Assuring health and safety (H&S) performance on construction projects - clients' role and influence
- Musonda, Innocent, Pretorius, Jan-Harm, Haupt, Conrad Theodore
- Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Haupt, Conrad Theodore
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Botswana , Construction , Culture , Health and safety , Improvement , Influence , Performance , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/22423 , uj:16199 , Citation: Musonda, I., Pretorius, J.-H. & Haupt, C.T. 2012. Assuring health and safety (H&S) performance on construction projects - clients' role and influence. Acta Structilia 19(1):71-105. ISSN: 1023-0564
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- Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Haupt, Conrad Theodore
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Botswana , Construction , Culture , Health and safety , Improvement , Influence , Performance , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/22423 , uj:16199 , Citation: Musonda, I., Pretorius, J.-H. & Haupt, C.T. 2012. Assuring health and safety (H&S) performance on construction projects - clients' role and influence. Acta Structilia 19(1):71-105. ISSN: 1023-0564
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Improving health and safety culture - a guide for construction clients
- Musonda, Innocent, Pretorius, Jan-Harm, Haupt, Theodore Conrad
- Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Haupt, Theodore Conrad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Health and safety , Clients , Culture , LIP+3C
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/22516 , uj:16206 , Citation: Musonda, I., Pretorius, J.-H. & Haupt, T.C. 2013. Improving health and safety culture - a guide for construction clients. In: Ahmed, S.M., Smith, N., Azhar, S., Yaris, C., Shah, A., Farooqui, R. and Pothyress, R. (Eds). Challenges in Innovation, Integration and Collaboration in Construction & Engineering. Proceedings of the 7th International conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-VII), Bangkok, 19-21 December, 2013. ISBN:978-0-9894623-0-3
- Description: Abstract: Many accidents and a general poor health and safety performance for both the construction industry and other high reliability industries have been blamed on the poor health and safety (H&S) culture that was prevalent at the time. Addressing H&S culture is therefore a very important step to eliminating accidents and thereby improve the general H&S performance within an organisation or industry. The current paper will therefore report on findings from an empirical study on improving H&S performance in a construction project and will also present a guide of how to improve the construction client’s H&S culture. The research conducted in South Africa and Botswana and whose results were modelled using structural equation modelling, found that with a better H&S culture, clients had a positive influence on H&S performance of construction projects. The client H&S culture was characterized by leadership, involvement, procedures, commitment, communication and competence (LIP+3C). A positive manifest of these factors in the client entity entailed a better H&S performance at project level. This paper will therefore present a guide on how construction clients may improve their H&S culture and thereby impact positively on project’s H&S performance. Further, the guide will exemplify how the concept of H&S culture may be operationalised in order to benefit from a concept that has been mooted as the panacea for the H&S problem in the construction industry as well as the concept that has been at the centre of major industrial disasters.
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- Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Haupt, Theodore Conrad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Health and safety , Clients , Culture , LIP+3C
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/22516 , uj:16206 , Citation: Musonda, I., Pretorius, J.-H. & Haupt, T.C. 2013. Improving health and safety culture - a guide for construction clients. In: Ahmed, S.M., Smith, N., Azhar, S., Yaris, C., Shah, A., Farooqui, R. and Pothyress, R. (Eds). Challenges in Innovation, Integration and Collaboration in Construction & Engineering. Proceedings of the 7th International conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-VII), Bangkok, 19-21 December, 2013. ISBN:978-0-9894623-0-3
- Description: Abstract: Many accidents and a general poor health and safety performance for both the construction industry and other high reliability industries have been blamed on the poor health and safety (H&S) culture that was prevalent at the time. Addressing H&S culture is therefore a very important step to eliminating accidents and thereby improve the general H&S performance within an organisation or industry. The current paper will therefore report on findings from an empirical study on improving H&S performance in a construction project and will also present a guide of how to improve the construction client’s H&S culture. The research conducted in South Africa and Botswana and whose results were modelled using structural equation modelling, found that with a better H&S culture, clients had a positive influence on H&S performance of construction projects. The client H&S culture was characterized by leadership, involvement, procedures, commitment, communication and competence (LIP+3C). A positive manifest of these factors in the client entity entailed a better H&S performance at project level. This paper will therefore present a guide on how construction clients may improve their H&S culture and thereby impact positively on project’s H&S performance. Further, the guide will exemplify how the concept of H&S culture may be operationalised in order to benefit from a concept that has been mooted as the panacea for the H&S problem in the construction industry as well as the concept that has been at the centre of major industrial disasters.
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Investigating the role of the external environment to influence clients’ health and safety (H&S) performance in the construction industry
- Musonda, Innocent, Pretorius, Jan-Harm, Haupt, Theodore
- Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Haupt, Theodore
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Construction industry - Health measures , Construction industry - Safety measures
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12537
- Description: Construction Clients have been identified in many studies to be of great importance to H&S performance in the construction industry. However their participation in H&S implementation remains below the expected and meaningful level. The situation in Southern Africa is not any different from the rest of the world. Therefore developing strategies that enhance clients’ H&S culture would ensure a gradual and sustained improvement of H&S in the construction industry. As a result it was imperative to investigate the feasibility of the postulation that the external environment has a positive influence on construction clients’ H&S culture and performance. The study, which was conducted in Botswana and South Africa, utilised the Delphi and structural equation modelling techniques in order to model and validate the said postulation. Findings from the Delphi study were that the external environment had a significant impact on client H&S performance. Further, clients were ‘very likely to’ implement H&S elements when influence from the external environment factors was evident. The validation from the structural equation modelling technique further indicated that the influence of the external environment on clients was statistically significant. Therefore this paper will report on findings from an investigation on the influence of the external environment on clients’ H&S performance. The study will highlight the point that environmental influence on clients is vital in order to achieve an improved H&S performance in the construction industry.
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- Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Haupt, Theodore
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Construction industry - Health measures , Construction industry - Safety measures
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12537
- Description: Construction Clients have been identified in many studies to be of great importance to H&S performance in the construction industry. However their participation in H&S implementation remains below the expected and meaningful level. The situation in Southern Africa is not any different from the rest of the world. Therefore developing strategies that enhance clients’ H&S culture would ensure a gradual and sustained improvement of H&S in the construction industry. As a result it was imperative to investigate the feasibility of the postulation that the external environment has a positive influence on construction clients’ H&S culture and performance. The study, which was conducted in Botswana and South Africa, utilised the Delphi and structural equation modelling techniques in order to model and validate the said postulation. Findings from the Delphi study were that the external environment had a significant impact on client H&S performance. Further, clients were ‘very likely to’ implement H&S elements when influence from the external environment factors was evident. The validation from the structural equation modelling technique further indicated that the influence of the external environment on clients was statistically significant. Therefore this paper will report on findings from an investigation on the influence of the external environment on clients’ H&S performance. The study will highlight the point that environmental influence on clients is vital in order to achieve an improved H&S performance in the construction industry.
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Towards the sixth generation of R&D management : an exploratory study
- Kensen, Alex K., Pretorius, Jan-Harm, Pretorius, Leon
- Authors: Kensen, Alex K. , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Pretorius, Leon
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Research and development management , Innovation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4943 , ISSN 0-9815817-7-3 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13043
- Description: It is apparent that understanding the link between the role of innovation in competitiveness and economic development is essential. This is because innovation ultimately holds the key to addressing the most pressing a nation’s social and human challenges. In the past, some organizations viewed research and development (R&D) as an intangible, difficult to manage and measure process and do their best to stay away from it. On the other hand, organizations that have a clear understanding and mastery of R&D management seem to have great success in exploiting R&D in commercializing new technologies with speed and precision that enabled them to achieve numerous competitive edge, such as first-to-market advantages, greater market shares for their innovations, premium prices and dominant designs relative to their counterparts). However, the upsurge in enabling technologies such as the internet is changing the perceptions on managing R&D processes, moving from technology-oriented model to a more interactive and collaborative model. While it is evident that there is increased focus on fine-tuning R&D management processes the majority of these efforts were confined to the USA, Europe, Asia and other developed economies, with limited focus on R&D management on the African continent. This paper evaluates and discusses relevant aspects of the five generations of R&D management practices using an exploratory research approach and attempts to predict some of the most appropriate practices R&D managers may adopt in the R&D sixth generation. The findings suggest that the sixth generation of R&D management will be characterized by greater multi-disciplinary approach emphasizing cross-functional communication, collaboration, greater inclusion of stakeholders, such as suppliers, customers and partners in the full life cycle of the R&D management process. That is, from conception to market development, evaluation, reporting and re-conceptualization. This research provides further insight into the next generation of R&D.
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- Authors: Kensen, Alex K. , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Pretorius, Leon
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Research and development management , Innovation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4943 , ISSN 0-9815817-7-3 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13043
- Description: It is apparent that understanding the link between the role of innovation in competitiveness and economic development is essential. This is because innovation ultimately holds the key to addressing the most pressing a nation’s social and human challenges. In the past, some organizations viewed research and development (R&D) as an intangible, difficult to manage and measure process and do their best to stay away from it. On the other hand, organizations that have a clear understanding and mastery of R&D management seem to have great success in exploiting R&D in commercializing new technologies with speed and precision that enabled them to achieve numerous competitive edge, such as first-to-market advantages, greater market shares for their innovations, premium prices and dominant designs relative to their counterparts). However, the upsurge in enabling technologies such as the internet is changing the perceptions on managing R&D processes, moving from technology-oriented model to a more interactive and collaborative model. While it is evident that there is increased focus on fine-tuning R&D management processes the majority of these efforts were confined to the USA, Europe, Asia and other developed economies, with limited focus on R&D management on the African continent. This paper evaluates and discusses relevant aspects of the five generations of R&D management practices using an exploratory research approach and attempts to predict some of the most appropriate practices R&D managers may adopt in the R&D sixth generation. The findings suggest that the sixth generation of R&D management will be characterized by greater multi-disciplinary approach emphasizing cross-functional communication, collaboration, greater inclusion of stakeholders, such as suppliers, customers and partners in the full life cycle of the R&D management process. That is, from conception to market development, evaluation, reporting and re-conceptualization. This research provides further insight into the next generation of R&D.
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Continuous process improvement applied to an engineering education system
- Mabizela, Siyabonga Thami, Oosthuizen, Gert Adriaan, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Mabizela, Siyabonga Thami , Oosthuizen, Gert Adriaan , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Engineering - Study and teaching , Student throughput
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14247
- Description: The Engineering education is considered to be a system. Most engineering education systems are under pressure to meet the demands set by its government and private industries . While an expensive student throughput increase is possible, continuous improvement of the education system at all levels will be a more feasible and realistic approach. Within the operation management community a multitude of process improvement champions are competing for the attention of managers (or organisaion leaders). Each champion advocates the adoption of thier improvement methodology. Almost all plead that if one can adopt their specific tools or follow a specific way of thinking, all operation problems can be solved. Most managers (leaders) are however still confused to select the best process improvement methodology for their situation or system’s culture. In this research study several process improvement methodologies were evaluated and related to issues in an engineering education system. The objective is to support heads of an engineering education system with strategic operation decisions to meet future demands. Working through the apparent conflicting claims of performance improvement programs, it was found to critical to concentrate on the primary and secondary effects of these programs. Although each improvement methodology can contribute valuable approaches to an engineering education system, it is still found to be a challenge for leaders to define quality education and set targets for continuous improvements. The finding of this study illustrates that the various continuous improvement process methodologies can be utilised at various levels of the engineering education system. In order to fully maximise the effectiveness of the improvement methodology or initiative the system must be transformed from the traditional engineering education system to a more innovative system which includes process improvement as part of its culture.
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- Authors: Mabizela, Siyabonga Thami , Oosthuizen, Gert Adriaan , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Engineering - Study and teaching , Student throughput
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14247
- Description: The Engineering education is considered to be a system. Most engineering education systems are under pressure to meet the demands set by its government and private industries . While an expensive student throughput increase is possible, continuous improvement of the education system at all levels will be a more feasible and realistic approach. Within the operation management community a multitude of process improvement champions are competing for the attention of managers (or organisaion leaders). Each champion advocates the adoption of thier improvement methodology. Almost all plead that if one can adopt their specific tools or follow a specific way of thinking, all operation problems can be solved. Most managers (leaders) are however still confused to select the best process improvement methodology for their situation or system’s culture. In this research study several process improvement methodologies were evaluated and related to issues in an engineering education system. The objective is to support heads of an engineering education system with strategic operation decisions to meet future demands. Working through the apparent conflicting claims of performance improvement programs, it was found to critical to concentrate on the primary and secondary effects of these programs. Although each improvement methodology can contribute valuable approaches to an engineering education system, it is still found to be a challenge for leaders to define quality education and set targets for continuous improvements. The finding of this study illustrates that the various continuous improvement process methodologies can be utilised at various levels of the engineering education system. In order to fully maximise the effectiveness of the improvement methodology or initiative the system must be transformed from the traditional engineering education system to a more innovative system which includes process improvement as part of its culture.
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The evolution of quality management systems to assist entrepreneurs in incubation clusters
- Jura, Dudley, Oosthuizen, Gert Adriaan, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Jura, Dudley , Oosthuizen, Gert Adriaan , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Quality management systems , Incubation , Sustainable growth
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14128
- Description: Quality management systems are important for any organization to sustain growth develop technologies and to manage innovation. However, the cost of quality can make it challenging for start-up enterprises to be competitive. South Africa needs to establish successful incubation models that can assist the country's government to reach key economic development milestones. The transformation of quality management systems in these incubation clusters to assist start-up enterprises is still not clearly understood. This paper investigates key elements to define the life cycle position of an incubation cluster and the phases to grow from a start-up to a large corporation. The benefits for centrally managing quality management system (QMS) are also discussed. Data was collected from existing incubators and small businesses in the manufacturing industry Current best practices are highlighted and future work discussed.
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- Authors: Jura, Dudley , Oosthuizen, Gert Adriaan , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Quality management systems , Incubation , Sustainable growth
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14128
- Description: Quality management systems are important for any organization to sustain growth develop technologies and to manage innovation. However, the cost of quality can make it challenging for start-up enterprises to be competitive. South Africa needs to establish successful incubation models that can assist the country's government to reach key economic development milestones. The transformation of quality management systems in these incubation clusters to assist start-up enterprises is still not clearly understood. This paper investigates key elements to define the life cycle position of an incubation cluster and the phases to grow from a start-up to a large corporation. The benefits for centrally managing quality management system (QMS) are also discussed. Data was collected from existing incubators and small businesses in the manufacturing industry Current best practices are highlighted and future work discussed.
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Serving low load levels by derating line voltage using step down transformers
- Melato, Popi, Mbuli, Nhlanhla, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Melato, Popi , Mbuli, Nhlanhla , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Active power losses , Power system simulator for Engineering , Python programming language
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/91564 , uj:20116 , Citation: Melato, P., Mbuli, N. & Pretorius, J-H. 2016. Serving low load levels by derating line voltage using step down transformers.
- Description: Abstract: Steady state voltage problems in power systems are those associated with undervoltages resulting from increasing loads. Steady overvoltages can also arise when loads served by networks are reduced, and the problem can be exacerbated if lines supplying load centres are long. This paper reports on a study that was conducted to assess the impact of derating voltage of lines, by using step down transformers on the lowest load a network can accommodate without overvoltages. A program written in Python and using PSS/E to perform loadflows, was used to perform analyses at various load levels. The study showed that with derating transformers installed, voltages in the system were better, there was less reactive power flow, and active power losses were lower. Derating lines using step down transformers is therefore a potential solution for serving low load levels.
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- Authors: Melato, Popi , Mbuli, Nhlanhla , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Active power losses , Power system simulator for Engineering , Python programming language
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/91564 , uj:20116 , Citation: Melato, P., Mbuli, N. & Pretorius, J-H. 2016. Serving low load levels by derating line voltage using step down transformers.
- Description: Abstract: Steady state voltage problems in power systems are those associated with undervoltages resulting from increasing loads. Steady overvoltages can also arise when loads served by networks are reduced, and the problem can be exacerbated if lines supplying load centres are long. This paper reports on a study that was conducted to assess the impact of derating voltage of lines, by using step down transformers on the lowest load a network can accommodate without overvoltages. A program written in Python and using PSS/E to perform loadflows, was used to perform analyses at various load levels. The study showed that with derating transformers installed, voltages in the system were better, there was less reactive power flow, and active power losses were lower. Derating lines using step down transformers is therefore a potential solution for serving low load levels.
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The design of QTrac: an automated quality and cost management system for projects
- Nel, Hannelie, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Nel, Hannelie , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Quality costing , QTrac , Quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124152 , uj:20880 , Citation: Nel, H & Pretorius, J.H. 2016. The design of QTrac: an automated quality and cost management system for projects.
- Description: Abstract: The value of Total Quality Management is demonstrated by the fact that quality products and service are non-negotiable as market-entry for organizations to compete globally. Quality costing is a measure of the efficiency of Total Quality Management and the metric that companies employ to measure their gain in profitability from investment in quality management programs. Current financial accounting systems, however, are not designed to measure and report quality related data in a format that allows informed decision-making. Two companies, BIE International and PACE Services, combined their expertise in quality management and cost engineering to design a quality and cost management system that measures and reports quality management and cost data and information. The program is called QTrac for Projects and Manufacturing and is designed as a quality decision-making and cost management system for the project and manufacturing sectors. The objectives of this paper are to present the design strategy of QTrac in response to the critique and limitations of existing quality cost and accounting methodologies.
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- Authors: Nel, Hannelie , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Quality costing , QTrac , Quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124152 , uj:20880 , Citation: Nel, H & Pretorius, J.H. 2016. The design of QTrac: an automated quality and cost management system for projects.
- Description: Abstract: The value of Total Quality Management is demonstrated by the fact that quality products and service are non-negotiable as market-entry for organizations to compete globally. Quality costing is a measure of the efficiency of Total Quality Management and the metric that companies employ to measure their gain in profitability from investment in quality management programs. Current financial accounting systems, however, are not designed to measure and report quality related data in a format that allows informed decision-making. Two companies, BIE International and PACE Services, combined their expertise in quality management and cost engineering to design a quality and cost management system that measures and reports quality management and cost data and information. The program is called QTrac for Projects and Manufacturing and is designed as a quality decision-making and cost management system for the project and manufacturing sectors. The objectives of this paper are to present the design strategy of QTrac in response to the critique and limitations of existing quality cost and accounting methodologies.
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Factors influencing research in an engineering faculty
- Reynecke, Nicoline, Marnewick, Annlizé, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Reynecke, Nicoline , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Engineering department , Factors that influence research , Research productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/256002 , uj:26867 , Citation: Reynecke, N., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J. 2017. Factors influencing research in an engineering faculty.
- Description: Abstract: In the last few years, universities have been changing from traditional teaching universities into research ones to accommodate the rapid advances in knowledge and technology. Research and knowledge cannot be left without some form of management to direct the performance and outcome of researchers. Identifying the factors that influence research output and then finding ways to manage these factors through the use of support systems and managerial approaches can lead to an increase in research outputs. According to staff members surveyed, the factors that have the most impact on research are working with top-quality colleagues and linking some form of monetary or nonmonetary rewards with doing research. Staff members also indicated that having free time during working hours to do research would be beneficial, along with knowing how resources are allocated and attending time management workshops.
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- Authors: Reynecke, Nicoline , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Engineering department , Factors that influence research , Research productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/256002 , uj:26867 , Citation: Reynecke, N., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J. 2017. Factors influencing research in an engineering faculty.
- Description: Abstract: In the last few years, universities have been changing from traditional teaching universities into research ones to accommodate the rapid advances in knowledge and technology. Research and knowledge cannot be left without some form of management to direct the performance and outcome of researchers. Identifying the factors that influence research output and then finding ways to manage these factors through the use of support systems and managerial approaches can lead to an increase in research outputs. According to staff members surveyed, the factors that have the most impact on research are working with top-quality colleagues and linking some form of monetary or nonmonetary rewards with doing research. Staff members also indicated that having free time during working hours to do research would be beneficial, along with knowing how resources are allocated and attending time management workshops.
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Identifying the cost drivers for pricing health & safety (H&S) on construction projects
- Akawi, Edzua Jirel, Musonda, Innocent, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Akawi, Edzua Jirel , Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction projects , Cost drivers , Health & safety (H & S)
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/238028 , uj:24398 , Citation: Akawi, E.J., Musonda, I. & Pretorius, J. 2017. Identifying the cost drivers for pricing health & safety (H&S) on construction projects.
- Description: Abstract: For many years, the construction industry (CI) has been considered as one of the most dangerous industry due its H&S statistics expressed in terms of accidents and injuries which remain high. Notwithstanding the fact that many research studies have been conducted at both academic and industry level to find solutions, it can be rightly argued that the H&S performance in the CI is still questionable. One of the factors that have impacted negatively on the H&S performance in the CI is the competitive nature of the CI where most clients award their contracts based on price. Consequently, this practice has compelled contractors to lower their bid amounts leading to H&S being marginalised...
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- Authors: Akawi, Edzua Jirel , Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction projects , Cost drivers , Health & safety (H & S)
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/238028 , uj:24398 , Citation: Akawi, E.J., Musonda, I. & Pretorius, J. 2017. Identifying the cost drivers for pricing health & safety (H&S) on construction projects.
- Description: Abstract: For many years, the construction industry (CI) has been considered as one of the most dangerous industry due its H&S statistics expressed in terms of accidents and injuries which remain high. Notwithstanding the fact that many research studies have been conducted at both academic and industry level to find solutions, it can be rightly argued that the H&S performance in the CI is still questionable. One of the factors that have impacted negatively on the H&S performance in the CI is the competitive nature of the CI where most clients award their contracts based on price. Consequently, this practice has compelled contractors to lower their bid amounts leading to H&S being marginalised...
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Implementation of quality assurance practices and effectivess of road construction industry : a case of South African local municipalities
- Nyakala, Stephen, Vermeulen, Andre, Pretorius, Jan-Harm, Munyai, Thomas
- Authors: Nyakala, Stephen , Vermeulen, Andre , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Munyai, Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Quality assurance , Processes , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/383301 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/249291 , uj:25934 , Citation: Nyakala, S. et al. 2017. Implementation of quality assurance practices and effectivess of road construction industry : a case of South African local municipalities.
- Description: Abstract: The road construction industry in South Africa suffers from major inefficiency, poor strategic planning and poor quality of infrastructure. Data from Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) emerging contractors and local government suggest that projects suffer from 30.1 percent to 39.4 percent inefficiency, lack of strategic planning and poor quality of rural road building. Inadequate planning and management control has been identified as a major source of inefficiency. The objective of this paper is to discuss and analyse the difficulties and inadequacies of quality assurance processes and to use the findings of the research to recommend how the quality assurance processes can be implemented to improve efficiency. This paper sought to develop a system that explains the rural roads construction projects in South Africa. A quantitative research approach was adopted using the survey method in which a questionnaire was administered to 160 randomly selected project/construction managers, architects, quantity surveyors, client/managers and administrators of a South African local government department. Descriptive statistics were analysed using frequencies, percentages, arithmetic mean and standard deviation, whilst Pearson correlation was used to measure the strength of the relationships and confirmatory factor analysis...
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- Authors: Nyakala, Stephen , Vermeulen, Andre , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Munyai, Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Quality assurance , Processes , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/383301 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/249291 , uj:25934 , Citation: Nyakala, S. et al. 2017. Implementation of quality assurance practices and effectivess of road construction industry : a case of South African local municipalities.
- Description: Abstract: The road construction industry in South Africa suffers from major inefficiency, poor strategic planning and poor quality of infrastructure. Data from Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) emerging contractors and local government suggest that projects suffer from 30.1 percent to 39.4 percent inefficiency, lack of strategic planning and poor quality of rural road building. Inadequate planning and management control has been identified as a major source of inefficiency. The objective of this paper is to discuss and analyse the difficulties and inadequacies of quality assurance processes and to use the findings of the research to recommend how the quality assurance processes can be implemented to improve efficiency. This paper sought to develop a system that explains the rural roads construction projects in South Africa. A quantitative research approach was adopted using the survey method in which a questionnaire was administered to 160 randomly selected project/construction managers, architects, quantity surveyors, client/managers and administrators of a South African local government department. Descriptive statistics were analysed using frequencies, percentages, arithmetic mean and standard deviation, whilst Pearson correlation was used to measure the strength of the relationships and confirmatory factor analysis...
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A theoretical pre-assessment of solar photovoltaic electrical production for commerical retail centers
- Van Vuuren, Dirk Johan, Marnewick, Annlizé, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Van Vuuren, Dirk Johan , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photovoltaic , Renewable energy , Developing economies
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273140 , uj:29094 , Citation: Van Vuuren, D.J., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J.H. 2018. A theoretical pre-assessment of solar photovoltaic electrical production for commerical retail centers.
- Description: Abstract: The successful implementation of solar photovoltaic technology in retail centers has enabled various consumers the ability to generate and consume electricity on the same premises, reducing electricity costs and dependency on currently utilities. The rooftop mounting solution consists of affixing the photovoltaic modules on existing roof structures of retail centres. Accelerated deployment of photovoltaic technologies in recent history (within developing countries) led to various logistical, technical and bureaucratic barriers arising. A comprehensive understanding of these barriers is required to ensure efficient and effective deployment of the technology in developing countries. This study investigates the assessment considerations for the pre-deployment phase of photovoltaic technologies in retail centres. Environmental-, policy-, technical-, and financial factors are identified as the main barriers affecting the financial viability and Return on Investment of such a project. The evolution of this technology within developing countries and the integration of PV and retail centres are investigated. Finally, various financial evaluation criteria are presented to which the viability of the technology is determined. Understanding of the various barriers ensures effective deployment of the technology in retail centres, commercial and residential sectors of an economy.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Vuuren, Dirk Johan , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photovoltaic , Renewable energy , Developing economies
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273140 , uj:29094 , Citation: Van Vuuren, D.J., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J.H. 2018. A theoretical pre-assessment of solar photovoltaic electrical production for commerical retail centers.
- Description: Abstract: The successful implementation of solar photovoltaic technology in retail centers has enabled various consumers the ability to generate and consume electricity on the same premises, reducing electricity costs and dependency on currently utilities. The rooftop mounting solution consists of affixing the photovoltaic modules on existing roof structures of retail centres. Accelerated deployment of photovoltaic technologies in recent history (within developing countries) led to various logistical, technical and bureaucratic barriers arising. A comprehensive understanding of these barriers is required to ensure efficient and effective deployment of the technology in developing countries. This study investigates the assessment considerations for the pre-deployment phase of photovoltaic technologies in retail centres. Environmental-, policy-, technical-, and financial factors are identified as the main barriers affecting the financial viability and Return on Investment of such a project. The evolution of this technology within developing countries and the integration of PV and retail centres are investigated. Finally, various financial evaluation criteria are presented to which the viability of the technology is determined. Understanding of the various barriers ensures effective deployment of the technology in retail centres, commercial and residential sectors of an economy.
- Full Text:
Assessment of electricity industries in SADC region energy diversification and sustainability
- Bowa, Kakoma Chilala, Mwanza, Mabvuto, Sumbwanyambe, Mbuyu, Ulgen, Kolay, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Bowa, Kakoma Chilala , Mwanza, Mabvuto , Sumbwanyambe, Mbuyu , Ulgen, Kolay , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Energy Sustainability Social , Environmental & Economical (SEE) , Renewable Energy Technologies
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/495305 , uj:44993 , Citation: Bowa, K.C., Mwanza, M., Mbuyu, S., Ulgen, K. & Pretorius, J.H. 2021. Assessment of electricity industries in SADC region energy diversification and sustainability.
- Description: Abstract: Before the COVID-19 crisis, the Southern African Developing Countries (SADC) had a varied energy mix including renewable energy, fossil fuels, and military energy production. The use of fossil fuels in the energy mix is known to be the source of the growing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. However, there was a reduction in GHG emissions following the pandemic, which reduced travel and trade, and worldwide disruption in economic activities. The priority of priority B in the 2015-2020 Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, which is Energy, continues. As a result, the availability of affordable and renewable energy is still a priority for south of the equator countries and their growth agenda. This paper is aimed at exploring the sustainability of SADC countries’ electricity sectors by using three sustainability pillars: Social, Environmental and Economic (SEE). SEE offers the main concepts of renewable energy, in a way that is socially, environmentally appropriate and economically viable. Study shows a gap in access rate in SADC countries with only Mauritius and Seychelles reaching 100% access to modern energy services (electricity) for both rural and urban areas. Currently all the member countries have set their RE goals for the year 2030. However, the subsidies by SADC member countries indicate that they are practiced as a way to make electricity affordable, and also to make electricity available to lower income households. In the period 2014-2017, big national budget deficits happened in various Southern African countries because of subsidies. Thus, this paper is of crucial importance to the foundational advancement of sustainable electricity sector growth in the country. The findings of this paper play a crucial role in helping and guiding politicians to better understand the existing and challenges future in the energy market and alternatives to address these problems. Additional research is given on how to arrive at sustainable decisions for the electricity sector in the region.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bowa, Kakoma Chilala , Mwanza, Mabvuto , Sumbwanyambe, Mbuyu , Ulgen, Kolay , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Energy Sustainability Social , Environmental & Economical (SEE) , Renewable Energy Technologies
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/495305 , uj:44993 , Citation: Bowa, K.C., Mwanza, M., Mbuyu, S., Ulgen, K. & Pretorius, J.H. 2021. Assessment of electricity industries in SADC region energy diversification and sustainability.
- Description: Abstract: Before the COVID-19 crisis, the Southern African Developing Countries (SADC) had a varied energy mix including renewable energy, fossil fuels, and military energy production. The use of fossil fuels in the energy mix is known to be the source of the growing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. However, there was a reduction in GHG emissions following the pandemic, which reduced travel and trade, and worldwide disruption in economic activities. The priority of priority B in the 2015-2020 Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, which is Energy, continues. As a result, the availability of affordable and renewable energy is still a priority for south of the equator countries and their growth agenda. This paper is aimed at exploring the sustainability of SADC countries’ electricity sectors by using three sustainability pillars: Social, Environmental and Economic (SEE). SEE offers the main concepts of renewable energy, in a way that is socially, environmentally appropriate and economically viable. Study shows a gap in access rate in SADC countries with only Mauritius and Seychelles reaching 100% access to modern energy services (electricity) for both rural and urban areas. Currently all the member countries have set their RE goals for the year 2030. However, the subsidies by SADC member countries indicate that they are practiced as a way to make electricity affordable, and also to make electricity available to lower income households. In the period 2014-2017, big national budget deficits happened in various Southern African countries because of subsidies. Thus, this paper is of crucial importance to the foundational advancement of sustainable electricity sector growth in the country. The findings of this paper play a crucial role in helping and guiding politicians to better understand the existing and challenges future in the energy market and alternatives to address these problems. Additional research is given on how to arrive at sustainable decisions for the electricity sector in the region.
- Full Text:
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