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A case study on improving labour productivity in civil engineering projects

  • Authors: Balci, Besim U.
  • Date: 2012-01-25
  • Subjects: Civil engineering , Construction industry , Labor productivity
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:1964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4321
  • Description: M.Ing. , The ability of construction firms to stay solvent largely depends on productivity. Productivity improvement is the key to economic prosperity in the long term. It provides the basis for increasing wages and more prosperous firms. Various methods can be implemented to measure and increase productivity which will result an increased output and efficiency. The aim of this work is to address the methods to be used for labour productivity measurement and improvement in civil engineering context. A case study will be done on a current construction project.
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A qualitative assessment of the delivery of subsidised low income houses

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 The study was conducted with reference to existing theoretical literature, published and unpublished research.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 review of risk identification : perspective of construction industry

  • Authors: Renault, B. Y. , Agumba, J. N. , Ansary, N.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Risk management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214956 , uj:21346 , Citation: Renault, B.Y., Agumba, J.N & Ansary, N. 2016. A theoretical review of risk identification : perspective of construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: Managing risks in construction projects has been acknowledged as an essential management process in order to accomplish the project objectives in terms of time, cost, quality, safety and environmental sustainability. However, up to now most studies have concentrated on some aspects of construction risk management rather than using a systematic and comprehensive approach to identifying risks and analyse the probability of occurrence and impacts of these risks. Risk management consists of identifying risks, assessing risks either quantitatively or qualitatively, selecting the appropriate method for handling risks, and then monitoring and documenting risks. By identifying risks in an early stage of planning and assessing their comparative significance, project managers can identify techniques employed to reduce risks and allocate the best people to mitigate them. Thus, this research focuses on risk identification, as opposed to other processes of risk management. This research is mainly a literature review and was conducted through accredited academic and Professional journals, books, the internet, theses, and dissertations. The reviewed literature revealed that the entire risk management process is not only limited to solving problem in advance but also for the occurrence of any unexpected future problems. The study further shown that issues with possible threats envisaged in a project are not only a means to reduce losses within the project, but also a means to transfer risks into opportunities, which can lead to economic profitability, environmental and other advantages. This paper is of value to managers and decision makers involved in managing risks where it is intended to boost their knowledge regarding the importance of risk identification as a crucial stage of the process to managing risks.
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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 exploratory study of the causes of failure in construction small businesses : a case of the Johannesburg construction industry, South Africa

An exploratory study of the problems faced by women graduates mentees in the construction sector : a literature review

  • Authors: Nkomo, Morena William , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Construction workers , Mentoring in business
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/71793 , uj:18197 , Citation: Nkomo, M.W. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. An exploratory study of the problems faced by women graduates mentees in the construction sector : a literature review.
  • Description: Abstract: Women have a limited advancement in the construction industry due to lack of structured mentorship programme. Mentorship has been used as a tool to advance women in their careers. Previous research has shown that the successful mentorship of women was insufficient. In South Africa the construction industry is currently economically active and has a shortage of qualified and skilled professionals. This paper assesses problems to female graduates’ mentoring in the South African construction industry, recommends measures to promote their mentoring, retention and participation in infrastructure development and examine perceived career barriers of women in entry level and mid-level positions who were formally and informally mentored. The study was mainly a literature review, qualitative with a special focus on women mentoring problems of employees within organizations. The results indicated only one significant finding, informally mentored protégés rated lack of mentoring as more of a barrier to advancement than who reported being formally mentored. The study contributes to social change by providing empirical support for the importance of formal mentoring in empowering women for future career advancement and a guide for policy changes for government and strategies for industry, education and society to solve the problems women graduates experience in South Africa.
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An exploratory study on mentoring in the South African construction industry

  • Authors: Nkomo, Morena William , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Formal mentoring
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/71936 , uj:18214 , Citation: Nkomo, M.W. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. An exploratory study on mentoring in the South African construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: Mentoring is important for all young employees entering the workplace. Despite the growing research on both sets of individuals, mentors and proteges, mentoring from the perspective of the organizational remains comparatively under reported. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of mentoring in the construction industry.Further more it will identify the drawbacks, benefits and examine future prospects of formal mentoring in medium sized and large organisations in South African construction industy. The paper focuses on how organisations view mentoring. The study was mainly a literature review with a special focus on formal mentoring. The data used in the report was mainly qualitative, based on the, case studies and historical data. The review is into formal mentoring of young employees entering the work place. The scope of this review is confined to the literature that discusses formal mentoring internal to the workplace which support on and off job learning. The results revealed the organisation current situation and the issues that are important to the HR function. Mentoring is primarily used to transfer tacit knowledge from those near retirement to younger employees, foster the personel development and create well being at work. Career advancement and work performance are not as impotant as might have been thought. Young employees, in particular may demand the use of social media, along side mentoring.
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An investigation of factors that assure a zero accident goal in construction sites in Gauteng, South Africa

  • Authors: Van Heerden, J. H. F. , Musonda, I. , Okoro, C. S.
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Gauteng , Health and safety
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282206 , uj:30405 , Citation: Van Heerden, J.H.F., Musonda, I. & Okoro, C.S. 2018. An investigation of factors that assure a zero accident goal in construction sites in Gauteng, South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: Construction accidents and fatalities bear heavily on companies. Thus, achieving zero accidents on construction projects is a desired goal universally. The present study aims to identify critical conditions or factors to ensure zero accidents on projects. A field questionnaire survey was used to collect data in different locations in Gauteng. Participants were selected using snowballing and judgemental sampling techniques. Empirical data were analysed using EXCEL to output descriptive statistics including mean item scores and standard deviation. The factors were further ranked to identify the most important as perceived by the sampled respondents. The study found that clear H&S goals, regular recording of accidents and incidents, regular tool box talks as well as following strict H&S rules, procedures and processes were the most indicators of a good safety record among the sampled organisations. On the other hand, involving staff in H&S planning and worker incentives did not appear to have much bearing on achieving zero accidents in the organizations sampled. The study was conducted in only one Province in South Africa and may not be generalisable to construction organizations in entire country or other geographical areas. The current research identifies factors necessary to prevent or avoid accidents on construction sites. Continuous health and safety improvement is likely if factors to prevent accidents are taken into account to prevent their occurrence.
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An investigation of leadership characteristics of project and construction managers in the South African construction industry

  • Authors: Liphadzi, Murendeni , Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Construction managers , Leadership
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , uj:18432 , Citation: Liphadzi, M., Aigbavboa, C. & Thwala, W. 2015. An investigation of leadership characteristics of project and construction managers in the South African construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: The construction industry is different from other industries due to its unique characteristics. Moreover, construction projects involve different individuals and organizations which are all gathered to achieve a specific task at a specific time. However, South African construction projects sometimes face challenges relating to quality and cost overruns. This challenges can also be attributed to ineffective leadership in the South African construction industry. Therefore, it is important to evaluate leadership in the South African construction industry. Effective leadership can improve construction productivity, where its outcomes include effectiveness, satisfaction, and project success. The main objective of the study is to identify leading characteristics of construction and project managers in the South African construction industry which influence the success of construction projects. The data used in this research 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 well structured questionnaire aimed at 150 projects and construction managers in the South African construction industry, 110 questionnaires were received (73% response rate). Data was analysis using statkon SPSS software, whereby frequecises and descriptive was attained. Findings from the study indicate that the main leading characteristics which influence the success of construction projects include monitoring for results, problem solving and informed judgment, team building, initiative, influencing, communication, visioning, planning and goal setting, time management, sense of responsibility, empowerment, discipline, ethics, positive expectations, conceptualization, and conflict resolution. Based on the outcomes of this study it is clear that leadership characteristics of a project and construction manager are important, to establish success from a construction project.
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An investigation of the major causes of failure in construction small businesses : a case study of the Gauteng Province

Assessment of mentoring of construction workers in the South African construction industry: a literature review

  • Authors: Nkomo, Morena , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Mentoring in business , Construction workers - Mentoring
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13022
  • Description: It is important to critically analyze the concept and to highlight the distinctive elements of youth mentoring, in the construction industry. The aim of this paper is to look at the experiences, challenges and problems contributing to mentoring of young graduate’s construction employees within construction companies. It will indicate whether or not young graduates’ construction workers are they being motored or not, are they involved in any form of mentoring, within their construction companies. This study will examine mentoring of young graduates within organizations, whether they are being mentored or not in the construction industry, as compared to their non-mentored employees; within their companies, it will look at the important characteristics of mentors, potential negative outcomes or problems in mentoring of young graduates and the implications of cultural divide in relation to gender and race, are they being mentored the same or not, this will report more job and career satisfaction, and express lower turnover than their non-mentored counterparts, furthermore it will examine the ways in which mentoring contributes to producing motivated young construction workers within the industry.
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Biomimetic materials and technologies for carbon neutral cities in South Africa: a literature review

Causes of collusion among people in construction

  • Authors: Oke, Ayodeji , Aigbavboa, Clinton , Mangena, Zacharia
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Collusion , Construction industry , Corruption
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/240893 , uj:24791 , Citation: Oke, A., Aigbavboa, C. & Mangena, Z. 2017. Causes of collusion among people in construction.
  • Description: Abstract: Collusion is an unethical and disreputable agreement among parties of similar interests with the intention of achieving a goal through immoral and dishonest means. Proper ethical procurement practice in the construction industry, will enable the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to achieve their mandate which is to promote uniformity in the construction procurement; efficient and effective infrastructure delivery; and development of the emerging contractors, including transformation. Furthermore, the Competition Commission of South Africa (CCSA) to also achieve their mandate which is fair competition in all industries. With collusion in existence it will be difficult for the CIDB and CCSA to achieve their mandate. This study examined the influences of this practice among competitors and stakeholders in the construction industry. Various causal factors of collusion among parties were extracted from review of existing and relevant literature materials and they were further evaluated to arrive at the specific ones that are relevant to the construction industry and selected area of study. Using these factors, close-ended questionnaires were prepared and administered to construction stakeholders with adequate level of experience in the construction industry. The number of questionnaire distributed is 50 and 45 were returned out of which 5 were not correctly and completely filled. The distribution method used was self-administration. In addition, purposive sampling was used. The findings from the 40 respondents indicates that the major cause of collusion in the construction industry is greed of various stakeholders that are shouldered with the responsibilities of managing and monitoring construction contracts and activities especially the contractors. Political influence was also identified as a major reason for collusion among other factors. [Empowering emerging contractors, a well regulated environment, a fair competition,..
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Challenges affecting leadership development in the construction industry

Challenges faced by stakeholders in the road construction projects in the Gauteng province of South Africa

  • Authors: Mashwama, Nokulunga X. , Mushatu, Winnie S. , Aigbavboaa, Clinton. O.
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Challenges , Construction industry , Roads
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/289429 , uj:31402 , Citation: Mashwama, N.X., Mushatu, W.S. & Aigbavboaa, C.O. 2018. Challenges faced by stakeholders in the road construction projects in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Proceedings of the Creative Construction Conference.
  • Description: Abstract: This study adopted a quantitative approach as the purpose was to investigate the challenges faced by stakeholders in the road construction projects in the Gauteng province of South Africa. This study adopted quantitative research and a well-structured questionnaire was distributed to different construction companies in Gauteng Province, which were registered with various approved councils construction professionals and contractors such as civil engineers, project managers, directors, quantity surveyors, construction managers and resident engineers. The questionnaires were sent via e-mails, some were delivered to the known construction companies by the researcher and some were distributed during site clarification meetings of contractors and consultant’s bidders on Gauteng Department Roads and Transport tenders.75 Questionnaires were distributed and 50 came completed and eligible to use. Random sampling method was used to select the respondents in various organizations. Research findings revealed that Community unrest and land proclamation were the highest ranked factors that pose a major challenge in the road construction, time, financial constraints, cash flow, lack of proper panning, resources, delivery of material, plant and equipment, shortage of skilled labourers, lack of equipment, lack of materials, performance guarantees, project duration/period, cost overruns were the major challenges facing the stakeholders in roads construction projects in South Africa. In conclusion, proper planning, communication is vital to overcome the challenges and government at the other hand needs to partner with private companies in terms of transferring skills and upgrading the upcoming contractors by emerging them with sustainable, independent contractors. Therefore, any challenges found in roads construction might be eliminated in the future projects by lesson learned, by planning for the upcoming project properly and also by identifying possibility risk at the early stage of the project.
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Challenges facing construction site management in the Swaziland construction industry

  • Authors: Dube, N.N.F. , Aigbavboa, C.O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Site management , Swaziland
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/383970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/75700 , uj:18708 , Citation: Dube, N.N.F., Aigbavboa, C.O. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. Challenges facing construction site management in the Swaziland construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: Site Management involves a mixture of activities that turn basic resources into a finished product. Construction is seen as the conversion of raw resource inputs into defined functioning output by means of a managed process. Therefore, the construction site is viewed as a key area where money is made or lost and where there is considerable scope for improving efficiency, productivity and quality. Achieving good site management on construction sites is imperative. Hence, this paper present research findings on the challenges affecting construction site management on construction sites in the Swaziland construction industry. The study was conducted with reference to existing theoretical literature and the use of a survey questionnaire distributed to 120 participants in the construction industry. The questionnaire survey participants include: construction professionals and contractors. The questionnaires were analysed through the use of multivariate statistics. To ascertain the validity and reliability of the results, the study made use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Findings emanating from the study showed that there are several challenging and management problems that affects effective construction site management in Swaziland. The identified findings from the questionnaire analysis include: time, limited budget, planning, and non-adherence to specification which often cause defects, disputes and delays. The study findings contribute to the understanding of snags affecting effective construction site management in the Swaziland construction industry.
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Challenges of construction procurement : a developing nation's perspective

  • Authors: Ogunsanya, Oluwabukunmi Ayopo , Aigbavboa, Clinton Ohis , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction industry
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213927 , uj:21214 , Citation: Ogunsanya, O.A., Aigbavboa, C.O & Thwala, W.D. 2016. Challenges of construction procurement : a developing nation's perspective.
  • Description: Abstract: Procurement has been identified as the link between a desire by the client for a construction project and the delivery of value products to agreed standards. Thus, it is an arrangement which define contractual processes, funding patterns, risk allocation, work structure and relationship amongst parties on a project. There is sufficient evidence in literature that procurement of public works in developing nations has failed to deliver necessary infrastructure required for economic development of these nations. Particularly in Nigeria, much resources have been committed to the delivery of infrastructure projects but limited benefits have been obtained. This research entails an exploratory qualitative study into the challenges of construction procurement in Nigeria. The study uses an interview of construction industry professionals who were purposively sampled to identify factors mitigating effective construction procurement. Findings from the study show that improper implementation of legislative framework, funding, corruption, hostile operating environment, inadequate knowledge of practitioners of procurement methods and unstable economic environment are factors affecting public procurement in Nigeria. The study concludes that for construction procurement to meet the need of delivering necessary infrastructure for economic development in a nation like Nigeria, intrinsic issues within the national environment have to be handled by relevant stakeholders. Keywords: Construction, Procurement, Developing Nations, Infrastructure, Challenges.
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Challenges of joint ventures in the construction industry : literature review

Collaborative practices in South African construction project delivery

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