scholarly journals Information Communication Technology (ICT) usage in the South African Construction Professional Practice: Lessons Learnt

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 652-659
Author(s):  
Aigbavboa C.O. ◽  
Lesito K.P. .
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Document Management ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
The South ◽  
The Impact

This paper examines the impact of ICT in professional practice in the South African construction industry. This is with the view that ICT utilization in professional practice has the potential to facilitate better decision-making ability and savings in operating costs, amongst others. The data for the study was derived from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained through the survey method, while the secondary data was obtained from the review of literature. The primary data for the study was collected through a structured questionnaire survey distributed to a sample of 37 professionals in the construction industry. The results revealed that architectural, engineering and quantity surveying functions have been largely computerised. However, data and document management is still done through the traditional way of manual filing. Therefore, because construction industry professionals are a rich source of information about ICT and its improvement within the industry, the study provide valuable insight into the current usage of ICT in construction professional practise firms, which thus reveals the level of ICT adaptation in South African CI. Hence, this thus shows that ICT surveys can be used to determine the number of users of these systems, identify the core impacts ICT has had on day to day activities.

DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS OF PROJECT AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Murendeni Liphadzi ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
The South ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Secondary Sources

The construction industry is one of the major industries in South Africa. Like any other industry, strong leadership is vital for its growth. Moreover in order to stay competitive, South African construction firms must find a way to train their project and construction managers to become competent leaders in their specific disciplines. It is to this end, that the study presents findings on how leaders can be developed in the South African construction industry. The data used in this research were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via a detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire aimed at 150 projects and construction managers in the South African construction industry. From the 150 distributed questions, only 110 questionnaires were received and subsequently data based on the received questionnaire which was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that, education and qualification can help develop leaders in the South African construction industry. This was followed by leadership training courses, taking responsibility, new challenges, and internal motivation, professional and personal development. The study explores leadership and leadership development in the South African construction industry. The study presents a robust background about the construction industry and the importance of leadership.

Clusters of key barriers to life cycle assessment adoption in the South African construction industry: perspectives of stakeholders

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Titus Ebenezer Kwofie ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
The South ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The South African Construction Industry (SACI) in recent times has been characterized by a strong emphasis towards achieving sustainable building practices in infrastructural delivery. However, the lack of progress encountered in making gains in achieving sustainable practices has raised concerns over the effectiveness and understanding of the extent to which life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques may aid in meeting requirements of sustainable construction. Most efforts at LCA have been blighted with numerous barriers that have not been rigorously pursued and aggregated. Ironically, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the limitations and barriers to these methodologies, especially in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to delineate the cluster of barriers to the adoption of LCA methodologies in the SACI. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was carried out from a deductive research design elicit primary data based on the experience of purposively sampled stakeholders in LCA in the SACI on the extent they perceived the presence of well-established barriers in LCA adoption culled from the extensive literature review. Findings Through the use of factor analysis, three aggregated clusters of key barriers to LCA adoption in the SACI were identified, which were knowledge and enabling conditions constraints, cost and time constraints and technical constraints. The results confirm that indeed human and technical barriers have been notable in limiting gains in LCA adoption and achieving sustainable practices. Originality/value These findings are, thus, useful in overcoming challenges to LCA methodologies in achieving sustainable building practices in building and infrastructural delivery in SACI.

CONSTRUCTION STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVE ON EXTERNAL RELATED RISK FACTORS INFLUENCING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PERFORMANCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-85
Author(s):  
Abdarahim Salem ◽  
Eric Simpeh ◽  
Julius Fapohunda
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
The South ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
The Impact

The construction industry is extremely complex, with dynamic project environments creating an atmosphere of high uncertainty and risk. For that reason, risks in construction project have become an inevitable feature and the industry is susceptible to numerous business, socio-political and technical risks that negatively influence project delivery. This study therefore investigates the causes of external risks factors in construction project delivery and the effect on project and organisational performance so that efficient control measures can be designed to minimise its occurrence. A quantitative research design was adopted, and the sample comprised of randomly selected construction professionals in the Western Cape Province. The data was statistically analysed using descriptive and inferential analyses. The salient findings revealed that socio-political-related risk factors were the major causes of risks during construction project delivery, these factors include labour strikes and disputes due to union issues, excessive influence by government on court proceedings regarding construction project disputes, and constraints on the availability and employment of expatriate staff. In addition, the study revealed the impact of external related risks on projects and organisational performance, and it was found that cost overrun was ranked the most significant on project performance and disputes between parties to the contract was ranked the most significant on organisational performance. In the context of the South African construction industry, previous studies tended to focus more on internal risks as opposed to external risks. Therefore, this study makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on the subject within a previously unexplored context. The study provides insights with regard to the sources of external related risks associated with construction project within the context of the South African construction industry.

Unprepared industry meet pandemic: COVID-19 and the South Africa construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Douglas Omoregie Aghimien ◽  
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala ◽  
Moleboheng Ntebo Ngozwana
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
The South ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to determine the responses of construction organisations to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated lockdown and the impact on the South African construction industry (SACI). Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative survey with responses sought from 825 contracting organisation’s representatives drawn from the database of the construction industry development board. The data gathered were analysed using percentage, mean item score and one-sample t-test. The reliability of the research instrument was also tested using the Cronbach alpha test. Findings Findings revealed that most construction organisations implemented a complete travel ban and halting all business operations on sites and offices in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. Furthermore, whilst most construction organisations envisage significant disruption in their project delivery, the problem of job losses was regarded as a short, medium and long-term impact of the pandemic. Loss of revenue, a decline in the economy and business interruption are also some of the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the SACI. Originality/value The study’s findings give practical insights on the potential impact of the pandemic on the construction industry and the possible approach needed to help cushion the effect on the industry.

scholarly journals The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on people’s behavior and herbal drink (jamu) processing businesses in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan

2021 ◽  
Vol 306 ◽  
pp. 02046
Author(s):  
Susi Lesmayati ◽  
Retna Qomariah ◽  
Awanis ◽  
Lelya Pramudyani
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Volume Production ◽  
The Impact

This study aimed to determine and analyze the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on (1) people's behavior to avoid exposure to the virus with consumed traditional herbal drink (jamu), and (2) jamu processing businesses in Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan. The research location was determined purposively in the centre of traditional herbal drink processing known as Kampung Pejabat, Loktabat Selatan Village, South Banjarbaru District Banjarbaru City. The research was carried out from February to March 2021 and was conducted using a survey method to obtain primary data and supported by secondary data from reports and other sources. The data were analyzed descriptively. The studies showed that (1) Preventive efforts avoid the virus done by the peoples at the beginning of the pandemic until now by consuming jamu. Around 82 – 88% of people consuming jamu that they bought or made themselves, and they also consuming others in smaller amounts. The peoples already know the benefits of jamu as herbal medicine because it is a hereditary knowledge. Besides, consuming jamu gendong does not require a high cost. (2) there was an increase in volume production of jamu gendong around 100% at the beginning of the pandemic compared with production before the pandemic. The R/C ratio of jamu processing is increased from 1,3 to 1,54 it means the pandemic had a positive impact on the jamu processing business.

scholarly journals The impact of education and experience on profit of smallholder dairy farming at Batu City of Malang Raya, Indonesia

2022 ◽  
Vol 335 ◽  
pp. 00051
Author(s):  
Hari Dwi Utami ◽  
MB Hariyono ◽  
Umi Wisaptiningsih ◽  
Hary Nugroho ◽  
Nur Cholis
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Data ◽  
Dairy Farming ◽  
School Education ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Multiple Regression Technique ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farming ◽  
Multistage Sampling ◽  
The Impact

The research was conducted at Batu, City, Malang Raya of Indonesia. Study addressed to examine the farmer characteristics, dairy farming income, and the factors influencing on profit. The case study applied multistage sampling method to select 34 representative farmers which divided into three strata namely, stratum-1 (rearing <4 Animal Units), stratum-2 (owning 4-8 AU), and stratum-3 (controlling >8 AU). Primary data collection used survey method with structured questionnaire, whereas secondary data were available in related institutions and sources. Data analysis implemented descriptive and multiple regression technique. Results confirmed that farmers has experienced about 6-10 years in raising dairy farming and they has secondary school education. The profitable dairy farming was smallholder dairy farming that rearing more than 8 AU with daily income per Animal Unit of IDR 64,554 and structured with IDR 11,131 of revenue and IDR 47,577 of production cost. Farmer’s experience was positively explaining the smallholder dairy profit, and the high school education attainment was more likely to increase venture’s income. The farm return has positive and strong relationships with the more number of dairy cattle owned.

THE USE OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifije Ohiomah ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Thulisile Zwane ◽  
Douglas Aghimen
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Life Cycle Thinking ◽  
The South ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Policies And Programs

This study assesses the benefit of sustainable construction and the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) in the South African construction industry to achieve sustainable construction. The data used in this was derived from both primary and secondary resources. The primary data was collected through a questionnaire approach. The study revealed that LCA could be used for product comparison, product development, formulating of product eco-labels, evaluating construction processes and decision-making processes in the construction industry concerning materials. Furthermore, the study revealed that LCA has various strengths, challenges and weakness, this is due to the fact that there is a requirement of the high quality of knowledge and data when conducting a detailed LCA study. However, this study revealed that life cycle thinking is a cornerstone for developing policies and programs, which meet sustainability criteria and there is a great room for the development and use of LCA in the South African construction industry. Therefore, it is recommended that the South African Construction industry invest more in environmental tools such as LCA.

scholarly journals STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON SCHOOL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION (CASE STUDY: SDN HARJAMUKTI 5, DEPOK CITY)

ASTONJADRO ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Alimudin Alimudin
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Water Quality Data ◽  
The Impact

<p class="ListParagraph1">Improvement of education building facilities and infrastructure is needed to improve services to the community. In line with the green building planning, Housing and Settlements Department, Depok City plans to build SDN Harjamukti 5 Public with due regard to environmentally friendly development. The activity is predicted to cause environmental impacts, so a study of environmental impact analysis is needed. The purpose of this study is to determine the baseline condition of the study site and analyze the environmental impacts and obtain ways to overcome the results of the analysis in an effort to minimize the impact that will then be used as a reference in order to properly protect the environment. The method used is survey method. This research uses primary data and secondary data. Primary data include water quality data, ambient air quality and noise data, and flora and fauna data while secondary data include climate data and socio-economic data. The results of the study obtained an analysis of environmental impacts that occur and how to minimize impacts with good handling in order to create a construction that is green building concept.</p>

scholarly journals The impact of corruption on service delivery: a topical matter in the South African Municipalities

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mabeba SJ ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
South African ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The South ◽  
Basic Services ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Impact

One of the topical challenges facing South African municipalities recently is corruption. From time-to-time citizens learn about and witness the corrupt practices of public officials in the Local Government sphere. Arguably, the phenomenon of corruption has both direct and indirect impact on service delivery with specific focus to municipalities. Section 152(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) states that the Local Government sphere has the mandate to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner. Subsequently, some of the communities across the country still wish to have access to basic services namely: water, electricity, community halls and proper tar roads to name a few. As a result, at times it seems impossible for municipalities to smoothly render such services due to corrupt practices emanating in the South African Local Government sphere. This article aimed to explore the impact of corruption on service delivery in the South African municipalities. The article fully relied on secondary data as it collects information from newspapers, books, journal articles, conference proceedings, officials report and academic dissertations. In pursuit of all this, Afrocentricity: a theory of social change has been placed in context with a view that the needs of the society should be placed at the center of the local government sphere. To be specific, these needs are but not limited to water and electricity. Looking at the findings of the study, indeed literature can confirm that corruptions have negative impact on the ability of the municipalities in South Africa to provide basic services. Because the interests of the public are competing with those of the municipal officials. Therefore, at the end of the day service delivery is compromised due unlawful practices.

scholarly journals Challenges Facing Black Owned Small and Medium Construction Companies: A Case Study of Nelspruit – Mbombela Municipality, South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. 771-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aigbavboa C.O.
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
The South ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Survey Results

The purpose of the paper is to investigate current challenges and problems facing small and medium size contractors (SME) in Mbombela (Nelspruit) - Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. This study was necessitated because the importance of small and medium sized enterprises in national building and economic development is of paramount importance in the South Africa economic debate. The primary data for the study was collected through a structured questionnaire survey which was distributed to Small and medium contractors within grade 1-4 of the South Africa Construction Industry Development Board. The survey results indicated that external factors such as high competition when tendering for construction jobs within the CIDB category is a major challenge the SME’s face’s in the procurement of work. Also, internal factors such as poor administrative management within the company, lack of skilled professionals and lack of capacity to deliver on certain project were the greatest challenges faced by the construction companies. The scope of this study is only focused on small and medium size contractors in Nelspruit (Mpumalanga province). In addition, the study is not focused on large established contractors in South Africa. The South African construction industry will continue to provide jobs but intervention is needed to develop the SME’s contractors who contribute a greatly to the economy.

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