M.Tech. (Construction Management) / The construction industry is a key sector in the development and economic growth of South Africa. However, the industry has not escaped the challenges facing other countries worldwide in terms of delivering construction projects within budget and on time as stipulated in the contracts. This study assesses the causes, effects and measures of minimising construction projects cost and schedule overruns in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The data used in this study were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a questionnaire which was distributed to construction professionals. Out of the 200 questionnaires sent out, 146 were received representing a 73% response rate. Findings revealed that inadequate planning, change in project design, poor project management, inadequate financial provision and inaccurate estimates were the major causes of construction projects cost overruns. Furthermore the study also showed that the causes of construction projects schedule overruns in Gauteng province included: slowness in decision making process, reworks due to errors during construction, delays in approving major changes in the scope of work, delay in material delivery, shortage of skilled equipment operators and low productivity level of workers. Additionally, it was observed that construction project delays, increased project cost due to extension of time, liability of companies to bad debt and project abandonment. The study also revealed that extension of time, cost overruns, loss of profit, disputes and poor quality of work due to hurrying the project were the major effects of construction projects schedule overruns. Likewise, the study revealed that adequate planning, proper pre-contract planning, proper project implementation and management and good workmanship were the most effective ways of minimising construction projects cost overruns. Finally the results revealed that proper project planning and scheduling, effective strategic planning, site management and supervision, frequent coordination between the construction team, availability of clear information and communication channels were the most effective ways of minimising construction projects schedule overruns in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. It is recommended that all members of construction teams be trained and educated of the factors that cause project cost and schedule overruns in order to minimise these overruns.

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil Engineering, 1979. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Bibliography: leaves 121-127. / by Pier Giorgio Romiti. / M.S.

Study project (MComm)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this assignment is to develop a method for rate making of construction machines and vehicles. An analysis of the fixed and variable cost of machines and vehicles are made together with the allocation of overhead costs. After anal ising the various cost components a model is developed for the determination of depreciation and finance charges by using the utilization of the relevant plant item. The figures obtained from this model are then used in an asset register. The information needed by the Receiver of Revenue is also included in this register for calculating the depreciation value at the end of the financial year. The maintenance and replacement of plant equipment are also discussed. Before the conclusion the necessity of keeping accurate records and the use of budgets for managing are looked at. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die werkstuk is om 'n raamwerk daar te stel wat gebruik kan word vir tariefvasstelling van konstruksiemasjiene en - voertuie. In Ontleding van die vaste en veranderlike koste van masjinerie en voertuie word gemaak, asook die hantering van oorhoofse koste in die onderneming. Nil die bespreking van die verskillende kostekomponente waaruit 'n tarief bestaan, word die klem geplaas op die berekening van waardevermindering. 'n Model vir waardeverminderingen finansieringskostebepaling aan die hand van die benutting van toerusting word ontwikkel. Die inligting sodoende verkry word saamgevat in 'n bateregister tesame met die inligting noodsaaklik vir die Ontvanger van Inkomste om waardeverminderingafskrywings te maak aan die einde van elke finansiele jaar. Die onderhoud en vervanging van toerusting word ook bespreek. Ter afsluiting word rekordhouding en die opstel van begrotings bespreek en die nut daarvan vir bestuur uitgewys.

published_or_final_version / Real Estate and Construction / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Following the recession of 2007-2009, conditions in the housing and finance industries favored an increase in renter occupied homes relative to owner occupied homes. With rental properties comprising an increasing share of the housing supply, the home building industry should consider housing products that meet the needs of renters. This thesis proposes a build-to-rent product for single family home builders, to be offered as a complement to the traditional built-for-sale product. The purpose of the research is to demonstrate that a build-to-rent product is financially feasible under ordinary market conditions. In order to determine the viability of a build-to-rent product under likely market conditions, a financial model has been developed for a single family build-to rent product. The research involves reviewing the literature related to similar investment product types in order to develop a business model for the proposed build-to-rent product. The proposed model utilizes financial parameters currently in the industry, respectively, in the analysis of homebuilding projects and rental property investments. Using the analytical methods used for analogous investment classes, the author calculates a projected market range of input variables for the model. Sensitivity analysis of the model was then used to test the financial feasibility of a build-to-rent product. The analysis showed that the proposed product would be feasible under ordinary market conditions. Additional recommendations for future research has been explored based on the findings of this study.