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Unethical practices in the South African construction industry

- Aigbavboa, Clinton, Oke, Ayodeji, Tyali, Sibiwe

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton , Oke, Ayodeji , Tyali, Sibiwe
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction , Corruption , Ethics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/215531 , uj:21429 , Citation: Aigbavboa, C., Oke, A & Tyali, S. 2016. Unethical practices in the South African construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: Development of infrastructure to meet the needs of South Africans is a major concern for the construction industry, however the failure of the industry to keep up with the expectation has drawn some criticism from the citizens. Lack of adherence to ethical practices that help ensure transparency and accountability within the industry is a major impediment towards being a consistent and an effective contributor to the growth of the South African economy. This study therefore examines unethical practices in South African Construction Industry and measures to address the menace for better project performance. Well-structured questionnaires were administered on registered and experienced construction professionals within the industry and Mean Item Score (MIS) was used to analyse the returned data. Non-adherence to ethical practices in the industry are as a result of greed, favouritism, political influence, monopoly of bigger companies over smaller and emerging companies and pressure to meet unrealistic company objective and deadlines. The unethical practices prevalent in the industry include bribery and fraud, falsification of experience, illegal award of tenders and collusive tendering. These unethical practices result to dissatisfied clients, poor workmanship, poor quality of infrastructural development and loss of public trust. Professionals, especially construction and project managers should shoulder the responsibility of stamping out unethical practices in the industry by developing viable measures to achieve the goal. More so, whistle-blower protection mechanisms need to be revised and improved to encourage effective monitoring and sanctioning of individuals involved in unethical practices in the industry.
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The production methods and materials ratio effect on the mechanical and physical properties of bamboo-plastic waste composites use for infrastructure development

- Akwada, D.R., Compression Moulding Economic Importance

  • Authors: Akwada, D.R. , Compression Moulding Economic Importance
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Biodegradable , Construction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/92357 , uj:20220 , Citation: Akwada, D.R., & Akwada, D.R. 2016. The production methods and materials ratio effect on the mechanical and physical properties of bamboo-plastic waste composites use for infrastructure development.
  • Description: Abstract: Plastic waste management has become a major concern environmentally across the globe, especially in developing countries. Plastic waste is synthetic and non-degradable material. However, it has great economic importance when recycle and used with other environmentallyfriendly materials to produce composites for structural engineering works. The production and application of this product will minimise the environmental problems of plastic waste. The usage of this composite material globally, will help reduce the high dependency on the limited forest timbers of soft and hardwoods. Bamboo fibre and plastic waste can be used to produce this composite which will be used for all load carrying elements. Bamboo fibre as reinforcement in polymers is on the increase because is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. This study looks at the effects of the production methods and the materials ratio effect on the mechanical and the physical properties of bamboo fibre and plastic waste composites boards. The fibres were extracted by mechanical method, whilst the wastes plastics are clean, dried and shredded before melting to mix with the fibres. The molten plastics wastes were poured into moulds mixed with fibres and then allowed to cool completely, after removed from the case of open casting. In compression moulding, the mould charge was pressed using the mould cover. Water absorption, bending strength, impact strength and thickness swelling were carried according to standard measures. The fibre content and production method influenced the mechanical and physical properties of the composites. Higher fibre content in the composite resulted in higher water absorption and thickness swelling. It was observed that water absorption was significantly influenced by the fibre content at α = 0.05. The hydrophilic nature of the fibres has increased water absorption and thickness swelling significantly leading to dimensional instability of the composites. Moulded composites showed better physical properties than open casting method, possibly due to reduced void space during polymerization. These tests suggested that reducing void space and incorporating fibres into the plastic improves the end use properties. These findings could be used to develop alternative materials for construction and manufacturing industries where load bearing is required.
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The economic and social impacts of site accidents on the small and medium sized construction companies in Nigeria

- Okorie, V.N., Aigbavboa, C.O.

  • Authors: Okorie, V.N. , Aigbavboa, C.O.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Accident , Construction , Company
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/217144 , uj:21604 , Citation: Okorie, V.N. & Aigbavboa, C.O. 2016. The economic and social impacts of site accidents on the small and medium sized construction companies in Nigeria.
  • Description: Abstract: Small and medium sized contractors represent the large number of construction companies in Nigeria. They play an important role in the construction industry. However, site fatalities and injuries cases among the small and medium sized construction companies still remain the most health and safety (H&S) issues around the world. This study seeks to examine the economic and social impacts of site accidents on the small and medium sized construction companies in Nigeria. Questionnaire survey was then structured from literature and administered to twenty (20) selected small and medium sized construction companies with not less than hundred (100) workers within the South-West Geopolitical zone of Nigeria. This was followed by interviews conducted with the owners/directors of the five selected companies and workers randomly picked among the selected companies. Data was electronically manipulated using MS Excel. From the analysis, the study revealed that site accidents contribute to loss of productivity, damage to plant and equipment, payment for settlements of injury or death claims, all these have economic impacts on the companies’ balance sheets. The study further revealed that site accidents lead to loss of customers’ confidence, tarnishing of image and loss of public confidence on the contractors, these are the social impacts. Nevertheless, there is a general lack of commitment to workers’ health, safety and wellbeing among the small and medium sized construction companies. The study concludes that site fatalities and injuries cases among the small and medium sized construction companies still remain the most health and safety (H&S) issues. The study therefore, recommends that contractors irrespective of their sizes should demonstrate visible leadership and commitment to workers’ H&S by training them on site H&S and providing adequate financial resources for improvement of site accidents.
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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

Project communication within small and medium-sized construction firms

- Aidoo, B.M., Aigbavboa, C.O., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Aidoo, B.M. , Aigbavboa, C.O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Communication , Construction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/67499 , uj:17609 , Citation: Aidoo, B.M., Aigbavboa, C.O. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. Project communication within small and medium-sized construction firms.
  • Description: Abstract: Communication is considered as a tool in the heart of management in enhancing project targets and Milestones not only in the construction sector but other sectors as well. The construction industry has however been characterized with its massive investment and associated risks. As a result, when main and sub-activities and tasks to be executed on project sites are not properly communicated among project teams and stakeholders, it will vehemently incur additional cost on the project, cause injury from accidents and may delay the entire project completion schedule amongst others. This exploratory study seek to establish the project communication structure used by construction SMEs and also to develop a pattern within the communication structure of SMEs that will avert uncertainties in a form of barriers to their communication. In order to accomplish the exploratory study, semi-structure interview sessions were conducted among construction professionals and clients via purposive sampling. The targeted population for the study was adequately prepared as a result of the prior notification for the interviews. Findings from the study revealed that most of the construction SMEs do not have established communication structure in their operations. Further, the SMEs only realized the need for a communication pattern when they encounter complex issues such as dispute on a claim with clients and stakeholders. The study recommends that prior to the execution of projects by SMEs, the communication lines must be clearly defined as well as the reporting a system with an in-depth briefing for all team members and stakeholders to be privy.
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Performance of construction projects in South Africa: perceptions of consultants and contractors

- Aigbavboa, Clinton, Oke, Ayodeji, Mohapeloa, Khosi

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton , Oke, Ayodeji , Mohapeloa, Khosi
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction , Key performance indicators (KPis) , Performance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/122802 , uj:20706 , Citation: Aigbavboa, C., Oke, A., & Mohapeloa, K. 2016. Performance of construction projects in South Africa: perceptions of consultants and contractors.
  • Description: Abstract: Performance of construction projects is an issue of concern, not only to contractors and professionals, but other stakeholders including clients, project sponsors and end-users. This is due to complexity of construction process, innovation in the use of raw materials and machinery, new construction management techniques and more importantly, variation in requirement from clients. Thus, this research evaluates factors affecting performance of construction projects from the perspective of consultants and contractors, in order to enhance the quest of the construction industry in contributing positively to the growth of economies. Using quantitative approach, data were collected through close-ended questionnaires administered on a group of learned and experienced consultants and contractors who are based within the study area. From the analysed data, there is a significant difference in the perceptions of consultants and contractors regarding factors affecting performance of construction projects. To consultants, general time factors and conformance to specification are the most important performance indicator for project success while from contractors' view, cost factors including delay in payment from owner to contractor is a major critical success factor. The two groups unilaterally agreed that bringing about the best planning and scheduling technique before and during construction would assist in improving performance of construction projects in the country.
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Organic growth of Small and Medium-Sized firms : perspective of Ghanaian Construction industry

- Arthur-Aidoo, B.M., Aigbavboa, C.O., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Arthur-Aidoo, B.M. , Aigbavboa, C.O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction , Growth , Organic
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/87788 , uj:19627 , Citation: Arthur-Aidoo, B.M., Aigbavboa, C.O. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. Organic growth of Small and Medium-Sized firms : perspective of Ghanaian Construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: Growth of firms have widely been acknowledged in literature due to its significance as one of the key indicators of expansion of a firms in terms of market stock, increased in turnover, increased in employment, increased in acquisition of plant and equipment amongst others. Growth is however classified as organic or inorganic. Inorganic growth of firms is the expansion of a firm by integration or merging with another firm to achieve synergy while organic growth ensues when a firm expands as a result of its own internal activities from within. This study explores into organic growth and further highlights on the necessary drivers that will enhance organic growth among Small and Medium-sized Construction firms (SMEs) in Ghana. In order to achieve this purpose, the study adopted the use of extensive literature review supported by electronic questionnaire survey which focused on the owners of the SMEs as well as professionals engaged by the SME’s. In all, the study had responds rate of 80 percent which revealed that construction SME’s attained organic growth when there is proper management structure in place that ensures that all aspect of the corporate goals is accomplished. Further organic growth of SMEs happens when all internal rifts such as communication barriers, bad human relations, dearth motivation issues, remuneration issues, peril-conducive working environment within the firm are resolved to enable employees to work towards growth. The study recommends that owners of small and medium-sized construction firms must endeavour to recruit professionals who will ensure best management practice to encourage organic growth
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Occupational Health and Safety challenges in the Ghanaian construction industry

- Mustapha, Zakari, Aigbavboa, Clinton, Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • 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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Marketing construction business in Ghana : the problems, prospects and strategies

- Yankah, J.E., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku, Aigbavboa, C.O., Pretorius, J.G.

  • 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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Leadership influence on construction site workers’ health and safety behaviour

- Okorie, Victor N., Okoro, Chioma S., Musonda, Innocent

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

- Matobole, Khotso, Ogunsanya, Oluwabukunmi, Aigbavboa, Clinton

  • 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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Increasing the capacity of transmission lines via current uprating: an updated review of benefits, considerations and developments

- Ntuli, Mavula, Mbuli, Nhlanhla, Motsoeneng, Lethoko, Xezile, Ronald, Pretorius, J.H.C.

Identifying factors influencing construction workers’ food choices in Gauteng, South Africa: A pilot investigation

- Okoro, C., Musonda, I., Agumba, J.

Identifying barriers of sustainable construction : a Nigerian case study

- Ifije, Ohiomah, Aigbavboa, Clinton

  • 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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Human factor related challenges of marketing construction business enterprise

- Jonas, Yanka, Aigbavboa, Clinton, Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • 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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Health and safety (H&S) awareness and implementation in Botswana's construction industry

- Musonda, I., Smallwood, J.

Health and safety (H&S) awareness and implementation in Botswana's construction industry

- Musonda, Innocent, Smallwood, J.

Engineering education and marketing of engineering business enterprise : the case of construction education

- Yankah, J.E., Aigbavboa, C. O., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • 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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Dominant factors hampering full participation of female contractors in the South African construction industry

- Mogodi, Maphefo K, Fester, Ferdinand, Musonda, Innocent

Costing of health and safety elements in 2 construction projects in Gauteng, South Africa

- Akawi, Jirel, Musonda, Innocent

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