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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.

New knowledge workers perspective in participating in mentoring programme in South African construction industry

- Agumba, J. N., Fester, F. C

Performance of mature entry and matriculation entry students focusing on the National Diploma in Building at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa , Building - Study and teaching
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4693 , ISSN 978-1-905732-36-4 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10666
  • Description: Developments in the teaching of the National Diploma in Building students should be geared towards meeting the needs of the construction industry in South Africa. These needs are usually in the form of skills and knowledge required to resolve thorny issues encountered in practice. The lack of capacity in the construction industry needs to be addressed from the basis of ensuring that the education system caters for both mature entry and matriculation entry students. The paper looks at a comparison in performance between mature entry and matriculation (just finish High School) entry students focusing on the National Diploma in Building students at the University of Johannesburg. The paper will make a comparison between those students who work first before enrolling for their first year National Diploma in Building and those who are directly from high school. Cooperative education involves training and systematically developing students through the acquisition of the requisite skills, attitudes, values and knowledge required to adequately perform in their chosen careers. The paper describes the problems and experiences that have been encountered by both mature and matriculation entry students in their three years of study which affects their performance. The paper will then look at the value of prior experience in enabling students to finish their National Diploma in Building within a three year period. The paper closes with some recommendations for the future.
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An exploratory study of dispute resolution methods in the South African construction industry

- Bvumbwe, C., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Bvumbwe, C. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Alternative dispute resolution , Arbitration , Adjudication , Mediation , Dispute resolution (Law) , Construction industry - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10446
  • Description: This study assessed the dispute resolution methods used in the South African construction industry. Arbitration, adjudication and mediation are the most frequently used dispute resolution methods in the construction industry. A literature review focused on arbitration, adjudication and mediation in the construction industry. Closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires as well as interviews were conducted among the senior construction participants who included architects, quantity surveyors, construction managers, project managers and attorneys. The questionnaires were completed by 70 construction participants. The research concluded that for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to be effective in solving disputes in the local construction industry, mediators, arbitrators and adjudicators with knowledge of the construction industry should be appointed. In terms of its characteristics, ADR should be the best option to resolve construction disputes. However, it is not being fully utilised due to the characteristics of dispute resolution itself and the absence of an appropriate framework to guide the disputing parties on the overall process. The literature review on the ADR developments and their effectiveness focused only on South Africa. This study provides a basis for using ADR effectively in the construction industry. The findings are of value for clients, contractors and consultants.
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Factors influencing the selection of procurement systems in the South African construction industry

- Mathonsi, M.D., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Mathonsi, M.D. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Procurement - South Africa , Construction projects - South Africa , Construction industry - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5317 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7966
  • Description: Procurement systems are vital in ensuring the successful implementation of a construction project, precisely executed for all phases of any particular project. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate, in a systematic manner, the factors that influence the selection of a procurement system in the South African construction industry. An extensive theory and literature review of procurement systems was conducted. The literature reviewed included a sample of 6 case studies of completed building and civil engineering projects within South Africa. Questionnaire surveys were carried out using a 4-round Delphi method approach to conduct the empirical study in order to obtain participants’ opinions about the factors that influence the selection of procurement systems, as well as the utility value of various procurement systems on each factor as identified. Finally, data analysis of both qualitative and quantitative techniques was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). After qualitative analysis, the findings indicate that factors that influence the selection of procurement systems are closely linked to the problem areas or they cut across all the phases of the project as identified in this paper. Therefore, these factors are categorically classified into internal and external factors. Factors from the internal environment were further classified into client characteristics and project characteristics, with client characteristics comprising variables such as: client’s level of knowledge and control, political and social consideration, familiarity of procurement systems, competition, funding arrangements, government (public/private sector projects) and risk allocation; whereas project characteristics comprise factors (variables) such as: size and technical complexity of the project, influence of the project life cycle, expedited project delivery, time, quality and price certainty. Factors from the external environment include variables such as market competition, information technology, regulatory environment, natural causes and globalization. After factor analysis had been performed on variables obtained from the literature review, five newly established factors were identified and are considered to be the most significant factors that influence the selection of a procurement system for the South African construction industry. These 5 factors are: socio-economic consideration, client requirements, capital cost/cash flow, procurement policy and project characteristics. In terms of its scope, this study focused on both national and international literature reviews and the empirical survey of this study was conducted within South Africa. However, its target participants were limited to civil engineers, quantity surveyors, construction/project managers, architects and contractors located in three provinces of South Africa, namely: Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. This study investigates factors that influence the selection of procurement systems in South Africa for the purpose of assisting and guiding construction practitioners in selecting suitable procurement systems for their planned projects.
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Selection of procurement systems in the South African construction industry : an exploratory study

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku, Mathonsi, Musa D.

  • Authors: Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku , Mathonsi, Musa D.
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Industrial procurement , Construction industry - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/367333 , uj:4669 , ISSN 1684-1999 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10427
  • Description: Purpose of this paper: Procurement systems are vital in ensuring the successful implementation of construction projects precisely in all the phases of any particular project. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate in a systematic manner the factors that influence the selection of a procurement system in the South African construction industry. Research methodology: An extensive theory and literature review of procurement systems was conducted. The literature reviewed included a sample of case studies of procurement systems successfully implemented in completed building and civil engineering projects in South Africa. A questionnaire using a four-round Delphi survey method was used to conduct the empirical study in order to obtain participants' opinions about factors influencing the selection of procurement systems as well as the utility value of various procurement systems on each factor as identified. Finally, data analysis of both qualitative and quantitative techniques was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings: After qualitative analysis, findings of the literature reviewed suggest that factors that influence the selection of procurement systems cut across all the phases of the project as identified in this paper. Therefore, these factors are categorically classified into internal and external factors. Factors from the internal environment were further classified into client characteristics and project characteristics, with client characteristics comprising of variables such as clients' level of knowledge and control, political and social consideration, familiarity of procurement systems, competition, funding arrangement, government public/private sector projects and risk allocation whereas project characteristics comprise of factors (variables) such as size and technical complexity of the project, influence of the project life cycle, expedited project delivery, time, quality and price certainty. Factors from the external environment include variables such as market competition, information technology, regulatory environment, natural causes and globalisation. Research limitations: In terms of its scope this study focused on both national and international literature reviews and the empirical survey of this study was conducted within South Africa. Its target participants were limited to civil engineers, quantity surveyors, construction/project managers, architects and contractors located in three provinces of South Africa, namely Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces. Value: This study investigates factors that influence the selection of procurement systems in South Africa for the purpose of assisting and guiding construction practitioners in selecting suitable procurement systems for their planned projects. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that due to changes in the construction industry both factors from the internal and external environments such as size and complexity of construction projects, macro and micro economic conditions, political and social and information technology prevailing, traditional procurement method need to be supplemented with contemporary procurement systems in order to meet the new demands of the industry.
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Health and safety management practices in small and medium enterprises in the South African construction industry

- Agumba, Justus, Pretorius, Jan Harm, Haupt, Theo

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus , Pretorius, Jan Harm , Haupt, Theo
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4898 , ISSN 1023-0564 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12991
  • Description: Considering its share in, and impact on national economies, the construction industry receives additional attention in terms of its performance and productivity, especially among small and medium contractors. However, with the extensive workforce it employs, health and safety (H&S) issues have become important, since the industry still has the reputation of being one of those with the highest fatality and accident rates. It has been well established from literature and previous studies (Fernandez-Muniz, Montes-Peon & Vazquez- Ordas, 2007: 636; Rajendran & Gambatese, 2009: 1072) that managing H&S helps to ensure that construction organisations are achieving their H&S objectives. As such, H&S management practices constitute a vehicle to improve H&S performance. Given the dominance of small and medium contractors in the construction sector, the challenge is to determine what needs to be measured and practised by these Small and Medium Construction Enterprises (SMCEs) at project level. The objective of this article is to validate the H&S practices that small and medium construction enterprises practise in order to improve H&S performance at project level.
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An assessment of the effectiveness of learnership programmes in the South Africa construction industry

- Aigbavboa, Clinton O., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

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

- Aigbavboa, C.O, Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, C.O , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa , Labor disputes - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11959
  • Description: The construction industry is mired in disputes. It is one of the leading industries that is involved in a number of disputes. This paper examines the major causes of disputes in the construction industry and it further identifies the effects disputes have on projects and investigate the forms of minimizing the disputes and how to resolve them. This study was conducted through the use of secondary data from the use of journals, books and internet to achieve the objective for the study. The review of literature looked into details the different views from different scholars about the causes of disputes then deduce from those views the major causes the major causes of dispute in the South Africa construction sector. The findings from the literature review showed that the major causes of disputes revolve around people, process and project characteristics. It was also mostly mentioned that project uncertainty, contractual problems and opportunistic behaviour cause construction disputes. The purpose of this academic paper was to justify the need to know the major causes of disputes in the South African construction industry and to further establish the effects disputes have on construction and to suggest ways to minimize and resolve disputes in projects. It is said that the people, process and projects characteristics are major causes of disputes and so is the project uncertainty, contractual problems and opportunistic behaviours. As a way to resolve disputes, alternative dispute resolutions are put in place and so are adjudication, arbitration and litigation.
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Green supply chain management in construction industries in South Africa and Nigeria

- Ojo, Elizabeth, Mbohwa, Charles, Akinlabi, Esther Titilayo

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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Evaluating barriers of collaboration in South African construction supply chains

- Masemeni, N. M., Aigbavboa, C. O., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Masemeni, N. M. , Aigbavboa, C. O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/73293 , uj:18391 , Citation: Masemeni, N.M., Aigbavboa, C.O. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. Evaluating barriers of collaboration in South African construction supply chains.
  • Description: Abstract: Purpose Collaboration in construction has proven to be beneficial in many dimensions of the supply chain, yet in South Africa these models have been hardly explored as a means to execute the contract. The purpose of this article is to explore some of the barriers in the execution of collaborative models in the South African construction industry. Design Literature from different regions around the world was collected to provide a background on integrated construction supply chains. To examine the barriers relating to the application in South African construction supply chains (CSCs) quantitative analysis was used through questionnaires distributed to construction practitioners. Questionnaires were distributed to professionals involved in the construction supply chain (clients, contractors, consultants and suppliers). Descriptive statistics were applied to present and report on the findings. Findings The South African construction industry exists in a very dynamic and volatile environment. Barriers need to be examined and solutions to break down such barriers need to be explored. For supply chain integration to be achieved in South African CSCs collaboration needs to be practiced more skilfully for the industry to make progress. Value The South African construction industry is yet to welcome the use of collaborative models such as alliancing and construction partnering. This research seeks to establish reasons as to why there is resistance to adopt more collaboratively structured construction supply chains. The research will also highlight some of the benefits of using such models with the intention of encouraging an industry shift towards more integrated CSCs.
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Relationship between leadership styles and project success in the South African construction industry

- Liphadzi, M., Aigbavboa, C. O., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Liphadzi, M. , Aigbavboa, C. O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa , Leadership styles , Project success
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference Proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/17537 , uj:15460 , Liphadzi, M. Aigbavboa, C., & Thwala W. 2015. Relationship between leadership styles and project success in the South African construction industry. Creative Construction Conference, 21-24 June 2015, Krakow, Poland.
  • Description: Adequate leadership is a vital key to the successful performance of any firm or business, and it is much more important to the construction industry. The main objective of this paper is to explore the relationship between different leadership style practices and project success in the South African construction industry. 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 structured questionnaire aimed at 150 project and construction managers in the South African construction industry. However, 110 questionnaires were received representing a 73% response rate. Data from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between leadership styles and project success. Likewise, the relationship between the different leadership styles and project successes in the South African construction industry was investigated using Pearson Product-moment Correlation Coefficient. Findings from the study revealed that there is a positive relationship between transactional leadership and project success. The results further revealed that there is no relationship between Laissez faire leadership style and construction project success. However, the study explores the relationship between leadership styles and project success in the South African construction industry. The study contributes to the body of knowledge of construction leadership by providing a robust background on construction leadership style practices of project and construction managers.
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Productivity management in the South African civil construction industry

- Bierman, Marius

  • Authors: Bierman, Marius
  • Date: 2015-06-25
  • Subjects: Construction industry - Labor productivity , Construction industry - South Africa , Project management - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:13612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13795
  • Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Labour productivity in South Africa is at its lowest in 46 years, according to Naicker. South Africa, when compared to its competitors in the emerging market, is less efficient and labour productivity is one of the lowest in the developing world; this does not bode well for the economy and the wellbeing of its citizens. ProductivitySA stated that productivity has an impact on several aspects of a country such as the economy and the society in general and is seen as “a critical driver of economic growth, employment, poverty reduction, and competitiveness” The Civil Construction Industry contributes 3.5% to the GDP of South Africa and it is faced with challenges such as an environment that is exceedingly competitive and organizations in the civil industry experience financial difficulties such as low profit margins. Furthermore, the industry is labour intensive and employs a significant number of unskilled and semi-skilled labour from the local community which is located within the vicinity of the project. The aim of this dissertation, therefore, is to identify the factors that have an impact on the productivity of the civil construction industry of South Africa. A secondary aim is to utilize the factors, which have been identified, to create a productivity management framework with a view to improve construction productivity as part of the normal project management system. An industry specific survey was conducted, in the form of a questionnaire, to ascertain the perceptions of industry professionals regarding factors that have an impact on productivity. A literature study was done to create a benchmark which was used to compare the findings of the questionnaire. The top ranked factors were then used as the foundation of the productivity management framework.
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South African construction industry’s perception of mitigation measures for addressing avoidable delay factors

- Matodzi, Emmanuel Funanani

  • Authors: Matodzi, Emmanuel Funanani
  • Date: 2015-06-26
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa , Engineering contracts - South Africa , Construction contracts - South Africa , Construction industry - Production control
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:13634 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13814
  • Description: M.Ing.(Engineering Management) , Delays are a major problem faced by construction companies. The majority of the leading delays factors found from reviewing other studies were avoidable delay factors. The avoidable delay factors are factors caused only by the contractor. The reviewed studies gave recommendations for addressing the delay factors; however this study found that projects nevertheless still failing in South African construction industry and other countries even after the various studies made recommendations on how to avoid the delay factors. The objectives of this study were to establish the top ten avoidable delay factors and their mitigation measures in various countries and also to establish which of the proposed mitigation measures for each of the top ten avoidable delay factors were believed to be the answer in South African construction industry. A questionnaire was developed with questions that will probe the respondents to select the mitigation measures that will address each of the ten avoidable delay factors. The option answers were specifically designed to be close-ended. The size of the sample required was 80 and this study managed to get 82 responses. The survey was launched using SurveyMonkey which is an online survey platform. The data received was analysed for reliability and validity. The reliability was determined using Pearson Correlation Coefficient and was applied using the testretest approach. All questions had a coefficient greater than 0.6 which meant that the responses were reliable (strong). The validity was established using face validity. The responses were analysed to establish which mitigation measures have more frequency of selection. Some of the questions had some mitigation measures receiving more than 80% of the selection and some questions had some mitigation measures getting almost the same percentage selection. Most (60%) of the provinces of South Africa agreed on which mitigation measure must be used for addressing the avoidable delay factors.
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Assessment of green supply-chain management in South African and Nigerian construction firms

- Ojo, Elizabeth Motunrayo

  • Authors: Ojo, Elizabeth Motunrayo
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics - Management , Sustainable engineering , Construction industry - South Africa , Construction industry - Nigeria
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225177 , uj:22736
  • Description: Abstract: The subject of Green Supply-Chain Management has received attention in recent years among different industries. The huge consumption of resources by the construction industry has called for sustainable practices in construction. Green Supply-Chain Management (GSCM) has evolved as a tool to minimize the overall environmental impact in an organization. There are surveys and anecdotes about how companies are adopting GSCM. There is numerous literature on Green Supply-Chain Management in developed countries like the UK, U.S. and Asia; but only a few studies have been carried out in Africa. This research reveals a research gap regarding the implementation of GSCM in Nigerian and South African construction firms, to which this study responds. This thesis aims to provide a holistic assessment on Green Supply-Chain Management in South African and Nigerian construction industries. This research is descriptive in nature and the research design has been developed in parallel with conducting the research. Triangulation was adopted in this research; using past literature, a well-detailed questionnaire and interviews. Four hundred (400) questionnaires were sent by email, online and by visits to sites and offices; but only one hundred and sixteen (116) questionnaires were responded to and returned for analysis. While fifteen professionals in South African and Nigerian construction industries were interviewed. The results derived from both the questionnaire survey and interview provided a strong evidence that Green Supply-Chain Management is still at an infancy stage in the two countries and it is a practice that brings about sustainability in a construction firm. Although, it is an expensive venture, in the long run it yields great profit and gives a company a competitive edge. Several Green Supply-Chain Management definitions emerged from the questionnaire survey, all pointing towards environmental management and sustainability. In other words, GSCM is found to be compliant with environmental standards to bring about sustainability. The majority of the respondents’ suppliers are certified as Environment Management System (EMS) recognised bodies, like ISO 14000, to ensure that the materials which are used for construction are environmentally friendly and make the structure last for the entire intended life cycle. It was found that there are laws in place to ensure compliance of such practices. Approximately, forty two percentage (42.2%) of the respondents from the questionnaire survey agreed that they practise GSCM;... , D.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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Challenges of mentoring in South African construction industry

- Aigbavboa, Clinton, Oke, Ayodeji, Mutshaeni, Madidimalo

Development of construction small, medium and micro enterprise in the South African construction industry

- Tshikhudo, Livhuwani Murendeni

  • Authors: Tshikhudo, Livhuwani Murendeni
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa , Small business - South Africa , Construction industry - South Africa - Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213647 , uj:21179
  • Description: Abstract: Large construction enterprises continue to restructure and downsize due to constant changes in the economic demands in South Africa, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry have come to play an increasingly imperative role in the industry and the South Africa's economic development. Construction SMMEs considerably create a vast amount of job opportunities due to their labour intensive nature and technologies used. However Construction SMMEs are faced with barriers denying them from further development and growth hence only a few survive and remain sustainable. Therefore this study investigates the development of construction SMMEs in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A literature survey was carried out followed by primary data gathered through a structured questionnaire which was developed for 120 SMME construction firms to establish their perceptions on the development of SMMEs in the construction industry. Findings from the study indicate that producing quality work, good cash flow management, good contractual understanding, having a business plan, effective communication channel in the firm, maintaining good relationships with clients, proper record keeping, sensible operating costs, recruiting qualified staff and availability of effective marketing strategies were the main critical success factors required by SMMEs in the Gauteng Province for their firms survival in the construction industry. The most recommended solutions for the development of construction SMMEs in Gauteng Province of South Africa were; education / skills / qualifications; attending leadership training courses; availability of financial benefits, rewards and incentives; adapting practices of current larger construction companies and learning new skills that will enhance capability. The study further revealed that the critical factors contributing to the failure of construction SMMEs in Gauteng Province of South Africa are; corruption; insolvency / credit problems; poor cash flow management; accessing finance; lack of management skills; lack of general business skills; poor time management; poor estimation practices ; poor record keeping and low profit margins due to competition. This study contributes to the theory on the development of SMMEs as they are seen as the key to the development of the local economy and the country at large. The findings emanating from this study will form a basis for future research on construction SMMEs in South Africa. , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
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Evaluating the use of risk-identification techniques in the South African construction industry

- Renault, B. Y., Agumba, J. N., Ansary, A.

Factors for selecting joint venture partner for construction project in South Africa

- Mba, Bekale, Agumba, Justus

  • Authors: Mba, Bekale , Agumba, Justus
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa , Joint ventures - South Africa , Partnership - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/218675 , uj:21805 , Citation: Mba, B. & Agumba, J. 2017. Factors for selecting joint venture partner for construction project in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: The construction industry plays a vital role in South Africa’s economic and social development where this industry provides the physical infrastructure and backbone for economic activity while providing a large-scale provider of employment. In a world of rapidly increasing global competition, enterprises partake in joint ventures in order to stay competitive and strategically flexible. Even though, one of the most prevalent types of business arrangements that are being used by South Africans, in the tender environment, is Joint Venture, risks are innate in JV construction projects and lead to at least 40% to 70% of JVs failure. As a result, the success of a joint venture evidently depends on the synergy created by the individual contributions of each partner, and thus, a good joint venture management lies not only in the implementation of the project, but also a proper partner selection. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the factors to select JV partner. A quantitative research methodology was adopted and the data was collected through the use of questionnaires. Key findings reveal that the selection criteria of JV partner(s) include the commitment between the partners, complementary technical skills, compatible management teams, complementary resources, commitment to joint venture objectives as well as trust between partners. Other selection criteria which appear to be neutral to respondents relate to mutual dependency and relative company size. As the study reveals these findings, interested and concerned parties (contractors, consultants, owners of construction companies) are able to improve by far the performance of JV construction projects in South Africa before signing contracts agreement.
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