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A framework for growth of small and medium-size construction firms : a literature review

  • Authors: Arthur-Aidoo, B.M. , Aigbavboa, C.O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction firms , Framework , Growth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/85381 , uj:19338 , Citation: Arthur-Aidoo, B.M., Aigbavboa, C.O. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. A framework for growth of small and medium-size construction firms : a literature review.
  • Description: Abstract: Small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) are considered as the engine of growth in most economies due to their significant contribution in terms of employment and natural development. SMEs growth within an economy is, therefore, paramount. Growth of SMEs firms has been deliberated in literature as an expansion. This development is classified as either organic (internal expansion) or inorganic (expansion by integration). Literature has also stressed on the eased at which these construction SMEs enter the market environment and quickly exit due to peculiar challenges including growth. Therefore, this study seeks to establish a framework for SMEs in the construction industry in order to foster their growth. The study adopted the use of extensive use of literature. This was supported by informal semi-structured interviews which involved construction industry professionals as the papulation. The research focused on the determinants of growth and how thesefactors will be established The study concludes thatfor growth to be ascertained in afirm, there must be an integration of both the internal and external variables to influence growth.
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A labour ouput model for block work using activity sampling techniques in Ghana

A mini-factor health and safety compliance : a multivariate factorial analysis

A model for the management of health and safety practices on Ghanaian sites

A qualitative assessment of the delivery of subsidised low income houses

A review of beneficiary participation in the delivery of low income housing in South Africa

  • Authors: Ramovha, N. T. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Housing - South Africa , Low-income housing - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6286 , ISBN 978-0-620-54069-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9892
  • Description: Adequate housing is recognised as part of the right to an adequate standard of living and that it must meet the following minimum conditions: security of tenure; availability of services, materials, facilities and infrastructure; affordability; habitability; accessibility; location; and cultural adequacy. Many Governments around the world in their attempt to deliver adequate housing and related infrastructure overlook the importance of the contribution of beneficiaries in the delivery process. This study is mainly a literature review of existing published and unpublished research on the role and participation of beneficiaries in the delivery of low-income housing in South Africa. The study also examines published case studies of three of self-help housing projects implemented in South Africa, to deduce lessons from the studies. Preliminary findings suggest that where communities are in control, their homes are better and cheaper than those built through government programmes and large corporations. The participation of beneficiaries could enhance the delivery of adequate housing by government and thereby reduce the dependency of beneficiaries on the state. To enhance their participation, beneficiaries require certain capacities and therefore governments should facilitate the creation of these capacities.
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A study of joint venture formation between construction organizations in Tanzania

  • Authors: Minja, Steven J. , Kikwasi, Geraldine J. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Construction industry - Tanzania , Joint ventures - Tanzania
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6049 , ISSN 978-0-646-58814-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10459
  • Description: Formation of joint ventures between construction companies is one of the recent efforts in combating contractors problems in Tanzania and addresses one of the key challenges facing the construction industry today in the country especially when large and complex projects are involved. The main objective of the research is to examine the formation of joint ventures in Tanzania, specifically to: study joint ventures formation procedures; identify criteria in selection of joint venture partner; and identify risks associated with and challenges facing joint venture undertakings in Tanzania. The study adopted a descriptive research design and purposive sampling. Multiple sources of evidence was used to collect information mainly literature review, questionnaires and interviews. Key findings reveal that legal and statutory requirements in the formation of joint ventures include registration by Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), Contractors Registration Board (CRB) and under Registration of Documents Act (RDA). All JV respondents were registered by BRELA and CRB which are mandatory but only 7 were registered by RDA. Most important factors considered during formation of JVs are: contract agreement, financial stability and commitment while key risks associated with JVs are cultural and social differences, delays in approvals and financial risks. In addition, main challenges facing joint ventures are: identification of possible risks and joint venture agreement interpretation. The study concludes that formation of JVs have been addressing some of emerging challenges facing local construction organizations despite the risks and challenges that exist. The study recommends that firms entering joint ventures should explore the benefits of registering with RDA and ensure risks associated with their JV are properly assessed. The study also recommends introduction of an incentive scheme through Tanzania Investment Centre to grant tax relief for foreign contractors going into joint venture with local construction firms.
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A theoretical assessment of causes of job insecurity in the construction industry

  • Authors: Mathebula, Lerato , Mukuka, Mulenga , Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Insecurity , Job insecurity , Construction industry
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/73303 , uj:18392 , Citation: Mathebula, L. et al. 2015. A theoretical assessment of causes of job insecurity in the construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: The construction industry has been dealing with drastic changes over the past years, changes that result in a number of negative consequences one of them being job insecurity. These changes concern issues such as increased economic dependency between countries, rapidly changing consumer markets and escalated demands for flexibility within as well as between organisations. However, it is an organisations’ responsibility to manage the changes accordingly to avoid issues such as job insecurity. Hence this paper theoretically discuses job insecurity in the construction industry. The study was conducted with reference to existing theoretical literature, published and unpublished research. The study is mainly a literature review/survey on job insecurity in the construction industry. Literature revealed that employment downsizing, financial crisis, lack of experience and training, technological changes, racism, gender and lack of education were the major causes of job insecurity in the construction industry. The current study is a theoretical assessment of job insecurity in the construction industry and the study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject of job insecurity in the construction industry.
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A theoretical assessment of the challenges of public private partnership in improving infrastructure service delivery in Swaziland

  • Authors: Mashwama, Nokulunga X. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku , Aigbavboa, Clinton O.
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Construction projects , Infrastructure , Public-private partnerships
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/245352 , uj:25410 , Citation: Mashwama, N.X., Thwala, W.D. & Aigbavboa, C.O. 2017. A theoretical assessment of the challenges of public private partnership in improving infrastructure service delivery in Swaziland.
  • Description: Abstract: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) play an important role in improving the quality of infrastructure service delivery in different countries. In the construction industry, PPPs contribute to skills transfer by the private sector to the public sector and achieving greater efficiency by reducing government bureaucracy and financial burdens. However, these partnerships have challenges that hinder the implementation and delivery of infrastructure. This research examines challenges encountered in the implementation of PPP in construction projects. The study is a literature review/ survey on the challenges faced with the implementation of public private partnership in improving infrastructure service delivery on projects. The study is conducted with reference to existing theoretical literature, published and unpublished research based on international context. However, the challenges specifically are based on literature in Swaziland to identify the challenges they face and the way forward. Other scholars'works were critically examinedtodeterminethe views on the subject. The research revealed that on the political level, there are high expectations with concerns that officials expertise to handle PPP projects are not sufficient, Private sector stakeholders were concerned about the possible dominance of foreign companies. Moreover, labour feared negative consequences for workers, and part of financial sector did not see enough opportunities for PPP in Swaziland. Lack of common understanding and coordination, insufficient planning capacity and structuring support were amongst the challenges faced by PPP in Swaziland.The study will assist the Swaziland Construction Industry in improving their services in terms of delivering construction project timeously since particular strategies can be developed to overcome the identified challenges.
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A theoretical assessment of the effect of training and development on employees performance and productivity

A theoretical perspective on the difference between leadership and management

A theoretical study on leadership theory categories in the construction industry

Adopting innovative methods in the Ghanaian construction industry

  • Authors: Eyiah-Botwe, E. , Aigbavboa, C.O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Barriers , Housing , Modern method of construction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/216984 , uj:21581 , Citation: Eyiah-Botwe, E., Aigbavboa, C.O & Thwala, W.D. 2016. Adopting innovative methods in the Ghanaian construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: Increased demand for building infrastructure delivery advocates for innovative construction methods. This paper examines the concept and application of Modern Method of Construction used in the South-West UK, and the Innovative Building Technologies in South Africa. It assesses the methods, current use, off-site manufacturing; identifies and evaluates aspects of the construction process typically used with the aim of identifying and analysing the barriers and merits for the adoption in the Ghanaian construction industry. The research design adopts a qualitative method and case study of two housing projects as part of a broader study to determine an appropriate innovative construction method to meet project targets of time, cost, quality and improved delivery for the Ghanaian industry. The study finds; convenience; speed; reduced cost and improved delivery as the key success factors though there is less than 5% use of the innovative methods in the entire sector for mainly repetitive housing, schools and hospital projects. Negative end-users perception of building quality and low satisfaction; less government intervention through education; promotion; availability of off-site contractors and materials were also the barriers identified. Management contract is adopted in most cases hence the risk transferred to the management contractors. Lessons learnt are outlined and recommendation made for government action plans to mitigate the barriers during its implementation in the Ghanaian construction industry.
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An assessment of critical success factors for the reduction of the cost of poor quality from construction projects in South Africa

An assessment of factors affecting risk management in the South African construction industry

  • Authors: Seku, L. , Aigbavboa, C.O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Construction risk management , Construction projects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/73287 , uj:18390 , Citation: Seku, L., Aigbavboa, C.O. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. An assessment of factors affecting risk management in the South African construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: Purpose The research aims to assess and evaluate the techniques used in managing risks in South African construction projects, the effectiveness of risk management techniques that are currently in use and the factors that influence the use of risk management by contractors in their projects. Methodology The data used in this paper were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire survey. This was distributed to Contractors operating in Gauteng province. One hundred and eight structured questionnaires were used for the survey. Out of the 108 questionnaires sent out, all were received back representing 100% response rate, these formed the basis of the analysis for the paper. The secondary data for the study was derived from the review of literatures. Findings The empirical studies have identified that risk management in the South Africa construction is mostly influenced and affected by the size of company, education and experience of construction company and managers. The study also revealed that the majority of South African contractors are aware and make use of the structured process of risk management. Value The study contributes to the body of knowledge the use of risk management in the South African construction industry.
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An assessment of occupants’ expectation in the delivery of low-income housing in South Africa

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Housing subsidy beneficiaries , Housing , Low-income housing
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5324 , ISSN 9781405156486 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8235
  • Description: Low-income housing provision has been a major focus of the government in postapartheid South Africa. While success can be noted, there is a growing concern on the housing expectations and satisfaction of the housing occupants. Utilizing postoccupancy survey conducted in four locations that had benefited from the government housing subsidy scheme, the research identifies how the expectations of the occupants of low-income housing can be met in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The results from the post-occupancy survey revealed that most of the beneficiaries housing needs were not met, as a majority of the respondents informed that they had expected bigger units; however, when they were allocated the houses, the expectation was not met. Though, a major obstacle while the respondents expectation was not met pointed toward the lack of consultation between the Department of Human Settlement and the occupants. A comparison is also made to ascertain the correlation between meeting of occupants' expectation and the maintenance of the houses. It is suggested that the Department of Human Settlement should conduct occupants need assessment on future housing project to be developed and on a consistence basis should employ post-occupancy survey to inform, improve and guarantee the expectation and housing satisfaction of the beneficiaries of subsidised housing units in South Africa.
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An assessment of the critical success factor for the reduction of cost of poor quality in construction projects in Swaziland

An assessment of the effectiveness of learnership programmes in the South Africa construction industry

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4781 , ISSN 978-9988-1-9911-1 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11964
  • Description: The objective of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of learnership programmes in the South African construction industry. This will be achieved by first establishing whether the Learnership System introduced under the Skills Development Act No. 97 of 1998 is an appropriate system for training construction professionals and by investigating the quality of the learnership outcome. The paper is also aimed at investigating the major obstacles faced in delivering effective learnerships in the construction industry. The methodology for the research was solely a literature review. The literature review was based on literature focused on the legislation governing the learnership programmes, stakeholders involved in the delivery of learnership programmes, the outcomes of learnership programmes and major obstacles hindering the effectiveness of learnership programmes. The literature survey revealed that there is a considerable confusion and ignorance amongst training providers. This factor was found to have a negative impact on the delivery of efficient and effective learnership programmes in the construction industry. Further findings also revealed that other factors contributing to the ineffectiveness of construction learnership programmes are poor administration and bureaucracy within the Construction and Education Training Authority, poor outcome of learnerships, dissatisfaction with the system amongst learners and employers for different reasons and technical incompetence amongst trainers. Learnerships in the construction industry have not been effective and efficient in terms of skills development as predicted. This is attributed to many factors such as ignorance and confusion amongst stakeholders, bureaucracy and poor administration within Construction Education and Training Authority, lack of support from various relevant stakeholders and low levels of employer participation in the delivery of learnership programmes.
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An assessment of the key determinants of building science students’ satisfaction when undertaking group work: a case study of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Team work , Students’ satisfaction , University of Johannesburg. Students
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4874 , ISSN 978-0-9566060-6-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12550
  • Description: This study assesses university’s students’ views on team work. The specific research aim is to investigate the factors that affect students’ satisfaction when undertaking group work. The data used in this paper were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via a detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire aimed at 55 BTech (undergraduate final year) students. Data received from the questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistics procedures. Findings from the study revealed that the most important factors which affect students’ satisfaction when undertaking group works are: students having the same attitude towards work; ground rules for the operation of the group; some students do not come to group meetings and not all students contribute to the group assignments. This study reveals the key determinants of students’ satisfaction when undertaking group work, hence preparing the students to be team players before they enter the world of work.
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An exploration of public private partnership in infrastructure development in South Africa

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, C.O. , Liphadzi, M. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Building energy efficiency assessment
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12044
  • Description: Building energy efficiency assessment (BEEA) is an important area in both the built environment and energy management. Over the years it has received increasing attention among researchers due to the pertinent sustainability issues. What is the common practice in building energy assessment research methodology? This study attempts to find the common practice in BEEA research methodology to find out how developing countries can be equipped to do more research in this field. In this paper five major journals in the field of building energy are quantitatively reviewed with a particular interest in identifying what methods and approaches have been presented or employed in BEEA. A scanning of the search results gave a list of 63 articles that are considered relevant to the research interest. The assessment methods were introduced and categorized in a manner that helps the readers get the best sense of the overall picture. The results indicate that 65% of the studies employed more than one research method and documentation dominated BEEA research. The study showed that to develop the research capacity of developing countries in this area the need for expertise, availability of data and policy direction needs to be in place.
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