure depth. A direct proportional relationship was achieved between the set pressure versus the load cell readings. This indicates no mechanical fault on the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Bechoo, Durvesh Sookraj
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Glass -- Mechanical properties , Glass manufacture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9283 , vital:26559
- Description: The economic crisis and prior recession made a huge dent in many industries. Companies want a cheaper manufactured product with same quality to satisfy the customer in order be competitive yet profitable. Shatterprufe is a company that produces automotive glass. The company has a vast number of products and experience short production run lengths because of its order intake from customers. These short production run lengths require accurate setup to have a repeatable and stable process. An incorrect setup will produce a high scrap rate on production runs. Glass being very brittle and machining it incorrectly results in flaws, breakages or edge stresses that lead to latter process failures. The scoring operation of glass is key to achieve good edge quality to prevent such defects. The correct tools and machine parameters influence good edge quality during the setup procedure. Due to the process having many variables it is difficult to have a stable process and a repeatable stable process. This research will analyse the tool, parameters of the tool and machine parameters to achieve best edge quality and correlating these parameters that will lead to a repeatable stable process. An experimental analysis was conducted on 2.1mm and 2.5mm thick glass. These thicknesses are used predominantly at Shatterprufe automotive glass manufacturing company. The first sample and last sample was analysed during a production run. An average production run length is 36 pieces of glass. The edge quality was seen under a microscope and the fissure depth was measured. To achieve ideal edge quality, the fissure depth must be 15-20% deep of the glass thickness. A fissure is a crack propagated during the scoring of glass. A carbide wheel is used to score the glass. The carbide wheel parameters were varied being the wheel angle and wheel diameter. A 145 degree-4.1mm wheel, 145degree-5.6mm wheel and a 155 degree- 4.1mm wheel was used. The following relationships where observed being the wheel diameter and fissure depth. An increase in wheel diameter resulted in an increase in fissure depth but decreases the wheel life as the wheel becomes blunt. There was inconsistency on fissure depth with the larger diameter wheel. An increased in wheel angle from 145 degree to 155 degree promoted flaws in the glass. Larger wheel angles work better on glass thicknesses of 4-5mm as currently used in the Shatterprufe Struandale Company. An investigation on pressure variation in the pneumatic system was analysed using a pressure transmitter. The pressure transmitter measured the pressure per second versus the set pressure and recorded this data on a data logger. There was no pressure variation in the pneumatic system that can influence poor glass edge quality. A load cell analysis will investigate the physical applied pressure on the glass versus the set pressure. This analysis was to determine the relationship between set versus actual on the glass. It will indicate any mechanical fault. A mechanical fault could be a loose coupling or linkage that can influence the fissure depth. A direct proportional relationship was achieved between the set pressure versus the load cell readings. This indicates no mechanical fault on the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Protection of personal information in the South African cloud computing environment: a framework for cloud computing adoption
- Authors: Skolmen, Dayne Edward
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Security measures Data protection -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Privacy, Right of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12747 , vital:27117
- Description: Cloud Computing has advanced to the point where it may be considered an attractive proposition for an increasing number of South African organisations, yet the adoption of Cloud Computing in South Africa remains relatively low. Many organisations have been hesitant to adopt Cloud solutions owing to a variety of inhibiting factors and concerns that have created mistrust in Cloud Computing. One of the top concerns identified is security within the Cloud Computing environment. The approaching commencement of new data protection legislation in South Africa, known as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI), may provide an ideal opportunity to address the information security-related inhibiting factors and foster a trust relationship between potential Cloud users and Cloud providers. POPI applies to anyone who processes personal information and regulates how they must handle, store and secure that information. POPI is considered to be beneficial to Cloud providers as it gives them the opportunity to build trust with potential Cloud users through achieving compliance and providing assurance. The aim of this dissertation is, therefore, to develop a framework for Cloud Computing adoption that will assist in mitigating the information security-related factors inhibiting Cloud adoption by fostering a trust relationship through compliance with the POPI Act. It is believed that such a framework would be useful to South African Cloud providers and could ultimately assist in the promotion of Cloud adoption in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Skolmen, Dayne Edward
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Security measures Data protection -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Privacy, Right of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12747 , vital:27117
- Description: Cloud Computing has advanced to the point where it may be considered an attractive proposition for an increasing number of South African organisations, yet the adoption of Cloud Computing in South Africa remains relatively low. Many organisations have been hesitant to adopt Cloud solutions owing to a variety of inhibiting factors and concerns that have created mistrust in Cloud Computing. One of the top concerns identified is security within the Cloud Computing environment. The approaching commencement of new data protection legislation in South Africa, known as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI), may provide an ideal opportunity to address the information security-related inhibiting factors and foster a trust relationship between potential Cloud users and Cloud providers. POPI applies to anyone who processes personal information and regulates how they must handle, store and secure that information. POPI is considered to be beneficial to Cloud providers as it gives them the opportunity to build trust with potential Cloud users through achieving compliance and providing assurance. The aim of this dissertation is, therefore, to develop a framework for Cloud Computing adoption that will assist in mitigating the information security-related factors inhibiting Cloud adoption by fostering a trust relationship through compliance with the POPI Act. It is believed that such a framework would be useful to South African Cloud providers and could ultimately assist in the promotion of Cloud adoption in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Engendering the meaningful use of electronic medical records: a South African perspective
- Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Authors: Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic records -- South Africa -- Management Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18420 , vital:28635
- Description: Theoretically, the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) holds promise of numerous benefits in healthcare provision, including improvement in continuity of care, quality of care and safety. However, in practice, there is evidence that the adoption of electronic medical records has been slow and where adopted, often lacks meaningful use. Thus there is a clear dichotomy between the ambitions for EMR use and the reality of EMR implementation. In the USA, a legislative approach was taken to turn around the situation. Other countries such as Canada and European countries have followed suit (in their own way) to address the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records. The South African e-Health strategy and the National Health Normative Standards Framework for Interoperability in eHealth in South Africa documents both recommend the adoption of EMRs. Much work has been done to establish a baseline for standards to ensure interoperability and data portability of healthcare applications and data. However, even with the increased focus on e-Health, South Africa remains excessively reliant on paper-based medical records. Where health information technologies have been adopted, there is lack of coordination between and within provinces, leading to a multitude of systems and vendors. Thus there is a lack of systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in South Africa. The main objective of this research is to develop the components required to engender meaningful use of electronic medical records in the South African healthcare context. The main contributors are identified as EMR certification and consistent, proper use of certified EMRs. Literature review, a Delphi study and logical argumentation are used to develop the relevant components for the South African healthcare context. The benefits of EMRs can only be realized through systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs, thus this research contributes to providing a road map for engendering the meaningful use of EMRs with the ultimate aim of improving healthcare in the South African healthcare landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic records -- South Africa -- Management Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18420 , vital:28635
- Description: Theoretically, the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) holds promise of numerous benefits in healthcare provision, including improvement in continuity of care, quality of care and safety. However, in practice, there is evidence that the adoption of electronic medical records has been slow and where adopted, often lacks meaningful use. Thus there is a clear dichotomy between the ambitions for EMR use and the reality of EMR implementation. In the USA, a legislative approach was taken to turn around the situation. Other countries such as Canada and European countries have followed suit (in their own way) to address the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records. The South African e-Health strategy and the National Health Normative Standards Framework for Interoperability in eHealth in South Africa documents both recommend the adoption of EMRs. Much work has been done to establish a baseline for standards to ensure interoperability and data portability of healthcare applications and data. However, even with the increased focus on e-Health, South Africa remains excessively reliant on paper-based medical records. Where health information technologies have been adopted, there is lack of coordination between and within provinces, leading to a multitude of systems and vendors. Thus there is a lack of systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in South Africa. The main objective of this research is to develop the components required to engender meaningful use of electronic medical records in the South African healthcare context. The main contributors are identified as EMR certification and consistent, proper use of certified EMRs. Literature review, a Delphi study and logical argumentation are used to develop the relevant components for the South African healthcare context. The benefits of EMRs can only be realized through systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs, thus this research contributes to providing a road map for engendering the meaningful use of EMRs with the ultimate aim of improving healthcare in the South African healthcare landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Influence of increased processing speed on the microstructure evolution and mechanical property relationship in friction stir welding of AA5182-H111 (T500)
- Authors: Bernard, Dreyer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Friction stir welding , Aluminum alloys -- Welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7322 , vital:21319
- Description: Friction stir welding of 5xxx series aluminium is generally carried out at low travel speeds, which limits the commercial applications of this process. This manuscript discusses the dynamic eformation characteristics of AA5182-H111 (T500), which allowed a travel speed of 1500 mm/min to be realised. This was achieved by using a spindle speed of 500 rev/min; the same as that required to make a weld of 200 mm/min. The thermal cycles, microstructural evolution due to tool / work-piece interaction, and the local microstructural and mechanical properties of the completed weld are discussed for a travel speed for 200 mm/min and 1500 mm/min. At a rate of 200 mm/min, heat generated due to contact between the shoulder and work-piece surface was transferred ahead of the tool, driving dynamic recrystallization which lowered the flow stress. Hereafter the material entered the stir zone where it was extruded around the pin during a process of continuous dynamic crystallization. At a travel speed of 1500 mm/min, the rate of heat conduction ahead of the tool was not rapid enough, and the material was deformed at low temperatures. A low weld pitch rotations per unit length travelled) was required to ensure that the material was sufficiently strained, to allow the formation of geometric necessary boundaries, which resulted in grain subdivision. The number of high angle grain boundaries was increased through subdivision, thus, increasing the nucleation sites for dynamically recrystallized necklace grains to form. In the absence of heat conduction from the shoulder, the high plastic strain ahead of the tool provided the energy required to drive dynamic recrystallization. Heat was generated from the high plastic strain and during recrystallization, where the stored plastic energy was adiabatically released. Once the material entered the stir zone, the high strain rates associated with the tool rotation which drove dynamic recrystallization that allowed the material to reach high levels of strain, resulted significant grain refinement. The weld zone of the 200 mm/min displayed weld a slight increase in yield strength, with respect to the parent material, due to grain refinement to 10 μm, while the yield strength of the 1500 mm/min weld was significantly increased due to grain refinement to 5 μm. The high weld speed did, however, generate high tensile residual stresses. This work is not only significant for the field of friction stir welding, but also in terms of material processing. The dynamic deformation characteristics associated with Al-5Mg-Mn, alloys which was observed ahead of the tool, is of high value in processes where plastic deformation is applied to improve the mechanical properties of these alloys.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Bernard, Dreyer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Friction stir welding , Aluminum alloys -- Welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7322 , vital:21319
- Description: Friction stir welding of 5xxx series aluminium is generally carried out at low travel speeds, which limits the commercial applications of this process. This manuscript discusses the dynamic eformation characteristics of AA5182-H111 (T500), which allowed a travel speed of 1500 mm/min to be realised. This was achieved by using a spindle speed of 500 rev/min; the same as that required to make a weld of 200 mm/min. The thermal cycles, microstructural evolution due to tool / work-piece interaction, and the local microstructural and mechanical properties of the completed weld are discussed for a travel speed for 200 mm/min and 1500 mm/min. At a rate of 200 mm/min, heat generated due to contact between the shoulder and work-piece surface was transferred ahead of the tool, driving dynamic recrystallization which lowered the flow stress. Hereafter the material entered the stir zone where it was extruded around the pin during a process of continuous dynamic crystallization. At a travel speed of 1500 mm/min, the rate of heat conduction ahead of the tool was not rapid enough, and the material was deformed at low temperatures. A low weld pitch rotations per unit length travelled) was required to ensure that the material was sufficiently strained, to allow the formation of geometric necessary boundaries, which resulted in grain subdivision. The number of high angle grain boundaries was increased through subdivision, thus, increasing the nucleation sites for dynamically recrystallized necklace grains to form. In the absence of heat conduction from the shoulder, the high plastic strain ahead of the tool provided the energy required to drive dynamic recrystallization. Heat was generated from the high plastic strain and during recrystallization, where the stored plastic energy was adiabatically released. Once the material entered the stir zone, the high strain rates associated with the tool rotation which drove dynamic recrystallization that allowed the material to reach high levels of strain, resulted significant grain refinement. The weld zone of the 200 mm/min displayed weld a slight increase in yield strength, with respect to the parent material, due to grain refinement to 10 μm, while the yield strength of the 1500 mm/min weld was significantly increased due to grain refinement to 5 μm. The high weld speed did, however, generate high tensile residual stresses. This work is not only significant for the field of friction stir welding, but also in terms of material processing. The dynamic deformation characteristics associated with Al-5Mg-Mn, alloys which was observed ahead of the tool, is of high value in processes where plastic deformation is applied to improve the mechanical properties of these alloys.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The maturity of project management in engineering consulting firms
- Authors: Machite, Kennedy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management Consulting engineers -- South Africa , Engineering firms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18409 , vital:28634
- Description: With a considerable number of built environment projects not being completed successfully, this study was undertaken to investigate how effectively consulting engineering firms are applying project management principles in the way they manage projects. This was achieved by measuring the project management maturity levels of consulting engineering firms. Maturity levels were measured for each of the ten knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge to determine areas where consulting engineering firms perform below expectation and as a result determine probable causes of project failures. The maturity of the firm was then calculated as the average of the maturity for the knowledge areas. The study found that consulting engineering firms have higher levels of project management maturity than the average for the construction and civil engineering sector. Apart from risk and procurement management, all the other knowledge areas have higher maturity levels than the corresponding construction and civil engineering knowledge areas. Although the overall maturity results indicate that the larger firms are more mature in their project management practices than the smaller firms, the individual knowledge areas are inconsistent. The study reveals that consulting engineering firms are weakest in the risk management, human resources and stakeholder management knowledge areas. There is limited literature available on the status of project management, project management methodologies, and performance of consulting projects in the engineering environment (Labuschagne & Steyn, 2010:70). There is need for future studies to establish a methodology developed specifically for the Consulting Engineering Firms in line with what Labuschagne & Steyn (2010) started and a Project Management Maturity Model specific to the Consulting Engineering Industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Machite, Kennedy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management Consulting engineers -- South Africa , Engineering firms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18409 , vital:28634
- Description: With a considerable number of built environment projects not being completed successfully, this study was undertaken to investigate how effectively consulting engineering firms are applying project management principles in the way they manage projects. This was achieved by measuring the project management maturity levels of consulting engineering firms. Maturity levels were measured for each of the ten knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge to determine areas where consulting engineering firms perform below expectation and as a result determine probable causes of project failures. The maturity of the firm was then calculated as the average of the maturity for the knowledge areas. The study found that consulting engineering firms have higher levels of project management maturity than the average for the construction and civil engineering sector. Apart from risk and procurement management, all the other knowledge areas have higher maturity levels than the corresponding construction and civil engineering knowledge areas. Although the overall maturity results indicate that the larger firms are more mature in their project management practices than the smaller firms, the individual knowledge areas are inconsistent. The study reveals that consulting engineering firms are weakest in the risk management, human resources and stakeholder management knowledge areas. There is limited literature available on the status of project management, project management methodologies, and performance of consulting projects in the engineering environment (Labuschagne & Steyn, 2010:70). There is need for future studies to establish a methodology developed specifically for the Consulting Engineering Firms in line with what Labuschagne & Steyn (2010) started and a Project Management Maturity Model specific to the Consulting Engineering Industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Modular electric automatic guided vehicle suspension-drive unit
- Macfarlane, Alexander Blair Stuart, Van Niekerk, Theo
- Authors: Macfarlane, Alexander Blair Stuart , Van Niekerk, Theo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Autonomous vehicles , Sustainable design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8220 , vital:25968
- Description: This report discusses the design, development, elevation and creation of a modular omni-directional suspension-drive train unit for use on 1000 kg automatic guided vehicle. The system included a semi-active suspension oleo strut system that can vary its dampening and ride height. The drive train system is capable of omni-directional motion through the use of separately driven mechanum wheels power by a 48 volt DC system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Macfarlane, Alexander Blair Stuart , Van Niekerk, Theo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Autonomous vehicles , Sustainable design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8220 , vital:25968
- Description: This report discusses the design, development, elevation and creation of a modular omni-directional suspension-drive train unit for use on 1000 kg automatic guided vehicle. The system included a semi-active suspension oleo strut system that can vary its dampening and ride height. The drive train system is capable of omni-directional motion through the use of separately driven mechanum wheels power by a 48 volt DC system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Business problems facing potential emerging contractors in CIDB grades 5 to 7
- Pretorius, Albertus Johannes Hendrik
- Authors: Pretorius, Albertus Johannes Hendrik
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Building trades , Project management , Construction industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3459 , vital:20432
- Description: Considering the vital part which the construction industry plays in the economy of South Africa, as well as the objectives of the reconstruction and development thereof, the failure of contractors, despite all the interventions to identify and eradicate the root of the problem, is a matter of great concern. In November 2000, the Construction Industry Development Board Act (2000) was promulgated which led to the inception of the cidb with a mandate to implement an integrated strategy for the reconstruction, growth and development of the construction industry. The matter of contractor development has been widely studied and investigated since the inception of the cidb in 2000. However, the purpose of this study was to focus on the business problems faced by Grade 5 to 7 CE / GB Potential Emerging Contractors, with regard to construction organisations that make the move from small to medium businesses. The intention was to contribute to the successful transition from small to medium businesses by means of structured initiatives. In order to achieve this, a new business strategy must be adopted. It was therefore necessary to extensively consider the surface and core competencies required for making the transition. Liquidity problems that the transition entails were explored, as well as contractor misconceptions with regard to contractor development. In the course of the study, unethical practices and entitlement issues experienced in the built environment and the effect of this on contractor success were explored. The study aimed to recommend a structured framework for co-ordination between assistance, mentorship, contractor needs, client departments, cidb NCDP best practice guidelines and the most important of all, self-empowerment. This study further endeavoured to find possible solutions regarding the assistance requirements, as well as self-empowering objectives for emerging contractors taking the challenging step from small to medium business and by implication, becoming sustainable contractor enterprises in Grades 6 to 8. Political imperatives need to be weighed against the high unemployment rate. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) indicates that there are not enough sustainable contracting opportunities to allocate to Contractor Development Programmes (CDPs). This is aggravated by the tendency that too many hopeful aspirant entrepreneurs, lacking construction surface and core competencies, are seeing the built environment as an easy industry to enter. Just less than 50% of cidb registered contractors exited the register of active contractors during the last ten years ending 2nd quarter 2015. 45% exited during the last five years. This indicates that there is a serious sustainability problem in the built environment. Considering the GFCF contractor opportunities there are too many cidb registered contractors. However, enterprise failure is not only an Emerging Contractor (EC) problem, but occurs across the board. A dangerous notion that the large national construction firms should no longer qualify for public contracts can have disastrous implications for an already embattled industry. Large national firms are the trend setters in the built environment, which coach the much needed construction surface and core competencies. If upgrading is the measure of success the current CDP statistics do not confirm that the strategic objectives of the National Contractor Development Programme (NCDP) are being achieved. All contractors, including black owned contractors, are faring substantially better than their EC counterparts participating in CDPs. Upgrading should carry less weight and sustainability and high performance should become the focus. A serious lack of construction surface and core competencies was identified. If contractor development is the objective the structure of the cidb grading system should be reviewed. It is recommended that the broad CDP hierarchical structure should streamlined and partly privatised to focus on the core strategic objective of contractor development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Pretorius, Albertus Johannes Hendrik
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Building trades , Project management , Construction industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3459 , vital:20432
- Description: Considering the vital part which the construction industry plays in the economy of South Africa, as well as the objectives of the reconstruction and development thereof, the failure of contractors, despite all the interventions to identify and eradicate the root of the problem, is a matter of great concern. In November 2000, the Construction Industry Development Board Act (2000) was promulgated which led to the inception of the cidb with a mandate to implement an integrated strategy for the reconstruction, growth and development of the construction industry. The matter of contractor development has been widely studied and investigated since the inception of the cidb in 2000. However, the purpose of this study was to focus on the business problems faced by Grade 5 to 7 CE / GB Potential Emerging Contractors, with regard to construction organisations that make the move from small to medium businesses. The intention was to contribute to the successful transition from small to medium businesses by means of structured initiatives. In order to achieve this, a new business strategy must be adopted. It was therefore necessary to extensively consider the surface and core competencies required for making the transition. Liquidity problems that the transition entails were explored, as well as contractor misconceptions with regard to contractor development. In the course of the study, unethical practices and entitlement issues experienced in the built environment and the effect of this on contractor success were explored. The study aimed to recommend a structured framework for co-ordination between assistance, mentorship, contractor needs, client departments, cidb NCDP best practice guidelines and the most important of all, self-empowerment. This study further endeavoured to find possible solutions regarding the assistance requirements, as well as self-empowering objectives for emerging contractors taking the challenging step from small to medium business and by implication, becoming sustainable contractor enterprises in Grades 6 to 8. Political imperatives need to be weighed against the high unemployment rate. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) indicates that there are not enough sustainable contracting opportunities to allocate to Contractor Development Programmes (CDPs). This is aggravated by the tendency that too many hopeful aspirant entrepreneurs, lacking construction surface and core competencies, are seeing the built environment as an easy industry to enter. Just less than 50% of cidb registered contractors exited the register of active contractors during the last ten years ending 2nd quarter 2015. 45% exited during the last five years. This indicates that there is a serious sustainability problem in the built environment. Considering the GFCF contractor opportunities there are too many cidb registered contractors. However, enterprise failure is not only an Emerging Contractor (EC) problem, but occurs across the board. A dangerous notion that the large national construction firms should no longer qualify for public contracts can have disastrous implications for an already embattled industry. Large national firms are the trend setters in the built environment, which coach the much needed construction surface and core competencies. If upgrading is the measure of success the current CDP statistics do not confirm that the strategic objectives of the National Contractor Development Programme (NCDP) are being achieved. All contractors, including black owned contractors, are faring substantially better than their EC counterparts participating in CDPs. Upgrading should carry less weight and sustainability and high performance should become the focus. A serious lack of construction surface and core competencies was identified. If contractor development is the objective the structure of the cidb grading system should be reviewed. It is recommended that the broad CDP hierarchical structure should streamlined and partly privatised to focus on the core strategic objective of contractor development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effects of poor programme management coordination on the delivery of health infrastructure projects: a case of the Northern Cape
- Authors: Mabona, Lesetja Godley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Health facilities -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Hospital buildings -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8165 , vital:25341
- Description: The Northern Cape Department of Health (NCDoH) experiences sub-optimal programme management coordination in the delivery of health facilities. This research study aimed to determine how programme management coordination amongst the provincial office of the NCDoH, district office and the hospital that did undergo revitalisation through the Hospital Revitalisation Programme (HRP) could be improved. In order to explore the research problem the concepts of construction management and operations management were studied from which factors that impact positively and negatively on programme management coordination were extracted. A rationalist philosophical approach and subjectivist epistemology were utilised. The empirical enquiry was conducted through the case study method to obtain in-depth context of the case. The empirical evidence was obtained through a research interview guide utilising the purposive sampling strategy. The research initiated the sampling procedure by targeting the most relevant managers to the research study in the three units of analysis. A snowball approach evolved for the identification of other managers deemed relevant for purposes of this research. The thesis obtained opinions on the subject matter from managers who participated or were supposed to participate in the implementation of the delivery objectives of the administrative programmes in the NCDoH together with the objectives of the HRP. The research revealed that poor programme management coordination in the NCDoH as a result of internal competition and silo functions which prevent synergy from programme management plan development up to implementation. Furthermore, the complete building infrastructure only attains the objectives of construction management but the building infrastructure are not a complete justification for benefit realisation without the integration of operations management. The NCDoH cannot declare a successful programme management practices if it fails to realise the benefits that require integration of infrastructure and services. It is recommended that in order to attain effective programme management and realise the benefits of strategic objectives there should be a cross-functional approach from executive management which should trickle-down to the lowest level of administration. This research has developed a framework that can be useful in the integration of construction and operations management whereby infrastructure and operational services have to be delivered simultaneously in the field of programme management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mabona, Lesetja Godley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Health facilities -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Hospital buildings -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8165 , vital:25341
- Description: The Northern Cape Department of Health (NCDoH) experiences sub-optimal programme management coordination in the delivery of health facilities. This research study aimed to determine how programme management coordination amongst the provincial office of the NCDoH, district office and the hospital that did undergo revitalisation through the Hospital Revitalisation Programme (HRP) could be improved. In order to explore the research problem the concepts of construction management and operations management were studied from which factors that impact positively and negatively on programme management coordination were extracted. A rationalist philosophical approach and subjectivist epistemology were utilised. The empirical enquiry was conducted through the case study method to obtain in-depth context of the case. The empirical evidence was obtained through a research interview guide utilising the purposive sampling strategy. The research initiated the sampling procedure by targeting the most relevant managers to the research study in the three units of analysis. A snowball approach evolved for the identification of other managers deemed relevant for purposes of this research. The thesis obtained opinions on the subject matter from managers who participated or were supposed to participate in the implementation of the delivery objectives of the administrative programmes in the NCDoH together with the objectives of the HRP. The research revealed that poor programme management coordination in the NCDoH as a result of internal competition and silo functions which prevent synergy from programme management plan development up to implementation. Furthermore, the complete building infrastructure only attains the objectives of construction management but the building infrastructure are not a complete justification for benefit realisation without the integration of operations management. The NCDoH cannot declare a successful programme management practices if it fails to realise the benefits that require integration of infrastructure and services. It is recommended that in order to attain effective programme management and realise the benefits of strategic objectives there should be a cross-functional approach from executive management which should trickle-down to the lowest level of administration. This research has developed a framework that can be useful in the integration of construction and operations management whereby infrastructure and operational services have to be delivered simultaneously in the field of programme management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework for enhancing trust for improved participation in electronic marketplaces accessed from mobile platforms
- Isabirye, Naomi Nabirye, Von Solms, R
- Authors: Isabirye, Naomi Nabirye , Von Solms, R
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Agricultural innovations -- South Africa Agricultural systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20019 , vital:29053
- Description: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been widely researched as a mechanism for improving the socio-economic status of disadvantaged, rural communities. In order to do this numerous technology-based initiatives have been introduced into disadvantaged, rural communities to assist them in various aspects of their lives. Unfortunately, even when the proposed benefit of a particular technology is clearly evident to its initiators, the adoption by the target users is often uncertain. This has also been the case with e-commerce in agriculture. Despite the numerous benefits of e-commerce for agricultural producers, the uptake has been low. Trust is a critical pre-condition for the adoption of e-marketplaces. E-marketplaces expose consumers to the risk of non-delivery or misrepresentation of goods ordered and the misuse of personal information by external parties. Additionally, the time investment needed to make a shift to e-marketplaces and the opinions of important reference groups affects the user’s willingness to trust and depend on an e-marketplace. This study was undertaken to assess the extent to which rural users with limited ICT experience would trust and, consequently, adopt an e-marketplace to support agricultural trade. A pragmatic philosophy was adopted in this study, indicating that the researcher’s view of reality is founded on the practical implications and outcomes that are observed. This study used a Canonical Action Research strategy to design, develop and deploy a voice based e-marketplace to assist the trading activities of a Western Cape based aloe community. The community was allowed to utilise thee-marketplace over a period of eight weeks. Thereafter, interviews were held with the participants to investigate their perceptions of the technology. As a result, a model proposing the factors that must be in place for trust to be achieved in a voice based e-marketplace was proposed. The study found that the trustworthiness of a technology results from the technology’s technical capability to satisfy the needs of its users reliably. Usability and security were found to be important determinants of the trustworthiness of a technology. Furthermore, the requirements elicitation process was found to be central to achieving trust as it defines the necessary criteria for developing secure, usable, functional, and reliable technologies that meet the needs of their users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Isabirye, Naomi Nabirye , Von Solms, R
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Agricultural innovations -- South Africa Agricultural systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20019 , vital:29053
- Description: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been widely researched as a mechanism for improving the socio-economic status of disadvantaged, rural communities. In order to do this numerous technology-based initiatives have been introduced into disadvantaged, rural communities to assist them in various aspects of their lives. Unfortunately, even when the proposed benefit of a particular technology is clearly evident to its initiators, the adoption by the target users is often uncertain. This has also been the case with e-commerce in agriculture. Despite the numerous benefits of e-commerce for agricultural producers, the uptake has been low. Trust is a critical pre-condition for the adoption of e-marketplaces. E-marketplaces expose consumers to the risk of non-delivery or misrepresentation of goods ordered and the misuse of personal information by external parties. Additionally, the time investment needed to make a shift to e-marketplaces and the opinions of important reference groups affects the user’s willingness to trust and depend on an e-marketplace. This study was undertaken to assess the extent to which rural users with limited ICT experience would trust and, consequently, adopt an e-marketplace to support agricultural trade. A pragmatic philosophy was adopted in this study, indicating that the researcher’s view of reality is founded on the practical implications and outcomes that are observed. This study used a Canonical Action Research strategy to design, develop and deploy a voice based e-marketplace to assist the trading activities of a Western Cape based aloe community. The community was allowed to utilise thee-marketplace over a period of eight weeks. Thereafter, interviews were held with the participants to investigate their perceptions of the technology. As a result, a model proposing the factors that must be in place for trust to be achieved in a voice based e-marketplace was proposed. The study found that the trustworthiness of a technology results from the technology’s technical capability to satisfy the needs of its users reliably. Usability and security were found to be important determinants of the trustworthiness of a technology. Furthermore, the requirements elicitation process was found to be central to achieving trust as it defines the necessary criteria for developing secure, usable, functional, and reliable technologies that meet the needs of their users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The implications of the 2014 construction regulations for the Department of Public Works procurement system
- Authors: Matete, Kenevoe Rose
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety regulations -- South Africa Construction industry -- Standards -- South Africa Industrial procurement -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10309 , vital:26651
- Description: The Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes that regulations seek to make improvements by changing individual or organisational behaviour in ways that generate positive impacts in terms of solving societal and economic problems. At its most basic level, regulations are designed to work according to implementation, leading to changes in behaviours that, in turn, lead to changes in outcomes. Such outcomes can be satisfaction in terms of an underlying problem or other (hopefully positive) changes in conditions in the world. Following this premise, this research project investigates the implications of the 2014 Construction Regulations for the Department of Public Works’ procurement system. The study also examines the contents of the construction Regulations; the impact of the Construction Regulations 2014 – permit-to-work; client / contractor procurement issues; the enforcement of compliance to permit-to-work requirements, and education and training demands in relation to health and safety (H&S) competency. The study shows that even though industry role players are relatively familiar with the Construction Regulations 2014, there is a common concern regarding competency (education and training) levels required for the implementation of the permit-to-work requirement of the regulations. The concerns focus on the ability of the Department of Labour (DoL) to process the permits. Based on the study’s findings, the research concludes that there would be cost implications for project actors when implementing the permit-to-work requirement and this cost factor could delay project initiation and planning, as well as service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Matete, Kenevoe Rose
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety regulations -- South Africa Construction industry -- Standards -- South Africa Industrial procurement -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10309 , vital:26651
- Description: The Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes that regulations seek to make improvements by changing individual or organisational behaviour in ways that generate positive impacts in terms of solving societal and economic problems. At its most basic level, regulations are designed to work according to implementation, leading to changes in behaviours that, in turn, lead to changes in outcomes. Such outcomes can be satisfaction in terms of an underlying problem or other (hopefully positive) changes in conditions in the world. Following this premise, this research project investigates the implications of the 2014 Construction Regulations for the Department of Public Works’ procurement system. The study also examines the contents of the construction Regulations; the impact of the Construction Regulations 2014 – permit-to-work; client / contractor procurement issues; the enforcement of compliance to permit-to-work requirements, and education and training demands in relation to health and safety (H&S) competency. The study shows that even though industry role players are relatively familiar with the Construction Regulations 2014, there is a common concern regarding competency (education and training) levels required for the implementation of the permit-to-work requirement of the regulations. The concerns focus on the ability of the Department of Labour (DoL) to process the permits. Based on the study’s findings, the research concludes that there would be cost implications for project actors when implementing the permit-to-work requirement and this cost factor could delay project initiation and planning, as well as service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design, management and testing of a solar vehicle's energy strategy
- Authors: Jordaan, Johan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Solar energy -- Hybrid systems , Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7428 , vital:21362
- Description: In recent years the interest in implementing solar energy on vehicles (electrical and hybrid) has grown significantly [1]. There are currently limitations in this sector, such as the low energy density (efficiency of conversion) of this source, but it is still a renewable resource and as such, there is a growing interest [1]. A “smart” energy strategy implemented on a solar/electrical vehicle, in order to increase its energy harvesting volume, could enhance the growth of this sector. A tracking algorithm for a solar vehicle’s MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) can be designed to source solar energy very effectively and to increase the speed of finding (tracking) this optimal sourcing point (solar panel voltage and current). Even though there are many different MPPT algorithms, it was decided that most of them were designed for stationary MPPT applications and the dynamics of implementing a MPPT on a vehicle create some unique scenarios. These include: Shadow flicker. This is rhythmic, rapid moving shadows across a solar panel, such as shadows from a line of trees: Rapid changes in solar panel orientation due to the road surface/relief; Rapid changes in panel temperature due to the location of the vehicle. The aim of the research can be divided into three outcomes: 1 Creating a “Smart” energy strategy/control, 2 Implement the new control system on a solar vehicle’s MPPT, and 3 Harvesting maximum energy from solar panels using the new energy strategy. The term “smart” is used to indicate the ability of the MPPT algorithm to be updated and improved based on previous results. A MPPT and scaled solar vehicle is designed and manufactured in order to test the MPPT algorithm. The purpose of using a self-developed experimental setup is to have more control over the system variables as well as having the maximum freedom in setting up the system parameters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Jordaan, Johan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Solar energy -- Hybrid systems , Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7428 , vital:21362
- Description: In recent years the interest in implementing solar energy on vehicles (electrical and hybrid) has grown significantly [1]. There are currently limitations in this sector, such as the low energy density (efficiency of conversion) of this source, but it is still a renewable resource and as such, there is a growing interest [1]. A “smart” energy strategy implemented on a solar/electrical vehicle, in order to increase its energy harvesting volume, could enhance the growth of this sector. A tracking algorithm for a solar vehicle’s MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) can be designed to source solar energy very effectively and to increase the speed of finding (tracking) this optimal sourcing point (solar panel voltage and current). Even though there are many different MPPT algorithms, it was decided that most of them were designed for stationary MPPT applications and the dynamics of implementing a MPPT on a vehicle create some unique scenarios. These include: Shadow flicker. This is rhythmic, rapid moving shadows across a solar panel, such as shadows from a line of trees: Rapid changes in solar panel orientation due to the road surface/relief; Rapid changes in panel temperature due to the location of the vehicle. The aim of the research can be divided into three outcomes: 1 Creating a “Smart” energy strategy/control, 2 Implement the new control system on a solar vehicle’s MPPT, and 3 Harvesting maximum energy from solar panels using the new energy strategy. The term “smart” is used to indicate the ability of the MPPT algorithm to be updated and improved based on previous results. A MPPT and scaled solar vehicle is designed and manufactured in order to test the MPPT algorithm. The purpose of using a self-developed experimental setup is to have more control over the system variables as well as having the maximum freedom in setting up the system parameters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Information security assurance model for an examination paper preparation process in a higher education institution
- Authors: Mogale, Miemie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management -- Examinations , Computers -- Access control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8509 , vital:26377
- Description: In today’s business world, information has become the driving force of organizations. With organizations transmitting large amounts of information to various geographical locations, it is imperative that organizations ensure the protection of their valuable commodity. Organizations should ensure that only authorized individuals receive, view and alter the information. This is also true to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which need to protect its examination papers, amongst other valuable information. With various threats waiting to take advantage of the examination papers, HEIs need to be prepared by equipping themselves with an information security management system (ISMS), in order to ensure that the process of setting examination papers is secure, and protects the examination papers within the process. An ISMS will ensure that all information security aspects are considered and addressed in order to provide appropriate and adequate protection for the examination papers. With the assistance of information security concepts and information security principles, the ISMS can be developed, in order to secure the process of preparing examination papers; in order to protect the examination papers from potential risks. Risk assessment form part of the ISMS, and is at the centre of any security effort; reason being that to secure an information environment, knowing and understanding the risks is imperative. Risks pertaining to that particular environment need to be assessed in order to deal with those appropriately. In addition, very important to any security effort is ensuring that employees working with the valuable information are made aware of these risks, and can be able to protect the information. Therefore, the role players (within the examination paper preparation process (EPPP)) who handle the examination papers on a daily basis have to be equipped with means of handling valuable information in a secure manner. Some of the role players’ behaviour and practices while handling the information could be seen as vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threats, resulting in the compromise in the CIA of the information. Therefore, it is imperative that role players are made aware of their practices and iv behaviour that could result in a negative impact for the institution. This awareness forms part and is addressed in the ISMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mogale, Miemie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management -- Examinations , Computers -- Access control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8509 , vital:26377
- Description: In today’s business world, information has become the driving force of organizations. With organizations transmitting large amounts of information to various geographical locations, it is imperative that organizations ensure the protection of their valuable commodity. Organizations should ensure that only authorized individuals receive, view and alter the information. This is also true to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which need to protect its examination papers, amongst other valuable information. With various threats waiting to take advantage of the examination papers, HEIs need to be prepared by equipping themselves with an information security management system (ISMS), in order to ensure that the process of setting examination papers is secure, and protects the examination papers within the process. An ISMS will ensure that all information security aspects are considered and addressed in order to provide appropriate and adequate protection for the examination papers. With the assistance of information security concepts and information security principles, the ISMS can be developed, in order to secure the process of preparing examination papers; in order to protect the examination papers from potential risks. Risk assessment form part of the ISMS, and is at the centre of any security effort; reason being that to secure an information environment, knowing and understanding the risks is imperative. Risks pertaining to that particular environment need to be assessed in order to deal with those appropriately. In addition, very important to any security effort is ensuring that employees working with the valuable information are made aware of these risks, and can be able to protect the information. Therefore, the role players (within the examination paper preparation process (EPPP)) who handle the examination papers on a daily basis have to be equipped with means of handling valuable information in a secure manner. Some of the role players’ behaviour and practices while handling the information could be seen as vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threats, resulting in the compromise in the CIA of the information. Therefore, it is imperative that role players are made aware of their practices and iv behaviour that could result in a negative impact for the institution. This awareness forms part and is addressed in the ISMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Establishing a waste management system for Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Authors: Myamya, Luyolo Ebenezer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Waste minimization -- South Africa Sanitary engineering -- South Africa Environmental management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11670 , vital:26949
- Description: Communities around the globe are confronted by environmental challenges such as waste management. These challenges are further aggravated by factors such the increasing volumes of waste, landfills that are running out of capacity and scarcity of suitable land to construct new landfill sites. The National Waste Management Strategy requires participation from all members of society including households, businesses, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, parastatals and the three spheres of government, to promote practices that minimise the volumes of waste generated. The purpose of the research was to assess and investigate the current waste management practices at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and recommend a waste management system. The research employed a quantitative approach, where participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire. A literature review was conducted on waste management at higher learning institutions, with particular focus on the contribution that a university can make in alleviating some of the adverse effects of waste management. The outcome of the review highlighted some of the opportunities and barriers that can either disrupt or augment the process of implementing a waste management system. The results from the research revealed that CPUT does not conform to the hierarchy of waste management, and there is no waste management policy in place. The effect of this is that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the lack of leadership on waste related challenges. By developing a policy, providing leadership, conducting awareness campaigns and prioritising environmental challenges such responsible management waste, could improve the image of the institution in the eyes if its stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Myamya, Luyolo Ebenezer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Waste minimization -- South Africa Sanitary engineering -- South Africa Environmental management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11670 , vital:26949
- Description: Communities around the globe are confronted by environmental challenges such as waste management. These challenges are further aggravated by factors such the increasing volumes of waste, landfills that are running out of capacity and scarcity of suitable land to construct new landfill sites. The National Waste Management Strategy requires participation from all members of society including households, businesses, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, parastatals and the three spheres of government, to promote practices that minimise the volumes of waste generated. The purpose of the research was to assess and investigate the current waste management practices at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and recommend a waste management system. The research employed a quantitative approach, where participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire. A literature review was conducted on waste management at higher learning institutions, with particular focus on the contribution that a university can make in alleviating some of the adverse effects of waste management. The outcome of the review highlighted some of the opportunities and barriers that can either disrupt or augment the process of implementing a waste management system. The results from the research revealed that CPUT does not conform to the hierarchy of waste management, and there is no waste management policy in place. The effect of this is that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the lack of leadership on waste related challenges. By developing a policy, providing leadership, conducting awareness campaigns and prioritising environmental challenges such responsible management waste, could improve the image of the institution in the eyes if its stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Energy management system for the diagnosis and control of an automatic guided vehicle
- Authors: Church, Stuart Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4798 , vital:20681
- Description: With the increase in electronic equipment implemented in various systems, as well as the increase in calculating power that these devices offer, designers are being empowered to make use of this power in real-time systems to diagnose and protect the systems themselves. This reasoning is too compounded by the focus on efficiency and safety in the design of complex systems, as well as the increasing expense and sensitivity of the electronic components themselves. With this in mind, this dissertation aims at developing a comprehensive measurement, control and reaction system for the electrical diagnosis and ultimately optimisation of complex electrical and electronic systems. This system will serve as a real-time diagnosis tool, which will enable the real-time diagnosis of various components in an electro-mechanical system, which can then be interpreted to determine the working state of the various components. Another sphere of this project will involve the accurate monitoring of the battery status as well as actively balancing the series connected batteries. The focus on the batteries will seek to prolong the life of the batteries, while being able to squeeze as much capacity out of them. The initial design and testing will be based on an AGV system implemented at VWSA, however a main goal throughout the design process will be modularity, i.e. the ease of implementation of this system in other systems. The key technologies used in the development of this system will still comprise of the components used in the original AGV, however new prototype components sourced from Microcare are used for the battery management system, while current sensors directly connected to the PLC’s analog input ports will be used for the active monitoring of currents distributed through the AGV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Church, Stuart Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4798 , vital:20681
- Description: With the increase in electronic equipment implemented in various systems, as well as the increase in calculating power that these devices offer, designers are being empowered to make use of this power in real-time systems to diagnose and protect the systems themselves. This reasoning is too compounded by the focus on efficiency and safety in the design of complex systems, as well as the increasing expense and sensitivity of the electronic components themselves. With this in mind, this dissertation aims at developing a comprehensive measurement, control and reaction system for the electrical diagnosis and ultimately optimisation of complex electrical and electronic systems. This system will serve as a real-time diagnosis tool, which will enable the real-time diagnosis of various components in an electro-mechanical system, which can then be interpreted to determine the working state of the various components. Another sphere of this project will involve the accurate monitoring of the battery status as well as actively balancing the series connected batteries. The focus on the batteries will seek to prolong the life of the batteries, while being able to squeeze as much capacity out of them. The initial design and testing will be based on an AGV system implemented at VWSA, however a main goal throughout the design process will be modularity, i.e. the ease of implementation of this system in other systems. The key technologies used in the development of this system will still comprise of the components used in the original AGV, however new prototype components sourced from Microcare are used for the battery management system, while current sensors directly connected to the PLC’s analog input ports will be used for the active monitoring of currents distributed through the AGV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Management of material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry
- Authors: Saidu, Ibrahim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Materials management -- Nigeria , Construction industry -- Nigeria -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48937 , vital:41507
- Description: While wastage of materials has become a serious problem requiring urgent attention in the Nigerian Construction Industry, cost overrun is a problem, which affects 90 percent of the completed projects in the world; the argument on how to reduce/eliminate cost overrun has been on-going for the past 70 years; as the on-site wastage of materials leads to increases in the final project cost. Studies from different parts of the world have shown that construction-material waste represents a relatively large percentage of the production costs. Consequently, as a result of low levels of awareness, the Nigerian construction industry pays little attention to the effects of generated material waste on cost overruns. Thus, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry. A comprehensive review of the related literature revealed that all material waste causes are related to cost overrun causes at both pre-contract and post-contract stages of a project; but not vice versa. The mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm was adopted for this study. Abuja, the federal capital territory of Nigeria was the selected geographical scope of this research, out of which thirty-one (31) construction projects were purposeful selected (projects to the value of 100 million Rand/1.6 billion Naira and above).The research instrument was an interview guide used in conjunction with a tick box. Other sources of data included field investigation (measurement of onsite material waste) and the collection of archival records from bills of quantities, project records, and specifications. Analyses of the findings lead to the conclusion that a relationship exists between material waste and cost overrun; at the pre-contract and at the post-contract stages of a project. The implication is that an increase in material wastage on-site leads to a corresponding increase in the amount of cost overrun, regardless of the percentage allowance for material waste in the process of bill preparation. The study also concluded that the average percentage contribution of material waste to project-cost overruns is four (4) percent. Material-waste sources, causes, and control measures were found to have significant effects (very high, high, medium, low, and very low), in causing or minimising cost overruns at both pre-contract and post-contract stages of projects. The research has developed a conceptual model for the management of material waste and cost overruns in the construction industry based on the results and informed by the theoretical framework. The research has also developed a mathematical model for quantifying the amount of material waste to be generated by a project; as well as a mathematical equation for the effective management of material waste and cost overrun for projects. The study has achieved its aim of establishing an understanding of the issues leading to the relationship between material waste and cost overruns, as well as their management in the Nigerian construction industry. The study recommends that the management of material waste and cost overrun should be revised, based on the findings of this research and included as part of the procurement process. The mathematical models for quantification of onsite material waste, and the mathematical equation for managing material waste and cost overruns developed in the study, could be usefully adopted to improve management of material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Saidu, Ibrahim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Materials management -- Nigeria , Construction industry -- Nigeria -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48937 , vital:41507
- Description: While wastage of materials has become a serious problem requiring urgent attention in the Nigerian Construction Industry, cost overrun is a problem, which affects 90 percent of the completed projects in the world; the argument on how to reduce/eliminate cost overrun has been on-going for the past 70 years; as the on-site wastage of materials leads to increases in the final project cost. Studies from different parts of the world have shown that construction-material waste represents a relatively large percentage of the production costs. Consequently, as a result of low levels of awareness, the Nigerian construction industry pays little attention to the effects of generated material waste on cost overruns. Thus, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry. A comprehensive review of the related literature revealed that all material waste causes are related to cost overrun causes at both pre-contract and post-contract stages of a project; but not vice versa. The mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm was adopted for this study. Abuja, the federal capital territory of Nigeria was the selected geographical scope of this research, out of which thirty-one (31) construction projects were purposeful selected (projects to the value of 100 million Rand/1.6 billion Naira and above).The research instrument was an interview guide used in conjunction with a tick box. Other sources of data included field investigation (measurement of onsite material waste) and the collection of archival records from bills of quantities, project records, and specifications. Analyses of the findings lead to the conclusion that a relationship exists between material waste and cost overrun; at the pre-contract and at the post-contract stages of a project. The implication is that an increase in material wastage on-site leads to a corresponding increase in the amount of cost overrun, regardless of the percentage allowance for material waste in the process of bill preparation. The study also concluded that the average percentage contribution of material waste to project-cost overruns is four (4) percent. Material-waste sources, causes, and control measures were found to have significant effects (very high, high, medium, low, and very low), in causing or minimising cost overruns at both pre-contract and post-contract stages of projects. The research has developed a conceptual model for the management of material waste and cost overruns in the construction industry based on the results and informed by the theoretical framework. The research has also developed a mathematical model for quantifying the amount of material waste to be generated by a project; as well as a mathematical equation for the effective management of material waste and cost overrun for projects. The study has achieved its aim of establishing an understanding of the issues leading to the relationship between material waste and cost overruns, as well as their management in the Nigerian construction industry. The study recommends that the management of material waste and cost overrun should be revised, based on the findings of this research and included as part of the procurement process. The mathematical models for quantification of onsite material waste, and the mathematical equation for managing material waste and cost overruns developed in the study, could be usefully adopted to improve management of material waste and cost overrun in the Nigerian construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Physicians' perspectives on personal health records: a descriptive study
- Authors: Harmse, Magda Susanna
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records -- Management , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Personal information management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6876 , vital:21156
- Description: A Personal Health Record (PHR) is an electronic record of a patient’s health-related information that is managed by the patient. The patient can give access to other parties, such as healthcare providers and family members, as they see fit. These parties can use the information in emergency situations, in order to help improve the patient’s healthcare. PHRs have an important role to play in ensuring that a patient’s complete health history is available to his healthcare providers at the point of care. This is especially true in South Africa, where the majority of healthcare organizations still rely on paper-based methods of record-keeping. Research indicates that physicians play an important role in encouraging the adoption of PHRs amongst patients. Whilst various studies have focused on the perceptions of South African citizens towards PHRs, to date no research has focused on the perceptions of South African physicians. Considering the importance of physicians in encouraging the adoption of PHRs, the problem being addressed by this research project thus relates to the lack of information relating to the perceptions of South African physicians of PHRs. Physicians with private practices at private hospitals in Port Elizabeth, South Africa were surveyed in order to determine their perceptions towards PHRs. Results indicate perceptions regarding benefits to the physician and the patient, as well as concerns to the physician and the patient. The levels of trust in various potential PHR providers and the potential uses of a PHR for the physician were also explored. The results of the survey were compared with the results of relevant international literature in order to describe the perceptions of physicians towards PHRs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Harmse, Magda Susanna
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records -- Management , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Personal information management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6876 , vital:21156
- Description: A Personal Health Record (PHR) is an electronic record of a patient’s health-related information that is managed by the patient. The patient can give access to other parties, such as healthcare providers and family members, as they see fit. These parties can use the information in emergency situations, in order to help improve the patient’s healthcare. PHRs have an important role to play in ensuring that a patient’s complete health history is available to his healthcare providers at the point of care. This is especially true in South Africa, where the majority of healthcare organizations still rely on paper-based methods of record-keeping. Research indicates that physicians play an important role in encouraging the adoption of PHRs amongst patients. Whilst various studies have focused on the perceptions of South African citizens towards PHRs, to date no research has focused on the perceptions of South African physicians. Considering the importance of physicians in encouraging the adoption of PHRs, the problem being addressed by this research project thus relates to the lack of information relating to the perceptions of South African physicians of PHRs. Physicians with private practices at private hospitals in Port Elizabeth, South Africa were surveyed in order to determine their perceptions towards PHRs. Results indicate perceptions regarding benefits to the physician and the patient, as well as concerns to the physician and the patient. The levels of trust in various potential PHR providers and the potential uses of a PHR for the physician were also explored. The results of the survey were compared with the results of relevant international literature in order to describe the perceptions of physicians towards PHRs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Evaluating late payment-induced waste in South Africa through lean construction principles
- Authors: Akuffo-Ntow, Eric Ayesu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8867 , vital:26437
- Description: Central to the sustainable and competitive growth of the South African construction industry is a predictable cash flow through on time payment by clients to contractors. However, chronic late payments, a recurring problem in the industry, especially in the public sector, is bringing untold hardship to contractors by derailing their competitiveness and also eroding the trust among the supply chain partners to the extent that some firms end up closing business in the industry. The situation is viewed from the lean construction perspective as an obstacle that is preventing the accrual of the required value to project parties in the construction industry. This research addresses the causes of late payments to contractors and the role of the quantity surveyor (QS) in terms of influencing early payment from a lean construction perspective. A mixed method approach was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Sequentially, one hundred and two (102) quantitative and twelve (12) interview questionnaires were administered to selected contractors and construction professionals working predominantly on public sector projects. The findings revealed that the approval process for evaluation and certification by the client- appointed agent and intermediary institutions is taking longer than contractually allowed, with parties independently undertaking their evaluation prior to the certification date. This is found to be adverse to achieving consensus on the values of the works for authorisation. Other significant barriers are the lack of funds to authorise payment, random auditor general’s documentation changes, lack of administrators’ system integration and capacity to handle cyclical payment processing. Also, contractors have been found to be in default of timeously submitting complete claim documents. It is therefore recommended that the client agents should partner with the contractor in regular design and documentation reviews, arranging the payment process and should also meet jointly to prepare monthly evaluations. In addition, contractors should be mentored from the onset of the project regarding all the necessary documentation and supporting documents that will be required by the client to ensure that payment approvals are not delayed. The payment authori-sation agent’s capacity should be enhanced through training and improved powers as a singular point of control to perform efficiently and their systems and processes should be integrated to ensure that all parties are implementing the same protocols.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Akuffo-Ntow, Eric Ayesu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8867 , vital:26437
- Description: Central to the sustainable and competitive growth of the South African construction industry is a predictable cash flow through on time payment by clients to contractors. However, chronic late payments, a recurring problem in the industry, especially in the public sector, is bringing untold hardship to contractors by derailing their competitiveness and also eroding the trust among the supply chain partners to the extent that some firms end up closing business in the industry. The situation is viewed from the lean construction perspective as an obstacle that is preventing the accrual of the required value to project parties in the construction industry. This research addresses the causes of late payments to contractors and the role of the quantity surveyor (QS) in terms of influencing early payment from a lean construction perspective. A mixed method approach was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Sequentially, one hundred and two (102) quantitative and twelve (12) interview questionnaires were administered to selected contractors and construction professionals working predominantly on public sector projects. The findings revealed that the approval process for evaluation and certification by the client- appointed agent and intermediary institutions is taking longer than contractually allowed, with parties independently undertaking their evaluation prior to the certification date. This is found to be adverse to achieving consensus on the values of the works for authorisation. Other significant barriers are the lack of funds to authorise payment, random auditor general’s documentation changes, lack of administrators’ system integration and capacity to handle cyclical payment processing. Also, contractors have been found to be in default of timeously submitting complete claim documents. It is therefore recommended that the client agents should partner with the contractor in regular design and documentation reviews, arranging the payment process and should also meet jointly to prepare monthly evaluations. In addition, contractors should be mentored from the onset of the project regarding all the necessary documentation and supporting documents that will be required by the client to ensure that payment approvals are not delayed. The payment authori-sation agent’s capacity should be enhanced through training and improved powers as a singular point of control to perform efficiently and their systems and processes should be integrated to ensure that all parties are implementing the same protocols.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016