Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects are becoming more complex in terms of client requirements, stakeholder issues, physical, budget and time constraints, and safety and environmental concerns. These constraints have spawned ad-hoc innovations in some AEC projects, without structured frameworks for their assessment, resulting in varying success for these innovations. The primary goal of the thesis is to test an existing framework for evaluating innovative design and construction technologies for high-rise buildings by way of a case-study. The case study is a48-story structure (with an 8-level sub-grade parkade) in a downtown setting with significant constraints and challenges. Unlike most other assessment frameworks which are single-issue based (financial, cost, time or risk), a holistic method that captures a broad range of critical issues at the micro and macro levels is used to screen a number of construction innovations. The process highlights the primary difficulty in balancing stakeholder issues, technical/engineering requirements and project goals in assessing the overall feasibility and net benefits of an innovation. As a useful tool, it facilitates the engineering/technical judgment of proposed innovations and provides evidence of a sufficient trade-off between incremental 'cost and benefits' to justify a detailed evaluation and possible subsequent use of a subset of the innovations that passed successfully through a tiered first stage evaluation process. A secondary objective is to propose appropriate quantitative models for a detailed evaluation of the screened technologies that not only seeks to quantify incremental cost and benefits (e.g. time, increased revenue, etc.) but also assess the level of certainty (in benefits and cost) of innovative construction technologies. An illustrative evaluation provides insights as to the level of modeling and analysis required to evaluate an innovative or novel strategy both at the 'activity/work package' and project levels. The quantum of data required at the pre-construction planning stage coupled with the lack of easy to apply evaluation models probably accounts for the non-prevalence of detailed quantitative evaluation of innovative construction technologies on AEC projects, especially in terms of impact at the project level and the degree of certainty with which net benefits are likely to be achieved. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate

The decline of sustainable farming in the past twenty years in the villages of Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province is a cause for concern as this has resulted in reduced food security and increased levels of poverty and unemployment in the villages. As this decline continues to escalate even to date, this study was intended to investigate the role that could be played by the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute in the reduction of poverty through sustainable agricultural activities in these villages. Using a case study of Kubusi village in Amahlathi Local Municiplality, data was gathered through interviewing farming and non-farming households as well as the extension officer for Kubusi village and Dohne officials in order to understand the reasons for and the nature of the decline in farming activities in the villages. The study was conducted against the background of sustainable liveIihood (SL) theory. Important findings revealed that economic factors, primarily lack of money to buy fence and hire tractors to plough are primary causes for the decline, this followed by the effects of global warming and the lack of interest by the young generation to participate in crop farming. The study recommends that the government of the Eastern Cape should intervene through the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute in reskilling rural people in modern farming methods and assisting rural farmers with inputs, primarily fence, tractors and irrigation systems.

This study assessed the role of agricultural projects in poverty alleviation at Ngqushwa local municipality. These projects are very important for poverty alleviation and to fight the growing levels of unemployment in the Eastern Cape. Despite the advantages of these projects, there are challenges that impact negatively on the implementation of these projects such as conflict, lack of resources, market failure and these projects are too disconnected. Consequently, the projects do not achieve their intended objectives and there are high levels of dissatisfaction among project members. The study was conducted in two wards of Ngqushwa local municipality, and two projects were selected from each ward and ten members were selected from each project and the total number of a sample for the study was forty project members. The research utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected through questionnaires, document analysis and observations. The sampling method that was used to select respondents or participants was purposive. The findings of the study indicated that agricultural projects in this area did not bring about any significant reduction in poverty, and they did not bring about any significant economic development. The study also revealed that there was lack of community participation in matters pertaining to community development and lack of support by all relevant stakeholders which resulted in failure at the implementation phase. The researcher also discovered that the poverty alleviation approach was mainly focused on one type of project, other than looking at other avenues to ensure that those who do not have interest in food gardens are given alternative opportunities like cattle farming. In view of these findings, the study recognises a need for empowerment in terms of knowledge and skills, understanding and resource management of agricultural projects. The study thus recommended that community members should be actively involved in community development projects. Additionally, the study recommended for the establishment or formulation of new policies or amendments of the existing policies in order to boost agriculture in rural areas so as to be able to alleviate poverty effectively.

Amongst other socio-economic challenges that South Africa has, unemployment still remains high; in July 2010 unemployment was at 25.3 percentage and in July 2011 it was at 25.7 percentage ; in a space of a year it grew by 0.4 percentage (Trading Economics, 2012). Even though South Africa has made some significant progress with its democracy; there is still significant socioeconomic problems. Poverty, lack of economic empowerment among the disadvantaged groups are amongst and lack of proper education are amongst some of these pressing challenges in South Africa. More than a quarter of South Africa's population currently receives social grants (Index mundi, 2011). The Eastern Cape Province is still faced with significant socio-economic challenges such as high unemployment rate. 74 percentage unemployed are the economically active group as they are under the age of 35 (ECDC, 2011:22). “More than a quarter (26.4 percentage) of households in the Eastern Cape relies on government grants as their main source of income. Nationally, the youth unemployment rate is estimated to be close to 35 percentage, with more than three million young people out of work. Youth unemployment in the Eastern Cape averages 41.4 percentage. This is more than twice the adult unemployment rate (18.4 percent). A total of 695,175 young people have been without work every year in the Eastern” (ECDC, 2010-2011: 23). Besides, this province has a third largest number of people who are living with HIV/AIDS in the country. These statistics have a major significance on the province’s economic prospects and progress (ECDC, 2010-2011:22). The RSA Constitution 1996, the White Paper on Local Government 1998 has mandated local governments to facilitate LED. South Africa adopted LED as a way of fighting poverty and stimulating economic growth and development for local residents. LED is promoting skills development, SMMEs and tourism to encourage economic development. However the success of LED has received mixed views in that; some successes of LED were recorded in urban or metropolitan municipalities. Few successes have been recorded of LED projects in rural municipalities. Some of the constraints of LED consist of capacity problems within the municipalities, understanding the role of LED in the municipality and lack of funding. In Makana Municipality, about 23 percentage of households live below poverty line of (R800.00 – R9600 a year). Most of the population earns between R801.00-R1600.00 per month with 24.7 percentage. A mere 0.6 percentage earn R204801.00 or more compared to 12.7 percentage with no income. Inadequate infrastructure poses as a threat to attracting and retaining investment in this municipality. In light of the above paragraphs, this thesis evaluated the impact assessment of the LED projects within Makana Municipality. The premise of this thesis is that realization and significant support of LED projects would impact positively on unemployment and poverty rate that this municipality is facing and subsequently; the burden of unemployment and poverty will be reduced in the region, province and country.

Presently, owners are interested in evaluating the feasibility of investing in the construction of new building projects based on cost and time constraints. They need to therefore have an idea about the project construction costs, the time required to finish construction of a project in its conceptual phase, and about the implementation of feasibility study. Because due to associated risks, construction cost estimates and schedules are vital to any project. The research’s objective is to develop a methodology that can be used to create an integrated computer model that helps owners and designers generate construction cost estimates, and derive the baseline schedule for any proposed building project at its feasibility stage. All the relevant data used within the model is collected from the literature and is stored in comprehensive databases designed for this purpose. The data is based on 2011 RSMeans publications and consist of around 4,000 previously constructed projects. The model is developed in a Microsoft environment using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Microsoft Project 2007. This model uses deterministic and stochastic approaches to execute all necessary calculations for the conceptual cost estimate and baseline schedule. A deterministic approach relies on realistic data while a stochastic one relies on incorporating the uncertainty and risk available in calculating the cost and duration of any construction building project. The model is user friendly, flexible and executes all the necessary calculations quickly. The successful development of the model would help owners and investors identify the cost and baseline schedule of proposed projects at the early stages of the project life, so that they have an idea of the budget required for construction and the time needed to recover their investment.

Approximately half of the information systems (IS) projects implemented each year are considered failures. These failed projects cost billions of dollars annually. Failures can be due to projects being delivered late, over-budget, abandoned after significant time and resource investment, or failing to achieve desired results. More often than not, the failure of a project is not due to technical issues, but due to social and business-related problems. These issues can include a communication breakdown and lack of participation by project stakeholders; lack of a business case and success criteria for a project; failure to review project status, delays and revisions; and unrealistic schedules. While educators cannot address the issue of project failure in information systems directly, they can target the need to build collaboration skills and sensitivity to project business and social issues in students. The building of these skills and sensitivities can lead to more effective project team members and managers. Conversely, there is little evidence that higher education prepares students to be collaborators. One goal of this research was to determine to what extent students demonstrated group knowledge construction through online discussion of project issues presented in a real-world business scenarios. The Interaction Analysis Model for Examining Social Construction of Knowledge in Computer Conferencing (IAM) was chosen to measure group knowledge construction through discussions in a series of project problem scenarios. A second goal was to determine to what extent the knowledge construction through group discussion increases students' perceived level of awareness of information systems projects' social and business issues. Both goals of this research were realized to some extent. This study demonstrated that by the use of scenarios to expose students to typical social and business causes of failure in information systems projects, awareness of these issues could be enhanced between the pre-test and post-test groups. This study also demonstrated that through participation in discussion groups, individuals can demonstrate significant growth in collaboration skills. Further research should examine a population that has more balance with regard to gender of the participants, and should consider the influence of "guided reflection" provided by instructors.

Thesis (M.Dev) --University of Limpopo, 2010. / This study focuses on the poverty alleviation projects established in Fetakgomo Municipality which forms part of the Sekhukhune District in the Limpopo Province. The aim is to assess whether or not these projects are sustainable. The objectives of the study are: to find out how the projects are designed and implemented; to examine project resources used for sustainability; to establish the extent of the benefits which members derive from the projects and to recommend measures which could improve the manner in which the projects are managed. Sustainability concept is seeking more attention throughout the world today. Sustainable development is crucial if the world hopes to use the natural resources in a manner that future generations will also have these resources to fulfil their own demands. This study focuses on the assessment of the sustainability of Poverty Alleviation Projects because they play an important role in job creation and provide food security. It is, therefore, imperative to assess the sustainability of these projects. Furthermore it is important to promote awareness and implementation of sustainable development. The consequences of unsustainable development have a social, economical and environmental negative impact. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires, and interviews. The findings in the study indicate that most poverty alleviation projects are not sustainable. Sustainability and sustainable development need skilled and well trained project coordinators. Most projects are managed by unskilled or semi skilled project co-ordinators because there is no proper recruitment of these coordinators. Furthermore there are no properly trained Financial Officers who can manage the finance and donations of the projects effectively and efficiently. Some of the projects do not have a Financial Officer (treasurer) whereby every project member is responsible for the collection of the money for the sales. The level of education of most project members is low, some of them are illiterate. Crime is another challenge as most projects do not have security. Some of the agricultural implements and projects properties are stolen. Water shortage is another challenge faced by most projects in Fetakgomo. Naturally the area is hot and dry. There is not even a single dam, except Flag Boshielo which is in Makhuduthamaga Municipality. 4 Other findings include poor road infrastructure which makes marketing difficult because of inaccessible roads. Funding for the projects is limited as well as shortage of agricultural extension officers. In conclusion an integrated developmental strategy is needed if the government hope to promote sustainable development. Sustainability of the Poverty Alleviation Projects remains a challenge in Fetakgomo Municipality.

Thesis (LLM. (Development and Management Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an environmental tool used to assess possible and expected adverse impact that might occur as a result of a proposed developmental project, in a vulnerable area and environment. All project developments must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. For any such projects to be sustainable, Environmental Impact Assessment must be conducted as a prerequisite for the development of the projects. This must be done in compliance with environmental legislation, to ensure that proposed developments benefit current and future generations, while at the same time protecting the environment. Environmental degradation must be minimized, where possible prevented for environmental protection, and sustainability

The Maputo Corridor is the most significant development project undertaken by the South African government since 1994. The Corridor is an extremely complex project, bringing together a variety of actors from South Africa, Mozambique, and beyond. The project includes the rehabilitation and upgrading of major transport and communications infrastructure between Witbank and Maputo, institutional reform to expedite border-crossing, and incentives for labour-intensive investment in the areas adjacent to the Corridor. The Maputo Corridor is also the first build-operate- transfer highway in the region. The Maputo Corridor is a valid and fascinating subject for political inquiry because it provides insight into the new South African government's priorities and ideological stance. Research on the Corridor also contributes to our understanding of political power structures in the region. The primary goal of this dissertation was to come to an understanding of why and how the Maputo Corridor developed. Research was designed to test popular hypotheses from the South African media. These hypotheses were (1) that the Corridor was designed to isolate Gauteng from potential transport-based blackmail by the IFP and (2) that the Corridor was sponsored and directed by the leaders of Mpumalanga Province. This dissertation is composed of four main sections. First, the historical context of the Corridor starting in the 19th century is investigated. Repetitive historical themes with relevance for the present are identified. Second, the leaders and managers of the corridor project are pinpointed. Third, strategic motivations for the corridor in the current political environment are studied. The fourth part consists of an investigation of the means used to implement the Corridor. Several sources of information were used. These sources included indepth interviews with the Corridor's stakeholders, primary documentation, and secondary published sources.

The chosen research area is the communication in complex hospital construction projects. The purpose of this study is to investigate and map out the existing communication and cooperation between the project management organisation towards the steering committee and the hospital organisation. The research objective consists also of investigating how the project members manages the challenges and difficulties with communication and what improvements they think is needed for increasing the efficiency within the different organisations, within the project.   The results create an understanding and an awareness of the challenges, which will hopefully be beneficial for a more efficient project management. This was possible by investigating two actual projectorganisations in Sweden, one in Gävleborg (Gävle and Hudiksvall) and another one in Stockholm.  Extensive literature review and various scientific reports were investigated. An overview over the research area was achieved, with focus on existing problems and possible solutions. The communication in the project process was analysed by having semi- structured interviews. One of the objectives with the interviews is to expose the strengths and weaknesses in the project management, but also the external opportunities and threats towards the organisation. It can further be described as an analysis for representing how the project members use their competence and experience to handle the challenges and difficulties, how the optimal solutions could be according to the project members and also how the organizational structure should be conducted for a better communication in the project process. The findings from the interviews compared with the theoretical framework indicates some parameters for achieving an ideal information transfer and communication. There needs to be defined structures and techniques for information transfer. The effectiveness of information transfer increases, when the roles of different project members, groups and organisation structures are clearly defined, in a formal structured way. The culture in the organisation impacts and shapes the communication methods within the organisation. The work environment, values, language, routines, structure and experience in the organisation shapes and creates the foundation for the organisational culture, which leads to how the communication will take form. The attitudes and behaviours of the participants in the project are another impact on the communication structure. The organisation should secure in a personal level openness and commitments for the sake of fulfilling the common objectives and vision of the project.  The main challenges that were common in the projects in Gävle and Hudiksvall have been the lack of commitment from the steering committee, which is the county councils. The lack of participation and experience from both the steering committee and the hospital organisation made it challenging for the project management organisation to manage the projects. This means also that the hospital organisation has not been organized and there are not any representatives from the hospital in the projects. The project members are in these cases making qualified assumptions regarding the requirements that are needed in the hospital organisation. The main thought of effective communication is to be aware of all the changes in the project.  If the participating project members are updated with the latest information, then there are less risks for surprises. The project management organisation and the hospital organisation needs mutually to support each other with guidance through the needs and requirements that they have. This could be possible if they organisation could have continuously face-to-face meetings but also by keeping a good dialogue with each other. The representatives for the hospital organisation should also be prepared for the project from the initialisation phase. / Det valda undersöknings området är kommunikationen i komplexa sjukhus byggprojekt. Syftet med studien är att undersöka och kartlägga den existerande kommunikationen och samarbetet mellan projektledningsorganisationen gentemot styrgruppen och sjukhusverksamheten. Målet med undersökningen består av att undersöka hur projektmedlemmarna handskas med utmaningarna och svårigheterna med kommunikationen och vilka förbättringar som de anser behövs för att öka effektiviteten i de olika organisationerna. Resultatet skapar en förståelse och en medvetenhet om svårigheterna, vilket förhoppningsvis blir mer fördelaktigt för en effektivare projektledning. Undersökningen var möjlig att genomföra genom att två aktuella projektorganisationer undersöktes i Sverige, en i Gävleborg (Gävle och Hudiksvall) och en annan i Stockholm.  En omfattande litteraturstudie genomfördes och varierande forskningsartiklar undersöktes. En översikt över undersökningsområdet var uppnådd, med fokus på existerande problem och möjliga lösningar. Kommunikationen i projekten var analyserad genom att ha semi-strukturerade intervjuer. Ett av målen med intervjuerna var att upplysa styrkorna och svagheterna i projektledningen, men även de externa möjligheterna och farorna gentemot organisationen. Det kan vidare beskrivas som en analys som uttrycker hur projektmedlemmarna använder sin kompetens och erfarenhet för att handskas med utmaningarna och svårigheterna, hur de optimala lösningarna kan vara enligt projektmedlemmarna och även hur den organisatoriska strukturen borde genomföras för bättre kommunikation i projekt processen. Resultatet från intervjuerna jämfört med det teoretiska ramverket resulterar i vissa parametrar för att uppnå en ideal informationsöverföring och kommunikation. Det behöver finnas definierade strukturer och tekniker för informationsöverföring. Effektiviteten med informationsöverföring ökar när rollerna av de olika projektmedlemmarna, grupperna och organisationerna är tydligt definierade, i ett formellt strukturerat sätt. Organisationskulturen påverkar och formar kommunikationsmetoderna inom organisationen. Arbetsmiljön, värderingar, språk, rutiner, struktur och erfarenheter i organisationen formar och skapar grunden för den organisatoriska kulturen, vilket leder till hur kommunikationen formas. Attityd och beteenden från deltagare i projekten är ytterligare en påverkan på kommunikationsstrukturen. Organisationen borde säkra öppenhet och engagemang på individnivå för att kunna uppfylla de gemensamma målen och visionen för projektet. De huvudsakliga svårigheterna som var gemensamma för projekten i Gävle och Hudiksvall, har varit bristen på engagemang från styrgruppen, alltså landstingen. Bristen på deltagande och erfarenhet från både styrgruppen och sjukhusverksamheten har försvårat projektledningen för projektlednings organisationen. Det betyder också att sjukhusverksamheten inte har varit organiserade och att det inte har funnits representanter från sjukhusverksamheten. Projektmedlemmarna har i dessa situationer gjort kvalificerade gissningar angående de behov som sjukhusverksamheten har. Det huvudsakliga med effektiv kommunikation är att vara medveten om alla förändringar i projektet. Om de deltagande projektmedlemmarna är uppdaterade med den senaste informationen, blir det mindre risker för några överraskningar. Projektledningsorganisationen och sjukhusverksamheten behöver gemensamt stötta varandra genom vägledning av de behov och krav som de har. Detta kan vara möjligt om man har kontinuerliga face-to-face möten men även att hålla en god dialog med varandra. Representanterna för sjukhusverksamheten borde vara förberedda för projektet från initialiseringsfasen.