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Project management in an environmentally sensitive South African mining environment

- Cathey, Steve William

  • Authors: Cathey, Steve William
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Mineral industries - Social aspects - South Africa , Social responsibility of business - South Africa , Project management - South Africa , Cemeteries - South Africa , Exhumation - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/293705 , uj:31942
  • Description: D.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: In order to more efficiently manage and track progress, large projects are divided into three main steps, namely: Initiation, Implementation, Termination. Using systematic, empirically based, scientific procedures, the aim of this research is to identify, examine and explain how a grave relocation project impacts a typical mining project through each of the three project steps. By means of a case study, it will then examine the interventions required to successfully integrate a grave relocation project as part of an operating mining project. In addition, it will also examine the inter-relationships between the project, the local communities and present legislation in regard to executing a grave relocation project following the steps that were captured during the case study. In this way, reliable and replicable data will be generated, which can, in turn, be added to, interpreted and or implemented in other projects of a similar nature in the sensitive South African mining environment. Until very recently, grave relocation would not have been considered to be a necessary part of a normal mining project. However, due to increasing urbanisation (Giraut F, 2009) and the fluidity of the political and financial situation of South Africa, the dynamics in the relationship between new mining projects and surrounding local communities have undergone many changes and have become more complex. This includes matters such as grave relocation. Consequently, it has become necessary for the mining industry not only to more fully understand the legislation in regard to matters such as grave relocation, but also to take cognizance of the wider issues and potential impacts, on both present and future mining activities. Experience has indicated that project planning, time and cost control, communication within the local community, monitoring and control of on-site and off-site work and quality control can all be directly affected...
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The importance of effective communication for project success

- Tayob, Rashaad

  • Authors: Tayob, Rashaad
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Project management - South Africa , Communication in management - South Africa , Eskom (Firm)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/293914 , uj:31968
  • Description: Abstract: Effective communication in projects is critical in achieving project success within scope, cost, time and with an acceptable level of quality. The lack thereof or ineffective communication would result in project failure. Project failure goes beyond an ‘unsuccessful project’, but has an inherent effect on the organisation and the end customer. The key objective of the current research is to assess the effectiveness of internal communication during the development of energy infrastructure projects at Eskom Transmission and to understand the communication gaps that exist which ultimately hinder project success. In doing so, the research will answer questions relating to the key requirements for effective communication in a project environment as well as to understanding the state of existing project communications processes, which include key aspects of project stakeholder management, at the power utility. Project stakeholder management was a subset of the project communications management knowledge area in earlier editions of the PMBOK® Guide and was seen as a critical area of project communications that could not be ignored. The quantitative research methodology was used and the process followed was adapted from the Organisational Project Management Maturity Model (OPM3®). An online survey was used as the data collection tool. The survey results indicated that lack of effective communication was considered by the vast majority to be a critical factor contributing to projects being delivered late as well as to the escalation of project costs due to scope creep. Existing project communications processes, including the processes of identifying and prioritising stakeholders, did not possess the required levels of maturity. The best communications medium for stakeholder engagements is not always defined and the feedback rate of project communications sent or received is also poor. Project stakeholders the majority of the times do not show active engagement in... , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Risk allocation on public private partnership projects

- Taruvinga, Tererayi Prosper

  • Authors: Taruvinga, Tererayi Prosper
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation - South Africa , Project management - South Africa - Finance , Project management - South Africa , Partnership - South Africa , Sustainable development - South Africa - Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242418 , uj:25002
  • Description: Abstract: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure funding mechanism is increasingly being used by many countries in the world including South Africa to finance infrastructure. The use of this funding mechanism has been necessitated by the increasing need to bridge the infrastructural gaps that exist in these countries. The success of the PPP model lies in equitable risk allocation. The problem is that, although PPPs provide a good substitute for the funding and delivery of infrastructure projects in the world, some projects in South Africa especially in provincial departments and municipalities are failing because risks are being miscalculated and apportioned to parties who are without the understanding, means and competencies to manage them. The study was carried out to determine whether the way in which risks are allocated have effect on PPP project success. The case studies provided information on how in one project appropriate risk allocation was achieved and not in the another PPP project, where there was failure or delay. In this study the case study method was used. It provided comprehensive knowledge and observations on how risk allocation is dealt with in South Africa’s PPP infrastructure projects. This finding demonstrates the complexity and obscurity of risks faced by those involved in PPP projects and the problems in apportioning them correctly. Recommendations regarding how to better allocate risks in such projects are made. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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The impact of cultural differences on construction project performance

- Maphosa, Samantha Glenda

  • Authors: Maphosa, Samantha Glenda
  • Date: 2015-06-29
  • Subjects: Project management - South Africa , Construction industry - South Africa - Management , Diversity in the workplace - South Africa , Organizational effectiveness , Performance - Management , Engineering - Management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:13643 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13827
  • Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Construction project success is the number one goal for every client, stakeholders and for project team members who are involved with construction projects. However, construction projects often exceed the stipulated budget, are completed beyond the scheduled period and are not even to the required quality. Despite its poor record, the construction industry contributes a lot to the country’s economy and as such, it should be ensured that it performs better than it has currently. Besides the technical issues/factors which are a norm for influencing construction project performance, recent studies have shown that other factors relating to people and how they interact in teams may in fact have a significant influence on project performance. Consequently, culture and cultural differences seem to be one of the important issues that need to be dealt with and managed properly if projects are to be successful; given the nature of contracting, where joint ventures and partnerships seem to be prevalent (Kivrak et.al, 2009). Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of cultural differences on construction project performance. Because culture is seen as a ‘soft’ issue, it makes it hard to be measured empirically (Ankrah, 2007), and therefore requires to be assessed through the perceptions of the individuals who operate within that particular culture (Palmer, Cooper and Burns, 2010). Five dimensions of culture, namely: age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational background and organisational culture background were investigated and chosen to be measured against the three traditional project outcomes, namely: time, cost and quality, while taking into account safety and productivity. A questionnaire was issued to 310 participants drawn from construction projects across South Africa, and 109 responses were received, giving a response rate of 35.16%. The study reviewed that the construction industry’s performance is poor and it can also be attributed to differences in individuals’ cultural background because culture affects one’s mind in terms of behaviour and decision making. Findings from the study showed that a relationship existed between culture and project performance, and that cultural differences had an impact on construction project performance.
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The analysis of the application and implementation of public private partnerships (PPP) projects in South Africa

- Lewis, Claude Pierre

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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A practitioner’s guide to establishing and managing a project management office at a South African parastatal

- Malatji, Masike

  • Authors: Malatji, Masike
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Project management - South Africa , Reengineering (Management) , Industrial productivity - Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82806 , uj:19005
  • Description: Abstract: Project management offices (PMO’s) are established to support organizations realize their strategic objectives by aligning project initiatives with organizational goals. This is achieved through standardizing their project management practices, methodologies, tools and techniques. To broadly understand the PMO concept, literature review was conducted to determine the typical services rendered by the PMO, the PMO configuration types appropriate for particular services and at the right capability maturity levels, and also the characteristic PMO personnel skills required to provide such services. These elements, to a large extent, were explored in the context of the South African state-owned entities (or parastatals). While PMO’s can be beneficial, indications are that many organizations struggle to set them up optimally. Consequently, this study investigated the unique challenges encountered when establishing and managing PMO’s at South African parastatals, and how those challenges were prioritised and overcome. This is to ensure that the benefits brought about by the PMO are realised and recognised within the organization. The study followed an interview method where qualifying participants were identified and asked to partake in the research. It was found that the people- and organization-related challenges contributed to the six topmost challenges encountered when establishing and managing PMO’s at the South African parastatals. Most of these top challenges, along with others, remained as challenges yet to be overcome at some of the parastatals. Furthermore, the results also revealed that the parastatals largely operated PMO types that were not optimally configured to render services at the desired levels of maturity to have any meaningful impact. These compounded the legitimacy of the existence of those PMO’s. As a solution, the PMO establishment, management, and process re-engineering guideline was developed to help eliminate or minimise the impact of some of the challenges. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Reliability project optimization : a South African rail case

- Ditsele, Samuel

  • Authors: Ditsele, Samuel
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) , Railroads - Freight - South Africa , Freight and freightage - South Africa , Project management - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/212838 , uj:21034
  • Description: Abstract: Transnet SOC Ltd is the sole bulk freight logistics rail company in South Africa and is responsible for the movement of general freight and commodities. Transnet Capital Projects (TCP), a division of Transnet SOC Ltd, acts as a service provider to all the operating divisions of Transnet, including the biggest division, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), which operates and maintains Transnet’s railways countrywide. Transnet’s strategy, the Market Demand Strategy (MDS), will see Transnet’s revenue grow from R46bn in 2011/12 to R128bn in 2018/19 through an intensive infrastructure expansion programme. The successful execution of TCP rail projects and subsequent delivery of the MDS is a concern due to the fact that South Africa’s current freight logistics costs are significantly higher than elsewhere in the world when considered on a cost per ton-kilometre basis (Havenga & Simpson, 2013). Furthermore, between 2005 and 2011, 55% of all major rail projects in Transnet failed (Xaba, 2011). A number of challenges arose during the execution of TCP rail projects. These pertained particularly to project integration management, that is, the various entities often worked in silos and failed to make the necessary effort to achieve project integration. The purpose of the current research is to determine Transnet’s deficiencies and recommend solutions based on project management best practice in the field of railway engineering. Having considered the successful execution of similar rail projects worldwide, the current research examines ways in which the reliability of rail projects within TCP could be increased. This is undertaken through the use of a questionnaire that was designed based on lessons learnt from railway projects around the world. The questionnaire aimed to determine the most critical deficiencies in TCP rail projects which would in turn, if dealt with, lead to the greatest levels of improvement in the reliability of rail projects in TCP. The research findings identify issues at various levels within Transnet, including issues regarding people as well as structural and technological issues. Key recommendations of this study include changing the organisational structure of the TCP, the recruitment of rail experts, enhancement of project management skill, the introduction of new railway software and the establishment of an Enterprise Project Management Office. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Risks and mitigations associated with infrastructure development projects in South Africa

- Kudumela, Frans Phetole

  • Authors: Kudumela, Frans Phetole
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) - South Africa , Sustainable development - South Africa , Project management - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82759 , uj:18999
  • Description: Abstract: Infrastructure development describes a group of activities that contribute towards the positive outcome of socio-economic conditions for communities. The two commonly known types of infrastructure are economic infrastructure and social infrastructure. Economic infrastructure promotes economic activities through the provision of physical assets such as power stations (electricity), telecommunication networks, roads, highways, railways, airports etc. Social infrastructure contributes to the welfare of communities by promoting education, healthcare and cultural norms of the population. Though infrastructure plays an important role in the livelihood of communities, there have been instances whereby infrastructure development projects are overshadowed by risks that impede their successful implementation. Some infrastructure development projects in South Africa showed evidence of been negatively affected by risks. Thus the purpose of this research study is to identify infrastructure development risks and mitigations in South Africa. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from professionals involved in the implementation of infrastructure projects. The questionnaire contained a list of risks identified from literature, and respondents were asked to identify risks that they have encountered while implementing infrastructure projects and provide mitigations that were implemented. The results of the study revealed that infrastructure development risks encountered in South Africa are similar to risks experienced in other parts of Africa and the rest of the world. Many professionals in the industry associate with performance risks and inadequate skills capacity risks. Political risks and corruption have also been identified by a large number of the participants, followed by commercial and lack of funding risks. Financial risk and economic risks were identified by a small number of participants, which indicates that such risks are seldom experienced on infrastructure development projects in South Africa. Risk mitigations were identified for each of the identified risks by the research participants. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Take van die projekrekenmeester in nywerheidsprojekbestuur

- Welgemoed, Barend Matheus

  • Authors: Welgemoed, Barend Matheus
  • Date: 2014-07-28
  • Subjects: Project management - South Africa , Industrial management , Personnel management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:11894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11622
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , In the literature on industrial projects, very little attention is given to the administrative and project accounting aspects of project management. The emphasis falls on technical aspects and project management as a whole, and not specifically on the administrative duties as they are normally executed by a project accountant or project administrator. The purpose of this study is to investigate the administrative duties and the organisation and planning of- procedures as applicable to an industrial project, with particular reference to the professional project managing company in South Africa. In so doing, the more important aspects of project administration will be highlighted, so that the study could serve as a guide to interested parties. The motivation for the study is the importance of cost control, accurate records and accurate forecasting. These aspects are of prime importance if management is to maintain adequate and proper control over the project. The study is aimed at placing these tasks of the project accountant into perspective, in relation to project management as a whole. The study takes the form of a study of the available literature on the subject of project administration. Only the more important and relevant aspects of project administration will be discussed, as the scope of the study does not allow for all aspects to be discussed in detail and at great length...
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Investigating the effect of team grouping principles on project success

- Coetzee, Jacques

  • Authors: Coetzee, Jacques
  • Date: 2014-06-21
  • Subjects: Teams in the workplace - South Africa - Management , Project management - South Africa , Railroad companies - South Africa , Transnet (Firm : South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:11579 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11290
  • Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , The survival of organisations during the recent recession in South Africa and the rest of the world forced them to eliminate unnecessary expenditure, ineffective personnel and processes. The drive towards maximum project success became essential in order to survive. The researcher identified a concern within a technical team in the Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), a major rail based transport company. The research problem as identified is: That project teams are compiled randomly or by availability of personnel which promotes possible project failure and not by competency and without regard to team role efficiency. The researcher decided to investigate the influence of compiling a project team where the team members function within their preferred team roles. It was found that the Belbin Self Perception Inventory (SPI) is an effective instrument to determine the preferred team roles of project team members. This study is a qualitative one. A literature study supported the fact that employing team members in their preferred team roles does make a noticeable difference to the productivity of individual team members and the team. A failed project was identified within the TFR technical team. The Belbin SPI instrument was used to determine the preferred team roles of all the team members for the chosen project. The actual team roles performed by every member in the chosen project were determined by means of an interview with the team leader. The data obtained from the SPI was compared with the interview data and it was found that three of the four team members involved in the chosen project were not employed within their preferred team roles. This lead to a conclusion that, should the team members have been employed in their preferred team roles, their project would have been much more likely of being successful. This study points the way to a further quantitative study where the possibility of predicting project success could be investigated.
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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.

Evaluating project management techniques in SMEs' delivering infrastructure : a research project

- Agumba, J. N., Adegoke, I. O., Otieno, F., Fester, F. C.

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