Browsing by Author "Massyn, Mark"

Now showing 1 - 16 of 16
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    A case study of pre-requirements specification traceability practices in a retail environment
    (2015) Williams, Jeandre Charisse; Massyn, Mark
    Purpose: An exploration into the application of pre-requirements specification traceability (pre-RST) practices in Information Systems (IS) projects within a retail setting. Research Design/methodology: A qualitative study in the interpretivist tradition applied within a single case study setting was selected. Findings: Awareness and value-perception emerged as the most significant challenge to overcome with recommendations for a well-considered organisational change management programme to address this. The potential impact on the trust relationship amongst requirements practitioners and participants is a factor to be addressed. More readily accessible requirements engineering guides that include pre-RST as a prominent aspect is required to raise awareness levels amongst practitioners. Practical implications: The research points to a need to raise awareness amongst practitioners through improved and more readily accessible requirements engineering guides that include pre-RST as a prominent aspect. It also highlights what to consider when embarking upon pre-RST, most prominently the need for carefully considered change management programme to tackle value-perception. Originality/value: Addressing the paucity in case study insights, this research provides an understanding of practice, awareness, value-perception and perceived challenges to pre-RST. Considerations for pre-RST implementation, including careful consideration for the trust relationship amongst requirements practitioners and participants is highlighted. Limitations: The case study was limited to eleven interviews in the retail industry and therefore may not be generalisable to other industries or general practice.
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    Challenges in adopting a Project Governance system in local government
    (2023) Leni, Bulelwa; Massyn, Mark
    Despite all the Acts, Legislations, Policies, Frameworks, and diagnostic studies in place, there is a sense that South Africa as a country is still unable to handle its present economic and social concerns, as well as governance problems. Even with different types of government involvement, the district municipalities remain inefficient and unable to provide services. Infrastructure projects must be completed to provide services. This technique, which may be adopted by all governments throughout the world to deliver services through infrastructure projects, particularly significant capital projects, is not unique to South Africa. Project governance is being more acknowledged as a system that may assure project success and assist enterprises and governments in putting in place a system and structure for project governance to help achieve favourable project results. To conduct the study, a qualitative case study technique with inductive philosophical reasoning that fit within the interpretivism paradigm was used. Interviews were used in the study to collect data and test the research hypotheses. Project managers and senior management / division directors were among those who took part in the survey. To identify the themes and complete the data analysis, the acquired data was analysed using thematic analysis. According to the findings, district municipalities recognize the benefits of governance and project governance and the role they can play in obtaining beneficial outcomes. The following challenges were identified: dysfunctional institutional governance structures that are not separated from project governance structures, subversion of existing legislation and frameworks for personal and political gain, a lack of local government specific best practices and guidelines, and the complex interrelationships between employers, employees, political structures, and government. The study closes with suggestions that the government respond decisively and with effective consequence management on the current purposeful subversion of existing laws and processes for personal and political advantage. Support that action by developing and implementing an industrial or employee relations framework and best practices aimed at improving relations between local government, district municipalities, and the National and provincial departments that support them. Streamline existing municipal governance, project governance, and project management legislation and systems where necessary, and support that action with the development and implementation of best practice guidelines that consider the local government project and service delivery environment.
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    Challenges in the implementation of community based adaption projects in Eastern and Southern Africa
    (2021) Osman, Faizal; Massyn, Mark
    Community Based Adaptation (CBA) projects in Eastern and Southern Africa have difficulties in achieving long term benefits. There are challenges in the management of the implementation of these projects. This study aimed to determine the facts that contribute to this failure by identifying the main challenges CBA projects face, uncovering how benefits can be better addressed and naming alternatives to the methodology as potential areas of future research. The research used the quantitative method, data collection was done through an online survey directed to professionals with experience in CBA. The analysis of the data showed that long term sustainability, financial factors and stakeholder coordination were the main challenges encountered in CBA projects in the region of study. It was also concluded that focus on stakeholder management, gathering sufficient funds, improving participatory techniques, and improving Project Management (PM) tools or designing a specific PM toolkit for CBA are possible strategies to improve benefits. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), Information and Communication Technologies Based Adaptation (ICTBA) and Risk Based Adaptation were identified as alternatives to CBA with potential for further study.
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    A Critical Success Factor Framework for Implementing Sustainable Innovative and Affordable Housing: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
    (2021-07-23) Moghayedi, Alireza; Awuzie, Bankole; Omotayo, Temitope; Le Jeune, Karen; Massyn, Mark; Ekpo, Christiana Okobi; Braune, Manfred; Byron, Paimaan
    The actualization of affordable housing remains a challenge. This challenge is exacerbated by the increasing societal demand for the incorporation of sustainability principles into such housing types to improve levels of occupant health and well-being whilst avouching the desired levels of affordability. Innovative technologies and practices have been described as beneficial to the effectuation of sustainable affordable housing. However, knowledge concerning the deployment of innovative technologies and practices in sustainable affordable housing (sustainable, innovative, affordable housing—SIAH) delivery remains nascent. Consequently, there is a lack of a common ontology among stakeholders concerning how to realize SIAH. This study aims to contribute toward the development of this body of knowledge through the establishment of the critical success factors (CSFs) for effective SIAH implementation. To achieve this objective, a systematic review and bibliometric analysis focusing on a juxtaposition of sustainable, innovative and affordable housing concepts was carried out based on the relevant literature. This led to the identification and clustering of CSFs for these housing concepts at individual levels and as a collective (SIAH). The findings of the study consisted of the establishment of four distinct yet interrelated facets through which SIAH can be achieved holistically, namely, housing design, house element, housing production method and housing technology. A total of 127 CSFs were found to be aligned to these facets, subsequently clustered, and conclusively used for the development of a SIAH CSF framework. The most frequently occurring CSFs with predominant interconnections were the utilization of energy-efficient systems/fittings, tenure security, a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, affordable housing price in relation to income and using water-efficient systems/fittings CSFs, and establishing the emergent SIAH CSF framework. The framework in this study is useful in the documentation of SIAH features for construction projects and further studies into SIAH CSFs.
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    Factors to be considered in the adoption of the matrix management organisation structure within a state-owned enterprise
    (2022) Brukwe, Athayanda; Massyn, Mark
    The aim of the research was to investigate the factors to be considered in the adoption of the matrix management organization structure within State-Owned Enterprises. It also investigated how the employees understand the project matrix management organization structure and its application, how they observe it to be and whether their misunderstanding of their roles in the structure will have an impact on meeting the project objectives and performance. This research also investigated whether the utilization of the project matrix management organization structure promotes the successful completion of project or whether it delays the project. The problem examined was “the State-Owned enterprise is still experiencing problems meeting project objectives despite implementing the matrix management organization structure which was intended to facilitate the meeting of project objectives within the organization”. The misunderstanding on the roles and functions of personnel within a project environment using the matrix organization structure was also investigated on whether it has an impact on meeting project objectives and performance. The research question for this study was: “What are the factors that hinder or support the State-Owned Enterprise with the adoption of the matrix management organization structure to meet its project objectives?” The research paradigm was interpretivist. The strategy used was empirical, with an inductive approach. The study approach was qualitative with a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews as data collection methods and the data analysis was thematic. The following were the key findings of the study: In terms of awareness of the structure, most respondents advised that the organisation is using a project matrix management organisation structure. The enablers that were agreed on are managing complexity, resource efficiency, communication effectiveness and output quality. The barriers that were agreed on were ambiguous authority and dual reporting, decision-making delays, management of cross-functional teams, lack of a matrix guardian and level of conflicts. The indication in terms of cost performance was that the projects had cost implications. Most projects were completed on budget with 51% indicating that the projects had an overspend. 74% indicated that the projects that they have worked on were completed behind schedule. 16% indicated that the projects were completed on time. The perception is that this type of structure, due to the number of the managers that are involved lacks decision making. The lack of decision making is caused by lack of communication and stakeholder engagement. Stakeholder engagement was also an issue that was highlighted as lacking.
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    Identifying and managing the factors needed to implement Benefits Realization Management frameworks in publicly funded innovation projects in South African context
    (2022) Netshiswinzhe, Mashudu Keith; Massyn, Mark
    Innovation projects seeks to bring fourth new technology products or services to the marketplace (community) to respond to broader socio-economic challenges. Innovation projects have elements of complexity and uncertainty which often fails to meet stakeholder expectations. This requires the need to determine requirements which need to be considered while dealing with publicly funded innovation projects so as to ensure project benefits are realised. The objective of the study is to identify factors needed to implement Benefit Realisation Management (BRM) frameworks in managing publicly funded innovation projects. BRM framework was unpacked in assessing its role on publicly funded innovation in ensuring project benefits achievement. The framework was applied in assessing innovation projects within the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). A qualitative research methodology was employed as to achieve the project objectives of the study. An in-depth approach was used through face to face interviews in collecting primary data from study respondents within the DSI. The study participants entailed project managers on two government level of authority, namely middle and senior management. The study output revealed the critical role of a BRM framework in achieving project benefits and meeting stakeholder's expectations. To ensure that project benefits are realised, factors such as project governance, return on investment, project success and value creation need to be taken into account. Furthermore, a relationship between BRM and business strategy need to co-exist for project benefits realisation. The BRM framework is essential and should play a central role in every project implemented. The framework quantifies the need for project stakeholders to embrace the modern approach of assessing projects without limiting it on the constraints of time, cost and quality also known as the iron triangle. Project should be assessed based on the impact and benefit derived and the BRM framework is a critical tool to effect it.
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    Impediments to the implementation of value management technique in the public sector projects in Eastern Cape
    (2024) Mpofu, Sunboy; Massyn, Mark
    Purpose - Construction projects in Provisional Government authorities in South Africa are vital vehicle for social economic development of the community. In achievement of best and viable projects, value management technique should be deployed from the beginning to the end of the project. This research investigated the impediments to the adoption of value management technique studies in the public sector projects. The aim is to identify impediment factors to the adoption of Value management technique Studies in the public sector projects in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa Design - In addition to the literature review that was conducted and identified a number of impediment factors to the adoption of Value management technique in the public sector in other countries such as Malaysia, China and Hong Kong, A semi structured interview was conducted with key Heads of Eastern Cape Department of Publics works to get their views. A web survey with a number of impediment factors identified by the interviewers and those identified in the literature review was sent to Built environment professionals who work with Eastern Cape Provisional Government in deferent capacities. Findings – The research find identified that, Incompetent Skilled Personnel, Lack of training and Education in Value management technique, Political Influence, Lack of Awareness about Value management technique, Bureaucracy with government and lack of practical guideline for implementation of Value management technique are overwhelmingly the main impediment factors to the adoption of Value management technique study in the public sector projects in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Practical Implications - The findings revealed critical key issues that need to be addressed so that the benefits of implementation of Value management technique CON5023Z Page 3 may be realised however, the findings and the research process had some limitations. The sample for the survey was chosen from a population of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The outcome of the survey is not always a true representation of the entire country as this was limited to one province. It therefore implies that further research studies might be required using a bigger sample size spanning various and different levels of government and provinces. The research findings may also need to be confirmed with more qualitative methods.
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    Introduction to project planning
    (2010) Massyn, Mark
    The course is designed to introduce students to the philosophy and benefits of project management within an organization, more specifically the role of planning in project management. These resources can be used for teaching project management or used as study aids to students interested in project management.
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    Investigating project management maturity in the ship repair industry of South Africa, a case study
    (2021) Rodgers, Adil; Massyn, Mark
    Purpose Ship repair companies that employ a greater degree of the project management process functions enjoys greater business value and business success. Such certainty within a business' structure supports its longer-term sustainability and improves its growth potential. This research seeks to address the problem relating to the inability of ship repair companies to continually achieve targeted project estimates because of a lower levels of project management maturity. Research Design The research is exploratory in nature as the response in term of the selected maturity model used, seeks to understand the level of application of the ten PMI knowledge areas and how deeply engrained the function is adopted in the performance and within the organisation within the ship repair industry. The principle of communities of practise was adopted for this study which implies that the response and the data obtained will be based on the information shared by the respondents on their insights, experience, knowledge, and common interests within the industry. Findings - This study found an active, informal, and partially structured project management function present within the Western Cape's ship repair industry. The study further found the actual project maturity level at an average of 3.24, in line expectations for the industry and following the same direction, though at a lower level as similar research done on South Africa's IT, mining, engineering, and construction industries. Research Limitations - The study is limited to the Western Cape province's ship repair industry and based on the views of the industry's community of practise as indicator of its project management maturity.
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    Organizational learning and knowledge management: application within the Kwazulu- Natal department of public works
    (2022) Khumalo, Sbongumusa Zimisele; Massyn, Mark
    Organizations invest millions in planning for investments and projects and apportion very little to nothing for evaluating and learning from them. This study reviewed the current knowledge management practices, particularly project closeout information at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works. This report provides a review and interpretation of knowledge management literatures in the project environment with a focus on the project closeout stage and the role and value that lessons learnt from post project reviews could potentially provide to project teams to improve current and future project implementation efficiency. A qualitative research approach, using thematic analysis and interpretive philosophy was used to analyse the data collected in this study. Semi-structured interviews, along with a survey questionnaire, were conducted with a selected sample of construction project managers and portfolio managers. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that project managers see the value in cross project learning and senior management must have a structured knowledge management system in place that supports sharing of information and cross project learning that if implemented efficiently can aid in improving the performance and outputs for current and future projects. The proposed study will contribute to the fields of project management, cross project learning and knowledge management in the project environment. The study will look at means of fostering and improving the existing learning platforms within organizations with the aim of growing the organization's capacity and project implementation efficiency.
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    Stakeholder Management in the Upgrading of the Informal Settlements of Windhoek
    (2023) Shuuya, Rosina; Massyn, Mark
    The housing crisis in Namibia is spreading across the whole country and the growth of the informal settlements is threatening to overtake the country. The Namibian Government has launched various programmes to address the ever-increasing housing crisis. However, these initiatives have fallen short of their objectives, and as a result, these programmes have done little to prevent or reduce the progression of the informal settlement. Stakeholder management has been acknowledged as a means of increasing the propensity for successful delivery of projects, however the full benefits of stakeholder management cannot be achieved without adequately addressing the factors that contributes in achieving the effective stakeholder management. This research aims to identify the factors hindering the development of a formal stakeholder management strategy for the projects that are included in the City of Windhoek Informal Settlement Upgrading Programmes. In order to achieve this aim, previous work on stakeholder management are reviewed. A qualitative, case study approach was adopted, with semi-structured questions to investigate the current practice of stakeholder management. Thematic analysis was applied as the primary data analysis method, to identify, analyse and detect themes within the data set. The Informal Settlement Upgrading Affordable Housing Pilot Project (ISUAHPP) was selected as a case study. The research identified that there are a number and variety of stakeholders in the upgrading of the informal settlement programmes. The research highlighted there was a main focus on internal stakeholders, which was necessary for collaboration and support required from internal stakeholder for facilitating and coordinating the implementation of different activities. Strategies used to manage the stakeholders needs and expectations were also identified as well as the factors for effective stakeholder management in the upgrading of the informal settlement programmes. The study found that there is no formal stakeholder management in the upgrading of the informal settlement programmes, and in the absence of a stakeholder management engagement plan, the MOU and DUP were the instruments used to regulate the relationship of the identified parties. The approach used to implement the ISUAHPP affected the stakeholder management.
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    Stakeholder management in university fundraising projects
    (2019) Adams, Deidre; Massyn, Mark
    The systematic, downward trend in state funding support to public higher education has resulted in many higher education institutions undertaking large-scale, coordinated fundraising projects or capital campaigns in order to increase third stream income. There is a dearth of research which explores stakeholder management – one of the key knowledge areas in project management – in the public higher education fundraising environment. This research study set out to identify the issues which need to be considered when developing a stakeholder management strategy for fundraising projects at a South African public higher education institution. A qualitative, case study approach was adopted, with semi-structured interviews used to obtain the data. Thematic analysis was used for identifying and analysing patterns or themes within data. The University of Cape Town (UCT) was selected as the case. The research identified that there are a number and variety of stakeholders in the UCT fundraising environment. This could give rise to project complexity affecting the stakeholder landscape. The research highlighted there was a main focus on internal stakeholders, as well as certain external stakeholders necessary for providing third stream income to the university. Some of the strategies used to manage stakeholders were also those identified as critical success factors for effective stakeholder management. The research highlighted the importance of relationship management and stewardship as stakeholder management strategies, which supports the normative approach of stakeholder management. The study found that internal stakeholders possibly cause uncertainty in projects, and hence stakeholder management strategies could mitigate against the possible negative effects.
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    The Challenges Hindering Effective Stakeholder Management on Construction Projects: A Case Study of the Construction of the Sesfontein Settlement Area Office
    (2023) Ishitile, Eufemia; Massyn, Mark
    This study aims to understand the application of a stakeholder management strategy on construction projects and the challenges currently hindering the implementation of effective stakeholder management and how these challenges can be addressed. The qualitative research method using a single case study was used and the unit of analysis being the stakeholders involved in the planning and construction of the Sesfontein Settlement Area Office in Kunene, Namibia. Data analysis was undertaken by following a thematic approach. The results of this study indicate that failure to identify one or more stakeholders on construction projects can have an adverse effect on the project. In addition, if challenges are not considered there will be technical delays and failure on the project. The developing of strategies is the first move towards overcoming the challenges. Also, sharing of the challenges among the stakeholders is the most critical part to assist in mapping out a stakeholder management strategy for the project. The results of this research will be beneficial to the Kunene regional council and its stakeholders as it will aid in providing awareness in which stakeholders entail better emphasis with regards to stakeholder management, thereby working toward the role of implementing stakeholder management strategy on the construction project results. The study contributes to stakeholder theory, including the role of stakeholder management on construction projects. Possible research gaps and trends are presented for future research.
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    The Nature of Project Management in South African SMEs: A Look at Insurtech in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
    (2022) Antonio, Wilton; Massyn, Mark
    Background: Project management is essential for organisations, especially for achieving goals and creating value. However, the literature on project management is biased towards large enterprises (LEs), which differ fundamentally from small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in their structures, processes, procedures, and characteristics. Thus, SMEs have different project management needs, which the literature barely addresses. Given the importance of SMEs in economic development, job creation, and innovation, a growing area of research is aiming to develop simpler versions of project management for SMEs. A significant part of this development is understanding the nature of project management in SMEs. However, most studies explore American, Australian and European SMEs; none explore South African SMEs. Objectives: This study investigates the nature of project management in South African SMEs - to contribute to the growing area of research. Methodology: This study began a literature review - focusing on SMEs and their characteristics, project management concepts, project management in SMEs, and an overview of the fintech landscape. Using case research, semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis, four insurtech SMEs in the Western Cape province of South Africa were investigated. The investigation looked at how they perceived and understood project management, the factors to its adoption and utilisation, its benefits and drawbacks, and how they practised it. Results: The results show that SMEs had a positive perception of project management and its necessity; however, they only identified the short-term, internal values. The factors affecting project management adoption and utilisation in SMEs were: active ownermanager involvement, corporate culture and flat organisational structure, education and experience, the desire for workplace flexibility, and smaller project sizes. Overall, the SMEs had simpler, less formal practices and lacked formal project managers. Their practices firmly focused on planning, emphasising collecting requirements, breaking down the work, and compiling the schedule. Monitoring and control practices were the second most common (after planning), emphasising monitoring the scope and schedule. Other practices in the initiation, execution and closing process groups were not common – only the larger SME had practices in these process groups. Findings: The findings in this study agree with the literature, which shows that SMEs have simpler, less formal project management practices. Moreover, larger SMEs tend to have more formal processes compared to smaller SMEs. Conclusion: South African SMEs have simpler, less formal project management practices that ownermanagers highly influence. Moreover, SMEs typically do not have formal project managers. Therefore, simpler versions of project management need to account for these factors.
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    The role of governance in the success of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) projects
    (2020) Mavundla, Lungisa H; Massyn, Mark
    Project governance sets the guidelines and operational framework that dictates how decisions should be made during the project process to increase the prospects of successful project delivery. Understanding a project governance mechanism and its complexities and resolving challenges in the application of project governance practices are steps in the right direction to effectively entrenching a project governance mechanism in the organization's projects. This research probes the role of governance in the management of projects. The research followed a qualitative approach using case study method. Questionnaires and document reviews were used as data collection tools. Case data was collected from 6 interviewees and 6 completed projects. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The research revealed that PRASA entrenches a governance framework for its projects at different levels of the organization. PRASA follows a standardized structure and work methods that are based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) framework of standards and best practices. The format of the project governance framework to a high degree adheres to the recommendations made by the project governance literature, with various roles and responsibilities such as the sponsor, steering committee, project management office, and a project manager. The application of the governance framework on the projects was found to be similarly applied in the projects reviewed. While certain processes and mechanisms to facilitate the application of a governance mechanism exist, various factors were found to hamper the practical application of the governance framework. Large project steering committee with limited decision making powers, substantial dependence on contractors for project management know-how, long procurement process cycle were some of the factors found to hamper effective application of the governance framework. The research concludes that the limitations in the existing framework as well as the challenges to effective application of the framework are thought to contribute to projects that are late and over budget.
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    The South African building procurement strategy for public sector delivery in the Civil Engineering industry: investigating alternatives
    (2019) Visser, Zwingli; Massyn, Mark
    Reports from members of the civil engineering industry in South Africa claim that the industry is struggling and that there is a drain of technical expertise from the country. Some role players blame the cost-based competitive building procurement strategy currently widely used by the public sector, while others believe the Traditional Building Procurement Strategy is to blame. This study investigates circumstances surrounding the current South African building procurement strategy to establish if there are problems with the current system, identify what those problems are and investigates what alternatives can be implemented to positively affect project delivery. A single Case study is used to interview fifteen respondents in the civil engineering industry. Interviews with municipal officials, consultants and contractors are held and the results of the interviews are analyzed. The results of the study indicate that a cost-based building procurement strategy is leading to poor project delivery and client dissatisfaction as too much focus is put on pricing and preference criteria instead of quality criteria. Contributing to the dire situation are consultants having to tender at excessive discounts to ensure the procurement of services. This also leads to a drain of technical skills in South Africa and a lack of technical capacity in Local Government to provide the necessary input during project execution. Few of the respondents have been involved in any alternative building procurement strategies. The interpretation of legislation by the municipal officials during the tender evaluation process seems to add to project delays and over-expenditure on projects and many of the respondents believe that the current strategy was developed specifically to curb corruption and therefore change is not imminent. The study concludes that the industry’s representative bodies needs play a bigger role in informing National Government of the current problems associated with public-sector delivery in order to effect policy changes. Only then it can be implemented at Local Government level to ensure an improvement in public-sector delivery.