A research proposal submitted to the School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witswatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master of Science in Building (Project management), 2016. / The adoption rate of BIM (Building information Modelling) in South Africa is substantially lower than many other countries both developed and developing, which is surprising given BIM’s significant advantages particularly in automating clash detection within design information, which has been a significant challenge for designers and project managers. Such clashes between inter alia different building services and systems are frequently a major cause of cost overruns and delays on South African construction projects. The benefits of such BIM functionality may well be the necessary driving force behind BIM adoption. However, in adopting change, the industry is often slow and often requires clients and end users to drive change in a fragmented industry as they are often the parties that stands to benefit the most, and this is arguably true of BIM. This study focuses on private sector clients of the South African construction industry, and whether they have identified the potential of using BIM to minimise clashes between building services on their projects. The study reviewed literature on the current state of BIM adoption internationally and in South Africa along with the benefits of using BIM on projects in South Africa and abroad. The benefits of BIM adoption were summarised and were distributed to several pre-selected interviewees to read. Interviews were conducted based on a questionnaire that was set up drawn from client organisations in the private sector. The data was represented graphically and the outcomes of the interviews analysed. The interviewees were generally of the mind that they should not be the driving force behind BIM adoption. They all agreed that their consultants should implement any cost or time saving technology as a value added service to them. Keywords: BIM, Building Information Modelling, Clashes, Clash Detection, Property developers, Designers, Developers, Variations, / EM2017

A research project submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Building. / A Systematic Approach for Managing Design Changes on Global Collaborative Projects: A Case Study Analysis of Medupi Structural Steel Z Myeko The complexity of construction work means that it is hardly possible to complete a project without changes to the plans or the construction process. The complex construction projects are characterized by its schedule slip. Every project is liable to variations ranging from changes of the mind on the part of the client, or their consultant, to unforeseen problems raised by the main contractor or sub-contractor. The effects of frequent changes in design include difficulties in settling variation claims, disruption in the flow of production, dispute resolution and regrettably litigation which have their negative effects on the project’s completion time and cost. To ameliorate these negative effects on the execution of global collaborative projects, there is the need to implement a functional and effective design change management system. The effects of design changes on structural steel connection design, detailing and fabrication is conducted. Concrete works and other works are outside of the scope of this study. The research study is an applied research since its objective is to select and recommend the most appropriate design management tool or method, to solve an existing problem of a global collaborative project. The research involved collection of data from project managers, engineers, detailers and draftsmen involved in the design of the structural steel component of the project, therefore qualitative research was undertaken. The quota sampling method was chosen. The qualitative method consisted of a literature review and questionnaire. Relevant literature was reviewed in order to explore existing design management tools/methods. A mathematical tool for analysis of the data collected through the questionnaire was required in order to increase the validity and integrity of the data. This tool allowed for an analysis into the level of agreement or concordance between the respondents due to the fact that they were all from the same organization. The coefficient of concordance provided a reliable tool for measuring agreement or concordance between ranks in a rank structure. This further scientifically ascertained the reliability of the respondents. From the empirical and theoretical findings of the study, it was found that there is a need for a design management tool/method which would lead to less claims and disputes. It was found that global collaboration had a big impact on the magnitude of design changes. Through the research, a design management tool which most likely to manage design changes on global collaborative projects is determined.

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Science in Building to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Construction Economics and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / This study examines the lack of application of ethical values by construction project managers towards work activities under their control. At the same time, this study also examines the barriers preventing construction project managers from acting ethically. The non-application of ethical values by the construction project managers is resulting in an increase in the amount of rework during the construction process which is in turn impacting on the timeous completion of construction projects. Interpretivist and positivist research methodology was applied to this study through a single case study which was tested through a later set of interview questions. The case study took place at the Medupi Power Station construction project and composed of interviews and questionnaires distributed to construction project managers working on the Medupi Power Station site. The further interview questions took place in Johannesburg. The further interviews were undertaken to determine supporting evidence for the previous findings established through the initial data collected in the study. The findings of the study established that a failure of the construction project manager’s ethical values is resulting in an increase in the amount of rework occurring on a construction project which is having a negative impact on the successful timeous completion of these construction projects. The findings from this study further established that although there are current barriers in place to prevent construction project managers from acting unethically, the implementation of an ethical code of conduct would have a positive influence on the amount of rework that is currently occurring during the construction phase of construction projects. / XL2018

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Building, 2016. / This study aims to determine the barriers to effective risk management on small construction projects that exist within the South African construction industry. This was based on the realisation that few studies exist on risk management for small construction projects. This study sets out to fill this gap in the existing literatures with specific reference to the South African construction industry particularly for small projects. The research methodology was based on cross-sectional survey of registered industry practitioners with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) using a semi-structured questionnaire administered online. From 325 practitioners that viewed the online questionnaire, 57 responded, this translates to a response rate of 17.5%. The respondents rated the identified barriers to effective risk management, the perception that risk management implementation will impact on project performance and provided qualitative feedback on contractual and attitudinal issues pertaining to risk management implementation. The barriers identified as inhibiting effective risk management the most were lack of knowledge, complexity of analytical tools and lack of time. The research revealed that perception of key decision makers pertaining to risk management, impact on risk management implementation. The consensus from the participants was that implementing risk management would positively impact on project performance, especially quality performance. The results revealed that in the South African construction industry Sixty-nine percent of the practitioners indicated SMMEs lack the required skill to implement risk management effectively. Sixtynine percent of the practitioners indicated that risk is not allocated to the party best equipped to manage the risks. Lastly fifty-six percent of respondents noted that construction partnering and shared risk management may assist in overcoming the barriers to effective risk management implementation as presented in the current research. / EM2017

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Masters of Science in Building (Project Management in Construction) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Construction Economics and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / Purpose: There has been much assertion about how ISO 9001 facilitates TQM implementation among ISO 9001 registered construction companies. However, the success rate of TQM implementation among ISO 9001 registered companies varies. The aim of this study was to investigate TQM implementation among ISO 9001 registered construction companies in South Africa. Three objectives were also established to aid in achieving the aim. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey design using structured questionnaire to collect quantitative and qualitative data was adopted. Respondents were purposively sampled among ISO 9001 registered construction companies in South Africa. 70 completed questionnaires were obtained from the target of 100. Text-based (i.e., qualitative) data were analysed using qualitative content analysis while quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Findings: The main three findings include: (1) the prevalence of defining quality as meeting clients’ expectations and assessing quality through internal inspection; (2) highest level of agreement on TQM being implemented through checking design conformance to standards and lowest level of agreement on formal training on TQM; and (3) customer feedback exercises and supplier relationship were indicated as being the least implemented ISO 9001 principles. Implications: The main practical implication of this study is identifying how TQM is being implemented among ISO 9001 registered construction companies in South Africa and the challenges they face. The main theoretical implication is being able to add to the existing studies validating ISO 9001 registered construction companies can and should implement TQM across their processes. Limitations: The main limitation has been restricted to not collecting data on the professional backgrounds and years of experience of the study participants. A finding during the pilot testing necessitated the preference to indicate job roles as against professional backgrounds. / XL2018

This study was based on the findings of an evaluation of the implementation of construction learnerships in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The learnership programme in the EPWP (or Contractor Learnership Programme) forms construction firms which include one learner contractor and two site supervisors. The research focused on the eThekwini Vuk’uphile I Learnership Programme. This was aimed at developing sustainable emerging contractors and job creation. The overall purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the implementation of the eThekwini Vuk’uphile I Learnerships Programme. A survey design was used for this research, using questionnaires to gather data and which sought both quantitative and qualitative (or triangulation) information from the sample in order to bring out views from a variety of key stakeholders. The research found positive results reflecting well on the training providers involved in the implementation of the eThekwini Vuk’uphile I. The programme reached three-quarters of the target populations who were youths, women and historically disadvantaged. The local newspapers were the most effective source of knowledge about the existence of the eThekwini Vuk’uphile I Programme. Finally, the study found that the overall implementation was successful. This is because the contractors were able to sustain their firms beyond the learnership programme. However, as a pilot project, eThekwini Vuk’uphile I experienced considerable challenges. The main problems concerning the implementation were availability of suitable projects in time, commitment and buy-in of stakeholders, mentors in short supply, and learner contractor/ learner supervisor disputes on profits. The findings suggest that these problems need to be dealt with by (1) refining recruitment and selection, (2) involving key stakeholders during the planning stage, (3) identifying projects prior learnership implementation, (4) improving the adversarial relationship between contractors and supervisors, and (5) designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation framework. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

Thesis (MTech (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2005 / Workers in the construction industry are often exposed to ergonomic challenges. Some of the most unfavourable ergonomic practices include bending and twisting of the body, lifting and handling of heavy materials and equipment. Working above shoulder and head and below the knee levels. Despite provisions made in various legislations about compliance with the health and safety of the construction workforce, many employers still do not comply and are not changing the way construction activities are carried out. It was argued that some of the unfavourable ergonomic challenges such as repetitive and awkward work routines might lead to strains, sprains, musculo-skeletal disorders and carpal tunnel syndrome and that these problems could contribute to absenteeism and reduced site productivity. This study sought to establish the pervasiveness of ergonomic challenges and the extent to which the construction workforce are exposed to these challenges. Empirical studies using the philosophically positivistic paradigm and epistemologically objectivist method of on-site observation of construction workforce activity were conducted on purposively chosen samples of bricklayers, plasterers, painters and their helpers. The purpose remained to count and record body movements of the said workers over 30 minute intervals. Alongside the observations, interviews were conducted to establish what views and perceptions the workmen had with regard to the effect their daily work had on their bodies. The results revealed that the extent and effect of unfavourable ergonomic exposures vary from trade to trade. For instance, bricklayers bent their bodies more than any other worker while plasterers did more work below the knee than their counterparts. In the same vein painters stretched their bodies and worked above their shoulders and heads more than their counterparts. Further extrapolation of the data over the working life of the tradesmen and their helpers exposed the magnitude of the ergonomic exposures and the likely effects that these exposures would have on their bodies and health. For instance, the bricklayer and plasterer would have to bend and twist their bodies a record 5 million times in their 20 year working lives. The painter would be exposed to 3 million and 4 million times respectively of bending and twisting his/her body within the same 20-year period. The main conclusion was that currently construction activity exposes the workforce to unprecedented unfavourable ergonomic practices. The recommendations were that management should take the health and safety of their workforce seriously and that the worker cohort should have direct intervention into the design and implementation of favourable ergonomic work practices at their workface.

M.Ing. / Recent studies in developed countries such as the United States of America and United Kingdom proved that the design-build procurement method experiences extraordinary growth. In the Far East this approach is also gaining in popularity. The recently completed 414 million pound Pergau Hydroelectric Project in Malaysia, is an excellent example, where design-build was used most effectively to the benefit of all role players. This research seeks to determine the position of design-build in the building and civil engineering fields in South Africa. Questionnaires and personal interviewing were used to collect the primary data. The main findings of this South African research are: (1)Approximately 29% of building and civil engineering projects are delivered by the design-build approach; (2)Design-build was overwhelmingly preferred as procurement method; (3)Design-build can lead to: shorter project duration; reduction in cost; enhanced constructability of the design; better relations and less disputes and claims; (4)This concept also has the advantage of single-point responsibility; (5)It can be used on any size project; (6)The main concerns were: high cost for bidding, especially of the design function; lack of an appropriate form of contract; a well-defined scope of the work is essential; (7)Respondents perceived a bright future for design-build in South Africa. Design-build has the potential to integrate the functionally separate groups of the traditional project team, which can lead to better co-operation and relations. This can ultimately result in an improvement in the three critical project performance criteria, i.e. time, cost and quality.

Central to the sustainable and competitive growth of the South African construction industry is a predictable cash flow through on time payment by clients to contractors. However, chronic late payments, a recurring problem in the industry, especially in the public sector, is bringing untold hardship to contractors by derailing their competitiveness and also eroding the trust among the supply chain partners to the extent that some firms end up closing business in the industry. The situation is viewed from the lean construction perspective as an obstacle that is preventing the accrual of the required value to project parties in the construction industry. This research addresses the causes of late payments to contractors and the role of the quantity surveyor (QS) in terms of influencing early payment from a lean construction perspective. A mixed method approach was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Sequentially, one hundred and two (102) quantitative and twelve (12) interview questionnaires were administered to selected contractors and construction professionals working predominantly on public sector projects. The findings revealed that the approval process for evaluation and certification by the client- appointed agent and intermediary institutions is taking longer than contractually allowed, with parties independently undertaking their evaluation prior to the certification date. This is found to be adverse to achieving consensus on the values of the works for authorisation. Other significant barriers are the lack of funds to authorise payment, random auditor general’s documentation changes, lack of administrators’ system integration and capacity to handle cyclical payment processing. Also, contractors have been found to be in default of timeously submitting complete claim documents. It is therefore recommended that the client agents should partner with the contractor in regular design and documentation reviews, arranging the payment process and should also meet jointly to prepare monthly evaluations. In addition, contractors should be mentored from the onset of the project regarding all the necessary documentation and supporting documents that will be required by the client to ensure that payment approvals are not delayed. The payment authori-sation agent’s capacity should be enhanced through training and improved powers as a singular point of control to perform efficiently and their systems and processes should be integrated to ensure that all parties are implementing the same protocols.

Much research work has assessed the construction process and discovered that the process is ineffective and besieged with problems. Analysis of these problems has shown that a major part of them are related to the state and workings of the supply chains. Prior research justifies that waste and problems in construction supply chains are extensively present and persistent. This anomaly may be ascribed to the nature of the industry. Horizontal integration that is common place in the construction industry tends to fragment the supply chain, resulting in an unstable production environment occasioned by high unpredictability, much rework, low profits and eventual low level of value creation in the process. Therefore, an increased level of integration of interfaces and processes has been canvassed. The purpose of supply chain management is to achieve the expected increased level of integration of the whole supply chain. Supply chain management is a concept that has flourished in the manufacturing industry through Just in Time production and logistics. Supply chain management represents an autonomous managerial tool, though still largely dominated by logistics. Supply chain management has long been advocated as a means of improving the performance of supply chains in construction. This research study reports on an investigation into the impact of supply chain management on value creation in the South African construction industry. The research discovered that collaborative working is already in the industry and contractors consider supply chain management important for project success. Here construction supply chains were approached from the relationship view point. All issues are encouraged to be viewed and resolved in the supply chain from the relationship perspective.