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.

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.

scholarly journals Supply chain bottlenecks in the South African construction industry: Qualitative insights

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Poobalan Pillay ◽  
Chengedzai Mafini
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
The South ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Chain Management

Background: The construction industry in South Africa has a lot of potential but its performance is still restricted by numerous internal and external challenges. Unless these challenges are identified and understood better, further growth of this industry is likely to be hindered, which has negative economic implications for the South African economy.Objectives: This study investigated supply chain bottlenecks faced by the construction industry in South Africa. It also discussed solutions for addressing the identified bottlenecks in order to facilitate the continued development of supply chain management in the construction industry.Method: The study used a qualitative approach in which in-depth interviews were held with purposively selected senior managers drawn from the construction industry in South Africa. Content analysis using ATLAS.ti software was employed to identify the themes from the collected data.Findings: The findings of the study showed that supply chain management in the construction industry in South Africa is constrained by five major bottlenecks: skills and qualifications, procurement practices and systems, supply chain integration, supply chain relationships and the structure of the construction industry. Recommendations for addressing each of these five challenges were put forward.Conclusion: The study concludes that both awareness and application of supply chain management in the construction industry in South Africa remains inhibited, which creates opportunities for further improvements in this area to realise the full potential of the industry.

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 Development of the learning programme management and evaluation scale for the South African skills development context

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maelekanyo C. Tshilongamulenzhe ◽  
Melinde Coetzee ◽  
Andries Masenge
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
South African ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
The South ◽  
Skills Shortage ◽  
Development Context ◽  
Occupational Learning

Research purpose: The present study developed and tested the construct validity and reliability of the learning programme management and evaluation (LPME) scale.Motivation for the study: The LPME scale was developed to measure and enhance the effectiveness of the management and evaluation of occupational learning programmes in the South African skills development context. Currently no such instrument exists in the South African skills development context; hence there is a need for it.Research design, approach and method: This study followed a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design using primary data. The LPME scale was administered to a sample of 652 skills development practitioners and learners or apprentices drawn from six organisations representing at least five economic sectors in South Africa. Data were analysed using SPSS and Rasch modelling to test the validity and reliability of the new scale.Main findings: The findings show that the LPME scale is a valid and reliable 11-dimensional measure comprising 81 items.Practical/managerial implications: In view of the seriousness of the skills shortage challenge facing South Africa, this study provides a solid base upon which skills development practitioners can effectively manage and evaluate occupational learning programmes. Furthermore, the newly developed LPME scale provides a basis for further human resource development research in the quest for a solution to the skills shortage challenge.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes by developing a new scale and testing its validity and reliability. As a valid and reliable measure, the LPME scale can be applied with confidence in various South African workplaces.

JOB DISSATISFACTION INFLUENCE ON CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYEE ABSENTEEISM AND TURNOVER

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Portia Leasilane ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Employee Turnover ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
The Body ◽  
Job Dissatisfaction ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
The South

This study examines the influence of job dissatisfaction on absenteeism and employee turnover. This is because it has been observed that many construction projects are facing challenges relating to the delivering of defective work, delayed project completion and cost overruns in most cases; and job dissatisfaction has been identified as one of the factors contributing to these challenges encountered in the construction industry. The study was conducted with reference to existing theoretical literature (secondary data) and the use of a structured questionnaire survey for the primary data collection. The questionnaire survey was distributed amongst construction professional in the South African construction industry. The findings from the questionnaire survey revealed that the aspects associated with job dissatisfaction which brings about absenteeism and employee low productivity include: salary issues, incentives, professional growth, working relationship as well as enforcement of fair policies. These factors were rated by the study respondents as the most influential factors of absenteeism and employee turnover in the South African construction industry. This study contributes to the body of knowledge relating to the influence of job dissatisfaction on absenteeism and employee turnover in the South African construction industry.

scholarly journals Skilled labour supply in the South African construction industry: The nexus between certification, quality of work output and shortages

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abimbola O. Windapo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Labour Supply ◽  
Work Output ◽  
The South ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Skilled Labour ◽  
Quality Of Work

Orientation: Construction human resource management.Research purpose: The study examines the skilled labour supply in the South African construction industry and determines whether there is a relationship between trade certification, quality of work output and scarce labour skills.Motivation for the study: The rationale for the investigation is based on the view of scholars that a skilled labour shortage is preponderant in the South African construction industry even though there is a high level of youth unemployment in South Africa and that the perceived skills shortage contributes to a decrease in productivity and product quality.Research design, approach and method: The paper reviews relevant literature and employs a mixed method research approach in collecting empirical data from contracting companies within the Western Cape Province of South Africa that are listed on the Construction Industry Development Board contractor register.Main findings: The study demonstrated that there is no shortage of manpower, but there is a shortage of qualified or skilled tradesmen, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, fitters and carpenters, whose professions are more technical and require formal training and certification. The level of supply of skilled tradesmen is attributed to the lack of high-quality basic education, the state of the economy, compulsory certification of tradesmen and an ageing workforce. It was also found that there is a significant relationship between skilled labour shortages and the requirement that labour be certified and that work output is unsatisfactory when there is no certification requirement.Practical/managerial implications: Based on these findings, the study concludes that skilled labour shortages and poor work output quality continue to be experienced in the South African construction industry when workers are unable to obtain formal certification for informal work experience acquired through years of practice on construction sites.Contribution: It is recommended that the South African government establish proactive strategies in the form of a framework for use in evaluating, certifying and grading the informal expertise acquired by workers through years of practice. This recommendation seeks to ensure that the supply of certified craftsmen capable of undertaking and producing high-quality construction work meets demand.Keywords: Artisans; Education; Experience; Expertise; Practice

scholarly journals Selection of procurement systems in the South African construction industry: An exploratory study

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
W. D. Thwala ◽  
M. D. Mathonsi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Market Competition ◽  
The South ◽  
Client Characteristics ◽  
Project Characteristics ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose of this paper: Procurement systems are vital in ensuring the successful implementation of construction projects precisely in all the phases of any particular project. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate in a systematic manner the factors that influence the selection of a procurement system in the South African construction industry. Research methodology: An extensive theory and literature review of procurement systems was conducted. The literature reviewed included a sample of case studies of procurement systems successfully implemented in completed building and civil engineering projects in South Africa. A questionnaire using a four-round Delphi survey method was used to conduct the empirical study in order to obtain participants' opinions about factors influencing the selection of procurement systems as well as the utility value of various procurement systems on each factor as identified. Finally, data analysis of both qualitative and quantitative techniques was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings: After qualitative analysis, findings of the literature reviewed suggest that factors that influence the selection of procurement systems cut across all the phases of the project as identified in this paper. Therefore, these factors are categorically classified into internal and external factors. Factors from the internal environment were further classified into client characteristics and project characteristics, with client characteristics comprising of variables such as clients' level of knowledge and control, political and social consideration, familiarity of procurement systems, competition, funding arrangement, government public/private sector projects and risk allocation whereas project characteristics comprise of factors (variables) such as size and technical complexity of the project, influence of the project life cycle, expedited project delivery, time, quality and price certainty. Factors from the external environment include variables such as market competition, information technology, regulatory environment, natural causes and globalisation. Research limitations: In terms of its scope this study focused on both national and international literature reviews and the empirical survey of this study was conducted within South Africa. Its target participants were limited to civil engineers, quantity surveyors, construction/project managers, architects and contractors located in three provinces of South Africa, namely Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces. Value: This study investigates factors that influence the selection of procurement systems in South Africa for the purpose of assisting and guiding construction practitioners in selecting suitable procurement systems for their planned projects. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that due to changes in the construction industry both factors from the internal and external environments such as size and complexity of construction projects, macro and micro economic conditions, political and social and information technology prevailing, traditional procurement method need to be supplemented with contemporary procurement systems in order to meet the new demands of the industry.

scholarly journals Women in Construction in South Africa: Investigating the Feminine Footprint of the South African Construction Industry

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Aghaegbuna Ozumba ◽  
Chineme Ozumba
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Female Employment ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
The South ◽  
Women And Work ◽  
The Impact

The article presents an exploration into the performance of the South African construction industry with regard to its feminine footprint. Focus of the study is female employment and promotion, and the impact on levels and types of work, with regard to population characteristics. Democratic South Africa has enabled public and private efforts to transform the nation from the previous apartheid legacy, which includes discrimination against women. Consequently gender mainstreaming in postapartheid South Africa has enabled interventions that aim to emancipate women, especially in the area of labor. However, the country is behind the set goals in terms of women and work, especially in male-dominated environments such as the construction industry. The situation is explored through a purposive sample of literature related to women and work, and women in construction in South Africa. This is combined with analysis of labor statistics. The major limitation is the secondary nature of data used for the study. Findings at this stage suggest sub-optimal growth in female employment. There are also appreciable disparities between the informal and formal sectors, and between the levels and types of work, according to population characteristics.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF BUILDINGS ACROSS THEIR LIFE CYCLE STAGES

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lusca Ngwepe ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Wellington Thwala
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sustainable Urban Development ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
The South ◽  
Building Activities

The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental impacts of building activities in South Africa (SA). To achieve the objectives of the study, a critical review of literature was done which was followed by the use of a questionnaire to collect primary data on the possible barriers to the adoption of LCA methodology for buildings. Five major environmental impacts were identified from literature, which were subsequently explored with the use of the questionnaire survey. The questionnaires were distributed to the construction professional team (i.e., Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Facilities Managers, Construction Managers, Civil Engineers, and Site Engineers) in the South African construction industry. Findings from the study revealed that all the stages of a building cause environmental impacts. Although, for some of the identified environmental impacts caused by building activities participants where neutral for example, that building activities lead to “Loss of Marine Life”. A comparison was done between the years of experience and the view on what the environmental impacts are and it was found that participants with more years of experience agree more that building activities causes environmental impacts as compared to participants with less years of experience, in the construction industry. The factor that was highly agreed upon by participants with more years of experience is Building Materials. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the environmental impacts of buildings across their life cycle in the South African construction industry. The study therefore is valuable to the SA construction industry, built environment, infrastructure development, and/or sustainable urban development.

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