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Evaluating project management techniques in small and medium enterprises delivering infrastructure in South Africa construction industry

- Agumba, Justus N., Adegoke, I. O., Otieno, F. A. O.

Construction health and safety culture in South African small and medium enterprises

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Haupt, Theo
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Construction health and safety , Construction industry , Small business
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5307 , ISSN 978-0-62043702-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5293
  • Description: Construction health and safety (H&S) culture in small and medium construction enterprises (SMEs) has received little attention in South Africa, in terms of either research or support for preventive initiatives. Previous research suggests that this sector has serious problems exacerbated by limited access to human, economic and technological resources. Moreover it is now recognized that methods developed specifically for large firms cannot necessarily be transferred to smaller and medium firms, hence the need to investigate the H&S culture in SMEs. This exploratory study is based on descriptive survey using semi-structured and structured questionnaire, and non-probability sampling to give an overview of the characteristics of H&S culture and practices in SMEs firms in the South African construction industry.
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Evaluating management commitment to health and safety in small and medium construction enterprises

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo.

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Haupt, Theo.
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Construction health and safety , Small business
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5308 , ISBN 978-0-620-44689-1 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5297
  • Description: Construction health and safety (H&S) in small and medium construction enterprises (SMEs) has received little attention in South Africa, in terms of either research or support for preventive initiatives. Previous research suggests that this sector has serious problems exacerbated by limited access to human, economic and technological resources. Moreover it is now recognized that methods developed specifically for large firms cannot necessarily be transferred to smaller and medium firms, hence the need to investigate management commitment to H&S among SMEs.
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Perceptions of construction health and safety perfomance improvement enablers

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo

Identification of health and safety performance improvement indicators for small and medium construction enterprises: a Delphi consensus study

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo C.

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Haupt, Theo C.
  • Date: 2011-09
  • Subjects: Health and safety , Performance improvement , Small and medium construction enterprises , Delphi approach
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5323 , ISSN 2281-4612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8234
  • Description: This study sought to identify and validate a comprehensive set of health and safety (H&S) leading indicator metrics that will enable small and medium construction enterprises (SMEs) personnel to monitor the level of H&S performance in their projects. The Delphi approach was used where the opinion of H&S experts, academics and industry practitioners were canvassed on 64 potential indicator metrics, categorized in 10 elements or leading indicators that will enable H&S performance improvement e.g. reduction in accidents, injuries, diseases but to name a few. The experts rated each indicator metric on a 10-point Likert scale of impact, where 1= no major impact or 10% impact and 10 = major impact or 100% impact. Consensus was reached on 32 indicator metrics after four successive rounds of Delphi if the indicators attracted final scores of, percentage median impact of 90% to 100% which is 9.00 to 10.00 median rating and over 50% of respondents rating the indicator metrics in the band of 9.00 to 10.00 or 90% to 100% impact to improve H&S performance. The experts had the opportunity to reconsider their scores informed by the group median score in rounds 2, 3 and 4. The limitation of the study was the reliance of a structured questionnaire in the first round as experts were not allowed to add any new indicators, until the fourth round. This study contributes to the H&S body of knowledge where no consensus has been reached pertaining to the indicator metrics that have major impact to improve H&S performance at project level of construction SMEs in South Africa.
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Critical indicators for measuring health and safety performance improvement in small and medium construction enterprise projects

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Haupt, Theo
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Construction industry - Safety measures
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4679 , ISSN 1-8843420-02-7 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10448
  • Description: The common measures of measuring health and safety (H&S) performance have, been down stream indicators. Such measures alone are regarded as inadequate in providing meaningful information to help reduce the cause of workplace injury or illness. Researchers have indicated that there is no consensus on what constitutes appropriate H&S performance indicators. This study sought to validate the identified set of leading indicators to enable personnel of small and medium construction enterprises (SME) monitor and improve H&S performance on their projects.
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Identification of health and safety performance improvement indicators for small and medium construction enterprises : a Delphi consensus study

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo C.

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Haupt, Theo C.
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Health and safety , Performance improvement , Small business - Safety measures
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8623
  • Description: This study sought to identify and validate a comprehensive set of health and safety (H&S) leading indicator metrics that will enable small and medium construction enterprises (SMEs) personnel to monitor the level of H&S performance in their projects. The Delphi approach was used where the opinion of H&S experts, academics and industry practitioners were canvassed on 64 potential indicator metrics, categorized in 10 elements or leading indicators that will enable H&S performance improvement e.g. reduction in accidents, injuries, diseases but to name a few. The experts rated each indicator metric on a 10-point Likert scale of impact, where 1= no major impact or 10% impact and 10 = major impact or 100% impact. Consensus was reached on 32 indicator metrics after four successive rounds of Delphi if the indicators attracted final scores of, percentage median impact of 90% to 100% which is 9.00 to 10.00 median rating and over 50% of respondents rating the indicator metrics in the band of 9.00 to 10.00 or 90% to 100% impact to improve H&S performance. The experts had the opportunity to reconsider their scores informed by the group median score in rounds 2, 3 and 4. The limitation of the study was the reliance of a structured questionnaire in the first round as experts were not allowed to add any new indicators, until the fourth round. This study contributes to the H&S body of knowledge where no consensus has been reached pertaining to the indicator metrics that have major impact to improve H&S performance at project level of construction SMEs in South Africa.
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Causes of disputes in construction projects in South Africa : a case of Gauteng Province

- Baloyi, Miehleketo, Agumba, Justus N.

  • Authors: Baloyi, Miehleketo , Agumba, Justus N.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Construction dispute , Dispute resolution - Gauteng
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4923 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13023
  • Description: Disputes have become an inherent feature of the construction industry projects. However few research projects have focused on this niche area in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to unearth causes of disputes and their effects on construction projects and to further determine the methods that are used to settle the disputes. In order to determine the objectives of this study, semi-structured interviews were used. Thirty practitioners i.e. professionals in the construction industry were purposively invited to participate. Fourteen practitioners accepted to participate in the interviews which represented 47% response rate. The results of the interviews were analyzed using content analysis that is coding of reoccurring themes from the interviews. The study revealed nine factors that contribute to causes of disputes in construction projects namely; poor communication, poor contract documentation, suspension of work, failure to understand and correctly bid or price the work, bad weather, non-circulation of information, i.e. site instruction, distribution of drawings etc., incomplete tracing mechanism for request of information and delay in extension of time. Furthermore, the effects of disputes identified were; project delays, change in contract cost leading to cost overrun, deterioration of relationships or bad relationships leading to friction, parties do not get information on time and neglecting clients’ needs. In order to resolve the disputes the most popular method used was arbitration. However, some respondents opted to use conciliation and mediation. The practicality of the study is that organizations that enter into construction projects should be aware that they may encounter disputes in their projects; hence they should know the methods they can use to resolve them.
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Collaboration as a strategy of student-centered learning in construction technology

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Haupt, Theo
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Student centered learning , Student collaboration , Group work in education , Construction technology - Study and teaching
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4991 , ISSN 978-0-620-60356-0 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13126
  • Description: Purpose: Student centered learning has been deemed to be a catalyst for students to generate knowledge in different disciplines in comparison to lecturer/teacher centered learning process. The main objective of this paper was to observe the collaboration of students towards learning construction technology 3 at a South African University via group work. Research methodology: Observation was undertaken as a means of gathering data during construction technology group work/assignment presentation. A total of ten groups were formed from the class register. A common group work was posted to the students via their ulink, an online technology for lecturers to communicate academic information with students at this university. The information consisted of students’ instructions, the questions, date and venue for the presentation. Findings: The students asked questions to the groups that had presented their group work. Furthermore, working in groups led to class involvement of the students. Limitations: The use of observation in this study was a limitation. Practical implication: This research study provides the basis of understanding that collaboration via group work would influence the students to be involved in their academic work. Value: The findings indicate that students were involved in learning as they asked questions after the group discussions. However, the strategy is time consuming especially with large classes.
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Investigating the causes of skills shortage in South Africa construction industry : a case of artisans

- Tshele, Lukhanyo, Agumba, Justus N.

  • Authors: Tshele, Lukhanyo , Agumba, Justus N.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa , Artisans - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5009 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13149
  • Description: Purpose: The decline in artisans in the construction industry in South Africa has prompted the government to be reactive. The current artisan shortfall is at 46 000. This study explores the causes and the effects of artisan skills shortage in the South African construction industry. Furthermore, it explores possible solution to alleviate the skills shortage in the South African construction industry. Methodology: The research approach used was inductive, using a structured interview. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used, to identify respondents who met the criteria for inclusion in the study and to reach the targeted sample. Finally a total of 17 respondents were interviewed. Each interview took approximately 35 minutes. The data was manually recorded in a notebook. The interviewees refused to be recorded because of the sensitivity of the questions. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: The causes of skills shortage were established to be: the closing down of artisan training schools, insufficient practical exposure, unattractiveness of being artisans and migration of skilled artisans among others. It was also found that artisan skills shortages had also impacted negatively in the industry in terms of the quality of work produced increased costs of projects, delays and a decline in productivity. Value: The severity of artisan skills shortages in South Africa construction industry, which according to the findings advocates for the reinstating of artisan training institutes. Practical implications: Skilled artisans are critical to the delivery of vision 2030 for infrastructure delivery; hence the continuous training of artisans should be safeguarded.
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The impact of road transportation network on productivity and growth in Kenya 50 years after independence : a review

- Agumba, Justus N., Ochieng, George M.

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Ochieng, George M.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Road networks - Kenya
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13164
  • Description: Kenya celebrated her 50 years of independence on the 12th December 2013 with economic and policy analysts jotting that in that period the economy had grown nine times. It is a proven fact that development and maintenance of physical infrastructure are prerequisites for rapid economic growth and poverty reduction, as they influence production costs, employment creation, access to markets, and investment. Despite being considered an economic powerhouse in the East and parts of Central Africa Economic block, the size of the roads network, which is perceived to be fairly well developed, has suffered from numerous setbacks. Among these are; inadequate maintenance, repair and rehabilitation (MR&R), and the fragmentation of the institutional framework within which it is managed. This paper aims to provide a review of challenges the Kenyan government has faced on its road network, the impact of the state of the road network on productivity and growth, and the interventions proposed within the 50 years of her independence. This paper is based on an exploratory review of literature on the state of road networks and its effects on Kenya productivity and growth. Inferences from the reviewed literature indicate that the state of road network in Kenya causes delays, breakages and high maintenance cost for transport machinery, leading to high costs of doing business. This has resulted in the concentration of industries in areas with good road network thus creating disparities in regional industrial development. However, the government of Kenya has been developing road polices to improve on the road network. Given that the findings reported herein are inferences deduced from material reported in literature, the factual correctness of some of the intricate indices may not be explicitly verified. However, the general facts may be implied by the existing state of affairs. The paper presents the identified probable causes that have slowed the development of road network in Kenya including their effects and interventions proposed or implemented by the government of Kenya. It expresses an objective overview on literary discourse around the road network in Kenya. The study advocates for policies that will lead the country to achieve her development strategic plan of Vision 2030 on road network development, which the authors view as a catalyst to address the endemic systemic inadequacies that have stifled prudent infrastructure management strategies in the past 50 years of independence.
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The implementation of health and safety practices : do demographic attributes matter?

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo C.

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Haupt, Theo C.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa - Health measures , Construction industry - South Africa - Safety measures
  • Identifier: uj:4906 , ISSN 1726-0531 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13005
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the personnel attributes perception on reliable and valid health and safety (H&S) practices within small- and medium-sized construction enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. It explores whether these valid and reliable H&S practices could be implemented based on the demographic attributes, namely, years of experience in the construction industry, number of years working in the current organisation and educational level. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed method approach was used to conduct this research, namely, Delphi and questionnaire survey. A structured questionnaire consisting of 31 H&S practices categorised into five major H&S practices was developed from extensive literature review and the participation of 20 purposive sampled H&S experts. Sixteen H&S experts completed four iterations. A convenient sample of 1,450 SMEs was obtained. In total, 228 questionnaires were returned, of which 216 responses were useable for analysis. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to determine the validity, reliability and acceptability of theH&Spractices. Finally, one-wayANOVAand t-test were conducted to determine personnel attributes perception on the implementation of the H&S practices. Findings – The five major H&S practices (constructs), namely, upper management commitment and involvement in H&S, employee involvement and empowerment in H&S, project supervision, project H&S planning and communication in H&S and H&S resources and training, were retained as reliable and valid practices of H&S within construction SMEs at project level. One-way ANOVA established no statistical significant difference on the respondents’ perception of the H&S practices. However, t-test revealed statistically significant difference on the respondents’ perception on, upper management commitment and involvement in H&S and H&S resources and training. The respondents with post-matric qualification strongly agreed that upper management are committed and involved in H&S. Originality/value – The findings may help construction SMEs to use these H&S practices to manage H&S in their projects. The SMEs may also consider the level of education of their personnel when implementing H&S practices of upper management and H&S resources and training.
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A conceptual model for predicting construction worker injury

- Agumba, Justus N.

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N.
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction workers , Injury , Predictors , Conceptual model
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/17907 , uj:15937 , Citation: Agumba, J.N. 2015. A conceptual model for predicting construction worker injury. Strouhal, J. & Sandhu, P.S. (Eds) 2015 International Conference on Environment, Agricultural & Civil Engineering (ICEACE-15), Sept. 24-26, 2015, Penang, Malaysia. pp. 93-98. ISBN: 9789384422394.
  • Description: Abstract: Construction is a dangerous industry globally, with high rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries. However, there is paucity of analytical research that considers the predicators of injuries among construction workers in South Africa construction industry and in the developing countries. The objective of this study was to review existing research literature to identify the variables that are predictors of occupational injuries among construction workers. It also aimed to identify the gaps that exist in the current literature. The review spanned two decades between the periods January 1995 to 2015 and was based on a systematic keyword combination search in two databases that is- emerald a! nd science direct and in google. Twenty one quantitative and mixed method research studies were justified to be relevant for analysis in this current study. They were analysed using thematic content analysis, by identifying themes. All the studies reviewed had different predictors of construction workers injury. Furthermore, no study identified the leadership characteristics of the different construction workers especially the tradesmen, hence these are major gaps identified in the current literature. Despite the gaps identified, five broad themes that are perceived to be predictors of construction workers injuries were identified, these are: work related variables, demographic variables, unsafe health and safety (H&S) behaviour, poor safety climate, and psychosocial factors. This paper finally proposed a conceptual model for construction worker injury occurrence.
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Challenges of joint ventures in the construction industry : literature review

- Mba, Marie F. Bekale, Agumba, Justus N.

Demographic attributes influence on health and safety practices for small and medium construction enterprises

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo C.

Gender socio-economic and demographic determinants predictors of mathematics success

- Agumba, Justus N.

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N.
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Determinants , Gender , Engineering , Mathematics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/17886 , uj:15934 , Citation: Agumba, J.N. 2015. Gender socio-economic and demographic determinants predictors of mathematics success. Strouhal, J. & Sandhu, P.S. (Eds.) 2015 International Conference on Environment, Agricultural & Civil Engineering (ICEACE-15), Sept. 24-25, 2015 Penang, Malaysia. pp.99-104. ISBN: 9789384422394.
  • Description: Abstract: he socio-economic and demographic factors have been indicated to predict mathematics success. However, there is paucity of research to verify if these factors differ in predicating mathematics success based on gender (male and female). Hence, this paper reports on a study of gender socio-economic and demographic factors as predictors of mathematics success for civil and built environment students at a comprehensive university in South Africa. Data was obtained through, questionnaire survey from 199 students who were purposive sampled. However, two questionnaires were not valid. The questionnaire was developed from exiting literature. The data was analysed using Statistical Package fo! r the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The statistical analyses computed were both descriptive and inferential. Inferential statistics were used to determine gender socio-economic and demographic variables influencing mathematics success. This was computed using binary logistic regression, splitting gender into male and female. The result established that when male and female socio-economic and demographic variables were tested they were poor predictors of mathematics success. Hence all the variables were insignificant, as the p-values were less than 0.05. However, the descriptive statistics on the socio-economic and demographic factors indicated that male students outperformed the female students in mathematics at high school and at the university. In terms of weekly income majority of the students earned less than R200, with 54% male and 55% for female. It is interesting to note that female students’ parents’ highest education were far better than male students, as 38% of ! female students indicated their parents highest education level was university degree compared to 30% of male students. However, the arithmetic difference is not too wide. Furthermore, majority of female students i.e. 74% compared to 61% male students pursued the building course, whereas male students were the majority in civil engineering technology compared to their female counterparts. This study informs university policy makers that where male and female students are accommodated, their age, passing high school mathematics, amount of weekly allowance, entry level to the university and type of education sponsors does not predict passing mathematics at university. However, further research is advocated as these variables are not exhaustive
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Sources and type of credit for construction of small and medium enterprises in the South Africa : a literature review

- Balogun, Olanrewaju O., Agumba, Justus N., Ansary, Nazeem

Validating and identifying health and safety performance improvement indicators : experience of using Delphi technique

- Agumba, Justus N., Haupt, Theo

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Haupt, Theo
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Delphi technique , Indicators , Methodology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/87674 , uj:19608 , Citation: Agumba, J.N. & Haupt, T. 2015. Validating and identifying health and safety performance improvement indicators : experience of using Delphi technique.
  • Description: Abstract: The literature on health and safety (H&S) is bound with different elements and indicators of measuring H&S performance. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the success and challenges of using quantitative and qualitative approach of Delphi technique in validating and identifying H&S performance indicators that small and medium construction enterprises (SMEs) can use to measure and monitor their H&S performance improvement at project level. Furthermore, discuss the identification of experts in the field of H&S, ways of improving consensus analysis and minimizing experts’ non‐response. This study is based on practical experience of the researchers pertaining to the Delphi technique method which is a constructivist or interpretive approach to knowledge. The study started with an extensive literature review to identify core elements and leading indicators characterizing H&S culture to develop a Delphi questionnaire that was used in the first round of Delphi. A four round Delphi technique was conducted to attain consensus of the identified H&S indicators. The experts were identified from published articles of H&S, practitioners’ website of H&S and word of mouth. The use of email was used as a mode of communication. This study set to warn but also encourage the use of Delphi technique as a method to unearth information in areas where consensus has not been reached such as H&S performance measurement indicators for construction SMEs in South Africa.
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A conceptual model for communication management for successful project delivery in Swaziland construction industry

- Mavuso, Nokulunga, Agumba, Justus N.

  • 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 qualitative study on solar energy use in South Africa

- Nocwanya, Sanele, Agumba, Justus N.

  • Authors: Nocwanya, Sanele , Agumba, Justus N.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Gauteng , Households , Photovoltaic systems , Solar water heaters
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/93785 , uj:20390 , Citation: Nocwanya, S. & Agumba, J.N. 2016. A qualitative study on solar energy use in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: Many South African citizens and residents are dependent on Eskom for electricity distribution. Its’ limited energy distribution and its’ ever increasing cost has taken its toll on the consumers. The citizens might be motivated to adopt solar energy technology to circumvent this problem. It is therefore imperative to establish, additional information that warrants investment in solar energy technology. Furthermore, it is imperative that consumers are presented with a database of information to the efficiency of solar power in households who have already implemented solar energy technology. It can therefore be suggested that there is paucity of research in South Africa in relation to challenges and benefits of using solar energy. In this regard a study was conducted in Gauteng province, in the city of Johannesburg, in South Africa to fill this gaps. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The target population for the current study were the suburban households which had solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heaters (SWHs) installation. A total number of 15 respondents were interviewed. The data was analysed using Tesch’s open coding approach. The findings suggest that these Johannesburg suburban households shared similar positive experiences and negative experiences from the use of solar energy systems. The findings suggest that the use of solar energy saved on electricity. However they experienced water leakage from their geysers. The findings from this qualitative research is of particular importance to the South African households who are considering an alternative solar energy supply.
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