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Selective privatization of security: why American strategic leaders choose to substitute private security contractors for national military forceStanley, Bruce Edwin January 1900 (has links)
Doctor of Philosophy / Security Studies Program / Jeffrey Pickering / Ideas about why US foreign policy actors have turned ever more frequently to private military contractors (PMCs) and private security contractors (PSCs) over the past decade and a half abound. Descriptive accounts of the rise of these corporations have become something of a cottage industry over the past decade or so. The various ideas advanced have yet to be placed under rigorous empirical scrutiny, however. This dissertation builds from the existing descriptive literature to advance a new theoretical framework to explain the rise of private contractors. It analyzes this framework as well as alternative ideas using both quantitative and qualitative analysis, marking the first time this important subject has been systematically examined with both social science methods.
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An exploratory study to improving project success through contractor-project manager planning in South Africa: a collaborative approachEgwuonwu, Ginika 13 July 2016 (has links)
Research Report submitted to
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
University of Witwatersrand
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Masters of Science
April 2015 / One of the causes of projects failing to meet their budget and schedule expectations is poor contractor
performance. Small-medium sized contractors in the South African construction industry are faced
with challenges such as poor management of cash flows, poor access to credit, not having enough
capital to drive the project from their own coffers, challenges in obtaining finance, poor planning,
challenges with getting competent staff, poor administrative capabilities, lack of experience and poor
education, lack of management skills in general and the influence of the client such as imposing
unrealistic deadlines. The competencies of the construction project manager are imperative to
achieving project success in terms of meeting budget and time expectations. The specific competency
of the construction project manager for handling small-medium sized contractors in South Africa are
critical analysis, judgement, resource management, engaging communication and motivation.
This study explores the need for a collaborative planning framework between small medium sized
contractors and the construction project manager in South Africa, to address poor technical and
managerial skills of small-medium sized contractors
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Relationship quality and service quality between contractor and construction clientSingh, Evashne January 2017 (has links)
Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of M.Sc. (Building) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Construction Economics and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / Purpose
Existing studies demonstrate that contractors have not fully embraced the idea of forming relationships with their clients and providing superior service quality through improved project performance. Performance on projects has been poor and client contractor relationships have become adversarial as a result of the short term, profit orientated approach adopted by many construction firms. To improve client value and construction business sustainability, it is necessary that construction firms adopt a client- orientated approach to managing projects and this can be achieved through understanding the client’s needs closely. In line with the foregoing, the aim of the current research is to investigate South African public sector construction client’s perspectives on relationship quality between contractors and construction clients and their perceived shortcomings in service quality. Having this understanding will help contractors improve their service quality and their relationship with clients. This is likely to improve the competitiveness of contracting firms, thereby improving business sustainability.
Methodology/ Approach
A survey research design was adopted for this study. Adopting a semi-structured mailed questionnaire survey, 45 different construction client representatives, from 11 public sector organisations in South Africa were approached, out of which 10 client representatives of different roles and responsibilities responded (22% response rate). Public sector clients targeted were those who have mainly worked with contractors undertaking medium to large scale construction projects. The respondents incorporated project managers/ leaders and middle and senior management who have experience on construction projects. Initial contact was made telephonically and this was followed by the distribution of survey questionnaires through email.
Findings
Based on the responses from client representatives, the primary factors influencing relationship quality between client and contractor was found to be open and honest communication, followed by trust and fairness. The primary shortcoming in service quality was found to be competency, followed by a lack of open and honest communication. Competency related shortcomings incorporated the contractor’s inability to manage resources, time and cost on projects. The findings have also revealed that a small percentage of public sector clients are aware of the problems in service quality and have started to consider alternative procurement approaches to offset performance related risks and consequently, improve contractor client relationship quality and service quality. However, some public sector clients still support traditional procurement approaches and others are not knowledgeable on how ongoing challenges in relationship quality and service quality may be mitigated though adopting appropriate procurement strategies.
Practical Implications
Client contractor relationships are likely to improve when there is open and honest communication at all times and where there is a level of trust between contractors and clients. Service quality is likely to improve if contractor competence issues are addressed to effect better service quality through improved project delivery. Contractors engaging in open and honest communication with their clients is also likely to improve the service quality of contractors. To effect change it is necessary for clients to consider alternative procurement approaches to achieve better service quality and client contractor relationships. The consultant’s role becomes pivotal in ensuring quality service delivery and harmonious client contractor relationships.
Originality
This research adds to the limited studies in South Africa on the client’s perspectives on relationship quality and service quality. It bridges a gap in the previous studies, which have not investigated public sector clients’ views on relationship quality and service quality.
Keywords: Construction Industry, Construction Projects, Contractor Performance, Relationships, Service quality / MT2018
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Development of Previously Disadvantaged Individual subcontractors in Public Private partnershipsMokoala, Joseph Rapula January 2017 (has links)
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 / Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are an innovative method to deliver infrastructural projects without government having to use public funds for funding capital projects. This innovative method has been adopted worldwide and has yielded the intended results, more especially in European countries. This innovative method provides government with an opportunity to focus on governing and take advantage of skills and funding from the private sector to fund capital-intensive infrastructural projects.
Within the South African context, all PPPs are required to comply with the requisites of the BEE Code of Good Practice for PPPs, which states that 10% of the bid weight will be allocated for compliance in terms of BEE. Over the years, this requirement has been met for the majority of PPP projects that reached financial close and complied with the requirements promulgated by the South African Government as a tool to promote, develop and empower up-and-coming entities.
The aim of this study was to investigate the economic advancement occasioned by PPPs on Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) subcontracting. This was attained through the use of a case study method as a result of the type of questions and objectives to be met.
The study revealed that PPP projects are compliant with the BEE Code of Good Practice for PPPs. However, the requirements are not specific and clear in the PPP agreement to facilitate better monitoring and evaluation.
Keywords: Previously Disadvantaged Individuals, Subcontracting, Black Economic Empowerment, Public Private Partnerships / XL2018
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Sistemas de gestão ambiental em empresas construtoras de edifícios. / Environmental management systems at contractors.Degani, Clarice Menezes 04 August 2003 (has links)
Os empreendimentos de construção civil são um dos maiores causadores de impactos ao meio ambiente. Essa pesquisa justifica-se assim pela necessidade da minimização de tais impactos e do desenvolvimento de ferramentas para a gestão ambiental, aplicáveis no âmbito das empresas construtoras. A aplicabilidade de sistemas de gestão ambiental em empresas construtoras de edifícios é determinada por meio da caracterização dos aspectos ambientais de seu processo produtivo e também da discussão do panorama político e legislativo, setorial e acadêmico, que demonstram a tendência por uma construção mais sustentável. A análise dos elementos propostos pela norma ISO 14001:1996 também justifica a opção pela gestão ambiental em empresas construtoras, uma vez que se apresenta como uma forma coerente e viável de padronizar a ação destas empresas sobre os aspectos ambientais identificados. E, finalmente, para ilustrar a aplicabilidade de sistemas de gestão ambiental em empresas construtoras de edifícios é proposta uma metodologia específica integrando os conceitos da gestão ambiental à gestão da qualidade e atuando sobre os seus pontos críticos. Como fundamentos para a elaboração desta metodologia, é feita uma análise das similaridades entre os sistemas de gestão e, principalmente, uma análise das experiências observadas nos estudos de caso e nos depoimentos apresentados por empresas construtoras, incluindo a observância de suas especificidades, necessidades e dificuldades. / The necessity to minimize the environmental impacts that come from construction activities, the existence of environmental management tools and available site solutions, they all justify this research. The applicability of environmental management systems at contractors is presented by characterizing the environmental aspects of production, and also by showing the political, legal, industrial and academic scenario. This information illustrates and represents the tendency of sustainable construction. The analysis of the elements proposed by the ISO 14001:1996 also justifies the option to implement environmental management at contractors, once it presents a coherent and applicable way to standardize these organizations' actions concerning the identified environmental aspects. And finally, to demonstrate the applicability of environmental management systems at contractors, a specific methodology is proposed, integrating the environmental management concepts into quality management and acting on their crucial issues. The analysis of the similarities found between these two management systems and, mainly, the analysis of the experiences observed on case studies and speeches presented by contractors, including their specificities, necessities and difficulties, they both have worked as a basis for this methodology elaboration.
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Diretrizes para a implantação da gestão estratégica de suprimentos em empresas construtoras. / Guidelines for strategic sourcing implementation at construction companies.Moratti, Tathyana 19 April 2010 (has links)
Todo e qualquer empreendimento começa a se materializar na área suprimentos de uma empresa, sendo a principal função de esta área adquirir os materiais e serviços que compõem os empreendimentos. A gestão de suprimentos estabelecida para um determinado empreendimento pode fazer com que este tenha, ou não, um bom desempenho, bem como possibilitar que a execução seja mais eficiente e eficaz. Esta gestão, além de ser a mais adequada para a execução do empreendimento, deve também refletir a estratégia da organização, para que seja garantida a vantagem competitiva escolhida. Dada a sua importância, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar as principais diretrizes envolvidas para a implantação da gestão estratégica de suprimentos em empresas construtoras. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica a respeito dos temas: gestão da cadeia de suprimentos, gestão de suprimentos e gestão estratégica de suprimentos. Em seguida, foi realizado um estudo das características do setor da construção e de suas respectivas gestão da cadeia de suprimentos e gestão de suprimentos. Para que fossem identificadas as diretrizes, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica a cerca dos processos envolvidos na gestão estratégica de suprimentos, em geral. As diretrizes foram então identificadas considerando as características do setor da construção, bem como os processos da gestão estratégica de suprimentos investigados. Ao final desta pesquisa são apresentadas as conclusões e sugestões para pesquisas futuras. Com a identificação destas diretrizes, espera-se contribuir para que a gestão de suprimentos em empresas construtoras seja tratada, cada vez mais, de forma estratégica, agregando valor ao processo construtivo e conseguindo tornar factíveis alguns conceitos da gestão da cadeia de suprimentos. / All and any project starts to turn real in the purchasing department, which has the main function of supplying the projects materials and services. The supply management established for a project can determine its performance as well as make the constructions more efficient and effective. This management must even be the most appropriated to the construction; either reflects the organization strategy to ensure the chosen competitive advantage. Due to its importance, this research objective is to identify the main guidelines involved at the strategic sourcing implementation in construction companies. At first, a bibliographical research was accomplished considering the themes: supply chain management, supply management and strategic sourcing. Afterwards, it was made a study about the characteristics of the construction industry and its supply chain management and supply management. In order to identify the guidelines, it was made a bibliographic research about the strategic sourcing processes. The guidelines were identified considering the construction industry characteristics and the strategic sourcing processes searched. At the end of this research, are presented the conclusions and the suggestions to orientate further researches. By the guidelines identification, it is expected to contribute to contractors supply management to be, more than ever, administered with a strategic view, adding value to the construction process and making feasible some supply chain management constructs.
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Sources of disputes in South African construction contracts and the resolution techniques employed between clients and contractorsSithole, Bryne Mandlenkosi January 2016 (has links)
A dissertation report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Building (in the Field of Project Management).
School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2016 / Disputes are a common characteristic of the construction industry, the underlying sources of disputes, most frequent dispute resolution techniques employed and the responsiveness of the industry towards the available techniques was explored including detailed literature review on disputes in the construction industry. Disputes can lead to the significant waste of resources on contracts; and they thereby undermine the concepts of sustainability and value-for-money in contracts, thus affecting the overall health of the construction industry. The methodology involved interviews conducted among professionals with experience, review of published cases, contracts and media reports on disputes in the construction industry. The scarcity of research in this field is discussed and the empirical work on the sources of disputes, dispute resolution techniques and proficiency in the industry was reviewed. It is concluded that contractual issues need more attention to deter disputes occurrence, while negotiation, arbitration and litigation techniques dominate the industry. The industry lacks professionals with dispute resolution skills, therefore workshops and stringent policies are needed to advise the professionals to acquire the skills for the development and improvement of commercial relationships in contracts. / MT2017
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The Effects of Downsizing on Organizational Culture in the Newspaper IndustrySweeney, Marcella 01 January 2016 (has links)
The purpose of this case study was to explore the effects of downsizing on organizational culture based on the perceptions of contractors who work for an independent distributor in a large metropolitan city in the southern United States. Organizational culture is important to a company's overall success. Organizational culture theory was the basis for the conceptual framework of this study. Using a purposeful sampling approach and methodological triangulation of sources, 3 newspaper delivery contractors who experienced downsizing described their lived experiences. Participants completed the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) and a qualitative questionnaire. The OCAI survey results were scored and depicted graphically using organizational culture profiles. Qualitative data were analyzed and coded, revealing 14 themes that described the pre and postdownsizing culture types, the preferred culture type, and the effects of downsizing on organizational culture. The findings of this study revealed that downsizing can affect organizational culture in both positive and negative ways and that contractors' experiences differed from those of employees. The results of this study may influence positive social change by highlighting the need for leaders to assess the organizational culture before, during, and after a downsizing event to ensure that a preferred culture is created or preserved to minimize the negative effects of downsizing. A preferred culture could promote a more effective working environment, benefiting the company, its workers, and by extension the industry and society.
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The Effects of Risk Attitude on Competitive Sucess in the Construction IndustryKim, Hyung Jin 2009 August 1900 (has links)
This dissertation investigates the latent but critical effects of risk attitude on
competitive success in construction applying an evolutionary approach. The approach
considers contractors as individual entities competing with each other for common job
opportunities, and competition as an evolutionary process in the market.
In construction, competitive bidding is the major mechanism of competition.
Bidding itself is an important managerial function in a construction organization while it
is risky since the actual cost of a job is unknown. Therefore, contractors' risk-taking in
competition is an essential element in the construction business.
Individuals may behave differently in competition depending on their own risk
attitude which defines what risks can be accepted or not in an organization. Depending
on the differences in risk-taking, the result of a competition varies. How contractors
compete, that is, how they take risks in competition affects the competition among
themselves. Also, contractors' performance is differentiated through competition to decide successful firms and unsuccessful firms. The current study investigates the
effects of risk attitude, which is the latent basis for contractors' different behaviors in
competition.
The current investigation is unique in that it combines: 1) an evolutionary
approach; 2) behavioral decision-making under uncertainty; 3) multi-level analyses from
the individual to the aggregate; and 4) a long-term perspective on firms' success and
life-cycles (birth, death, survival, growth, contraction, and market diversification). The
developed evolutionary model simulates and analyzes competition among contractors in
the competitive bidding environment. A new method is proposed to represent
contractors' different risk-taking behaviors depending on their own risk attitude. The
analysis accounts for contractors' differences in risk-taking, their performances through
competition, and corresponding organizational changes in life-cycles at the individual
level, and aggregate patterns evolving at the population level as resultants of competition
over long time periods.
The study finds that risk attitude is a latent but dominant competitive
characteristic of contractors by identifying the critical effects of risk attitude on
competitive success. The results provide new insights on competition and
recommendations for contractors' competitive success, which are not available using
conventional approaches.
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Perceptions Of Turkish Contractors Toward Iso 9001 Quality, Iso 14001 Environmental And Ohsas 18001 Occupational Health And Safety Management SystemsInce, Elif 01 December 2006 (has links) (PDF)
The objective of this thesis is to reveal the perception of the Turkish contractors toward ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environmental and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems using questionnaires. All of the companies participating in the survey have already been ISO 9000 certified. Thus, the questionnaire prepared included more
details for the Quality Management System. The results of the questionnaire outcomes are statistically analysed.
Analysis of the survey results show that the most common motivators of Management Systems for Turkish contractors are to qualify to tender for local and international projects and to increase competitiveness in overseas markets, however the vision approach of top management is not less
important than the financial issues. Most of the companies stated that they implement Management Systems as a part of their improvement strategy as well. This proves that the companies are aware of the benefits of certification
in the long term period.
Although the most expected advantages of the systems are qualification to tender for projects both locally and internationally, as well as gaining competitive advantage, it has been observed that other benefits are realizedby the Turkish contractors such as / more systematic record keeping, higher company prestige, increased client satisfaction.
The major disadvantages realized by practicing the Management Systems are increased documentation and workload. The solution is proposed as to set an internal network and to integrate the systems to reduce paperwork.
In conclusion, all of the Management Systems were believed to be as useful tools and Turkish contractors think that their advantages overcome disadvantages.
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