Browsing by Department "Department of Construction Economics and Management"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 227
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    A Case Study on the Viability of Electricity Generated from a Solar PV Installation as an Alternative or Supplement to Traditional Electricity Supply in Existing Buildings
    (2020) Jooste, Van Wyk; Le Jeune, Karen; Nurick, Saul
    This research study emphasizes the global responsibility and the importance of employing alternative sources of energy that are climate-friendly. It argues against coal-based energy creation and explains why it is not a long-term sustainable solution to the global energy demand. Many countries have embraced green energy initiatives and are adopting progressive strategies to limit its carbon footprint. The research explores and compares various methods of generating renewable energy and motivates the identification of solar energy as a suitable candidate to contribute on a much larger scale to the energy demand for South Africa and abroad. The paper further researches the history of solar energy, barriers preventing large scale implementation and the solutions to bridge those barriers. The aim of this paper is to determine to what extent technology has developed for small scale property owners to generate its own electricity supply from solar energy resources in South Africa and whether the supply generated would be sufficient to warrant consistent and uninterrupted flow compared to traditional coal-based energy resources. The cost of installation and maintenance of solar PV technology together with its financial return is investigated as well as the possibility to generate excess electricity that can be fed back into the grid. The result of the research sheds light on whether it makes financial sense to small scale building owners or managers to install a rooftop solar PV system to either generate its own stream of electricity supply or to merely supplement the traditional electricity supply from Eskom, the national electricity supplier. The research study chose to analyse a single case study and conducted semi~structured interviews with a number of stakeholders. The case study comprised a solar PV system that has been mounted on a rooftop of a building tenanted by a private school. The financial data from the installation in addition to qualitative data arrived at the conclusion that it is financially viable for building owners or managers to install a suitably sized PV system to supplement traditional electricity supply in existing buildings.
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    A Case Study to Determine if Micro-Unit Developments Create Another Step Along the Housing Ladder for Low-Income Homeowners in Soweto
    (2022) van Eeden, Marile; Viruly, Francois
    The South African government has been providing subsidised housing for decades, yet a large portion of the population live in inadequate housing. More recently, it has been found that many residents earn more than what is allowed to qualify for a housing subsidy; however, they earn too little to enter the formal market. These residents, therefore, turn to the informal market, where they obtain housing in informal settlements or housing in backyards. A new housing development trend is emerging in the form of backyard micro-unit developments. This research proposal examines the potential of backyard micro-unit development to address the low-income housing demand and how these developments can be used as a means to climb the housing ladder. An exploratory case study is undertaken to understand housing trends within Soweto, South Africa. A mixed research approach was used together with both quantitative and qualitative data. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, posed a significant limitation on fieldwork; therefore, the study relied on secondary data sources. The analysis indicates that the backyard micro-unit developments mimic the formal market, and the backyard micro-unit developments provide an adequate housing option for low-income earners. Furthermore, the demand for affordable accommodation results in the commercialisation of the informal rental market and presents the opportunity for homeowners to move up the housing ladder, and it addresses the mounting housing backlog in Soweto. Furthermore, the analysis indicates the significance of a title deed for residents in townships and its role in their ability to climb the housing ladder.
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    A collective self-governance framework for urban facilities management settings: application at public transport interchanges in economically depressed areas in Cape Town
    (2024) Miller, Mxolisi; Michell, Kathleen
    Government investment in urban infrastructure and facilities, such as public transport interchanges, benefits local communities. However, the literature suggests that equivalent investments in governance and management of public transport interchanges must accompany the infrastructure investment to avoid physical and functional obsolescence. This study examined the willingness of the users of public transport interchanges, such as minibus taxi operators and informal traders, to participate in the collective self-governance of their public transport interchanges. Furthermore, this study closed the knowledge gap regarding the psychosocial-economic factors motivating minibus taxi operators and informal traders' willingness to participate in public transport interchange collective self-governance institutions. This research is approached from the perspective of integrating the three pillars of facilities management: people, place, and process, with special focus on the last pillar (in the context of collective self-governance). This study merged the Social Identity Model for Collective Action (SIMCA), Place Attachment Theory, and Elinor Ostrom's Design Principles for Self-Governance of Common-Pool Resources to form the theoretical framework. The merging of these three theories produced five critical constructs that were utilised to develop the conceptual framework: place attachment, group-based anger, group identification, group efficacy, and collective selfgovernance. Furthermore, the conceptual framework postulated eight hypothesised relationships for this study. These hypotheses were quantitatively tested using survey questionnaires and convenience sampling methods. The surveys were carried out at four public transport interchanges in economically depressed areas of Cape Town: Dunoon, Mitchell's Plain, Nyanga, and Khayelitsha. The survey targeted the minibus taxi operators and the informal traders at these public transport interchanges. A total of 316 questionnaires were found suitable and included in the study. The survey data was analysed using Partial Least SquaresStructural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), Smart PLS Version 3 software. The study findings revealed that all eight hypothesised relationships were statistically significant. As a result, it was determined that each of the theorised relationships were crucial for the functioning of the collective self-governance framework; consequently, they were all retained. In addition, the study found that users' emotional attachment to public transport interchanges leads to their willingness to participate in collective self-governance institutions. However, the framework developed in this study argues that while this relationship exists it is mediated by three psychological and cognitive factors, namely, 1) users identify themselves as part of a collective; 2) users' willingness to preserve, maintain and protect the public transport interchange; and 3) users' beliefs in their collective abilities to resolve public transport interchange challenges. The study findings further show that the collective self-governance framework has significant explanatory and predictive power (R2 and Q2 values, respectively). These findings provide empirical evidence that confirms that the minibus taxi operators and informal traders who responded to this study showed a strong willingness to participate in collective selfgovernance institutions at the public transport interchanges. In addition, the reliability and validity collective self-governance framework was confirmed by testing it at multi-public transport interchanges and with multi-groups of minibus taxi operators and informal traders using PLS-SEM and One-Way ANOVA. Finally, this study makes several original contributions to the urban facilities management literature. Firstly, merging The Social Identity Model for Collective Action (SIMCA), Place Attachment Theory, and Elinor Ostrom's Design Principles for Self-Governance of CommonPool Resources into one framework is a major theoretical contribution. Secondly, the psychosocial-economic factors motivating minibus taxi operators and informal traders' willingness to participate in public transport interchange collective self-governance institutions constitute an original contribution. Thirdly, the development and testing of the eight hypotheses in this study, also represent a unique empirical contribution. Fourthly, this study makes a significant methodological contribution to the urban facilities management literature using PLS-SEM and One-Way ANOVA using multi-site, multi-group study areas. Lastly, this study will likely encourage practitioners and policymakers to consider collective self-governance as one of the governance modes for public transport interchanges. This study suggests that minibus taxi operators and informal traders would consider collective self-governance of their public transport interchanges if policymakers and practitioners presented them with the opportunity to do so.
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    A performance comparison of specialised (industrial) and non-specialised real estate investment trusts in South Africa
    (2018) Makatsane, Ntseno P.; Nurick, Saul
    There is a belief that anything that is specialised tends to outperform the diversified counterparts and this study investigates if this proposition applies in the property industry, specifically the REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) market in South Africa (SA). The norm is to apply a quantitative methodology when assessing performance but this study follows a qualitative approach in comparing the overall performance between specialised and diversified REITs in SA using non-quantitative metrics. A mix of specialised and diversified REITs in SA were sampled and a multiple case study analysis was done after interviewing senior management in four REITs. A total of four interviews were done with five respondents across four cases. These cases were then analysed using thematic analysis. The respondents were asked questions relating to the REIT they are working for, industrial specialised and diversified REITs performance and the SA property market as a whole. The overall findings suggest that diversified REITs may outperform the specialised REITs in SA currently however, this conclusion depends on a lot of factors. These factors include the analysis time of reference, the economic status of the country (for example, recession), the size of the REIT, the company gearing level, how that specific sector is performing at that particular time relative to others and the management efficiency level. The growth of e-commerce plays a vital role as a factor as well because it is said to be replacing the brick and mortar retail industry therefore, its influence affects the specialised industrial sector performance. For further research, a similar study with a quantitative approach can be considered in order to add to the SA REIT body of knowledge. Furthermore, research on the performance of property companies before and after attaining REIT status could be investigated to determine the REIT status effect on the company. To add on to the SA REIT literature, performance between REITs in different sectors and provinces could be explored.
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    A study of the impact of technological innovations on the social sustainability of facilities management employees in South Africa
    (2019) Adama, Unekwu Jonathan; Michell, Kathy
    This research investigates the impact of technological innovations (TIs) on the social sustainability of facilities management (FM) employees in South Africa. The rationale for the study is that no empirical evidence shows how the adoption of TIs impacts the social sustainability of FM employees. The study adopts the sequential mixed-methodology approach. The quantitative phase makes use of a questionnaire survey which formed the foundation for the qualitative interview phase. The relative importance index (RII) is used to analyse different questions, such as (1) the factors influencing the adoption of TIs in FM organisations (2) the impact of the TIs on FM practice, (3) the localisation of the employee social sustainability factors and (4) the determination of the impact of TIs on the social sustainability of FM employees. An Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) approach is used to determine which social sustainability factor(s) should be prioritised while promoting the social sustainability of the FM employees. The findings of this study show that cloud-based TIs, ICT-based TIs and sensor-based TIs are the most popular in FM organisations in South Africa. Furthermore, the impact of TIs on the core business factors in FM organisations have a mean score of between 3.00 to 3.19 depending on the factor of interest. The RII analysis led to the development of the initial FM employee social sustainability framework which identified “job security”, “remuneration” and “professional status” as the three most important FM employee social sustainability factors. However, the ISM analysis which considered hierarchy, driving power and dependence of the factors identified “organisation policy” as main factor in level five that drives other employee social sustainability factors. Furthermore, “overwork”, “autonomy”, “interpersonal relationship”, “work and home-life balance” and “retirement development plan” were the root factors in level four that must be prioritised by facilities managers to promote employee social sustainability. The study contributes to knowledge by identifying the most popular TIs that are adopted by FM organisations in South Africa, and determining the interrelationship, hierarchical importance and dependences of the various employees’ social sustainability factors in FM organisations. Through the development of the framework for FM employee social sustainability, facilities managers have the knowledge of the factors to prioritise when they need to promote the social sustainability of their employees. The study recommends that FM organisation policies on TI adoption must align with the overall socio-economic wellbeing program to contribute to social sustainability in South Africa.
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    A study on commercial property pricing in Uganda
    (2022) Mirembe, Rachael Daisy; Viruly, Francois; Michell, Kathleen
    Property developers and investors seek to understand the drivers of prices for office and retail space. Through literature, we learn that size and age, locational attributes, physical features of the properties, and economic variables are significant determinants of commercial property prices. However, previous work has narrowly focused on aspects akin to formal structures and ignored the role of institutions, especially conventions and social norms incredibly, and what influences the behaviour of the property developers and investors while making the pricing decision. Therefore, the goal of this study was to understand how prices for commercial properties are determined in Uganda. The objectives of the study were to understand the role of conventions and social norms found in the property market environment on price determination and to explore the behaviour tendencies/heuristics exhibited by the players during the pricing decision-making process. The study was qualitative in nature. The researcher interviewed property owners, developers, institutional investors, and key informants to understand the conventions and social norms that exist in the property market and how they ultimately influence the pricing decision of commercial buildings. This study reveals that conventions exist in the Ugandan property markets. The conventions signal a price to the players in the property environment. However, due to information asymmetry and irrationality, each player interprets the price signals differently, using heuristics to develop the final price. This study helps researchers understand the role of individual behaviour/heuristics in advancing our understanding of institutions and the effects of the two on commercial property pricing, the economy at large and its consequences on economic policy.
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    A systemic exploration of information systems project risks in the South African public sector
    (2021) Chiloane, Poelo Leo; Tuan, Nien-Tsu
    Purpose: This study aims to investigate Information Systems (IS) project risks in the South African public sector, and to develop a systemic model of the most dominant risks encountered and identify the interrelationships that exist between these risks. Design and methodology: The study is conducted through the application of Interactive Management (IM) to identify IS project risks and structure the interrelationships between them. The IM methodology comprises of four key phases: Idea Generation, Idea Clarification, Idea Structuring, and Interpretation. A workshop with a group of participants is required to carry out an IM intervention successfully. During the Idea Generation phase, participants are asked a triggering question to elicit ideas, which are then clarified and structured in the subsequent phases of IM before final interpretation. Findings: In the Idea Generation phase, six IM participants working on public sector IS projects were asked a triggering question to elicit dominant IS project risks they perceive to be important. The participants initially identified 34 IS project risks, which were reduced to 24 after they brainstormed their relevance during the Idea Clarification phase. Further deliberations led to the participants removing another risk during the Idea Structuring phase. During the Idea Structuring phase, the remaining 23 risks were structured to produce an Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) digraph with the aid of software. The ISM digraph revealed three risk factors as the primary drivers of IS project risks in the public sector, specifically, in the context of this study. These risks are ‘lack of consultation with users', ‘budget cuts' and ‘excessive red tape'. Value of study: This research contributes to the following: (1) the existing knowledge-base on public sector IS project risk management; (2) the focus on a soft systemic approach such as IM helps in uncovering context-specific issues on IS project risks that may not be available in extant literature; and (3) the collaborative learning process of the IM approach adds to research on the sustainability of complex IS projects implemented in the public sector.
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    A systemic exploration of risks in mobile application development projects and environments
    (2022) du Plessis, Ashlea; Tuan, Nien-Tsu
    Purpose - The aim of this research is to develop an understanding of the most common risks encountered during mobile application development projects and identify the interrelationships that exist between these risks to highlight the core risk drivers that negatively impact these projects and outcomes. Research design and methodology - This study adopted a holistic approach using Warfield's Interactive Management (IM) methodology to understand the risks that hinder MAD projects and understand the interrelationships between these risks to identify the core driving risks. IM can be divided into four phases. In the first phase, Idea generation, participants were asked through a survey to define their role and list the risks they perceive as most important within their environment. The second phase, Idea clarification, was actioned through online video calls where participants discussed the risks to get a shared understanding of each risk. The third phase, Idea structuring, was also executed through online video calls where participants agreed on the relationships that exist between each risk through pair-to-pair comparison using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) software. The final phase, Interpretation, required participants to review the interpretive structural model and agree on the core risks that mainly negatively impact MAD projects. Research finding - The research revealed three core risks that significantly lead to other risks that will negatively impact MAD projects and environments within the context of this study. These risks include ‘Lack of platform knowledge', ‘Poor team skills and capabilities', and ‘Poor quality and observability of data/analytics to understand user behaviour'. Value of the research – This research contributes to the following: 1) Risks that are identified and prioritised as dominant risks can be compared to the lists from existing studies that aimed to highlight unique risks in MAD projects, 2) By understanding the inter-relationships between risks, a few root causes/risk drivers can be highlighted which should receive more attention throughout the project, 3) By adopting a systemic approach, it helps to reveal context-specific issues which may not be available in existing literature, and 4) The collaborative learning nature of the IM approach adds to research on the sustainability of complex MAD projects implemented in pluralist and coercive environments.
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    Academic literacy workshops: a handbook for students and instructors
    (2012) Hurst, Ellen
    This workbook contains the material for a series of short supporting sessions on writing and research skills for students at University. These skills include finding materials, academic and critocal reading, writing good literature reviews, and referencing. Most of the material should be useful for all levels of student, from undergraduate to postgraduate. Each session, if run as a workshop, will last approximately 45 mins to 1 hour. Instructors can walk through the material with their students, or create powerpoint slides and use the material as a presentation.
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    Accounting for the differential gentrification outcomes of the Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant, Cape Town
    (2015) Reitzema, Albert
    In recent years, the Cape Town CBD has experienced urban renewal and regeneration. The Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant, two inner city neighbourhoods adjacent to one another, have reacted differently to this process. De Waterkant is completely gentrified, and the Bo-Kaap not. This research study aimed to demonstrate the contrasting potential and pace for gentrification and account for the differentiating gentrification outcomes of two neighbourhoods within the same city. Based on the literature reviewed and key informant interviews this study finds that gentrification does not develop as a single process. The pace and potential for gentrification is determined by the contextual particularities, investment opportunities and the nature and strength of the community. In the case of the Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant, the historical context directed the future potential for gentrification, while the respective communities currently determine the pace.
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    Affordable rental housing delivery in Kenya
    (2021) Olonde, Victor Otieno; Mooya, Manya Mainza; Rajaratnam, Kanshukan
    Rental housing sector remains a significant housing option and an essential component of a vibrant housing market and construction industry as a whole. However, rental housing markets in most developing countries have been characterized by market failure because of the inability to provide adequate rental units commensurate with the urban population's demand. One of the major reasons for the inefficiency is attributed to the little attention by the private developers/landlords towards the rental housing development, yet they are perceived to be the major players on the supply side. The main objective of this research is to critically examine the rental housing market in Kenya and determine why despite the high demand for affordable rental housing, there has not been adequate corresponding supply of good quality housing units, a phenomenon which denotes market failure. This research aims at exploring the institutional environment to find out what has hindered delivery of adequate affordable rental housing despite high demand. This study has been guided by critical realism philosophical perspective and combines the conceptualisation in the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework and the theoretical richness in the New Institutional Economics (NIE) to develop the conceptual framework for analysing market failure in the rental housing market. The study utilizes mixed methods research design where both qualitative and quantitative research approaches have been employed, comprising a combination of cross-section survey of lower-middle income tenants and interviews of existing landlords, developers, key informants from the relevant public and private sector stakeholders. The main findings of this study underscore the significance of institutional environment in influencing the outcomes of the housing market, and note that as currently constituted, the institutional framework is not practically well-matched to support delivery of affordable rental housing units and as such discourages developers from the rental sector. The frameworks ranging from policy, regulatory and financial systems coupled with inferior performance of rental sector compared to development for sale systematically, but inadvertently lead to market failure in the rental housing market. This study recommends formulation of a distinct Rental Housing Policy and consequently Rental Housing Act complete with implementation framework to deal with issues intrinsic to the rental sector. It has made various and diverse contributions to the existing body of knowledge which comprise theoretical, contextual, empirical and policy perspective.
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    An Analysis of Project Risk Factors for Donor Funded Projects and Programs in the Health Sector in Zimbabwe
    (2020) Buhlungu, Simbarashe; Tuan, Nien-Tsu
    Like many developing nations, the health sector in Zimbabwe is not adequately funded and has for many years complemented its tight budget with external funding and development assistance (MOHCC, 2016: 11). External funding comes from various partners in the form of donor funds or international development assistance. According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, for the year 2012, more than 40% of health sector funding was through development assistance (MOHCC, 2016: 11). That corresponds to a dollar value of approximately US$428 million. Since then, the country has continued to face challenges, which implies that current figures for external funding could be at similar levels or higher. In the 2017 budget, development partners were projected to contribute a collective figure of US$229.8 million, complementing US$318.4 million that was partly allocated from the budget and partly raised through user fees (US$281.9 million budget allocation, US$36.5 million user fees) (MOFED, 2016: 86). This would put the proportion of development aid at approximately 42% of the projected expenditure in 2017 (the 2017 budget did not account for the contribution of other levies such as AIDS Levy that usually contribute towards the budget). For 2018, the national budget projected total health expenditure to amount to US$729.4 million, made up of US$489.8 million from budget appropriations and levy funds and US$239.6 million from development partners (MOFED, 2017: 142). These figures show that development aid was projected to constitute approximately 33% of health expenditure in 2018. The national budget accounts for monetary and quantifiable support. Development assistance also comes in non-monetary forms such as equipment, drugs, technical assistance and other sponsored projects whose real value is sometimes not captured by budgets or is just difficult to quantify. When looking at development aid, these forms of support also have to be taken into consideration. This could mean that the real figures for development support may be higher than reflected in budgets. The figures above underscore the importance of development aid hence the need to ensure that it is effectively utilised. 9 Development aid is project oriented business (Ika et al., 2010: 63). Donor funds are commonly channelled into specific purpose programs and projects aimed at achieving specific results in the health sector. This is the common practise with most international development assistance provided to developing countries, it is availed and managed through projects (Diallo and Thuillier, 2005: 237).
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    An evaluation of the contextual factors that affect labour productivity in the South African Construction Industry
    (2019) Lefoka, Mochelo Mackson; Windapo, Abimbola Olukemi
    Poor labour productivity is an endemic global problem in the construction industry. In the past two decades, it has been observed over the different sectors of the construction industry that the labour productivity expended on projects has reported a decline, particularly in the building and civil sectors. This research explores the variables that affect labour productivity on construction sites and whether the estimation practices used considers the various circumstances in which buildings and infrastructure are produced. Literature review aided in the identification of contextual factors classified in four categories that affect labour productivity on construction projects. These categories were; site environment factors, organisational factors, technical factors and social factors. These factors were used in the development and design of the questionnaire to analyse the impact of these factors on construction labour productivity. The population of the study comprised of directors, contracts managers, project and construction managers, quantity surveyors and estimators who are employees of construction firms listed in Grades 2-9 of the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) Register of Contractors in South Africa. The study area covered nine provinces of South Africa. At the end of the survey period, 117 valid responses were received and analysed. The findings of the study revealed that at the pre-construction phase of a construction project, social factors, complexity of the project and organisational factors are not considered in the estimation practices and techniques. Results further revealed that four core factors that affect productivity of labour are; lack of experience amongst workers, delays in the wages of labourers, change orders from designers/consultants and the relationships between labourers and their supervisors. The study established a relationship between the contextual factors and labour productivity on construction projects. Motivation and training emerged as significant changes needed to improve labour productivity on projects. Based on these findings, the study concludes that labour productivity is impacted by contextual site factors such as lack of experience, delays in labour payment and that these are not considered by estimators at the project pre-construction phase. The study recommends that these site factors need to be considered during the preconstruction phase of a project in order to allow for their impact on labour productivity during construction. Furthermore, a benchmark and standard of what constitutes effective labour productivity needs to be developed on construction sites, especially one that is project specific and considering all the four categories of contextual factors and their probable impacts.
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    An exploration of corporate real estate management outsourcing practices in South Africa
    (2018) Modise, Tapiwa P; Tuan, Nien-Tsu
    Purpose – The considerations of non-real estate private organisations in South Africa when outsourcing their corporate real estate management (CREM) functions are examined. The investigation seeks to determine the elements that impact the decision to outsource CREM functions; the characteristics looked for in service providers and if there is a mismatch between what corporate entities desire from CREM outsourcing and what service providers deliver. Design – The study is grounded on a broad analysis of the literature globally and locally; as well as data collected through semi-structured interviews to build four (4) case studies; to gather information about a small set of organisations, within the Johannesburg Metropolitan area of South Africa, on their CREM outsourcing activities. Inductive content analysis will be used to analyse the data collected. Findings – All the organisations outsource parts of their CREM. However, the incidence of CREM outsourcing has neither increased nor decreased in the last three (3) years. Four (4) CREM services are outsourced; facilities management is the most frequently outsourced, followed by subject matter expertise in second and real estate management and transaction management in joint third. The majority of the organisations adhere to a global outsourcing strategy, as opposed to a local or no strategy. Correspondingly, the majority of the organisations have a formal guideline. Seven (7) motives or drivers for CREM outsourcing were uncovered. Access to technical expertise and flexibility were both in first place, followed by cost savings and lack of internal resources in joint second and access to local expertise, focus on core business value chain activities and risk mitigation in shared third. South African organisations identify service providers through four (4) mechanisms: firstly a request for proposals (advertising), direct approach in second and associate recommendations and third-party search in joint third. Seventeen (17) characteristics were identified that influence the selection of a service provider. Of greatest weight is references/reputation, relevant experience, the amount of fee charged and technical expertise in joint first. In joint second; local experience, understanding the client’s organisation, flexible service terms, integrity of approach, regulatory compliance and business values and ethos. This is followed by service provider capacity, individual capability, unconflicted, strong management capability, transparency, strong advisory capability and trust in shared third. The majority of the organisations judged CREM outsourcing successful and twelve (12) attributes were identified that impact the success of CREM outsourcing. Strong advisory capability dominated the list, followed by understanding the client’s organisation and technical expertise in mutual second place. In shared third place, unconflicted, strong management capability, professional integrity, market knowledge value-add, delivering the pledged service, flexible service terms, responsiveness, cost savings and transparency. Practical Implications – A strengthened and grounded understanding of the considerations of non-real estate private organisations in South Africa within the process of CREM outsourcing, will provide an empirical foundation upon which service providers may base their strategic positioning within the local market.
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    An exploratory study of project finance as a funding model for affordable housing development in Windhoek, Namibia
    (2021) Hamana, Olsen; Ametefe, Frank Kwakutse
    This thesis aims to explore the current usage of the project finance model in Namibia, with the view to explore the viability of the project finance model as an alternative funding approach to the traditional funding structures currently used in affordable housing developments and other infrastructure sectors of the Namibian economy. The research identified a predictable and strong stream of cash flow from the project, healthy competition between equity and debt financier to reduce interest rates, end-user affordability and access to finance, good governance, and an attractive market as enabling factors for the project finance model to be effective in the Namibian context. The research further explored potential opportunities and challenges regarding the application of the model in Namibia. To gain insight into these research objectives, targeted interviews were conducted by key players and experts in the financing and housing sector. An extensive study of secondary sources, consisting of existing literature and data, was also undertaken. The analysis of findings from interviews and secondary sources shows that the project finance model is a viable instrument for affordable housing developments in Namibia. However, future users of the project finance model will need to adapt the model to fit the affordable housing financing criteria and, most importantly, identify and establish the sources of financing for the end-users.
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    An Investigation into Green Office Buildings' Occupants' Self-Assessed Productivity Levels
    (2021) Smith, Sian; Nurick, Saul
    Global warming is becoming a topic on everyone's mind as the world turns towards a sustainable way of living. In the property industry, people are looking for ways to encourage investors to move towards sustainable development. This requires some convincing as the increased costs of green buildings need to be justified, specifically looking at the financial returns for the investor. Green buildings are said to increase productivity of its occupants but the difficulty in quantitatively measuring productivity has proven to be a stumbling block in this process. Various green buildings were identified, and their occupants interviewed to provide some answers on the impact of green certification in office buildings, specifically in Cape Town. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with occupants who worked in a building both prior to, as well as during the implementation of green initiatives. Difficulties in this measurement were noted and discussed throughout. It was decided as a result of the available responses, and the guidance from the literature, that perceived productivity could be used as an acceptable form of productivity. It was therefore also necessary to include a section in the interview on personal stresses that the respondent may be experiencing that might also impact productivity. Findings showed that whilst respondents were positive about the green environment and had seen an increase in productivity, a few were unsure about whether these were linked, especially when other factors such as change in management had occurred. The overall feeling of respondents was better and healthier in the greener building, and all reported favourably on most green initiatives. Future research on measurement tools can be investigated with a larger sample being interviewed. It will also be helpful to have further information into the respondents' backgrounds, position in the company and general feeling within the organization that may have an effect on productivity. The more knowledge the respondents have on the office, the larger the collection of reliable data. A greater range of green-starred buildings should be included as well as more than one respondent per building, to increase the sample for comparison.
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    An investigation into the accuracy of pre-tender design price forecasts provided by the quantity surveyor
    (1992) Donald, Gail; Pearl, R
    It is the intention of this dissertation to determine the most influential factors affecting the accuracy of design · price forecasts. As a result of the lack of research relating to the accuracy design price forecasts in South Africa, quantity surveyors are unaware of the level of accuracy that they attain. It is proposed that an awareness of their forecasting accuracy.and the factors which affect will contribute towards enhanced performance. By means of an analysis of a sample of quantity surveyors estimates, the factors which exert the most significant influence over identified.
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    An investigation into the adaptive re-use of commercial buildings in satisfying the demand for residential in the central business district of Cape Town, South Africa, an emerging market
    (2018) Russell, Michael; Michell, Kathy
    The built environment contributes 40% to total global greenhouse gas emissions and 87% of the buildings we will have in 2050 are already built (Wilkinson & Remoy, 2015). If predicted climate changes are correct we need to adapt existing stock sustainably. Reuse is an inherently sustainable option, which reduces the amount of waste going to landfill. Inevitably, settlements and areas undergo change, whereby land uses become obsolete and buildings vacant. At this stage, the options are either to demolish or to convert to another use. In central business districts (CBDs) outside of South Africa, there are many examples of office to residential conversion. It is expected that Cape Town CBD will take the learnings from this international market and the adaptive reuse of Cape Town’s existing buildings will be explored in greater depth. Globally there is a movement of people towards centralised living locations due to the increased congestion of transport networks to cities and the need for people to be close to the services that cities offer. This movement will only become exaggerated in time as the urbanisation of Africa continues at an increasing rate. The ability to sustainably reuse existing commercial structures thus becomes a pertinent topic in providing an efficient solution to satisfy the housing demand. Some 9000m2 of office space is currently earmarked for residential conversion in Cape Town as demand for central residential property grows and a low interest rate economic environment creates good financial conditions for developers. Coupled with this, is a stock of ageing offices and a population projected to increase by 15% by 2031 requiring approximately 30,000 new housing options across the Cape metropolitan area. With the low projected economic growth rate of South Africa, the Cape Town office market is expected to remain relatively stagnant in 2017, 2018 and 2019 - so the macro economic conditions for residential conversion are better than ever. Based on the above mentioned, this research aimed at answering the questions: (a) which drivers encourage residential conversions in Cape Town, and, (b) what are the barriers for successful reuse of existing commercial buildings. This research investigated the nature and extent of commercial conversions experienced in other global cities (London, Sydney and New York) so as to establish an understanding of how Cape Town can best adapt, as well as the drivers and barriers to successful conversion of existing structures in a CBD. Through an extensive literature study, the research identifies the key lessons from international residential conversion projects. Subsequently, interviews were held with local property experts in the Cape Town market. This research explored the potential of delivering sustainability to the Cape Town CBD through the reuse of commercial buildings. The mix of these various forms of research allowed key themes to emerge and for these themes to be exploded so as to establish a view on whether conversion projects are here to stay. The research indicates that conversion projects within the CBD area of cities are only going to become more frequent as the financial feasibility of these conversion projects improves. This, together with an ever growing wealth of knowledge amongst developers and investors about conversion projects encourages the provision of significantly more residential units in the central city. This increase in the central city population is expected to have many positive benefits for the city on a social, cultural and economic level. It is for these benefits that Public organisations are now slowly putting their weight behind supporting the adaptation of vacant and problem commercial buildings. This proactive focus on diminishing the number of obsolete buildings in prime locations has becoming a key trait of a successful CBD. This research has therefore highlighted the real role that CBDs should play and how the physical environment that forms the CBD plays such an integral role in the formulating the culture of a city. Cities should be exciting central places where people can interact safely, that supports the sharing of ideas, and nurtures the cultural fabric that gives a city its soul.
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    An investigation into the human capital perspective of project management – ensuring project success within selected financial organisations in Botswana
    (2021) Silo, Tawanda; Le Jeune, Karen
    Projects are an integral part of business growth. Ensuring that structures are put in place to allow for success is important within projects. However, projects can have different issues throughout execution, which include, project delays, poor conflict management processes and limited resourcing. Therefore, an investigation into the aforementioned areas to examine the impact they have on project success was deemed necessary for the research report. Based on the issues highlighted, the purpose of this study is to examine the views on project success and the impact of human capital on project success through the lens of three practicing project managers in selected financial services industry in Botswana. A multiple-case study framework has been developed in order to address the key issues being tackled in the study. Areas of exploration include an examination of key team roles and how they would apply in the context of the selected financial institutions as well as an examination of whether all of Belbin's key team roles are necessary in a team setup from the case studies. A look into how the project managers view project success as well as the constituents of success within the organisations they represent. Lastly, the study investigates the underpinnings of conflict management within their various organisations and how the navigate issues arising. Finally, an analysis of the results is done leading to the research findings and conclusions of the study.
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    Open Access
    An investigation into the impact of green low-cost social housing on the well-being of occupants in South Africa
    (2023) Zulu, Lwazi; Nurick, Saul
    Climate change and economic challenges have intensified global efforts to accelerate the adoption of green building for sustainable development and the reduction of poverty through efficient uses of energy, protection of ecosystems and preservation of natural resources. The necessity for green building has evolved from being a choice of convenience and luxury to an obligation to a global society that is increasingly growing environmentally conscious. The benefits of green buildings in the commercial sector have been extensively researched, often focusing on productivity, return on investment and operating costs. However limited literature exists that investigates the relationship between green buildings and occupant well-being in a residential context. This study aimed to address the identified research gap by identifying various green-rated, low-cost social housing developments in South Africa and interviewing their occupants to investigate the impact that green buildings have on their perceived wellbeing and whether their environmental outlook was influenced by occupying a green building. A qualitative research method was adopted based on a review of the literature on green buildings and the subjective nature of well-being. Data collection was achieved via semistructured interviews in the form of multiple case study analysis, where thematic analysis was applied. The findings suggest that a positive relationship exists between green buildings and occupant well-being as well as their environmental awareness. Respondents reported experiencing improvements in areas that they considered contributory to their well-being and a noticeable positive change in their environmental awareness. Future research should investigate standardised tools for measuring occupant well-being in green residential buildings using larger sample sizes and a wider range of income groups as this study was limited to low-income groups within the social housing sector.