Browsing by Author "Cattell, Keith"

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11
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    Open Access
    A critical review of the valuation processes of petrol filling stations in terms of the Municipal Property Rates Act 2004
    (2012) Margolius, Jerry; Cattell, Keith
    In 2004, the Municipal Property Rates Act 6 of 2004 (MPRA) was promulgated which repealed all the Valuation Ordinances that existed in South Africa. This introduced a single piece of legislation for the purposes of conducting municipal valuations. This study concentrated on the Cape Town Metropolitan 2006 General Valuation that, at the time, was the first local authority to conduct municipal valuations in terms of the new legislation. The research explored the extent to which local authorities intervened in the valuation process, the in dependent judgment of property valuers as well as non-co-operation by oil companies during the valuation process, which was evident by them not responding to the survey questions. The manner in which petrol filling stations were valued, the most frequently used methodology applied and the application of the MPRA in the process were explored. The research was supplemented with a survey of property valuers employed by the local authorities as well as in private practices. This culminated in a holistic overview of the shortcomings in the legislation, the methodology and practice by interested parties in arriving at the municipal valuation in order to provide a critical review. From the critical review, the shortcomings in the valuation processes were identified, the methodology was addressed and recommendations made to the local authority.
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    Cultural-historical investigations into the dialectics of skills development implementation and occupational identity in the informal construction Small and Micro Enterprise workplace
    (2022) Hammond, Sylvia Frances; Bowen, Paul; Muthivhi, Azwihangwisi; Cattell, Keith
    This study explores the development of identity and agency on the part of young construction workers and work-seekers within the informal workplace environment of the South African post-apartheid construction industry. The study provides an exploration of the contradictions manifested in, and through, labour relations and skills development practices, via the daily struggles of the workplace participants. Ethnographic data are collected from the small and micro enterprise (SME) contractors and their workers; the work-seekers, who daily line the roadside identifying their skills via display of construction tools and signs; and skills development specialists. The rich data enables a cultural-historical analysis of the contradictions within the associated labour practices, and South Africa's post-apartheid skills development regime. These contradictions inevitably give rise to the struggles for identity development and agency on the part of the informal workplace participants The ground-breaking research of post-Vygotskian researchers such as Anna Stetsenko and leading Activity Theory scholars such as Yrjö Engeström and Annalisa Sannino, focus the analysis of workers' struggles. The research illustrates how skills development practices in South Africa fail to address the critical needs of informal workers and the unemployed work-seekers. In particular, the research finds that the ideology informing skills development practices in South Africa emphasises Western-centric notions, and precludes indigenous practices, specifically, the culturally relevant values of collective solidarity, extended family, and community relationships. These values are embodied in the ethos of ubuntu, mirroring the Vygotskian essence, and expansive learning, which identifies the relevance of the social to the individual's learning, and occupational identity development. As a result, the analysis unriddles the material structures of skills development and labour practices that perpetuate the exclusion and marginalisation of many young South Africans, thereby limiting access to skilled employment, and active participation in the country's post-apartheid socioeconomic activity. Therefore, employing these conceptual and analytic tools, the study posits a theory-informed model for transforming the prevailing structures, and the related practices. Primary recommendations are to clearly differentiate skills development from education; and to utilise skills development as a mediational tool for agency, in a workplace format tailored to the construction informal sector. The object being fulfilment of redress, with an outcome of disrupting post-apartheid South Africa's overwhelming poverty, unemployment, expanding inequality, and socioeconomic marginalisation of youth.
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    Open Access
    Determination of the key operational variables of construction companies that impact on their corporate performance
    (2014) Tucker, George Cyril Dauda; Windapo, Abimbola; Cattell, Keith
    Small building contractors in South Africa often struggle to produce quality work on time and have a high rate of business failure. In an effort to improve the effectiveness and viability of smaller construction firms in South Africa, this research investigates key operational variables affecting their corporate financial performance. Operational variables relevant to financial performance were identified through a literature review. A questionnaire was then designed to assess the extent to which these variables are perceived to influence the financial performance of construction companies. The study participants were technical and management staff at small and medium-sized building and civil engineering construction companies categorized from grades 2 to 6 on the South African Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) registers, in four provinces of South Africa. Sixty-two valid responses were received. Based on how the respondents rated the variables in the study, it appears that contractors generally perceive four factors as having the greatest impact on corporate performance: technical ability (the possession and effective use of plant and equipment), financial management skills (in order to accumulate financial capital), training of staff in organizational knowledge in skills transfer and networking with industry stakeholders. Contractors across the five cidb grades did not differ significantly in their ratings of the importance of the operational variables and their indicators. The study also found that the perceived importance of three key operational variables (technical ability, financial capacity and networking) was positively related to the actual financial performance of companies, as measured by turnover, net assets and profit margin. The study concludes that construction companies need to prioritize the development of these key factors to improve their corporate performance. The findings will be of significance to contractors, industry practitioners, project managers and members of the research community in understanding the key operational variables that are crucial to construction firms’ success and effective project delivery.
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    Open Access
    Institutional mechanisms for water supply to informal settlements in Zambia a grounded theory approach
    (2013) Banda, Ian Nzali; Michell, Kathy; Cattell, Keith
    Effective provision of water services to informal settlements in Zambia has, andcontinues to challenge policy makers and those mandated to provide this service.Despite effecting widespread reforms for the sector in the mid to late 1990’s witha prime intent of rapidly reinvigorating the sector, problems still remain as vastnumbers of the informal settlement populace continue to live without adequateand sustained access to clean water. The complex nature of these informalsettlements has been cited as one of the key factors responsible for this situationin that the housing units are constructed devoid of any municipal planning andcontrol; are poorly constructed; and, not laid out in a systematic geometric arraywhich is essential for effective provision of modern water reticulationinfrastructure. Other factors include challenges by the service providers tomobilise resources required to install the network infrastructure and also theirinability to fully meet and recover their operational costs. The literature reviewquestioned whether other actors should be willingly allowed to participate in orderto augment service provision and also whether provision of incentives to theservice providers would serve to eradicate this condition of poor service delivery.The research was undertaken using a grounded theory approach within thesocial constructivist paradigm which is most suited where there is an absence oftheory to underpin the research area, or where the existent knowledge base inthe particular area is devoid of any theoretical foundation. The methods of datacollection included focus group discussions and in-depth semi-structuredinterviews. The research revealed that existing service delivery approaches tothese areas needs to be remodelled primarily through overhaul of the existentpolicy framework, if they are to fully cater for the various operational impedimentsinherent in informal settlements. Other findings included the requirement ofoperational incentives to entice the service providers to service these areas andthe formation of ‘quad partnerships’ through which to render services. Thetheoretical propositions (key cornerstones) for informal settlement water supplystated in this research were derived and assembled from these key findings.
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    Restricted
    An integrated model of HIV/AIDS testing behaviour in the construction industry
    (Taylor & Francis, 2014) Bowen, Paul Anthony; Govender, Rajen; Edwards, Peter J; Cattell, Keith
    The South African construction industry is one of the economic sectors most adversely affected by the HIV/ AIDS pandemic. Prevalence rates exceed those of most other sectors. Little is known about the antibody testing behaviour of construction workers, and the determinants thereof. A field-administered questionnaire survey, using an item catalogue based on similar surveys, gathered data from 512 site-based construction employees in the Western Cape, South Africa. An integrated hypothesized conceptual model of testing behaviour, derived from the literature, was proposed as a starting point for data analysis. This model comprising demographic factors, lifestyle risk and condom use, alcohol consumption, drug use, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, prejudice towards HIV+ persons, and attitudinal fear of being tested, was used to explain testing behaviour. Bivariate analysis, regression modelling, and structural equation modelling were then used to test the conceptual model. A revised model was proposed. The findings indicate that: (1) employment type, alcohol consumption, drug use, and HIV/AIDS knowledge are the terminal predictors of testing behaviour; (2) knowledge about the disease is determined by education level and ethnicity; (3) age, gender, ethnicity and education behave as significant predictors of alcohol consumption; (4) drug use is predicted by employment type, education and alcohol consumption (marginally); and (5) the interrelationship between knowledge, prejudice, and fear of being tested is nuanced and complex. In strategies for positively influencing employee testing behaviour, employers should first ensure that effective communication is established with workers in all employment categories. Interventions relating to alcohol consumption and drug use by employees need particular attention. Existing peer educator training, and awareness campaign media, should be particularly sensitive to ethnic and cultural values that are likely to influence HIV/AIDS testing behaviour.
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    Open Access
    An investigation into the mediation of disputes in the South African construction industry
    (2002) Povey, Althea Lynne; Cattell, Keith
    The construction industry is a unique and complex industry in which numerous different participants depend directly on each other in order to fulfil their separate functions and obligations. Recent years have seen an increase in conflicts and disputes within the industry, such that conflict and dispute are now considered endemic to an adversarial industry. This increase in conflict and dispute, together with the dissatisfaction with the traditional methods of resolving disputes, namely litigation and arbitration, have led to an increase in the growth of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes within the industry. The dispute resolution process most frequently referred to in literature on ADR is mediation. The process of mediation, while being flexible and informal, is underpinned by definite principles and objectives. In principle, mediation is a voluntary, non-binding and confidential process involving a neutral third party who assists the disputing parties in reaching a settlement. There are different approaches to mediation, each determined by the degree of intervention into the dispute by the third party. However, no matter the approach taken by the mediator, the main objective of mediation remains for the mediator to assist the parties in reaching an outcome on which they can mutually agree. Mediation has been used in the South African construction industry for settling disputes for the past couple of decades. However, no certainty exists as to the nature of the actual practice of mediation. This research, therefore, seeks to determine whether the practice of mediation in the South African construction industry is consistent with the principles of the mediation process. The hypothesis that is tested by the research is that the practice of mediation in the South African construction industry is not consistent with the generally accepted principles of the mediation process. In order to test such a broad and complex hypothesis, three sub-hypotheses were developed. The first being, that, construction industry mediators do not assist the disputing parties in determining their own settlement. The second, that the main stages that characterise the mediation procedure are the collection of information on the dispute by the mediator and the formulation of a solution by the mediator. The third, that the knowledge and utilization of specific mediation process skills and techniques are limited amongst construction industry mediators. Primary data were collected by way of 63 questionnaires received from the 206 posted to mediators recognised nationally by the South African Institution of Civil Engineers and the South African Association of Consulting Engineers, as well from mediators listed by the Western Cape Branch of the Association of Arbitrators of Southern Africa. The questionnaire responses were analysed using basic descriptive statistics, and these results were used to assist with the interpretation of the responses. The research reports on the occurrence of the practice wherein parties to mediation undertake, prior to the commencement of the mediation, to be bound by the mediator's decision, and concludes that this practice cannot constitute mediation. The research reveals mediation in the construction industry to be a mediator-owned process rather than a party-owned process, and concludes that this tendency is promoted by the terms of certain contract documents and published guidelines. It was also found that the mediators perceive their role as being to resolve the dispute using their own technical knowledge and expertise, rather than using specific mediation skills and techniques. Finally, it was concluded that the practice of mediation in the South African construction industry is not consistent with the generally accepted principles of the mediation process, as, the mediators do not generally assist the parties with determining their own settlement, instead the mediation activities centre mainly on the collection of information on the dispute by the mediator and the formulation of a solution by the mediator. The research showed that the mediators' knowledge and utilization of specific mediation process skills and techniques were limited.
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    Psychological Distress Among South African Civil Engineers
    (2022) Aldera, Daniela; Cattell, Keith; Bowen, Paul
    The construction industry is notoriously associated with work-related stress and time pressures. The repercussions of stress are experienced by both employees and organisations. The focus on the mental health and overall well-being of workers has been more prevalent in the public consciousness in recent years. Research focused on psychological distress has become popular in recent studies due to its close relationship with workload issues and worklife conflict among employees. This study investigates the determinants of psychological distress among South African civil engineers. Specifically, the occurrence of availability of resources and communication, job control, (un)balanced workload, work relationships, job security and change, and working conditions are studied to determine the association between these factors and psychological distress. The research method comprised a critical review of the existing literature on psychological distress, workplace stressors, and the distribution of an online survey questionnaire to civil engineer members of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE). Using the 142 survey responses, multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between availability of resources and communication, job control, (un)balanced workload, work relationships, job security and working conditions, and psychological health. The results indicate that psychological distress is determined by all the workplace stressors, except job control. Interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress among civil engineers in South Africa should focus on the development and promotion of mental health programmes and general support to employees by organisations.
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    Psychological wellbeing and engagement of architects in South Africa: the role of job conditions and job security
    (2024) Mumba, Kasonde; Cattell, Keith
    The construction industry has generally been suffering from mental stress issues as a result of a variety of stressors imposed on the employees, resulting in unhealthy behavioural habits, physical symptoms of burnout, chronic stress, and depression. Schedule constraints, challenging job conditions, and a lack of job permanence due to temporary contracts are wellknown characteristics of the construction sector, and these could potentially lead to workplace stress and poor psychological health. Employees and organisations both suffer the adverse effects of stress experienced by members of the workforce. In recent years, the public has become increasingly aware of the importance of mental health and the general wellbeing of workers. Due to its connection to psychological well-being and employee engagement, psychological distress research has gained popularity in recent research studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the psychological wellbeing and work engagement of South African architects. In particular, job security and job conditions were investigated to ascertain their relationship to both psychological well-being and the work engagement of employees. The research method comprised a critical review of the extant literature on psychological distress and workplace stressors, and the collection and analysis of data from a previous online survey questionnaire to architect members of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). Using the 365 survey responses that were suitable for analysis, multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between the workplace stressors of job security and job conditions, and the potential outcomes of psychological well-being and work engagement. The results indicate that psychological well-being and work engagement are influenced by both workplace stressors analysed. Interventions aimed at improving psychological well-being and the work engagement of architects in South Africa should focus on the promotion of healthy, clean, and safe working environments. In addition, organisations should encourage the improvement of employees' skills through periodic training to prevent the fear of skills redundancy and job insecurity
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    The roadside work-seeker phenomenon in the South African informal construction sector
    (2016) Hammond, Sylvia; Bowen, Paul; Cattell, Keith
    A key objective of post-apartheid South Africa has been the integration of previously disadvantaged persons into the economy. Human resource development strategies of increased access to education and skills development are supported by a package of enabling legislation. The construction sector via implementation of critical infrastructure and public works offered potential for employment and training of unskilled and semi-skilled labour. This research evaluates the extent to which this potential been realised, and identifies sustainable best-practice and impediments to progress. A mixed methods research methodology utilises: a textual analysis of strategy, skills development policy and legislation; statistical indicators of national and construction sector employment; semi-structured personal and telephonic interviews with workers and junior contractors; and online discussion with skills development practitioners. The findings confirm a comprehensive strategy for integrated and articulated post-school education and training, and extensive development of vocational training institutions. However, the qualification structure including knowledge, applied skills, and formal work experience does not meet the requirements of the sub-contractor junior construction industry players. The compilation of skills into formal qualifications follows occupational structures that don’t parallel real world requirements. There has been indifferent implementation of the recognition of prior learning, and extensive use of casualised labour and short term employment contracts impede implementation of skills development. The practical implications are that both national and immigrant workers continue to be excluded from acquisition of formal qualifications and career development, limiting the scope of their employment potential to temporary, short-term, informal contracts. The multi-disciplinary analysis contextualises these human resource management practices within the policy and legislative framework, and the contested economic model. The conclusion offers practical suggestions to improve the economic status of labour: recognising discrete skills independent of full qualifications, and adoption of bonus payments such as the fishing sector “agsterskot”.
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    Open Access
    South African quantity surveyors: issues of gender and race in the workplace
    (2008) Bowen, Paul; Cattell, Keith; Distiller, Greg
    A web-based questionnaire survey of the opinions of SA quantity surveyors was undertaken to establish gender- and race-based differences in job satisfaction. Issues explored included demographic factors, issues of gender and race in the workplace, and gender and racial harassment and discrimination at work. 'Significant' differences on the basis of gender exist on a number of issues. Women, more than men, have strong positive feelings regarding their levels of job satisfaction, feel that their career expectations have been fulfilled, would choose the same career again, and would unequivocally recommend the career to others. Females see QS practices as male-dominated, see themselves as being blocked from advancement to managerial ranks, participating less in decision-making, and remunerated at a lower level than equivalent colleagues. Issues important to women include : gender representivity in the profession, flexible working hours and maternity leave above the statutory minimum. Although both gender groups report racial harassment and discrimination at work, women experience significantly more sexual and gender harassment and religious and gender discrimination than do males. 'Significant' differences on the basis of race are evident concerning : feelings of job satisfaction and views on maternity / paternity leave above statutory minima. 'Highly significant' differences on the basis of race arise over issues of : being subjected to greater supervision because of race, not being allowed to contribute meaningfully to the decision-making process, viewing PDI status as a valid basis for promotion, seeing race representivity in the profession as important in combating discrimination at work, having personally experienced racial harassment and discrimination at work, and seeing respect for individual diversity in the workplace as important - with 'Whites' viewing these issues less 'empathically' than their 'Non-white' counterparts. The results provide valuable indicators for how the quantity surveying firms can create a more conducive work environment for professional staff, particularly females.
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    Value co-creation in the project management industry in South Africa: implementation examined
    (2021) Moshidi, Mpelegeng Mologadi; Cattell, Keith
    Value creation has emerged as an integral part of project management to necessitate customer satisfaction, profitability, and long-lasting value. Value creation in the context of construction is related to the benefits that can be realised after the project is completed. There is little information in the literature which articulates the impediments that hinder the adoption of value co-creation for the benefit of all stakeholders. The study is concerned about why value co-creation is not a common practice in the South African project management industry. The study adopted an explanatory research design based on qualitative approach to gather data using semi-structured interview from ten (10) participants selected using purposive sampling. The study was based on a single case study and interviews were audio recorded. Data was analysed using thematic analysis using manual method on Microsoft Word document. Findings identified that impediments that hinder value co-creation in project management include project scope changes, lack of performance standards and poor communication, stakeholder involvement, lack of knowledge and unrealistic expectations. The impact of ineffective management of value outcomes include bad company reputation and financial implications. Ways to manage impediments that hinder value co-creation in project management include risk assessment, setting realistic goals, value interaction, and accountability. Recommendations are made to the project managers, project clients, project stakeholders and future researchers in the field of Project Management.