The first aim of this study is to describe a process of change in the labour market structure of one specific industry and to describe the dynamics of adjustments resulting from the shortages of White artisan labour. Attention is to be given to the strains in the labour market and the resultant process of adjustment through government intervention or industrial council negotiations, as well as the ramifications for the market participants and the pattern of earnings. It was decided to study only one industry since available data on Black occupational advancement was insufficiently detailed on a macro-basis to test any but the most superficial hypotheses. One more specific objective following from this aim is to test the relevance of the neo-classical labour market theories as described by authors like Rothschild. Such a focus on the micro-perspective of one industry is important to obtain a clearer and more accurate representation of the facts, causes and consequences of the shifting colour bar in South Africa. There still seems to be much scope for such studies, which theorise and try to explain present labour market developments. Hopefully, such investigations might lead to the amelioration of some of these strains. The second major aim of this study is to assess critically the costs and benefits that have accrued to the various interested parties - the Master Builders Associations, the registered trade unions and Black workers (Coloured, Asian and African) following the lifting of certain statutory barriers to Black occupational advancement in one industry. In addition we want to assess the terms under which Black workers have been admitted to the skilled trades. In this regard it may be mentioned that the official policy objective of narrowing the wage gap is apparently to be achieved by the more productive utilisation of Black labour. In July 1973 the Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister stated that ''the government has accepted in principle, that it is desirable to narrow the disparity between the levels of living of the various population groups". This is to be achieved by Black incomes "rising at a somewhat faster rate than those of Whites to the extent that this can be justified on the basis of their changing position in the labour pattern".

Since Taiwan¡¦s building industry started declining in 1994, the government tried several times to save the industry by laws or policies, but the effect was not obvious. There have been hundreds of relative firms closing or downsizing by now. Under this severe recession, how the firms of building industry in Taiwan run business for continuous operation is just the topic of our research. This thesis studies the strategies by theories and industrial-cases collection. After analyzing the building industry in Taiwan (life-cycle, value-chain, and development trend), we develop theoretical strategies for the industry, and then we collect industrial cases to compare. We find that the real strategies of the firms match the theoretical ones we develop very well. Basically, the strategies of the firms of building industry in Taiwan can classify into four types: 1.Market-penetration strategy 2.Product-development strategy 3.Market-development strategy 4.Diversification strategy. Besides, we provide the experience of Tonyan building Ltd. Co.for case study. By studying its target-marketing and win-win system, we share the precious experience with everyone. As a member of Taiwan¡¦s building industry, we hope to contribute ourselves to the continuous survival of Taiwan¡¦s building industry by theory and practical experience.

The overall aim of this thesis is to develop reliable methods of measuring output levels for construction plant and labour, with a view to establishing realistic output rates for concreting operations. This thesis demonstrates that most of the variability in production rates can be quickly explained, leaving relatively constant levels of output f or individual construction operations (i.e. basic operation times). The primary factors in determining output rates were found to be work rate, delays and waiting caused by poor management, and poor motivation. The latter two items accounted f or more than fifty per cent of the available working time on many sites, whereas work rate varied only slightly. This last finding may be surprising, but the results indicated that when work was being done the effort applied appeared fairly constant to the observer. However, the time spent working was largely dependent upon the level of motivation induced through the payment system. Where a combination of good direct supervision and satisfactory financial incentives were present, high levels of motivation were observed, conversely, low motivation occurred on sites where minimum day-work payments were present. Investigations into several construction trades indicate that work study techniques can be modified to meet the requirements of most construction operations, sites and companies, whether the requirements be a complex synthesis of basic operation times or the more simple determination of site efficiency. The key to this portability lies in the isolation of basic operation times via the application of site efficiency factors. In this thesis, primary work study techniques are identified and discussed. The need for specific construction work study techniques is shown to be of paramount importance. The results from over seventy concrete pours are combined and statistically analysed to produce realistic output rates arid current levels of production. Site factors are combined and statistically analysed to produce a relationship between efficiency and level of remuneration. A comparison is drawn between: the production rates achieved on several sites; and the output rates currently being used in the planning and estimating processes.

Master of Science / Department of Architecture / R. Todd Gabbard / Almost forty percent of the global energy use and one-third of the global greenhouse gas emission comes from the building industry. Thus, this sector has the largest potential for delivering long term substantial greenhouse gas reduction. (UNEP, 2009)This dissertation starts with the energy auditing of an architectural firm to calculate the amount of energy used. It then expands into addressing the issue on a greater perspective. The whole agenda of the thesis was to develop a strategy to include the building industry in global carbon market. This thesis was performed in collaboration with nationally recognized, medium-sized mid-western architecture firm. A yearlong internship was completed under this firm, and collaborative research was carried out. To reduce the carbon dioxide emission, it is crucial to be able to measure it. This thesis aims at creating basic guidelines for architecture firms to mitigate its carbon footprint. It also examines the possibilities of carbon footprint mitigation on a bigger scale by proposing a system that would encourage architectural and engineering firms to design and produce more energy efficient buildings. The proposed system deals with calculation and incorporation of creative handprint of an architectural firm and uses the system to rebate its carbon footprint and convert the surplus handprint to a credit in the carbon market. The argument made here is that this scheme is driven by incentives and encourages more architecture and engineering firms to design sustainable buildings. The final proposal links the entire building industry to the carbon market. The proposal made is that a positive handprint of architecture and engineering firms can be converted to carbon credits and traded in the carbon markets.

The South African Building Industry or sector is a difficult one in which to operate. At the lower value competition is fierce and at the top value, whilst competition is fierce, so to is the capital and resource requirements to run such a project. To be successful in this market requires that management understand each aspect of the business and has at its disposal the important key success factors such as management, capital and reputation. There is, however, ample opportunity available to the company that is able to deliver to the consumer a value added product that not only includes the building itself, but all the services that accompany the process. The focus of this study is to identify the important influencing factors on a consumer's choice of a building company in the residential alterations and renovations market. Once identified, the object is to use that information to develop a strategic plan that could help provide direction and help gain competitive advantage. The formulation of the strategic plan forms part of this study but is not meant to be so comprehensive as to be a study in strategy. Various important strategic tasks are identified and are used to provide a framework around which to work but the important information and the reason for the study is to identify that which is important to the consumer and to then use that information to build core competencies. To succeed against the competition, SGC will need to develop and train staff, expand quality control mechanisms, ensure tidiness of site and staff, and focus upon being professional. If all of these factors are focused upon and introduced into SGC's product offering, competitive advantage will be gained and profitability improved. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The lack of protection for prospective homeowners from inferior workmanship in homebuilding has led the South African government to introduce legislation that give inspectors powers to enforce compliance with building regulations in order to address this shortcoming. In spite of this endeavor the home building industry still produces houses built with many structural problems caused by poor workmanship. The National Home Building Registration Council (NHBRC) has spent large sums annually on remedial works. It is against this background that this research project has been conducted. The study sought to establish criteria necessary for and barriers to an effective inspectorate function in the South African home building industry. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used for the study, including interviews, and knowledge, attitudes, and perception (KAP) surveys of relevant stakeholders such as inspectors and homebuilders. The study presents the perceptions and opinions of building contractors on their interactions with building inspectors in the housing industry. The study demonstrates that having dealings with the inspectorate at various levels does not necessarily mean that, for example, newly constructed houses will be inspected on a more regular basis.The findings of this study provide baseline data for inspectorate departments and researchers, thereby contributing to understanding the importance of an effective inspectorate in the homebuilding industry. The primary study conclusion is that homebuilding contractors do not have regard for the competence and levels of knowledge of inspectors given that these are evidently lacking. The preferred characteristics of inspectors were helpfulness, trustworthiness, fairness and being knowledgeable and thorough. It is clear that one of the major challenges facing the home building inspectorate in South Africa is the lack of competent and knowledgeable inspectors to insure adherence to the National Building Regulations and specifications by building contractors. Considering that the majority of South African contractor in the housing sector are emerging contractors it is imperative that the inspectorate play a developmental role by providing them with useful advice more frequently than is currently the case. If continuous training on technical maters of both inspectors and contractors is applied the desired quality standards and workmanship in the homebuilding industry can be attained.

ABSTRACT This research report sets out the results of investigations into the causes of client dissatisfaction in the South African building industry and ways of improvement, from the contractors’ perspectives. The study is limited to the views of contractors who are registered with the Gauteng Master Builders Association (GMBA). The descriptive survey method was adopted in the study, which involved two stages of data gathering. At the first stage, semi-structured pilot interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 18 directors and senior executives of construction companies within the target group. The data obtained from the exploratory surveys were subjected to crosstabulation matrix analysis. Results showed that the most recurring factors underlying client dissatisfaction were late completion (medium sized contractor category), unrealistic construction programs imposed by clients (large sized contractor category) and poor quality of workmanship (combined/pooled category) at the end of the development phase; slow reaction time on part of contractor to attend to defects (medium sized, large sized and combined/pooled contractor categories) at the operation phase. Making use of a competent and reputable contractor was the most recurring strategy for improving client satisfaction. Correlation analysis was carried out to determine the extent of divergence or consensus in views of the two groups / categories of contractors targeted in the questionnaire survey. The results indicate significant correlation in the views of the contractor groups on the underlying causes of client dissatisfaction at the end of the development phase and at the operation phase. Significant correlation was also established in the views of the contractor groups on strategies for improving client satisfaction. Recommendations were made on ways of improving client satisfaction levels in the South African building industry based on the results obtained in the study. Areas requiring further research/investigation/exploration were also identified.

The building industry in South Africa especially in the sector of smaller operators in the residential alterations and additions market is subject to poor perception in the market place. The low barriers to entry and the attractiveness of the market make it susceptible to a large number of new entrants. The concomitant extreme rivalry has led to many cost cutting measures, creating an overall impression of lack of quality and poor standards. The ease of exit in this market has often left dissatisfied clients with no recourse or redress in rectifying poor workmanship and subject to an additional cost of hiring another builder to repair problems. As a growth strategy, franchising has shown great potential over various types of industries. However, the building industry, and in particular the residential alterations and additions market has not been explored in this light. The most attractive feature of franchising as a growth option is the lack of capital required for the franchisor. The least attractive option is overcoming the seemingly fixed mindset of the public on price as the overriding factor when considering a contractor. Experience in the industry has shown that advertising in the form of word of mouth is the most effective means of gaining new clients, however with the nature of franchising being more pervasive, it is envisaged that client awareness of the franchise will increase exponentially with each exposure in the form of building contracts. To introduce a standard of quality and excellence in this market in a cost effective manner may be achievable through the introduction of franchising with its benefits of economies of scale, high management standards and, most importantly, the franchisee's will to succeed. This work will investigate fully the ramifications of the franchising option, test the feasibility, acceptability and suitability of the strategy, making a final recommendation on the franchising model to be adopted, should the research validate the strategic option. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The Master's Thesis is focused on a modern trend in human resource management, employer branding, analysed as a general image of a company as employer, its working conditions and a preference of this company as a stable employer. The main goal is to review the range and relevance of employer branding within Czech building industry based on existing company and comparison with its competition. The first part describes theoretical definitions of employer branding and its instruments. The second part presents the empirical research done in Metrostav a.s., comparison with its competition and a questionnaire between civil engineering students and construction apprentices that was focused on their expectations of future employment in the building industry. In the end of the thesis the research is evaluated and the improvements that would lead to empowerment of employer brand are suggested.

The diploma thesis describes the creation of a business plan for an existing company, which specializes in the manufacture of windows and doors, located in Slovakia. Its business objective is to establish, together with other shareholders, the new company abroad. The aim of this work is the evaluation of the business plan and a detailed description of all elements that are important in the process of its implementation. The theoretical part of work explains the purpose of the business plan, its goal is distribution basic requirements and description, which serves as a basis for the practical part. Practical part deals with creation of a specific business plan, focusing on its main components -- financial plan, marketing and business strategy.