This study aimed to evaluate the critical factors influencing project success at an automotive OEM in the Eastern Cape. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the critical success/failure factors in project management at an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and to compare the results to similar studies conducted in various industries and under different socio-economic, political and cultural conditions. The research methodology for this study included a literature review of previous studies as well as insights from various authors highlighting points deemed crucial for project success. A survey was conducted at an automotive OEM to determine which factors had the greatest influence on project success; respondents were asked to rank their views on a Likert Ranking Scale. An online survey was used to capture all responses. The data collected was analysed using statistical software (Statistica Version 10.0). The empirical study was conducted on 52 employees involved in projects at the OEM; the study was carried out across various departments including Purchasing, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, etc. The final process of the study included an evaluation of findings. On the basis of the survey responses received, it was possible to identify critical success factors in project management that are related to the automotive OEM. These results were used to draw conclusions and develop various recommendations. The conclusions centered on the project success factors defined in the survey. The results were then compared to previous studies, and discrepancies between survey findings of the current study and those of past studies were discussed. The recommendations focused on the top three items identified in each factor group. The results of both past studies, as well as the present study highlight the crucial role the project manager plays in project success. Good co-ordination skills, efficient management of resources and effective leadership were identified as key characteristics of successful project managers. Proper communication was identified as one of the most crucial points in project teams. This study revealed that the ability of the project team to handle unexpected crisis is also an important contributing factor towards project success, along with effective monitoring. Top management support was the most crucial factor towards project success in the factors related to the organisation; this is similar to studies done by previous authors.

The legitimate existence of the Project Management Profession in the South African construction industry needs to relate to positive project influence on the industry roleplayers. This study assessed the perceived lack of recognition and acceptance of Project Management as a stand-alone profession relating to: · Appointments of Project Managers being questioned due to a perceived lack of influence and impact on project success. · Project Managers not being recognised as an integral part of the industry. · Project Management not being perceived as having a unique and defined function. Interviews were held with 23 industry role-players made up of clients, contractors and consultants. The interviews solicited input on the role-players’ perception and experience related to the influence of Project Management over the past 10 years, not only on a list of success criteria relative to their own role in the industry, but also their perception of the influence on the other defined role-player groups. Included in the interview questionnaire was also a range of general questions to refine the feedback and further test the hypotheses. The data were interpreted and analysed by comparing the feedback of the respondents as a combination and separately as groups. The results of the study indicate that: · Project Management could be seen as a legitimate part of the industry; · The industry role-players perceive Project Management as making an impact and having a growing influence on the industry; A specific but broad set of skills are required by Project Managers; · The Project Management function cannot be fulfilled by other consultants, but there are project related criteria which should be considered before making a final judgment. These criteria relate to project size and complexity; and · Project Management is currently perceived to be more related to a specific person’s skill than to a specific profession. The study’s aim was to influence and inform the views of industry role-players on the appointment of a Project Manager in the construction industry.

M.Ing. (Engineering Management) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Submitted in fulfillment for the requirements of the Masters Degree: Human Resources Management, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Project Management for many years have been conducted using a traditional model with the focus being on time, cost and quality and its overall success on managing the organizations more effectively. Organisations are moving towards the use of a more modernistic approach where the focus is being extended to include cost, time, quality and linked to the strategic objectives, reward and recognition systems and building teams. The goals of the project must be communicated to all those who are involved in its implementation in order to ensure project success. Project managers who get people to want to do what they want by sharing their purpose, vision, and values also establish emotional and intellectual ties that result in sustained commitment. As the demand for project management increases, so does the use of tools and techniques. Project management offers a very structured approach to managing projects. The success of a project will be determined on the ability of the project manager to plan and develop a project, to implement, monitor and control and evaluate the project progress. DUT is faced with situation where there is an enormous demand by staff to participate in project management training. Many of these staff are directly involved in project management whilst others have requested this training as part of their capacity building drive. This study examines the perception of staff members who have attended the project management training with a view to making recommendations on how to improve project management at DUT. It also demonstrates the evaluation of the facilitator, the course content as well as the project management’s relatedness to the demographic profile of the University sample and presents and presents the perceptions of the respondents to the questionnaire. The method of research was largely quantitative and enabled comparison to be quantified. A self-administered closed-response questionnaire was adapted and used to obtain the information required. The study further investigated the staff members’ perception on project failure in respect of lack of user involvement, long timescales, failure to track the progress of projects, no formal change control, inadequately training project managers, poor leadership, cultural misalignment, poor planning and inadequate tracking and reporting. The dissertation makes recommendations on the project management course programme and the critical role of the project manager and the project team.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbsoch, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa's construction industry is emerging from decades of decline into a period of significant growth and opportunity. The industry will need to double its output over the next ten years in order to cope with the infrastructure and housing demands placed on it. The construction industry is also a national asset and South Africa's economic growth depends on the physical infrastructure that is delivered by this industry. This growth trajectory holds out significant opportunity for employment and training to a community that largely suffers from poverty, unemployment and lack of education. This opportunity will only be realised if the role-players in the industry collectively understand and address the challenges of meaningful and sustainable industry growth and efficiency. The study proceeds with a critical look at issues in the construction industry, to identify the industry's inhibiting factors to delivery and to highlight issues contributing to these factors. A SWOT analysis assists in highlighting internal and external characteristics that can be turned into possible solutions. Based on this analysis, action guidelines are identified. Subsequent chapters investigate possible solutions through project management techniques. The first area of research evolves around labour resource management and finds that thoroughly researched resource planning models could provide predictions regarding shortages and performances, and could also assist in the more accurate planning of skills requirements in the design phase of a project. The advantages of multi-skilling can also be beneficial to efforts to overcome current shortages and train a wider base of new entrants. In order to address low production of workers in the industry, morale-boosting investments are suggested that can yield high returns in the form of improved individual performance, higher job-site productivity, as well as cost and time savings to the project. There is strong evidence that a lack of project team integration is a major constraint to its efficient functioning and, inevitably, successful project delivery. Solutions in the next chapter focus on integration strategies to integrate design and construction in a common goal of delivery methods, to streamline workflow and to find synergy in the efforts of team members. The process of benchmarking encourages participation and clear communication of goals and expectations to all project participants. Process mapping assists in understanding how value is added to projects and mapping of business processes identifies how the project meets its customer's requirements. The third section looks at tools and techniques to promote a more economical construction process through improved management initiatives. Lean construction methods are based on traditional manufacturing concepts, but focuses on minimising waste and inventory and streamlining the flow of resources and information. Another technique is the key emphasis on quality assurance and the advancement through all the processes of innovation that needs to be part of an organisation or project strategy. Knowledge management as a further tool and support measure is complex and challenging in the organisational framework of construction projects. Much of the knowledge gained on projects is lost to future projects. All of the project management tools described in this study will benefit greatly from improved knowledge management. The study identifies some applicable tools and techniques that can be implemented to address critical issues of delivery in the construction industry. The continuous effort and commitment required for successful implementation of these measures will ultimately however depend on change agents and management buy-in that goes with organisation renewal. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die konstruksiebedryf in Suid-Afrika beweeg, na dekades van verval, na 'n tydperk van betekenisvolle groei en geleenthede. Die bedryf sal in die volgende tien jaar moet verdubbel om tred te hou met die eise wat gestel gaan word deur die behoefte aan infrastruktuur en behuising. Die konstruksiebedryf is ook 'n nasionale bate en die ekonomiese groei van Suid-Afrika is afhanklik van die fisiese infrastruktuur wat deur die bedryf gelewer word. Hierdie groeitrajek bied betekenisvolle geleenthede vir werkskepping en opleiding aan 'n gemeenskap wat gebuk gaan onder armoede, werkloosheid en gebrek aan onderwys. Hierdie geleenthede sal slegs realiseer as al die rolspelers in die bedryf begryp wat die uitdagings behels en die geleenthede van volgehoue groei en doeltreffendheid aanspreek. Hierdie studie gaan verder met 'n kritiese benadering tot die strydvrae in die konstruksiebedryf en om die beperkende faktore te identifiseer en die aangeleenthede uit te lig. 'n SWOT ontleding is 'n hulpmiddel om die interne en eksterne karaktertrekke, wat tot oplossings kan lei, saam te voeg. Uit hierdie ontleding kan riglyne vir aksie bepaal word en moontlike oplossings in spesifieke areas van navorsing gevind word. Opvolgende hoofstukke sal moontlike oplossings in tegnieke van projekbestuur ondersoek. Die eerste navorsingsgebied ontvou rondom die bestuur van die arbeidsbron. Die bevinding is dat deeglik nagevorsde modelle van beplanning vooruitskattings lewer ten opsigte van leweringstekorte. Dit bring beter beplanning van vaardigheidsbehoeftes in die beplanningsfase van die projek mee. Die voordele van meervoudige vaardighede kan ook voordelig wees in pogings om die huidige tekort te oorbrug en lei 'n breër spektrum van toetreders op. Ten einde die lae produksie van werkers in die industrie aan te spreek, word die uitbou van moraal voorgestel. Dit lewer hoër opbrengste in die vorm van verbeterde individuele prestasie, hoër produktiwiteit in die werkplek, sowel as algehele koste- en tydsbesparings. Daar bestaan sterk aanduidings dat die gebrek aan interpretasie van projekspanne 'n belangrike beperking op die effektiewe werking en die suksesvolle aflewering van 'n projek het. Oplossings in die volgende hoofstuk fokus op die integrasie van strategiee om ontwerp en konstruksie in die gesamentlike mikpunt van leweringsfunksies te integreer, om die werksvloei te verfyn en sinergie in die pogings van spanlede te vind. Die proses van doelstellingsbestuur verhoog deelname. Dit verskaf duidelike mikpunte en lig verwagtinge aan deelnemers uit. Proses-kartering help mee in die proses om waarde toevoeging tot projekte te begryp. Die kartering van sakeprosesse dui aan hoe projekte die behoeftes van kliënte bevredig. Die derde afdeling plaas die blik op tegnieke om tegniese vaardigheid te bevorder deur meer ekonomiese samestelling en verbeterde bestuursinisiatiewe. Skraalkonstruksie ("lean construction") is gegrondves op tradisionele vervaardigingskonsepte. Dit fokus op minimalisering van vermorsing en stroombelyning van voorraadbestuur sowel as die vloei van hulpbronne en inligting. 'n Ander tegniek is die versekering van kwaliteit en vooruitgang deur die genoemde proses van innovering wat deel moet wees van 'n organisasie of projek se strategie. Kennisbestuur is 'n verdere ondersteuningsmeganisme. Dit is kompleks en uitdagend in die organisatoriese raamwerk van konstruksie projekte. Baie kennis, wat deur projekte verwerf word, gaan verlore vir projekte van die toekoms. Alle hulpmiddels vir projekbestuur wat in hierdie studie beskryf word kan aansienlik baat vind deur verbeterde kennisbestuur. Hierdie studie identifiseer sekere hulpmiddels wat toegepas kan word. Dit spreek ook kritieke strydvrae oor lewering in die konstruksiebedryf aan. Die voortdurende inspanning en toewyding benodig vir die suksesvolle aanwending van hierdie maatreëls vereis voortdurende deelname en onderskrywing van die topbestuur van organisasies.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: With the collapse of large multi-national companies such as Enron early in the new millennium, the focus on corporate governance increased due to stakeholders and shareholders alike demanding more protection of their interests. Countries across the world developed codes and acts such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in the USA, in order to establish some form of enforceable governance on publicly listed companies. In South Africa likewise the King II report on corporate governance was published in 2002. Corporate governance provides protection to stakeholders, internal and external, by focusing on the accuracy and transparency of the information published by companies, reporting the financial well-being of the company by providing projected cash flows, the responsibility and accountability of executives towards stakeholders, and also on the management of risk. Projects and project management play a major role in most companies and can have a significant effect on its cash flow, risk and reporting, and therefore corporate governance can have a marked impact on how projects could, or should be managed. This can be seen as project governance, a subset of the overall governance strategy of the company. To date not much research has been done on how governance influences projects and what is to be considered 'good project governance'. Apart from some smaller project management consulting firms, the Association for Project Management (APM) in the UK is the only one to have done some work of real importance in this area with the establishment of their 11 principles for effective project governance. In this research report the focus is on how projects are influenced by corporate governance by analysing aspects such as planning, reporting, risk management and project audits. The benefits which good project governance hold for a company, besides the protection of its stakeholder's interests, is also examined. Lastly guidelines are established for effective project governance by studying existing models, such as that created by the APM, as well as the King II report on corporate governance to try and make it more relevant to conditions in South Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Met die ineenstorting van groot multinasionale instellings soos Enron vroeg in die nuwe eeu, is daar toenemend gefokus op korporatiewe beheer, omdat beide belanghebbers en aandeelhouers aangedring het op groter beskerming van hul belange. Lande wereldwyd het kodes en wette ontwikkel. soos die Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002) in die VSA, ten einde een of ander vorm van afdwingbare beheer op openbaargenoteerde maatskappye daar te stel. In Suid-Afrika ingelyks is die King II verslag oor korporatiewe beheer in 2002 gepubliseer. Korporatiewe beheer verleen beskerming aan belanghebbers, intern sowel as ekstern, deur te fokus op akkurate en deursigtige inligting wat maatskappye bekend maak, verslae oor die finansiele welstand van maatskappye deur middel van geprojekteerde kontantvloei, verantwoordelikheid en aanspreeklikheid van uitvoerende beamptes teenoor belanghebbers, asook duidelikheid oor risikobestuur. Projekte en projekbestuur speel 'n belangrike rol in die oorgrote meerderheid maatskappye en kan 'n beduidende uitwerking he op kontantvloei, risiko en verslagdoening. Juis weens hierdie oorwegings kan korporatiewe beheer 'n aanmerklike impak he op die wyse waarop projekte bestuur, of behoort bestuur te word. Dit kan beskou word as projekbeheer, 'n onderafdeling van die oorkoepelende beheerstrategie van 'n maatskappy. Min navorsing is nog gedoen oor die invloed van beheer op projekte, asook wat beskou kan word as 'goeie projekbeheer'. Afgesien van enkele kleiner projekbeheer konsultantmaatskappye, is die Association for Project Management (APM) in Brittanje die enigste wat werklik substantiewe leiding op hierdie terrein gebied het, soos blyk uit hul ontwikkeling van 11 beginsels vir doeltreffende projekbeheer. In hierdie navorsingsverslag word gefokus op hoe projekte beinvloed word deur korporatiewe beheer, deur kwessies soos beplanning, veslagdoening, risikobestuur en projekouditte te analiseer. Voordele wat goeie projekbeheer vir 'n maatskappy inhou, naas beskerming van belanghebbers se belange, word eweneens ondersoek. Enkele riglyne word laastens ontwikkel vir doeltreffende projekbeheer, deur bestaande modelle te bestudeer, soos die van APM en die King II verslag oor korporatiewe beheer, om dit meer relevant te maak vir Suid-Afrikaanse toestande.

Thesis (M.B.A.)-Business Studies Unit, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xiii, 96 leaves, Annexures A-C / Project managers are faced with the challenge of matching skills to a task rather than merely assigning people to a job. If these skills are not readily available, the project may not be able to be executed with the desired level of quality and timescales may not be met. Nowadays, organisations need to respond faster to market requirements than before due to increased competition and rapid advances in technology. Coupled to this is the trend for human resources to be more mobile, as lifelong commitment to an organisation becomes a thing of the past. These two trends present modern organisations with the requirement that their human resources require increasing levels of skills, yet they are faced with the risk that these skills may be lost due to their mobility. Organisations, therefore, need to understand what their core competencies are and ensure that these competencies are developed such that the organisation retains an adequate supply of core skills. The aim of the study is to identify the core competencies and associated skills within an organisation and devise a method whereby these competencies and skills can be measured and duplicated such that core knowledge is retained and developed within the organisation. / M

Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Science in Building: Project Management in Construction to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand, 2018 / This study reports on a quantitative descriptive design that investigates the challenges in the procurement process of housing infrastructure projects in the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements. The study compares two procurement strategies utilised in the department with regards to infrastructure related projects. Pretested questionnaires were distributed to 57 participants who were purposely selected consisting of Structural Engineers, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and officials working in Finance and Supply Chain Management. Findings of this study revealed that 1) there is a shortage of skills and that most organisations do not implement career programs in the supply chain management and the construction industry. 2) Both management and employees were aware of the procurement challenges in housing infrastructure projects 3) the turn-key procurement method compares favourably to the traditional methods, as the later has less budget variation, thorough planning since the contractors involvement during the initial stages of planning is evident. 4) a lack of clear communication between the department supply chain management and its supplier amongst a host of other factors because they are less supervised/ monitored and that resulted for wasting of time, no productivity, and poor performance. The cause of these problem stems from the lack of an appropriate procurement strategy for projects. / XL2019

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Science (Building) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Construction Economics and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / The construction industry in many countries is faced with challenges when it comes to construction project delivery and this may be due to various factors, which are identified in the research. (Memon, et al ,2010), categorized the challenges faced in the construction industry as; delays in completing projects on time, expenditure exceeding budgets as well as poor quality. The purpose of the research is to determine the impact of unrealistic initial construction programmes on time performance on projects. The research Investigates how project managers or project planner determine the initial construction periods. Investigate how the three industry participants i.e. the contractor, the consultants, and the client contribute to project delay due to unrealistic construction time periods. And further investigates what can be done to assist inexperienced consultants in determining construction time periods. This study addresses factors that affect project time performance, with the focus on the initial estimated contract duration. A mono method quantitative research was selected and used, to identify the factors that affect timely completion of projects. 33 out of 70 respondents responded to the questionnaire. Through the analyses of questionnaires, the research reports on how industry professionals use existing construction guidelines in determining the construction duration as well as the impact of programming on project performance. From numerical data obtained from the respondents, 43% believes that the client determines the construction duration, while 38% says it’s the consultant project manager and only 14% says it’s the contractor. The client, through his representative determines the construction duration. There are no regulated or standardized guidelines for determining the construction duration, this is dependent on the project managers experience. Though there are other factors that causes construction delays, and not specifically the initial programme, all these factors can be directly linked to this programme. / XL2018

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