Browsing by Author "Jay, Ian"

Now showing 1 - 15 of 15
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    Application of the fast model from value engineering to capture and communicate project lessons learnt
    (2018) Mguti, Maclean M M; Jay, Ian
    Purpose - This research investigated the advantages of using a diagramming tool such as the Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST) model to enhance the effectiveness of capturing and communicating lessons learnt onto future projects. The research looked at current ways of capturing tacit knowledge within a projectized organisation to get a clearer picture and propose alternatives on how the knowledge can be communicated and transferred to novice team members in future. The idea is to capitalise on the graphical nature of the FAST model, presupposing the human mind can comprehend graphical tools better than going through long tedious reports. Design - Focus Group Sessions were conducted using two groups from different business units within a project management and consultancy firm in South Africa. The participants represented the various project stakeholders that comprise a project team. The focus group session consists of a presentation on the background of the study and the FAST process. This served as a brainstorming session and a typical project scenario in capturing and communicating lessons learned was presented to the participants. The first diagram showed the activity log list as found on a project site for a particular lesson learnt process. The second diagram showed the same lesson learnt process presented in a FAST diagram. Afterwards, the participants evaluated the effectiveness of the FAST model to capture and communicate lessons learnt in a project environment. The responses were compiled and findings presented in table format. Findings - The analysis of the data and the responses of the participants proved that the FAST diagram can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of capturing and communicating lessons learnt. This knowledge transfer initiative provides cost benefits as it improves the project execution and competitive advantage of the organisation. Project execution efficiency is improved by codifying tacit knowledge and avoiding repeating the same mistakes on projects. Practical Implications - Developing a culture of capturing lessons learnt on a project as the execution phase unfolds can be a challenging exercise. Most companies pay less or no attention at all to capturing lessons learnt. However lessons learnt documentation must be supported by a quality control system that is robust and allows easy navigation within a repository. The FAST model empowers project custodians through its dynamic structure to document activities on the project. This ensures the FAST diagram is continuously updated to tie in with the changes on the ground as the project unfolds. Limitations: The results were generated in a controlled environment and require confirmation through longitudinal research of the use of FAST for this purpose in practise on live projects. Keywords: lesson learnt, knowledge transfer, data repository, Function Analysis Systems Technique, tacit knowledge, Value Engineering, knowledge management, activity log-list
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    Critical Success Factors: an Analysis of some factors at a Nuclear Power utility in South Africa
    (2021) Galetta, Wilhelmina; Jay, Ian
    Background: Over the years literature mainly focussed on time, cost and quality, also known as the triple constraint or ‘iron triangle', as the main factors to be considered as important for project success. Since then, many other factors were considered by various authors with the most cited being the work of Pinto and Slevin in 1988 who produced the Project Implementation Profile (PIP) which expanded on the triple constraint and listed ten Critical Success Factors (CSF) to be considered toward project success. The indication was that the success of projects can be improved if these factors were considered across the lifecycle of the project and they can be tailor-made to be specific to a particular industry. With this in mind, this research study has been conducted at a nuclear power plant (NPP) and it explores the applicability of the CSFs of the PIP towards nuclear project success. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis/dissertation was to gain and understanding from various stakeholders of what constitutes CSFs for projects undertaken at a NPP in South Africa; testing if those listed in the PIP would suffice or if additional factors need to be included specifically for nuclear projects. Research objectives: The research study considered the following research objectives: Understanding which CSFs of the PIP were important for nuclear projects and evaluate which of them are perceived by various stakeholders to be important to nuclear project success. Thereafter some CSFs of the PIP were analysed towards identifying if there were factors not included in the PIP but that were pertinent to nuclear project success. Research design and methodology: A mixed methods approach was adopted to this research. An interpretive case-study was conducted post event to understand phenomena through the participants' interpretation of their context. The case-study methodology was chosen and data collected using multiple data sources such as interviews with project managers who had successfully implemented projects and some system engineers who had conducted effectiveness reviews on such projects, gleaning the database of completed projects as well as Operating Experience (OE) / lessons learnt at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (KNPS). This was done to determine the common factors that led to the analysed projects' individual success. Multiple cases at KNPS and the factors considered for nuclear project success, outside of the CSFs of the PIP were used to conduct the research. The design methodology used towards getting to the CSF framework for nuclear projects was informed by factors considered by the World Organisation of Nuclear Operators (WANO), Institute for Nuclear Plant Operators (INPO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), all organisations that are key role players in the nuclear field. This paper utilised tools and techniques to demonstrate how a framework for determining nuclear project success can be adopted. Research findings: The results revealed that while CSFs were generally understood but not known in the PIP format. Furthermore, in order for the CSFs to be applicable to nuclear project success, additional factors that are pertinent to nuclear projects needed to be included and a specific framework developed accordingly. Research Limitations: The research study focused on projects within the nuclear project management department (NPM), in order to simplify the data collection process. Strategic information that was deemed as sensitive or confidential could not be revealed explicitly during the course of data gathering and therefore inferences had to be made. Another limitation was the timing of the distribution which took place during an outage, yielding a low response rate during the allotted time compelling the Researcher to extend the time period for data collection. Finally, the uneven distribution of responses in the various phases of the nuclear project lifecycle posed a challenge with the Execution Phase being the dominating phase. This uneven distribution of results meant that the overall findings would be governed by the Execution Phase. This had an implication on the generalisability of the results. Furthermore, with the respondents' ratings of the CSF being subjective; this may have had an impact on the accuracy of results. Originality: The CSF framework for nuclear project success, when applied can provide valuable pointers for Koeberg and the nuclear industry when implementing nuclear projects for success. Practical implication: This information can be shared across NPM and related departments who form part of the nuclear project lifecycle. The information and lessons learned can also be shared in the nuclear industry by way of OE. The paper will benefit other NPP operators in applying the CSFs that are introduced in the framework to nuclear projects and provide them with the ability to monitor and control nuclear project success at each phase of the nuclear project lifecycle towards ensuring nuclear project success. The framework will allow the project manager and project team to identify, analyse, respond and monitor and control CSFs that project participants should plan for to ensure nuclear project success so as not to negatively impact the plant and the business at large with dire consequences that are introduced by project failure.
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    Determining the benefits realization management practices and processes in clinical trials
    (2019) Nonyane, Molati; Jay, Ian
    Benefits are measurable improvements that result from project outcomes. There is an emphasis in clinical trials literature that clinical trial benefits must always outweigh the risks yet there is limited clarity on processes to manage and ensure delivery of those benefits. With uncertainty around the delivery of clinical trial benefits, it is worth adopting a balanced management approach. This study looked to establish whether there were any comprehensive benefits management processes in HIV clinical trials and compared these practices to those described in the literature. Methods: To assess the current benefits management practices used to manage HIV clinical trials, a cross-sectional study used a critical review of clinical trials guidelines and publications as well as an online survey that was distributed to stakeholders in clinical trials management. Results: The critical review of the guidelines and literature revealed a high emphasis on risk benefit assessment, but very limited mention of the processes used for the assessment and management of those risks and benefits. The diverse group of clinical trials managers that responded to the online survey were involved at the strategic level of their respective clinical trials and 74% of them had never heard of Benefits Realization Management (BRM) and BRM processes. The respondents however, acknowledged that their lack of awareness did not necessarily mean lack of existence of BRM or BRM processes in HIV clinical trials. There were aspects of benefits management practices in clinical trials that were found to be similar to those in literature and other industries such as benefits planning, benefits identification, benefits review, setting time scale to benefits realization and allocating benefits champions. Even though there was confidence from the respondents in how clinical trial benefits were managed and in clinical trials delivering their promise, the respondents still believed there was room for improvement in the current BRM processes. Conclusion: BRM processes are not readily visible or documented in HIV clinical trials. There is a management bias towards safety and ethics in clinical trials which seems to have resulted in limited focus on benefits management. Compared to other industries, there appears to be more room and opportunity to implement published BRM processes. The findings from this study will serve as a starting point for future studies on how BRM can be incorporated into current management practices in order to achieve the most out of clinical trials.
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    Effective and efficient requirement traceability in the software development and Information Technology industry
    (2015) Shereni, Tafadzwa; Jay, Ian
    Requirements traceability has been identified as a quality factor and a characteristic a system should possess and include as a non-functional requirement. Requirements engineering processes should always include methods and tools of maintaining traces and relationships between requirements and product artefacts. To investigate the extent to which requirements traceability is used in software and information technology projects, a theoretical model of requirements traceability was presented in this research. Five organizations were investigated through semi-structured interviews and their requirements tracing practices were compared with the theoretical model. The extent to which organizations apply requirements traceability practices in their projects differs and as a result they were categorised as inactive, dormant and active users in this research. The advent of agile development methods is one of the major factors affecting requirements traceability practices. Among other recommended areas of further research, there is need for future research to look at how agile development and traditional methods can be implemented together in requirement tracing practices.
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    Evaluating the impact of the project implementation profile (PIP) tool on interface management in public sector projects: case study KZN Department of Health Facilities
    (2016) Dube, Ndabezinhle; Jay, Ian
    Purpose: The research study investigated the impact of the Project Implementation Profile (PIP) tool on Interface Management (IM) in Public sector facilities projects focusing on KZN Department of Health as a case study. The study identified the interface management challenges encountered by the department and also the advantages that can be realised in using the PIP tool. Lastly the study outlined the impact the PIP tool can bring in improving interface management between stakeholders. Design and Findings: From the existing literature the interface challenges were categorized as financial, contract and specification, environmental and lastly other common problems. The research determined their relevance through a survey. Respondents listed additional challenges and highlighted the advantages and impact of the PIP tool in mitigating interface challenges during project implementation. Practical Implications: The findings outlined the interface management challenges, the advantages of using the PIP tool to mitigate the challenges and the impact the tool has in improving project success rate. However constraints were encountered as some stakeholders were skeptical in answering all the questions. Subjectivity of the information couldn't be avoided as respondents were giving their opinions. It is suggested that this research be expanded in scope to verify that the findings can be generalized. Background: KwaZulu Natal Department of Health (KZNDOH) experience Interface Management challenges in implementation of its infrastructure projects. This has lead scope creeps, time and cost overruns thereby reducing the project success rate. The PIP tool could be the answer in resolving challenges faced. Aim: The research intention is to establish the impact of the PIP tool when applied to the IM with the purpose of improving the probability of project success in KZNDOH. Methods: A Likert Scale questionnaire was used to establish the current IM challenges. This was coupled with an Action Research method establish additional challenges, the impact of the PIP tool and its advantages. Results: The research delineated IM challenges which reduce the project success rate. It also outlined the impact of the PIP tool which includes improved planning, monitoring and execution of projects. Conclusions: The PIP has a positive impact to the IM challenges as established by the research. Risks are mitigated early during planning, teamwork, efficiency is improved and scope is managed. There is reduction in time and cost overruns resulting in improved project success rate.
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    Evaluation of the modal choice behaviour and bus service preferences of commuters of the scheduled Golden Arrow Bus Services (Pty) Ltd using stated choice data
    (2014) Cloete, Brendon Lee; Jay, Ian
    Evaluation Problem: The Western Cape Provincial Government faces a public problem of declining service levels with respect of public bus transport services. Stemming from the public problem is the management problem of modelling choice behaviour of commuter stated choices for utility maximisation and therefore as a means of optimising the allocation of the Public Transport Operating Grant (PTOG) expenditure. Historically, differing perceptions amongst travellers, and the difficulties in quantifying these attributes, mean that they are rarely included (directly) within the modelling and appraisal process, or the associated utility computation (Crockett, Sinclair and Whelan. 2008:11). A combination of policies which would ensure that the discrete choices of commuters for an improved bus service are considered in a modal shift from the Golden Arrow Bus Services (Pty) Ltd (GABS) bus service to the MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) service is required to be produced from this evaluation. Evaluation Approach: The evaluation brings together data and analytical information on a broader, more inclusive, societal model of the public transport service in Cape Town. It seeks to: - identify the value aspects of the public bus transport infrastructure and services, - identify and model choice behaviour of GABS bus service users, - generate preference valuations for public transport service attributes and - determine the effect of service attributes on modal choice namely GABS and a hypothetical MyCiTi service area. A discrete choice experiment models the stated choices of respondents who were made to choose between various combinations of service levels during the morning and afternoon peak commuting times. The commuters' willingness to pay for a switch to a new MyCiTi IRT-type service from their current choice of an existing GABS bus service is estimated. The choice data is collected by means of an on-board bus survey along three particular routes in Table View, a West Coast Region in the City of Cape Town, South Africa and where the new MyCiTi service is being introduced. The analyses will show which service attributes are significant in commuter mode choice behaviour, such as changes travel time, fare prices and other significant service attributes, as well as which level of service would maximise utility for the target population. Major Evaluative Conclusions: The evaluation found that the DCE choice modelling approach used was unfamiliar to the respondents and would most likely not have been completely understood. Although the factorial approach to designing the experiment could identify an exhaustive list of value aspects to choose from, the need to adopt a fractional factorial in the final design does necessitate further experimentation to produce a more comprehensive choice model, inclusive of more service attributes and with the discrete choice models corroborated with revealed preference data. Seat availability was by far the most significant choice determinant and the lack thereof would be a serious deterrent to a modal shift to using the new MyCiTi service. The number of transfers during the trip and the distance of the bus stop from home were also significant choice determinants. The choice models indicated that the female commuters particularly, were willing to pay for the new MyCiTi bus-type service. In the absence of suitable seating capacity, a reduced travel time would be required to reduce the standing times and make the MyCiTi service an attractive option. The analysis produced inconclusive data for ridership predictions, although it can generally be said that provided sufficient seating, the GABS bus users will be willing to switch modes, as there is no indication in the data to suggest otherwise. Considering the preferences expressed for the service attributes, a hypothetical service can be proposed, with a service mix of R9.00 per trip, that would take 45 minutes and that offered the commuter a seat for the journey. The first bus stop would be no more than two kilometres away and the journey would consist of no more than one transfer to reach the final destination.
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    Identifying design alternatives for the Windhoek municipality by applying the FAST diagram
    (2018) Shiimi, Mary; Jay, Ian
    Purpose - Value management has been in use for many decades, yet in Namibia most built environment professionals are vaguely familiar with the concept and are not aware of the benefits of this practice, and that it can add value for money without reducing quality. This research seeks to focus on the value management methodology and more specifically give insight into the use of the Functional Analysis Systems Technique (FAST) diagram in the built environment within a local government context. Design/methodology/approach - To establish how a FAST model can be used as a tool to design roads and introduce alternative materials with a focus on reducing cost for municipal projects. This would address the design methods, design team composition, construction methods and availability of material taking environmental sustainability into consideration. The benefits and cost of value management are reviewed and the importance of value management as an integrated practice of the project management process of the Municipality is explored. A quantitative method is used to determine the applicability of the FAST diagram within the project team and current project environment. A likert Scale questionnaire was used to establish the current use of value management techniques, effectiveness of project implementation process and additional challenges related to availability of material in the Windhoek Municipality. Results – The research delineated project management challenges which reduce project success rate. It also outlines the impact of FAST model and its advantages. This includes improving project cost, monitoring and successful execution of a construction project. The FAST has a positive impact on challenges as established by the research. Project risks are mitigated early during the planning, composition of the project team, efficiency is improved and scope is managed. There is a reduction in time and cost overrun resulting in improved project success. Limitations – Given the exploratory nature of this research, the amount of data is restricted to a single municipality of Namibia.
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    Importance and management of IT project stakeholders
    (2018) Khatieb, Muhammad Zaid; Jay, Ian
    Information technology project success rates remain low despite increased investments in information systems and their importance for contemporary organisations. Both research and practice suggest that stakeholders play a key role in ensuring the successful delivery of projects. The success or failure of a project is significantly influenced by a combination of the stakeholders' needs, and the ability and readiness of the project manager to effectively coordinate and manage these aspects. This research sought to explore and understand the importance and management of IT project stakeholders. A mixed-method approach, using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics was followed. Semi-structured interviews, along with a survey questionnaire, were conducted with a selected sample of IT project managers and IT managers, from various sectors. Results of this study indicate that the project team, technical expert, subject matter expert, and the project sponsor are considered the most important stakeholders on IT projects. Furthermore, the results indicate that supplier/vendor, customer/client and project team are considered to be the stakeholders that cause the most uncertainty and problems on IT projects. Lastly, the results of this study indicate that failure to identify one or more stakeholders on an IT project can have a potential negative impact on overall project delivery. Key themes were also identified which provide context to the results of the findings. The results of this research will prove beneficial to IT project managers as it will assist in providing insight into which stakeholders require greater focus regarding stakeholder management, thereby working toward improving IT project delivery results.
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    Improving lessons learned practice in architectural practices: systematic conversion of lessons learned into improvement actions
    (2014) Beraki ,Teklehaimanot Tewelde; Jay, Ian
    Purpose: Architectural firms are characterized by their professional identity and knowledge-driven nature; knowledge is crucial to their success in the competitive and dynamic business environment. As knowledge management is still in its infancy in the construction industry and structured knowledge management processes have not yet been adequately deployed in the architecture discipline, this research seeks to focus on the implicit knowledge management processes and more specifically give insight into the effective communication of lessons learned from an individual project to the wider organisation through the use of graphical methods such as the Function Analysis Systems Technique (FAST diagram) that can be undertaken in professional architectural firms. Design/methodology/approach: To establish if a FAST model can be used as a tool to capture and then communicate lessons learned. This would address the difficulty experienced in the project management of transmitting knowledge from one project to future projects of similar nature. To achieve this objective, a FAST diagram was developed from a Project Learning Roadmap developed by Carrillo et al. (2013) and other lessons learned process models which are based on detailed literature review in an attempt to enhance the lessons learned dissemination in South African professional architectural firms. The applicability and validity of the FAST diagram (Appendices B.13 and B.14) was verified by quantitative research methods. Based on the proposed process model, a combination of a brainstorming session and a pilot study with reflective learning approach was utilised on a selected sample population to study the opinions of professional architects on the details of these processes and the diagram. Data presentation was in text and graphic format. Findings - Once all the data were collected and analysed, the findings were that the research has confidently proven that graphical methods and especially FAST diagrams can effectively be used to communicate lessons learned from one project to the wider organisation. Practical implications: A clear policy/strategy governing the ways in which lessons learned should be disseminated is not prevalent among South African architectural firms. Originality/value: Although the study applies uniquely to architectural professional services firms and may not yield an evaluation that is comparable with previous similar studies, it is hoped that the FAST Diagram developed can be applied to other types of project-based professional service organizations in order to find out whether this tool can be used in their context in terms of how they manage their organizational learning. In addition, these future studies can offer a benchmarking effect to firms striving to establish matured project management offices (PMOs) through continuous improvement processes by using lessons learned. Limitations: Given the exploratory nature of this research, the amount of data obtained is restricted to a single architectural firm in South Africa.
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    Project complexity and how to effectively measure complexity in projects: the case of a refuelling outage in a nuclear power generating plant
    (2016) Mabumbulu, Noxolo; Jay, Ian
    Background: Projects have become larger, technologically more sophisticated and are organised with a higher number of contractors and partners, compared to 40 years ago. The majority of large, complex capital projects often incur significant cost/budget and schedule overruns. Delays and cost overruns are seemingly, the rule rather than an exception these days. Research shows that one of the reasons for project failure is the increasing complexity of projects or an underestimation of the project complexity. There is therefore a fundamental need to develop a tool or model that will assist project managers to measure complexity within their projects Research Purpose: To define project complexity, develop a model or tool to measure complexity within projects and to improve the understanding of the dimensions of project complexity. Research Methodology: The case study methodology was employed, and the unit of analysis was the refuelling outage in a nuclear power generating plant. Focus group was adopted as a technique to gather information. A group of project managers with wealth of knowledge in refuelling outages were assembled. They were given the complexity assessment matrix to assess their respective subprojects, in order to rate the refuelling outage project Findings: Two main scientific approaches to project complexity, namely; descriptive complexity and perceived complexity were established. Descriptive complexity considers complexity as an intrinsic property of a system. Perceived complexity considers complexity as subjective, since the complexity of a system is understood through the perception of an observer and both approaches can coexist. There are vital layers of complexity such as: social, cultural, operative and cognitive complexity that must be considered when dealing with complexity within projects. A three dimensional model that encompasses the complexity dimensions (origin of project complexity), severity factors (the extent to which complexity dimension will be a problem) and the nature of interdependences (pooled, sequential, and reciprocal) was developed. This model was used to assess complexity of the refuelling outage in a power generating plant. The results of this assessment indicated that this project is a very complex project.
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    Project implementation profile tool applied to upgrading informal settlements programme projects
    (2019) Shaboodien, Azher; Jay, Ian
    Purpose: This research reviews the Project Implementation Profile (PIP) and explores its relevance to Upgrading Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) type projects in Cape Town. The research aims to: • Identify the most common PIP Critical Success Factors (CSF) for UISP projects, • Compare the common PIP Critical Success Factors (CSF) for UISP projects to the Construction Sector CSF • Evaluate if the PIP tool is applicable to UISP projects. • Determine if there any other critical success factors that need to be added to the CSF list that is critical to the UISP Project success Approach: A literature review was conducted to assist in identifying the common CSF in the Constructions Sector. A survey questionnaire was sent out to relevant UISP Project Managers. The survey questionnaire was based on the PIP questionnaire with additional questions regarding to the effectiveness of the PIP tool on UISP projects. The intent of the survey questionnaire is firstly to establish the common CSF for UISP projects and then evaluate the PIP effectiveness on UISP projects. Findings: Based on the research results, it was found that the high scoring CSF for UISP projects were Project Mission, Client Consultation, Technical Tasks, Monitoring and Feedback, Personal. When the high scoring CSF was compared to the Literature Based Construction Sector CSF, the following common CSF was established: Monitoring and Feedback, Client Consultation and Technical Tasks. Practical Implications: This research will give an indication of the high and low scoring CSF relevant to UISP projects, which project managers and Managers in the Human Settlements industry can use to evaluate their UISP or Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing projects. Furthermore, the PIP tool may be utilised more frequently as a project quality success assurance tool in the organisation. The PIP tool has been tested and verified in a number of different industries in previous studies but never in its application to UISP or BNG projects.
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    The project implementation profile's applicability to petro-chemical project success: an analysis of the key success factors
    (2018) Johnsen, Marthinus; Jay, Ian
    Purpose - This research seeks to develop a revised list of Key Success Factors for a petro-chemical project-specific Project Implementation Profile (PIP) tool and to identify the petro-chemical success factors that are not currently included in the PIP tool. Through the identification of petro-chemical key success factors not currently included in the PIP tool, and removing current PIP KSFs that are less applicable to petro-chemical project success. Design - Conducting a literature review a set of 10 additional key success factors are identified to be relevant to petro-chemical projects that are currently not included in the PIP. A web-based survey with a set of 20 KSFs was sent to petrochemical project stakeholders to determine their perceived importance of each key success factor in achieving petro-chemical survey project success. Findings - It is found that the top ten of the key success factors considered to be most relevant to achieving petro-chemical project success contain only six of the original PIP KSFs. The four new success factors are Change management, Client requirements, Estimating and Project implementation timeframe. PIP factors found to be the least important in achieving petro-chemical project success are Top management support, Technical tasks, Personnel and Project mission. Practical Implications - The analysed survey results lead to a revised list of ten KSFs for a possible petro-chemical project-specific PIP tool. Some limitations are noted. However, difficulty in choosing respondents representing all petro-chemical project stakeholders and the idiosyncratic views of the respondents may have skewed the results. It is recommended that further research is undertaken to confirm the research findings and to identify additional key success factors that may have been left out from this research. Testing of the revised tool is also recommended.
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    Reviewing risk management tools for construction projects and the implementation of project management strategies
    (2019) Lungu, Able Benson; Jay, Ian
    Purpose - The research reviewed risk management tools for construction projects and the implementation of project management strategies, in which prominence is found in the use of the integrated use of value management and risk management adapted from the Integrated Approach for Soft Value Management. The study was based on a school construction project which was used as a case study at which the researcher’s role is that of ‘Project Manager’. The project status before the study was that it was almost 100% behind schedule and experienced a wide variety of problems ranging from constant site shut-downs due to community protests, contract scope changes, poor quality workmanship and material related setbacks. The study, through literature review, considered some of the methods currently used in the built environment to mitigate unforeseen problems to construction projects and ascertained the extent to which these tools and techniques for risk management on construction projects were used. The idea behind this was to review, document and package the application of a project management strategy that would be suitably effective for resolving the problems faced on the project site. Design – The research design used in this study was the ‘Case study design’ and ‘Experimental design’ in which the ‘Action-research’ approach and ‘Embedded survey within a case study’ were employed on the construction project site, managed by the researcher in his capacity as Project Manager. This was done by organising role-players as participants in focus group workshops facilitated by the researcher where the participants interacted with the researcher and amongst themselves in an effort to identify and find possible problems affecting the project. The researcher introduced stimulating action to project management processes based on the information sourced from the literature review and data obtained from focus group workshops where the outcomes were observed, recorded, analysed and conclusions drawn. Results – The investigation results revealed that the applied management strategies in form of the approach adapted from the integrated use of value and risk management provided a conclusion that the approach was an effective and preferable technique to use in comparison with the commonly used contingencies and float for risk management on construction projects. The above processes also confirmed its relevance as an appropriate technique for risk management of most unforeseen problems which have an effect on the three constraints of time, cost and quality. A further analysis of literature reviewed, which was also supported by other studies previously undertaken, concluded that most professionals in the construction sector such as Quantity Surveyors, Construction Managers, Project Managers and Architects were aware of Value Management but rarely applied it on projects for risk management purposes. Practical Implications – Developing a standard model for the implementation of measures to deal or manage unplanned problems on a project is a challenge as most projects do not have a set model to deal with unforeseen project problems which compels the reliance on contingencies and float. However, any envisaged model must be supported by a quality control system which allows for easy implementation of interventions. The prototype step model conceptualised by the researcher is intended to enable project functionaries and project managers through its unique and easy steps to navigate through any problem which may be encountered on a project. This is regardless of the project phase in which such challenges manifest as there is no preferred model capable of resolving much more than one setback at any given time in comparison with the strategy recommended by this study, which may also be applicable to other sites where similar dynamics exist. Limitations – The study was conducted in a confined environment which required to be confirmed through longitudinal research which is broader and based on many different projects hence the results could not be generalised but only limited to the current project and further research was recommended. The single case study design was also a limitation as the results were not broad enough and were also subjective for generalisation to other project sites. Conclusion – This project management strategy in which the integrated value management approach was used has the potential of being employed as an intervention technique for unforeseen problems related to construction projects provided the processes derived from further research are documented and packaged into a process to be used as a standard model. The project management strategy has the potential to mitigate problems related to time, cost and quality only during the three phases of the project which are, initiation, planning, and implementation and excludes the closing phase to enhance project value. In iii essence, when the project cost and time are effectively managed and reduced, with enhanced quality, the result is an improved project with significant prospects of success.
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    Study of the value of project stage-gates within a nuclear power plant
    (2016) Gumede, Nomfusi; Jay, Ian
    Background: Project Management has become a key activity in most organisations. Organisations are investing increasing resources in projects such as new product development, process improvement, or building new services. This research study has been conducted at a nuclear power plant and it explores the value of project stage-gates within a nuclear power plant. Research Purpose: To identify areas for improvement within the stage-gate review process within Nuclear Project Management. Research Objectives: The research study has considered the following research objectives: determining stagegate review process drivers; establishing the value obtained from the stage-gate review process; determining the impact of not conducting PLCM stage-gate reviews. Research Methodology: A qualitative approach was pursued with a survey questionnaire administered to sample and follow up interviews conducted with the same sample population. A questionnaire and interviews have been conducted with Project Managers (PMs) of the power plant to collect qualitative information about the stage-gate review process. Data has been analysed, interpreted and recommendations have been made. Research Findings: The research findings show that there is a general understanding of the stage-gate review definition; performing stage-gate reviews; purpose of the stage-gate and stage-gate drivers. However, this research study revealed that there are some gaps and little understanding regarding the benefits of the stagegate review process; impact of not conducting stage-gate reviews; stage-gate effectiveness and stage-gate monitoring. Therefore, there are various factors that need to be rectified to enhance the effective implementation of the stage-gate review process. Research Limitations: The research study focused on the projects run within the nuclear projects department, in order to simplify the data collection process. Strategic information that was deemed as sensitive or confidential could not be revealed explicitly during the course of data gathering and therefore inferences had to be made.
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    The project implementation profile's applicability to the modern construction industry
    (2018) Chiropa, Moses Tinashe; Jay, Ian
    This research evaluated the applicability of the current project implementation profile (PIP) tool to the modern construction industry. The research also aimed to identify any new critical success factors (CSFs) to deliver successful construction projects. The research questions were: a. How applicable are the success factors from the PIP tool in delivering successful modern construction projects? b. Are there other success factors that may be considered for inclusion in the PIP tool for modern construction projects? Critical success factors were identified through a deep literature review. An online webbased questionnaire with the critical success factors was then developed and this tool was utilized to gather data for the research from various project management stakeholders. Collected information was summarized, analyzed and discussed leading to a conclusion. The research identified a revised list of 10 key success factors (KSF) which comprised of 6 non-PIP factors which are: adequate budget; client requirements; competence of project manager; competence of contractors, subcontractors and suppliers; risk management and design and 4 PIP factors which are: client consultation, communication, client acceptance and top management support. From the 20 KSFs that were under investigation, “Adequate budget” was the factor that scored the highest and the lowest scored was “support from other departments.” The research also concluded that the success factors from the existing PIP tool are not sufficient in delivering successful modern construction projects and there are additional success factors that can be considered for inclusion in the PIP tool to aid modern construction projects success. To strengthen the PIP success factors in response to the research questions, it is necessary to execute additional research in this area; in particular the actual questions used by the tool and the assessment framework needs to be revised in light of this research.