Abstract
A vision of change for quality of work and innovation within the perspective of revaluing the construction industry is essential to develop a culture of self-sustaining improvement, mutual recognition, respect and support in the long term on construction. Poor quality of work in small and medium contractors is also a major cause of rework, cost overruns as well as late completion which generally result in dissatisfaction of clients, stakeholders and the end users. According to Civil Engineering and Building Contractors(1998) poor construction performance in the form of cost over-runs, rework ,late completion, an unacceptably high accident rate, insensitivity to environment considerations, poor work practices and adversarial relationships result in poor quality and image of contractors and the industry. The purpose of the dissertation was to investigate the quality of work on construction projects under taken by small and medium contractors. The performance of the construction industry in terms of productivity, quality and project functionality has been low in comparison to other industries, and a low rate of innovation has been provided as the major explanation to this situation. The review of the literature indicates that there is a need for fresh look at the construction process and step change improvement in quality of work, productivity and performance in the construction and operations of buildings. The research attempts to put forward a case for restructuring of the construction sector in order to deliver a step in change in quality of output and to realize maximum value to all clients, stakeholders and the end users. Findings from the survey or the results of the study provide valuable information regarding the severity of the problem of quality of work in South Africa in Gauteng as a case study. The study further determines the cost of rework to the client and contractors. The importance of good quality performance improvement has been recognized by various researchers. The extent to which quality output and its implementation has however not been researched extensively especially in Southern Africa. The dissertation therefore provides an insight on the quality performance and improvement in construction projects. The dissertation examines and assesses the existence and severity of barriers for innovation as well as attempting to put forward a case for restructuring of the construction sector in order to deliver a step in change in quality output and to realize maximum value to all clients, stakeholders and the end users. The study also investigates and assesses the causes of poor performance in the construction work as well as determining current innovation practices and identifying key issues that contribute to successful implementation.
M.Tech. (Construction Management)