Leadership style practices of construction and project managers in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Liphadzi, Murendeni
- Date: 2015-06-26
- Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa - Management , Construction projects - South Africa - Management , Project managers - South Africa , Leadership - South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13623 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13804
- Description: M.Tech. (Construction Management) , The construction industry is an important sector in the development and economic progression of South Africa. Moreover, projects in the South African construction industry involve different individuals and organizations that collaborate to achieve a specific task at a specific time. Hence, leadership is essential in any construction organization to achieve organizational goals and to promote individual professional achievement in the industry. This study evaluates different leadership style practices of construction and project managers in the South African construction industry. The study further investigates leadership development approaches in the industry. The data used in this research were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data were collected via a detailed review of related literature. The primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire aimed at 150 construction and project managers in the South African construction industry. The study revealed that project and construction managers in the South African construction industry prefer transformational leadership, followed by transactional and democratic leadership. It was also revealed that communication skills, vision, honesty and reliability are some of the important traits of a project leader. This study also suggests ways in which leaders can be developed in the construction industry. Formal leadership training, mentoring and personal development are highlighted as some of the ways in which construction leaders can be developed in the construction industry. It is therefore recommended that construction organizations in South Africa should invest more than they are currently doing in leadership development programs, so that future project and construction managers can be developed to be effective leaders in the industry. The current study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject of leadership in the construction industry. The value of the study is to facilitate and understand the different leadership style practices in the construction industry and to determine the relationship between leadership styles and project success. This research also provides new information on how to improve leadership in the South African construction industry.
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- Authors: Liphadzi, Murendeni
- Date: 2015-06-26
- Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa - Management , Construction projects - South Africa - Management , Project managers - South Africa , Leadership - South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13623 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13804
- Description: M.Tech. (Construction Management) , The construction industry is an important sector in the development and economic progression of South Africa. Moreover, projects in the South African construction industry involve different individuals and organizations that collaborate to achieve a specific task at a specific time. Hence, leadership is essential in any construction organization to achieve organizational goals and to promote individual professional achievement in the industry. This study evaluates different leadership style practices of construction and project managers in the South African construction industry. The study further investigates leadership development approaches in the industry. The data used in this research were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data were collected via a detailed review of related literature. The primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire aimed at 150 construction and project managers in the South African construction industry. The study revealed that project and construction managers in the South African construction industry prefer transformational leadership, followed by transactional and democratic leadership. It was also revealed that communication skills, vision, honesty and reliability are some of the important traits of a project leader. This study also suggests ways in which leaders can be developed in the construction industry. Formal leadership training, mentoring and personal development are highlighted as some of the ways in which construction leaders can be developed in the construction industry. It is therefore recommended that construction organizations in South Africa should invest more than they are currently doing in leadership development programs, so that future project and construction managers can be developed to be effective leaders in the industry. The current study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject of leadership in the construction industry. The value of the study is to facilitate and understand the different leadership style practices in the construction industry and to determine the relationship between leadership styles and project success. This research also provides new information on how to improve leadership in the South African construction industry.
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Key factors that lead to late completion of government funded construction projects in South Africa
- Authors: Hlengwa, Simangaliso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction projects - South Africa - Management , Construction industry - South Africa - Management , Production scheduling - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425108 , uj:36382
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Schedule overruns are a widespread problem in South Africa and globally. This research uncovers the key factors that lead to the late completion of government funded construction projects in South Africa and the mitigation measures, which may be implemented to minimise construction delays in government funded construction projects. The research is anchored on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) theoretical framework. Critics of the theory suggest that the existing PMBOK methodology lacks focus on technology, environmental matters, innovation and health and safety, these weaknesses need to be addressed in order to produce better project results. The research method utilised is a quantitative research design, and primary data was collected from the built environment professionals South Africa who are registered with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professionals through an online research questionnaire. The results from the analysis indicated that top five ranked project delay factors include poor performance of contractors, labour unrest and strikes, slow decision-making, poor project planning as well as reworks due poor quality. Out of the top five ranked delay factors, labour unrest and strikes are the only factors noted in the literature review. Similarly, the use of competent contractors and professional service providers, proper project planning, the use of comprehensive project plans and thorough stakeholder engagement and management are identified factors that can assist in minimising delays in construction projects. All of the top five mitigation measures noted in the results of this study also appeared in the literature review and the theoretical framework which was founded on the PMBOK.
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- Authors: Hlengwa, Simangaliso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction projects - South Africa - Management , Construction industry - South Africa - Management , Production scheduling - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425108 , uj:36382
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Schedule overruns are a widespread problem in South Africa and globally. This research uncovers the key factors that lead to the late completion of government funded construction projects in South Africa and the mitigation measures, which may be implemented to minimise construction delays in government funded construction projects. The research is anchored on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) theoretical framework. Critics of the theory suggest that the existing PMBOK methodology lacks focus on technology, environmental matters, innovation and health and safety, these weaknesses need to be addressed in order to produce better project results. The research method utilised is a quantitative research design, and primary data was collected from the built environment professionals South Africa who are registered with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professionals through an online research questionnaire. The results from the analysis indicated that top five ranked project delay factors include poor performance of contractors, labour unrest and strikes, slow decision-making, poor project planning as well as reworks due poor quality. Out of the top five ranked delay factors, labour unrest and strikes are the only factors noted in the literature review. Similarly, the use of competent contractors and professional service providers, proper project planning, the use of comprehensive project plans and thorough stakeholder engagement and management are identified factors that can assist in minimising delays in construction projects. All of the top five mitigation measures noted in the results of this study also appeared in the literature review and the theoretical framework which was founded on the PMBOK.
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Causes and effects of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa
- Authors: Khabisi, Lisebo Jerminah
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Construction industry - Costs , Construction industry - South Africa - Management , Construction projects - South Africa - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213434 , uj:21152
- Description: Abstract: Construction is a major industry worldwide accounting for a sizeable proportion of most countries’ gross domestic product (GDP). This sector is also the largest industrial employer in most countries. The sector is, however, confronted with major delivery challenges such as late completion and excessive budget. This research was conducted in an attempt to identify the major causes and effects of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa. The study further attempts to establish the measures that can be taken to minimise the impact of cost overruns in public sector construction projects and to establish critical success factors for public sector construction projects in South Africa. The methodology used for this study was quantitative. A structured questionnaire with the five-point Likert-type scale and open-ended questions was used to determine the participants’ responses with regard to the identified factors from the reviewed literature. Out of 120 questionnaires sent out, 119 were received, which represented a 99 per cent response rate. Findings from the survey revealed that the causes of the most severe cost overruns were variation orders, changes in scope of the project, cash flow and financial difficulties faced by contractors, and delays in decision making and adequate planning. The findings also indicated the major effects of cost overruns as time overrun, increased project cost due to extension of time, disputes between owner and contractor, bankruptcy and wastage of tax payers’ money. Furthermore, the study also showed that the measures for minimising cost overruns in public sector construction projects were the use of experienced suppliers, proper project planning, the appointment of highly experienced committed design teams, effective strategic planning and proper project scheduling. Lastly, it was revealed that the critical success factors for public sector construction projects were the experience of the project manager, the experience of the contractor, the commitment of project team members, proper planning, awarding the bid to the right contractor, effective decision making and clear and realistic project goals. This study suggests that cost overruns in public sector construction projects could be minimised by careful management, proper planning by contractors, prompt release of funds by the employer and engagement of experienced contractors by the clients. , M.Tech. (Quantity Surveying)
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- Authors: Khabisi, Lisebo Jerminah
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Construction industry - Costs , Construction industry - South Africa - Management , Construction projects - South Africa - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213434 , uj:21152
- Description: Abstract: Construction is a major industry worldwide accounting for a sizeable proportion of most countries’ gross domestic product (GDP). This sector is also the largest industrial employer in most countries. The sector is, however, confronted with major delivery challenges such as late completion and excessive budget. This research was conducted in an attempt to identify the major causes and effects of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa. The study further attempts to establish the measures that can be taken to minimise the impact of cost overruns in public sector construction projects and to establish critical success factors for public sector construction projects in South Africa. The methodology used for this study was quantitative. A structured questionnaire with the five-point Likert-type scale and open-ended questions was used to determine the participants’ responses with regard to the identified factors from the reviewed literature. Out of 120 questionnaires sent out, 119 were received, which represented a 99 per cent response rate. Findings from the survey revealed that the causes of the most severe cost overruns were variation orders, changes in scope of the project, cash flow and financial difficulties faced by contractors, and delays in decision making and adequate planning. The findings also indicated the major effects of cost overruns as time overrun, increased project cost due to extension of time, disputes between owner and contractor, bankruptcy and wastage of tax payers’ money. Furthermore, the study also showed that the measures for minimising cost overruns in public sector construction projects were the use of experienced suppliers, proper project planning, the appointment of highly experienced committed design teams, effective strategic planning and proper project scheduling. Lastly, it was revealed that the critical success factors for public sector construction projects were the experience of the project manager, the experience of the contractor, the commitment of project team members, proper planning, awarding the bid to the right contractor, effective decision making and clear and realistic project goals. This study suggests that cost overruns in public sector construction projects could be minimised by careful management, proper planning by contractors, prompt release of funds by the employer and engagement of experienced contractors by the clients. , M.Tech. (Quantity Surveying)
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