"A lean-led-evaluation" of infrastructure development improvement programme in South Africa
- Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44535 , vital:38131
- Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44535 , vital:38131
- Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Invalid submission of extension of time claims in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Neethling, Juan Pierre
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management Project management Building -- Superintendence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46805 , vital:39663
- Description: Most construction projects are delayed in the construction industry due to internal and/or external influences. Proving delay is not a simple task but rather a time-consuming process, as projects consist of numerous activities and a substantial amount of detail, and they interface with the many stakeholders. Several different methods can be used to prove a delay; however, these are academic and are mainly for simple projects. Proving a delay is often difficult for the contractor, who is consistently dealing with multiple project constraints. Therefore, to be effective with an extension of time claim, the contractor must establish causation and liability, and assist in demonstrating the extent of time-related damages experienced as a direct result of the delay events relied upon. The process of recording the delays is dynamic and requires solid knowledge of contract clauses, the ability to distinguish between different types of delays and the capability to identify what constitutes valid evidence. Therefore, a need arises to establish a framework that would assist contractors by standardising their submission. This would contribute to expediting the evaluation and approval process, thus limiting the negative impacts associated with prolonged delay claims. The research obtains a “lived” view from contractors who have participated with EOT claims, therefore, utilising the qualitative research method. The choice of data collection method was semi-structured one-on one face to face interviews. In deriving the findings of the research, the coding scheme techniques were used throughout the research process to manage both the secondary and primary data. The main factors which cause major problems in EOT claims are contractual knowledge, lack of supporting information, contractual compliance, employer inference and the different philosophies of contracts, which often leads to confusion and misinterpretation. There is a lack of awareness and knowledge of the analysis techniques and strategies which could assist in preparing EOT claims, even though there is a substantial amount of literature available. The concept that the industry needs a standardised submission process was welcomed by the participants; the existence of a common strategy would certainly resolve many problems in the submission process, including reducing the number of disputes. There was a consensus among all participants that there is no standard approach to submitting EOT claims in the South African construction industry and exploring a common approach was an idea that was viewed as reasonable and maybe offered a practical solution to address the submission challenges. There were several delimitations to this study. First, the sample only included individuals within the Eastern Cape region. Since the sample size was relatively small, the researcher was cautious when interpreting and generalising the results. Secondly, the targeted population for this research was selected using the purposive sampling method, as opposed to a random sampling, which means that the results of the study cannot be generally applied to a larger population. Lastly, the research was a qualitative study which relied on the interpretations of the researcher based on his understanding of the data collected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Neethling, Juan Pierre
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management Project management Building -- Superintendence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46805 , vital:39663
- Description: Most construction projects are delayed in the construction industry due to internal and/or external influences. Proving delay is not a simple task but rather a time-consuming process, as projects consist of numerous activities and a substantial amount of detail, and they interface with the many stakeholders. Several different methods can be used to prove a delay; however, these are academic and are mainly for simple projects. Proving a delay is often difficult for the contractor, who is consistently dealing with multiple project constraints. Therefore, to be effective with an extension of time claim, the contractor must establish causation and liability, and assist in demonstrating the extent of time-related damages experienced as a direct result of the delay events relied upon. The process of recording the delays is dynamic and requires solid knowledge of contract clauses, the ability to distinguish between different types of delays and the capability to identify what constitutes valid evidence. Therefore, a need arises to establish a framework that would assist contractors by standardising their submission. This would contribute to expediting the evaluation and approval process, thus limiting the negative impacts associated with prolonged delay claims. The research obtains a “lived” view from contractors who have participated with EOT claims, therefore, utilising the qualitative research method. The choice of data collection method was semi-structured one-on one face to face interviews. In deriving the findings of the research, the coding scheme techniques were used throughout the research process to manage both the secondary and primary data. The main factors which cause major problems in EOT claims are contractual knowledge, lack of supporting information, contractual compliance, employer inference and the different philosophies of contracts, which often leads to confusion and misinterpretation. There is a lack of awareness and knowledge of the analysis techniques and strategies which could assist in preparing EOT claims, even though there is a substantial amount of literature available. The concept that the industry needs a standardised submission process was welcomed by the participants; the existence of a common strategy would certainly resolve many problems in the submission process, including reducing the number of disputes. There was a consensus among all participants that there is no standard approach to submitting EOT claims in the South African construction industry and exploring a common approach was an idea that was viewed as reasonable and maybe offered a practical solution to address the submission challenges. There were several delimitations to this study. First, the sample only included individuals within the Eastern Cape region. Since the sample size was relatively small, the researcher was cautious when interpreting and generalising the results. Secondly, the targeted population for this research was selected using the purposive sampling method, as opposed to a random sampling, which means that the results of the study cannot be generally applied to a larger population. Lastly, the research was a qualitative study which relied on the interpretations of the researcher based on his understanding of the data collected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The challenges of professional women in a male-dominated South African construction industry
- Authors: Tyindyana, Xolile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management Women industrialists -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44962 , vital:38192
- Description: The opinions that South African construction industry is the most untransformed sector, highly gender active and men have difficulty in accepting women in the construction industry, hindered the development of the South African economy. The improved number of professional women entering the statuses of this male dominance is noticeable, but the percentage of men still speak volume. Hence, there are imbalances that are correspondent to discrimination trials. This study explore challenges faced by professional women in the construction industry of South Africa, in the Eastern Cape. The study embraced exploratory research design in order to formulate preliminary investigations based on relatively unknown areas of professional women in construction industry. Therefore, this qualitative method incorporated interpretivism as its research philosophy, with the motive that this paradigm succeeds individual ontology that does not perceive as objective and independent. The purposeful sampling technique deployed in identifying the research participants, coupled by ten (10) women rendering professional services in the construction industry. Data collected was analysed thematically, which gave rise to presented themes, deliberated and construed in headings framed from research objectives. The study revealed that professional women still trapped between resisting, accommodating masculine politics and femininity distinctions regardless of evolutions. Most participants attested to the gender imbalances that propagates marginalisation, which is in line with the revelations. The study also suggest that men reject professionalism identity in the context of women. Other key challenges were not limited to backgrounds of the industry, outlook and progression that necessitated women taking executive positions. Further still, participants are aware of flouted construction industry policies and the strategies to use to by their counterparts to obscure them. Hence, the study suggested monitoring and review of policies in place by the policy makers. A recommended that similar research be carried out in South Africa, particularly provinces, as a literature gap has been identified. These recommended studies could enhance professional women, men and policy makers in profound consideration of the challenges faced by professional women in the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Tyindyana, Xolile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management Women industrialists -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44962 , vital:38192
- Description: The opinions that South African construction industry is the most untransformed sector, highly gender active and men have difficulty in accepting women in the construction industry, hindered the development of the South African economy. The improved number of professional women entering the statuses of this male dominance is noticeable, but the percentage of men still speak volume. Hence, there are imbalances that are correspondent to discrimination trials. This study explore challenges faced by professional women in the construction industry of South Africa, in the Eastern Cape. The study embraced exploratory research design in order to formulate preliminary investigations based on relatively unknown areas of professional women in construction industry. Therefore, this qualitative method incorporated interpretivism as its research philosophy, with the motive that this paradigm succeeds individual ontology that does not perceive as objective and independent. The purposeful sampling technique deployed in identifying the research participants, coupled by ten (10) women rendering professional services in the construction industry. Data collected was analysed thematically, which gave rise to presented themes, deliberated and construed in headings framed from research objectives. The study revealed that professional women still trapped between resisting, accommodating masculine politics and femininity distinctions regardless of evolutions. Most participants attested to the gender imbalances that propagates marginalisation, which is in line with the revelations. The study also suggest that men reject professionalism identity in the context of women. Other key challenges were not limited to backgrounds of the industry, outlook and progression that necessitated women taking executive positions. Further still, participants are aware of flouted construction industry policies and the strategies to use to by their counterparts to obscure them. Hence, the study suggested monitoring and review of policies in place by the policy makers. A recommended that similar research be carried out in South Africa, particularly provinces, as a literature gap has been identified. These recommended studies could enhance professional women, men and policy makers in profound consideration of the challenges faced by professional women in the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Construction company joint ventures in South Africa
- Authors: Sisilana, Owethu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Joint ventures Strategic alliances (Business) Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35554 , vital:33756
- Description: In the construction industry, construction joint ventures (CJVs) have become one of the major organisational forms utilised in large-scale projects. However, because of the complexity of CJVs, the management of CJVs is much more difficult than that of usual projects undertaken by a single construction firm. In South Africa the existence of a clear and effective strategy for the successful transformation of organisational culture in a CJV is not clear. Similarly, poorly organised administrative structures in a CJV can also be a barrier to organisational performance. In South Africa there seems to be no evidence of a common understanding on the CJV formation process. According to CIDB (2004) there is no standard CJV agreement document. Therefore, a need arises to establish guidelines on the formation of a CJV agreement. Secondly, there is a need to establish strategies for the successful transformation of organisational culture in CJV. The research obtains an inside view with contractors who have participated in CJV’s, therefore, utilising the qualitative research method. The choice of data collection method was semi-structured one-on-one face to face interviews. In deriving the findings of the research, the ATLAS.ti software was used throughout the research process to manage both the secondary and primary data. The main factors which cause major problems in CJV's is the preliminary agreement, the partner selection and cultural differences. There is no evidence of a collective understanding among CJV partners regarding the successful formation processes of a CJV. The concept that the industry needs a standardised CJV agreement has been welcomed by the participants, the existence of a common CJV agreement would certainly resolve many problems in the way things are done currently including the implementation of joint venture projects. There is consensus between all participants that there is no standard CJV agreement in use in the South African construction industry and exploring a common approach is an idea that is viewed reasonable and to be one of the practical solutions to the problems in the industry. There are several limitations in this study. First, the sample included emerging and established contractors who are currently registered with the CIDB under Contractor Development Program only. While the sample size is relatively small, the researcher was cautious when interpreting the results. Secondly the targeted population for this research was selected using a sample of convenience method as opposed to a random sample, then the results of the study cannot be generally applied to a larger population. Thirdly, an obvious weakness of the research is the methodological difficulties related to qualitative research which relies on the inferences that are made by the researcher based on their own understanding of the data collected. It is therefore crucial that the data gathered is credible and that the findings represent the truth and actual sentiments as they appear from the data collection process. The research is of importance to managers and supervisors of construction companies of all sizes. The findings of this study will assist in ensuring that CJV are efficiently managed irrespective of the cultural differences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sisilana, Owethu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Joint ventures Strategic alliances (Business) Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35554 , vital:33756
- Description: In the construction industry, construction joint ventures (CJVs) have become one of the major organisational forms utilised in large-scale projects. However, because of the complexity of CJVs, the management of CJVs is much more difficult than that of usual projects undertaken by a single construction firm. In South Africa the existence of a clear and effective strategy for the successful transformation of organisational culture in a CJV is not clear. Similarly, poorly organised administrative structures in a CJV can also be a barrier to organisational performance. In South Africa there seems to be no evidence of a common understanding on the CJV formation process. According to CIDB (2004) there is no standard CJV agreement document. Therefore, a need arises to establish guidelines on the formation of a CJV agreement. Secondly, there is a need to establish strategies for the successful transformation of organisational culture in CJV. The research obtains an inside view with contractors who have participated in CJV’s, therefore, utilising the qualitative research method. The choice of data collection method was semi-structured one-on-one face to face interviews. In deriving the findings of the research, the ATLAS.ti software was used throughout the research process to manage both the secondary and primary data. The main factors which cause major problems in CJV's is the preliminary agreement, the partner selection and cultural differences. There is no evidence of a collective understanding among CJV partners regarding the successful formation processes of a CJV. The concept that the industry needs a standardised CJV agreement has been welcomed by the participants, the existence of a common CJV agreement would certainly resolve many problems in the way things are done currently including the implementation of joint venture projects. There is consensus between all participants that there is no standard CJV agreement in use in the South African construction industry and exploring a common approach is an idea that is viewed reasonable and to be one of the practical solutions to the problems in the industry. There are several limitations in this study. First, the sample included emerging and established contractors who are currently registered with the CIDB under Contractor Development Program only. While the sample size is relatively small, the researcher was cautious when interpreting the results. Secondly the targeted population for this research was selected using a sample of convenience method as opposed to a random sample, then the results of the study cannot be generally applied to a larger population. Thirdly, an obvious weakness of the research is the methodological difficulties related to qualitative research which relies on the inferences that are made by the researcher based on their own understanding of the data collected. It is therefore crucial that the data gathered is credible and that the findings represent the truth and actual sentiments as they appear from the data collection process. The research is of importance to managers and supervisors of construction companies of all sizes. The findings of this study will assist in ensuring that CJV are efficiently managed irrespective of the cultural differences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
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