Thesis (doctoral)--Göteborg University, 2007. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted.

Thesis (MTech (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2005 / There is a realisation that new emphasis and added responsibilities are heing placed on professional consultants to involve local communities in the development process. The traditional hierarchical 'top-down" approach which characterised the way projects were initiated and managed by construction professionals in the past has lost favour with the Department of Public Works (DPW). It is therefore necessary for professionals to change their thinking, react and adapt to change. This will require a major paradigm shift on the part of the construction professional consultants. The World Bank advocates three measures to reform the provision of infrastructure services, namely wider application of commercial principles to service providers, broader use of competition, and increased involvement of users where commercial and competitive behaviour is constrained. The need for people involved in development to be placed in the centre also suggests the implementation of specific and intruding shifts in emphasis. Policies and strategies directed mainly at the control of natural settings, technological considerations, economic structures and demographic conditions have to be replaced by policies that take full cognisance of concomitant values, customs, social structures and political participation. The study examined the lack of community participation in current community development projects in South Africa which resulted in their diminished usefulness to beneficiary communities. The study had five main objectives namely (a) To highlight the importance of community participation in development projects through a theoretical study; (b) With the use of surveys establish whether community development projects involve the participation of the beneficiary community in all the stages of a project; (c) To show the Current project delivery systems enhance community participation; (d) To highlight the effect that community dynamics has on the process of delivering development projects and (e) Show through a survey that beneficiary communities do not accept ownership of projects unless they participate in these projects.

The purpose of the bulk infrastructure potential cost model is to provide a tool for planners to ensure the incorporation of bulk infrastructure cost considerations into the early, land suitability assessment phase of the integrated development planning process. In practice, infrastructure planning has generally tended to follow land use planning with infrastructure costs seeming to play no role in the generation of land use strategies. The output of the model is in the form of potential cost maps which facilitates the relative comparison of infrastructure costs for different density scenarios. Bulk engineering services infrastructure relating to water, sanitation and electricity have been included in the model. The theoretical underpinning of the model is threshold analysis. There are three essential elements of the bulk infrastructure cost model: threshold, density and cost. The manner in which the three pillars are incorporated into the model is through capacity analysis. The density levels set, convert into the number of additional person units required, which in turn translate into infrastructure capacity demand. Existing infrastructure network and facility design capacities are compared with current utilisation of infrastructure in order to quantify the capacity supply situation. The comparison of capacity demand with capacity supply determines whether or not additional infrastructure is required. If infrastructure is required, the required infrastructure investment is calculated. The resulting relative costs are mapped and incorporated into a wider land suitability assessment model to identify suitable land for low income residential development. The models are contextualised as Spatial Planning Support Systems, supporting a specific planning problem, with a strong spatial component, incorporating a multicriteria evaluation and cost model and being loosely-coupled with GIS. It is shown that although bulk infrastructure potential costs can be incorporated into the land suitability assessment process to enhance the land delivery decision making process, it is preferable to keep the cost analysis separate from the analysis of the more "softer" issues. Conclusion are made in relation to a number of key developmental issues: the sprawl/densification debate, land and housing policy issues, sustainability, integration, affordability and bulk services contribution rates. / Geography / D. (Philosophy)

A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Building to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / Payments are an essential component of construction contracts (Murdoch and Hughs, 2015). The nature of the payment regime has an effect on the contractor’s cash flow, project performance and therefore achievement of project objectives. Finance has been claimed as the most important resource in the construction process (Mawdesley et al., 1997). As such, proper financial planning to ensure healthy cash flow during the lifespan of a project is central to its performance and ultimate success. The obligation of an employer is to pay the contractor timeously, as per agreed payment plan and likewise the obligation of a contractor is to produce the build works according to an agreed schedule of works and to set standards of quality. Project finance in its totality is therefore of major importance to the progression of the construction process. Purpose - The main purpose of this study is to identify current problems in relation to late payment issues encountered by contractors that have been commissioned to construct public infrastructure for the government of South Africa. The paper seeks to highlight the extent of occurrence, to measure, and to assess the extent of late payment, in public infrastructure projects in the Gauteng Province. This study is done with a view to study the correlative relationship between the deviance in contractually scheduled payment time and time of actual payment and to identify factors that influence these. Design methodology and approach – With regard to research methods, the study adopts a mixed approach. Both Qualitative and Quantitative approaches to the study were adopted. This was done by collecting data through structured questionnaires and the research instruments administered to key personnel in the various Sector Departments as well as the Finance Department and the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development. Sample invoices were gleaned and scrutinized from 189 projects with regard to invoice payment data. Respondents were asked to provide information on Invoice Date, Date Invoice Received By Department and Date Invoice Paid On. This information was gathered for approximately half the total number of invoices received per project. Adopting a project by project approach, respondents were asked to provide data and causal factors linked to late payment. The results were then analyzed to determine significant relationships between late payment patterns and the factors that influence these. / XL2018

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy 31 March 2014 / This thesis was designed to examine the South African state’s capacity in the provision of basic services. State capacity is defined as the ability of the political system to enforce rules and deliver services. This reinforcement of control by the state over persons and resources within governments is critical for the performance of a political system. State capacity is therefore vital in ensuring that the provision of basic services is satisfactory and sustainable so as to optimise client satisfaction. Sedibeng is a District Municipality in one of the nine South African provinces called Gauteng Province. In spite of its rich and enduring political history and heavy industry, the situation in Sedibeng is partly attributable to the lack of adequate skills capacity with which to drive service delivery in the area. Within this context, this investigation sought to explore the role of state capacity in the provision of basic services to citizens at local government level by focusing on three local municipalities: Emfuleni, Midvaal and Lesedi. The research was underpinned by four inter-related and mutually reinforcing concepts positioned within the context of local government, namely skills capacity-building, leadership and governance, performance management and service delivery. This conceptual framework was based on the assumption that skills capacity-building is a catalyst or enabler in enhancing leadership, governance and the overall performance of organisations. A qualitative research approach through interviews, focus groups and document analysis was adopted. The researcher also used a case study design and its advantage is that, apart from it enabling understanding of the contextual issues impacting skills capacity-building, it also provided an ideal opportunity for the researcher to tap into the vast municipal experiences of Emfuleni, Midvaal and Lesedi. Of importance was the contribution of executive managers, senior managers and ward councillors regarding the state of skills capacity, the process followed to implement skills capacity and to learn whether skills capacity efforts have been used to improve employee performance in the provision of service. From the cross-case analysis involving the three municipalities, it emerged that despite the common difficulties encountered in organisational culture, resource for capacity-building initiatives, recruitment, selection and retention strategies and aligning skills capacity with the municipal strategic direction, the skills capacity-building initiatives were being implemented with some degree of success. The findings of the study concluded that although there had been significant progress in the implementation of skills capacity-building programmes in Emfuleni, Midvaal and Lesedi, it is not clear whether these training initiatives were producing the desired outputs across Sedibeng’s three municipalities as a step to provide and improve service delivery, as the scope, intensity and sustainability of these efforts varied markedly across the three local municipalities. The investigation also revealed that there was no evidence of monitoring and evaluation with intense feedback and review of the progress made through skills capacity-building. Further findings were the loss of skilled and highly experienced employees and managers, which undermined the organisational memory which is critical for strategic planning and effective service delivery in any institution. Even though the researcher had assumed that skills capacity-building was the most important ingredient in service delivery, the findings of the study revealed that training is not the only important variable needed to improve service delivery in local municipalities. Other crucial variables include the alignment of training with performance management, career management, reward systems, skills transfer, employee welfare and retention strategy for the protection and preservation of organisational memory. The study concludes that learning provides the intellectual basis which stimulates the impetus for effective and sustainable organisational memory, which in turn plays a key role in facilitating strategic planning, skills formation, staff motivation and retention to improve service delivery. This learning emphasises the important consideration to locate the problematic of organisational memory towards possible improvement of service delivery where skills capacity and other related factors play a major role. The contribution of this thesis to the body of knowledge is underpinned by the interface between learning and organisational memory as surfacing beyond skills capacity and as a necessity to enhance service delivery in municipalities. / MT2016

The purpose of the bulk infrastructure potential cost model is to provide a tool for planners to ensure the incorporation of bulk infrastructure cost considerations into the early, land suitability assessment phase of the integrated development planning process. In practice, infrastructure planning has generally tended to follow land use planning with infrastructure costs seeming to play no role in the generation of land use strategies. The output of the model is in the form of potential cost maps which facilitates the relative comparison of infrastructure costs for different density scenarios. Bulk engineering services infrastructure relating to water, sanitation and electricity have been included in the model. The theoretical underpinning of the model is threshold analysis. There are three essential elements of the bulk infrastructure cost model: threshold, density and cost. The manner in which the three pillars are incorporated into the model is through capacity analysis. The density levels set, convert into the number of additional person units required, which in turn translate into infrastructure capacity demand. Existing infrastructure network and facility design capacities are compared with current utilisation of infrastructure in order to quantify the capacity supply situation. The comparison of capacity demand with capacity supply determines whether or not additional infrastructure is required. If infrastructure is required, the required infrastructure investment is calculated. The resulting relative costs are mapped and incorporated into a wider land suitability assessment model to identify suitable land for low income residential development. The models are contextualised as Spatial Planning Support Systems, supporting a specific planning problem, with a strong spatial component, incorporating a multicriteria evaluation and cost model and being loosely-coupled with GIS. It is shown that although bulk infrastructure potential costs can be incorporated into the land suitability assessment process to enhance the land delivery decision making process, it is preferable to keep the cost analysis separate from the analysis of the more "softer" issues. Conclusion are made in relation to a number of key developmental issues: the sprawl/densification debate, land and housing policy issues, sustainability, integration, affordability and bulk services contribution rates. / Geography / D. (Philosophy)

The transport infrastructure investment has been a subject of many studies for some time, mainly in improving and predicting the economic growth of the country and improving employment in South Africa. Given this, the study examines the impact of transport infrastructure investment on unemployment in South Africa by using time series econometric analysis over the period 1982-2012. Some key variables considered include unemployment, real GDP, real exchange rate, real interest rate, and trade openness total infrastructure investment exclude transport infrastructure investment. To separate the long and short run effect, VECM was employed after ensuring stationarity of the series. The study found that a long run relationship exist between the unemployment, transport infrastructure investment, real GDP, real exchange rate , real interest rate, trade openness and total infrastructure investment exclude transport infrastructure investment. The Results of this thesis have implications for policy and academic work.

Since the mid 70’s politicians have realized how important transport has become in the economy of South Africa and the advantages it has on growth, job creation and infrastructure. The result was involvement in the rules and regulations that govern South African transport in our country today. Economic growth has become a critical factor for the survival of economies as well as the future prospects of generations to come. The global recession which had a direct and indirect effect on South Africa has highlighted the importance. The question on how the National Development Plan could have an influence on local and national economic growth has developed as well as what the impact will be of the contribution road transport can make on the growth of the South African society and the economy. When the current road transport sector is taken into consideration, the need for a constructive plan that can assist transporters, drivers and businesses to grow and expand has been identified. The purpose of this study is thus to determine what the current economic situation in the world and in South Africa is as well as how the current political spheres are contributing to the national economy. An in-depth analysis of the National Development Plan has been done with emphasis on the effect on transport in general and the effect on road transport in South Africa. In order to accomplish this objective a detailed literature study was done which highlighted the academics information that pertains to the above mentioned topics. An empirical study that would measure the thought process and feelings about the National Development Plan and road transport has been conducted by means of a questionnaire. The results of the study have indicated that the National Development Plan could be an important tool and could have an enormous positive effect on the overall economic situation of South Africa and its citizens. In addition, the study has revealed that in the long term the effect of the plan could be to the advantage of the road transport sector. Factors that could contribute to the success would be features such as the planned improvements on the main transport corridors, upgrade of infrastructure and the controlling of environmental matters would have give a positive ring to it. On the other hand, recommendations to rectify and improve other issues such as corruption, leadership, maintenance backlogs and stricter laws and policies have been identified that are hindering businesses to grow and expand. Literature and data gained through the empirical study has indicated that the National Development Plan will improve South Africa’s economic situation. Respondents were optimistic about the plan and the overall feeling were that the plan will succeed in improving the road transport sector thus contribute to the National Development Plan objective to eliminate poverty and inequality by 2030.

The aim of this research is to assess what kind of infrastructure provision hinders devel-opment in Keiskammahoek. The objective is to determine whether there is a contribution from government departments and the local development agency and how infra-structure development enhances economic activity in the area. The research findings suggest that the various spheres of government do not co-ordinate well when it comes to planning in the Keiskammahoek area. Funding is there through Municipal Infrastructure Grant Programmes and other funds, but it is not always used. There is potential for this small town to be a tourist destination, but more infra-structure development for this area need to be prioritised. The research findings also suggest that there are capacity issues within the municipality that slow down the implementation of infrastructure plans for Keiskammahoek. Various recommendations and suggestions for further research are made based on the research findings. The study has shown that Keiskammahoek’s infrastructure provision is insufficient to attract investors to stimulate economic growth in the area. The infrastructure funds the municipality can access are underused. The study used qualitative research approach that used purposive sampling through a semi-structured interview as a data collection tool. The researcher was able to get valuable information on informants who have worked with infrastructure programmes in various institutions.

spending is regarded to be one of the major contributors to economic growth. The purpose of the study was to investigate how infrastructure projects could engender professional skills development. The topic is focused on a human resource (HR) perspective as it is one of the knowledge areas in project management. In order to achieve the research objectives and also establish the breadth of the subject issues in the literature review, a qualitative methodology was employed. Interviews were conducted and the majority of the participants were working towards professional registration in the built environment professions. The empirical findings that emerged from the study show that the majority of the respondents agreed that HR units should be aware of the legislation related to professional training and education. The interviewees further elucidate that, although professional registration is the primary duty of the candidate, HR units should ensure that interns are doing what is in line with their professional requirements, according to different councils, to ensure compliance. However, the lack of a structured approach in administering training programmes is a key factor that contributes to the lack of development of professional skills on government sponsored infrastructure projects. This must be addressed to attain the desired professional development outcomes among historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) that are keen on professional registration and development in the built environment professions. Other empirical findings showed that most of the respondents showed some concern regarding job security with their present employment. They explained that once the status of professional registration is attained, securing employment in the industry should be relatively easy. South Africa needs a highly skilled workforce to ensure growth of the economy therefore HR departments in organisation should adapt a systematic approach in their HR planning in order to ensure skills are engendered to HDIs as well.