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A conceptual model for communication management for successful project delivery in Swaziland construction industry

  • Authors: Mavuso, Nokulunga , Agumba, Justus N.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Communication , Construction , Factors , Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/92751 , uj:20266 , Citation: Mavuso N. & Agumba, J.N. 2016. A conceptual model for communication management for successful project delivery in Swaziland construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: This paper presents a literature discourseof existing literature on communication management to identify the variables that influence project success. Furthermore, the study proposes a conceptual model. The reviewed Iiteraturespanned a periodof nineyears from 2004 toJune 2013.Asystematics earch ingooglewas used. Fifteen articles were obtainedfrom the database.The articles were tabulated ina matrixto identify the core variables relevant to the study using content analysis.Seven communication management var iables were identified that are perceived to influence project success.These were: technology and systems, communication skills or competence,communications plan,teamwork & partnering,organizational structure,stakeholders'frame of references, and project briefing. Furthermore,a hypothesized model was proposed. The analysis is based on literature review only, hence a limitation in the study.The paper has identified critical success factors specific to communication management that influence project success. The study has further proposed a hypothesized conceptual model that is viewed as a panacea to improve communication and ultimately project success in Swaziland constructionindustry.
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A review of the impact of construction automation and robotics on project delivery

  • Authors: Akinradewo, O. I. , Aigbavboa, C. O. , Okafor, C. C. , Oke, A. E. , Thwala, D. W.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Automation , Construction , Industralised Building System
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479945 , uj:43430 , Citation: Akinradewo, O.I. et al. 2021. A review of the impact of construction automation and robotics on project delivery. , DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/1107/1/012011
  • Description: Abstract: The use of construction technologies is to improve working conditions, improve health and safety, scheduling and improving quality of the construction products. Construction automation redefines construction with machines and advanced technology to mitigate the problems faced in construction, such as labour-related issues among others. To adequately understand the impact of automation and robotics in the construction industry, this study is aimed at reviewing extant literature on how automation and robotics can be put into use in the construction industry as it is being used in the manufacturing industry. The study employed a systematic literature review approach and sourced for published journal and conference articles from Web of Science and Scopus databases. The review revealed that construction automation and robotics increase accuracy of components’ dimension through the use of lasers for dimension analysis, promote design specifications through the use of computer aided designs, increase quality of construction products by ensuring standards are met, brings cost effectiveness as value for money spent is achieved, eliminate material wastage due to accurate and precise estimate of materials needed, reduce construction accidents due to the usage of machines for dangerous construction activities, improve working condition as workers’ are more secure and safety is guaranteed, and reduce labour cost given the fact that machines are deployed for construction activities.
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An appraisal of critical risk factors in construction projects in South Africa : perspective of contractors

  • Authors: Renault, Berenger , Agumba, Justus , Ansary, Nazeem
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction , Contractors , Risk factors
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214935 , uj:21343 , Citation: Renault, B., Agumba, J & Ansary, N. 2016. An appraisal of critical risk factors in construction projects in South Africa : perspective of contractors.
  • Description: Abstract: The significant impact of construction projects on a nation has been characterized in literature in terms of infrastructure development and job creation. These projects are nevertheless associated with various risks that need to be managed to ensure successful delivery. Hence, the identification of these risk factors is of utmost importance. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing contractors‘ perception of critical risk factors in construction projects in Gauteng (South Africa). Explorative and questionnaire survey methods were employed to obtain data from literature and construction professionals all practising in Gauteng. Results revealed that supply of faulty materials, poor communication between involved parties, financial failure of the contractor, working at dangerous areas and closure were the five critical risk factors in construction projects. It is obvious from the results that the knowledge of the identified critical risk factors furnishes invaluable information to the construction contractor concerning what risk variables to focus attention on in construction activities. The paper contributes to the identification of critical risk factors in construction projects from an objective point.
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Analysis of credit rationing among construction enterprises SMEs within financial institutions : a case of Gauteng Province in South Africa

  • Authors: Balogun, Olanrewaju Abdul , Agumba, Justus Ngala , Ansary, Nazeem
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Construction , Enterprises (SMEs) , Financial Institutions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/244797 , uj:25318 , Citation: Balogun, O.A., Agumba, J.N. & Ansary, N. 2017. Analysis of credit rationing among construction enterprises SMEs within financial institutions : a case of Gauteng Province in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: Economic diversification is a key policy goal for the Government of South Africa. SMEs offer a feasible option towards the actualization of this goal. The expansion of construction SMEs in South Africa, however is constrained by lack of access to bank credit. This constrained access to credit is argued in the literature to be due to the credit rationing behavior of banks emanating from asymmetric information in credit markets. Constrained access to credit stifles the growth potential of this vibrant sector which is increasingly generating employment opportunities especially for young enterprises. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI, 2007). This study therefore investigated the factors that influence the credit rationing behavior of banks towards SMEs. A deductive methodological approach was used to examine this problem. The structured survey questionnaire was administered to 179 construction small and medium organizations to elicit relevant data about their credit rationing. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine the influence of demographic variables on credit rationing. The statistical package for social science version 22 was used.The study findings suggest that the experience of SMEs reduces their probability of being credit rationed by banks. From the bank perspective the experience of SMEs is determined from their ability to keep proper financial statements, the performance of their bank accounts with the banks, and their ability to make profits. This calls for capacity building of SMEs in areas of business management (including financial record keeping) if they are to be rated as credit worthy borrowers by the banks. From the SMEs perspective, there is need for banks to improve their efficiency in terms of reduction of loan processing time and cost of borrowing (i.e. interest rate). This will improve access to bank credit by the construction SMEs and promote their growth thereby stimulating economic diversification, employment creation opportunities, and poverty reduction in line with South African Vision 2020
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Assessing the influence of mentoring functions on job satisfaction and organizational commitment of new construction employees : a literature review

  • Authors: Nkomo, Morena William , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Mentoring , Construction , Graduates
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/71946 , uj:18216 , Citation: Nkomo, M.W. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. Assessing the influence of mentoring functions on job satisfaction and organizational commitment of new construction employees : a literature review.
  • Description: Abstract: The business world has long known and relied upon mentoring as a proven technique for developing in house talent. Previous studies proved that the implementation of mentoring programme is beneficial for enhancing employee skills and attitudes. Few researchers are devoted to exploring the impact of mentoring functions on job satisfaction and organizational commitment of new graduates. This paper is aimed at examining the effects of mentoring functions on the job satisfaction and organizational commitment of new construction employees in the influence of mentoring functions in South African construction industry. The study was mainly a literature review, an exploratory study with a special focus on the impact of mentoring functions on job satisfaction and organizational commitment of employees within organizations. The data used in the report was mainly qualitative, based on the historical data. The study indicated that career development and role modelling functions have a positive effect on the job satisfaction and organizational commitment of new employees. However the psychosocial support function was incapable of providing adequate explanation for these work outcomes. The study suggest that graduate managers should improve the career development and role modelling functions of mentoring in order to enhance the job satisfaction, organizational commitment of new employees. The early success of the initiatives described provide useful lessons for the construction industry and executives who recognize that mentoring functions on job satisfaction and organizational commitment are critical for sustaining future organizational performance.
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Client attitude to health and safety (H&S) - a report on contractor's perceptions

Client commitment and attitude to construction health and safety in Botswana

Conceptualizing growth of small and medium-size construction firms in Ghana

  • Authors: Arthur-Aidoo, Martin Bernard , Aigbavboa, Clinton O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Conceptualize , Construction , Firms
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/372977 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213900 , uj:21210 , Citation: Arthur-Aidoo, M., Aigbavboa, C & Thwala, W.D. Conceptualizing growth of small and medium-size construction firms in Ghana.
  • Description: Abstract: The growth of small and medium-sized construction firms (SMEs) undoubtedly remains an important consideration within socio-economic activities in the Ghanaian economy. Literature has established both tangible and intangible benefits that emanate from the activities of construction SMEs within the sector. Further, literature has also not reached consensus on a unified definition of what firm's growth constitute. Firm's growth is rather considered from the perspective of both internal and external determinants which makes comprehending growth vague. This study, however, conceptualized the growth of Construction SMEs with details of firm's growth indicators. In order to establish the aim of the study, semi-structured interviews supplemented by a review of existing literature on firm's growth was adopted to drive similar and new constructs that have informed this study. The study provides a significant conclusion to the study which includes the main determinates of firm's growth such as the entrepreneurial feature of the firm characteristics and the business environment of the firm. Also captured in the conclusion are necessary growth barriers that must be controlled if growth within the construction SMEs in Ghana is to be achieved.
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Confirmatory factor analysis of contractors’ safety policy

Construction contingency determination : a review of processes and techniques

Contribution of value management to construction projects in South Africa

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton , Oke, Ayodeji , Mojele, Sponono
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction , Project , Teamwork
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/215571 , uj:21433 , Citation: Aigbavboa, C., Oke, A & Mojele, S. 2016. Contribution of value management to construction projects in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: For clients, owners and financiers of construction projects, construction process signify a huge capital investment which translate into substantial fixed costs for their organizations. Value Management (VM) is a business strategy tool to ascertain whether construction of a facility will provide best function at the lowest possible cost. This study examines the contribution of value management to construction projects with a view to assessing challenges and measures to improve adoption and application of the discipline. Primary data were collected through well-structured questionnaires administered on construction professionals within the study area and Mean Item Score was used for data analysis. The major contributions of VM to the South African construction industry include optimize value for money, creates a clearer focus on the project objectives and works towards arriving at a more effective design. However, poor communication, lack of interaction and unwillingness of clients to pay for VM service, were the challenges affecting the adoption of VM. In order to improve construction project performance using the process of value management, orientation meetings should be duly organised, team structure should be finalised and team members must be appropriately selected for construction projects. Built environment professionals - including construction and project managers, should familiarize themselves with VM and strive for its full adoption and implementation for construction projects in order to achieve best value at the lowest complete life cycle project cost for construction clients.
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Engineering education and marketing of engineering business enterprise : the case of construction education

  • Authors: Yankah, J.E. , Aigbavboa, C. O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction , Engineering education , Marketing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213249 , uj:21124 , Citation: Yankah, J.E., Aigbavboa, C.O & Thwala, W.I. 2016. Engineering education and marketing of engineering business enterprise : the case of construction education.
  • Description: Abstract: The remarkably challenging features of the construction industry in the 21" century are globalization, the restructuring of the world economy, changes experienced in project financing and delivery systems, the pervasive utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT, and the increasing intensity of competition which threatens the growth, survival and profitability of engineering businesses with construction being the most affected. Marketing as a management function, which has been identified as imperative for businesses facing such challenges has not been welcomed by the construction industry. Marketing in consternation is marked by misconceptions, misperceptions, lack of understanding among others which are traceable to education and training of construction management team members. This paper examines the aspects of construction education that impacts negatively on marketing performance of construction businesses, namely content and structure of curriculum for construction education, availability of construction marketing research reports and teacher qualification for teaching marketing to construction students. Finding reveal that the content of construction marketing syllabus is outdated and fall short of elements necessary for effective teaching the state of the art marketing in construction. Paucity of construction marketing research and lack of general helpful literature remains a challenge. Qualification of teachers appears to be a big challenge. Urgent need exist for revision of existing syllabus, efforts at addressing research towards addressing existing challenges with marketing in construction and guidelines for preparing teachers for teaching marketing to construction students. Construction education consultants, curriculum developers, construction education and training institutions and similar professional organization will find this useful.
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Health and safety (H&S) awareness and implementation in Botswana's construction industry

Human factor related challenges of marketing construction business enterprise

  • Authors: Jonas, Yanka , Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Business management , Construction , Human factors , Marketing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/93878 , uj:20404 , Citation: Jonas, Y., Aigbavboa, C. & Thwala, W. 2016. Human factor related challenges of marketing construction business enterprise.
  • Description: Abstract: Marketing is acknowledged as a necessary business management function but its application in construction is intensely hindered by some human factors in the construction industry. The paper is aimed at identifying the specific human factors in the construction industry that hinder marketing adoption and implementation in construction and to initiate further debate on this important but Cinderella subject. It uses literature review as a method to identify, summarize, synthesize and show the gaps in the existing research knowledge on human factors affecting Marketing Performance (MP) of Construction Businesses (CB). Factors such as marketing skills, manpower, attitude towards and conception of marketing hinders greatly on MP of CB. Construction marketing researchers must focus attention on the human factors that affect construction marketing. Educational consultants, curriculum developers and training institutions will find the paper useful in revising existing curriculum to reflect current trends in the management of construction business enterprise.
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Identifying barriers of sustainable construction : a Nigerian case study

  • Authors: Ifije, Ohiomah , Aigbavboa, Clinton
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Sustainability , Barriers , Construction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/434841 , uj:37657 , Citation: Ifije, O. & Aigbavboa, C. 2020. Identifying barriers of sustainable construction : a Nigerian case study. , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202031204004
  • Description: Abstract: Sustainable development has become an important part of the lives and aspect of enterprises operations globally. There is a global trend to enhance sustainable practices in all sectors and most especially the construction sectors, this study discusses the factors that best prevent the implementation of sustainable construction in the Nigeria construction industry. The study further explores and determines the reliability of how sustainability should be measured in the Nigeria construction industry. The study used both primary and secondary data to meet the set objective. The primary data were gathered through the use of a questionnaire distributed to construction professionals, contractors and clients. Indicative findings arising from the study revealed that; Building regulations and financial incentives are found to be the main drivers of sustainable construction in Nigeria and Lack of client demand and awareness and a general perception that adopting sustainable construction is expensive. The research concluded by recommending that government help with building policies to help push construction firms towards sustainable construction and also awareness campaigns should be carried out so that clients would demand and be aware of the benefits of sustainable construction.
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Increasing the capacity of transmission lines via current uprating: an updated review of benefits, considerations and developments

Influences of cultural differences on construction project delivery : a case of Gauteng province

  • Authors: Matobole, Khotso , Ogunsanya, Oluwabukunmi , Aigbavboa, Clinton
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction , Contractors , Culture
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/215557 , uj:21431 , Citation: Matobole, K., Ogunsanya, O & Aigbavboa, C. 2016. Influences of cultural differences on construction project delivery : a case of Gauteng province.
  • Description: Abstract: The Construction Industry is by nature one of the most diverse working environments. The South African Construction Industry is not an exception to this rule. The Industry has witnessed great diversity in its workforce mix at all levels since the return to democracy in 1994. Thus, peoples from erstwhile segregated communities are brought together to work in achieving a common project objective. The intricate influence of this cultural mix and the pressure it exerts paper provides insight into the influence of culture and cultural difference on teams working together towards project delivery. The study adopts a mixed method approach by use of interviews and questionnaires through a convenience sampling of construction professionals in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. Findings from this research confirm that factors such as sociability, masculinity, power, equity, individualism, avoidance, collectivism are cultural dimensions prominent in multicultural teams. The influences of cultural aspects that rank highest are irritation due to misunderstanding, encouraging team building, motivating workers to work harder. The study concludes that while a lot has been done in integrating project teams from different cultures in the South African construction industry efforts should be concentrated on mitigating the effect of masculinity and irritation due to misunderstanding. It is recommended that Project Managers and Construction managers should more sensitive to the influence of cultural dimensions and deploy cultural awareness and appropriate leadership styles in mitigating its effects while channeling the positive influences towards organizational benefits. This research has provided insight into intrinsic cultural dimensions among construction industry workers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa and provides useful policy input for the Construction Industry Development Board and industry practitioners at large. The research is limited to the experiences of Construction Industry professionals in the Gauteng Province of South Africa due to the constraint of time.
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Leadership influence on construction site workers’ health and safety behaviour

  • Authors: Okorie, Victor N. , Okoro, Chioma S. , Musonda, Innocent
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction , Health and safety , Leadership
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/216923 , uj:21573 , Citation: Okorie, V.N., Okoro, C.S & Musonda, I. 2016. Leadership influence on construction site workers’ health and safety behaviour.
  • Description: Abstract: Leadership in construction health and safety (H&S) management has drawn great attention from scholars in the western world. This paper reviews existing literature on the role of project leaders in H&S management programmes and how their active involvement/ participation, from the inception of projects, could reduce the numbers of injuries and at-risk behaviors among workers. A review of existing literature was conducted from Google, ASCE and Science Direct. Findings revealed that positive H&S behaviour of workers could be influenced by: a) incorporation of H&S into the work programme by the project manager; b) facilitation of financial provisions for H&S into the contract documents by quantity surveyors; c) demonstration of commitment and visible H&S leadership towards workers‘ H&S by contracting firms at all levels of management; and d) key projects leaders‘ H&S leadership and behaviour. Client H&S visible leadership manifests through appointment of competent design team, allocation of adequate financial resources for H&S, and designing H&S into construction projects at the early design stage. These findings will increase awareness on the importance of leadership and commitment in improving H&S behaviour of construction workers on sites. The study recommends that key leaders on a project should demonstrate visible leadership and commitment towards workers‘ H&S. Keywords: construction, health and safety, leadership, project leaders, worker behaviour.
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Marketing construction business in Ghana : the problems, prospects and strategies

  • Authors: Yankah, J.E. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku , Aigbavboa, C.O. , Pretorius, J.G.
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Marketing , Construction , Ghana
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/80811 , uj:18761 , Citation: Yankah, J.E. et al. 2015. Marketing construction business in Ghana : the problems, prospects and strategies.
  • Description: Abstract: Many construction enterprises still oftenfail to realize that marketing entails more than just playing withfew isolated promotional tools, such as distributing brochures, advertising, promotional videos, which they often employ without following a structured marketing plan formulated in line with the organization's aims and objectives. Such ad hoc approach to marketing in the construction industry has resulted in an uphill struggle with little to no success. This paper identifies the problems that has led to the ad hoc approach to marketing in the construction industry and examines the prospects for improving the situation. It discusses the strategies to be adopted to improve the effectiveness of implementing marketing in the management of construction business. The study adopts descriptive research design and the use of literature review as a method to identify, summarize and synthesize extant literature on construction marketing to show why the need exist for marketing in the management of construction business. The paper finds that gaps exist in existing construction marketing research knowledge in general and Ghana in particular . There is the need for scientific research which focuses on development of frameworks or models to guide the marketing of construction businesses in developing countries. Construction enterprise owners, construction marketing/management researchers, construction education curriculum developers and managers of construction business organizations will find this paper useful. Future research work must focus on developing construction industry specific frameworks or models to guide the marketing of construction businesses.
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Occupational Health and Safety challenges in the Ghanaian construction industry

  • Authors: Mustapha, Zakari , Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction , Ghana , Performance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/75838 , uj:18726 , Citation: Mustapha, Z., Aigbavboa, C. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. Occupational Health and Safety challenges in the Ghanaian construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: The prevalence of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues in most of the African countries have been attributed to the insufficient attention received from industry and government. The review of literature in the existing body of knowledge becomes paramount on the subject matter. The road map for the identification of occupational health and safety practices in the Ghanaian construction industry was obtained through literature review. Studies relevant to OHS practices were selected out of the numerous studies reviewed, through a rigorous process. The results from the literature study were analysed to obtain specific issues that are relevant to the OHS in the Ghanaian construction industry. Based on the identified practices, needs are clearly defined and strategies are proposed to come out with appropriate solutions for health and safety improvements in the Ghanaian construction industry. Findings from the study show that ignorance and lack of interest in dealing with OHS issues in Ghana is one of the contributing factors to the OHS challenging. It is concluded that proactive measures should be provided at all levels of organisations in the country to deal with OHS issues. There should also be the establishment of OHS culture robust enough to deal with all issues in the country. Serious attention should be given to effective OHS management in order to eliminate accident in the construction industries.
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