Browsing by Subject "Project Management"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 58
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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 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 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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    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.
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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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    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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    Delay Factors Experienced in the Medupi Power Station Project: A Unique or Common Case?
    (2023) Gichuki, Mariah; Tuan, Nien-Tsu
    The Medupi power station project was initiated to address the shortfall of power supply experienced in South Africa since the year 2008. The project which is comprised of six units each with a generating capacity of 794MW commenced construction in the year 2007 and was planned to be completed in the year 2012. However, the project experienced delays of more than nine years with construction completion being achieved in the year 2021 according to information on the official Eskom website. This delay has contributed to the frustration expressed by public and the industry in Eskom's implemented power rationing on various occasions during peak supply periods to stabilize the national grid. The primary aim of this research is to determine the factors that contributed to the delays experienced on the project. The secondary aim of this research is to determine whether the delay factors experienced on the Medupi power station project are unique or common to the delay factors experienced in other construction projects around the world. A qualitative case study methodology was selected for this research due to its applicability in the investigation of a ring fenced unit or phenomenon(Merriam and Tisdell, 2015). To achieve the primary aim of the research, data collection was done through open ended interviews with six project participants from the client and contractors' sides, the objective was to gain a detailed description of the delay factors from the perspective of the parties involved in the project. The interviews were conducted and recorded through the Microsoft Teams video conferencing facility. The interview data was transcribed and thereafter analysed and coded using the NVivo software. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified a total of eight delay factors that were experienced on the Medupi power station project. These delay factors include Insufficient Front- end Planning, Lack of skills and experience, Quality issues, Labour unrest, Unproductivity and lack of motivation to complete project, low processing of documentation, Conflict between project parties, and Political Pressure. A comparison of the delay factors on other similar construction projects around the world documented in existing literature reviewed by the author to those identified in the interview data indicated that Political pressure and Lack of Engineering skills delay factors are not documented in reviewed literature and are therefore noted as unique to the Medupi power station project. The findings of this research could serve as important lessons learnt to be considered by project managers in mitigating delays in future projects.
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    Determination of factors impacting the performance of the CBNRM programme in Botswana
    (2018) Motsisi, Lorato; Windapo, Abimbola
    This research study seeks to determine which factors contribute to the performance of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme in Botswana. The Botswana Government initiated the CBNRM programme as a means of encouraging sustainable use of natural resources and eradicating poverty. Previous researchers have found that CBNRM projects are not performing at a level that they should be. Therefore this study sought to understand why that was the case. Literature review was carried out to determine what these factors were. The study focused on the performance of CBNRM programme at National level. It investigates the key factors perceived by the three key stakeholders (DWNP, DFRR, and BTB) involved in the programme at National level. A qualitative research approach was followed, in which interviews of seven representatives of key stakeholder organizations (primary data) and CBNRM documents (secondary data) were used as a means of obtaining the required information. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify any emergent themes or patterns developing from the selected participants and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to establish which CBNRM Programme Performance Criteria influence the performance of CBNRM projects in Botswana. The findings from the AHP Criteria Expert questionnaire found that CBNRM stakeholder factors were rated higher than other factors influencing CBNRM programme performance in Botswana. The majority of the respondents said the programme was performing fairly, although there areas which were thought to be lacking, such as the absence of a CBNRM ACT of Parliament, poor coordination and monitoring and a lack of benefits realization by communities. Furthermore, the study found that there was not much of big difference between the literature that was reviewed and the views of the respondents. The study however did not examine CBNRM programmes at District level (individual projects). It focused mainly on the factors influencing programme performance at National level.
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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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    Evaluating the optimal innovative cost control techniques used in the South African construction industry
    (2020) Duku, Leju; Windapo, Abimbola
    The execution of construction projects commands a myriad of technological, human, organisational and natural resources. However, the construction and engineering undertaking of these projects are frequently overshadowed by economic difficulties, such as the high costs of construction materials, that have a negative impact on project costs. Cost overruns have been determined as a phenomenon continually plaguing the construction industry in both private and public sectors, and very few projects are completed within cost parameters. This research evaluated the barriers to the use of innovative cost control techniques during the construction phase, and determined the level of cost overruns on construction projects in South Africa; identified innovative cost control techniques used by construction firms on construction projects; established the optimal innovative cost control technique used in the South African construction industry; and uncovered the relationship between the level of use of innovative cost control techniques on construction projects and cost overrun. Questionnaires were the chosen instrument for data collection and were circulated via Survey Monkey. A total of 123 questionnaires were returned, and they provided the base for the computation of study results. Statistical tools employed in the study included percentages, mean item score (MIS), and frequency distributions. A scatter plot was used to distinguish whether there was a correlation between the cost performance of projects and level of innovativeness by establishing a line of best fit through the set of the two variables. A line of best fit in the positive direction indicates that increased levels of innovativeness improves the cost performance of projects, while a line of best fit in the negative direction indicates that increased levels of innovativeness does not enhance project performance. The relationship between the level of innovative cost control techniques usage in construction projects and cost overrun was determined to be negative. This led to the conclusion that construction professionals are limiting themselves and are not exploring alternative or innovative cost control techniques. They were focused on project efficiency and productivity rather than cost overruns. Innovative cost control techniques identified in the study were Earned Value Analysis (EVA), Last Planner System (LPS), 4D Scheduling, Fuzzy Project Scheduling, Integrated critical path and Line of Balance, and Reserve Analysis. Study findings determined that the critical contributors to cost overruns included tight project budgets, project complexity, a high frequency of change orders by clients and financial difficulties encountered by contractors. Perceived barriers to the implementation of innovative cost control techniques in projects by participants included a poor scope definition, a lack of training and technical skill of project personnel, poor understanding of cost analysis and variables involved in cost planning. It also emerged that projects cannot meet project objectives, and construction organisations are not making use of the right tools and techniques to monitor and control construction costs. The research findings have shown that professionals have limited knowledge of innovative cost control techniques. This also concludes that they are not taking advantage of the features of new innovative techniques to tackle complex projects. This, therefore, means that complex projects will continue to experience cost overruns. This study concludes that top management of construction organisations are not training their staff to embrace new technologies and innovation. To address the barriers to the use of innovative techniques, there should be increased investment on the part of construction organisations toward affording their workforce the relevant training, knowledge and technical skill required to implement the modern techniques for cost control identified in the report. The cidb should organise seminars and workshops on the usefulness and importance of innovative cost control techniques, and workers should embrace self-development and change. Government should implement policies on the use of innovative cost control techniques for their projects, and construction organisations should develop capacity in line with innovative cost control techniques.
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    Evaluation of the challenges to project delivery confronting project leaders in the dynamic human settlement environment
    (University of Cape Town, 2020) Companie, Fabio; Windapo, Abimbola
    Governments around the world are battling and continually trying to address the housing backlog, which stems from previous discriminatory regimes and increasing urbanization. The housing backlog in South Africa has increased significantly and most especially in Cape Town. Housing is seen as a measure to transform and unify the aforementioned segregated population. Project Leaders (PLs) are saddled with the responsibility of housing delivery and managing diverse stakeholders. Although project management is the driving force behind the provision of housing delivery, the project process is not free from dynamics. These housing projects constantly attract social and political attention, resulting in the PL repetitively contending with the inherited social and political dynamics of the Human Settlement Environment (HSE). This dynamism creates a complexity that poses numerous challenges that hinder the PL's ability to lead, manage and transform housing projects. This research examines the challenges faced by PLs in the HSE, and whether PLs exercise a capacity to creatively transform, maintain, and lead the project organization. A qualitative research approach with inductive-philosophical reasoning was chosen for the study. The research employed interviews for data collection. A sample of 19 PLs working in the public sector of human settlements in Cape Town was purposefully selected to participate in the study. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify appropriate themes. The research defined dynamic HSE as a new variable through the literature conducted and contributing to the body of knowledge. The results further identified six themes emerging from the challenges faced by PLs. They are: 1) Social challenges; 2) Political challenges; 3) Organizational challenges; 4) Legislative challenges; 5) Multi-stakeholder challenges; and 6) Skills challenges. Following on from these themes, two key issues showed that social and political influence were the dominant factors affecting the implementation of housing projects. The research found that PLs do not have the authority in housing delivery. This limits the PL's ability to creatively transform, maintain and lead the project organization.
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    Evaluation of the Factors Causing Cost and Time Overrun in the Namibian Construction Industry
    (2022) Negussie, Menelik Gizaw; Windapo, Abimbola
    Cost and time are one of the two primary parameters that require due considerations throughout the project lifecycle and are the determining factors for project success. However, it is very common that many projects fail to achieve their goal of being completed within the planned budget and schedule. Several articles on cost and time overrun in the construction industry worldwide, holistically, and locally, were reviewed. However, limited studies were conducted in the Namibian construction industry. It is against this background that this study investigates the factors causing time and cost overrun in the Namibian construction industry and posits strategies to mitigate cost and time overrun on construction projects. The study adopted a quantitative research approach that employs a survey research design in data collection from a sample drawn from a population of professionals in the Namibian construction industry. The survey instrument — a questionnaire — was administered via email. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics comprising of means, percentages, Relative Importance Index (RII) and Spearman Correlation. The study found that five of the main factors contributing to cost overrun on the construction projects in Namibia from a ranking perspective are contractors' financial constraints, inadequate contractor experience, inefficient project planning and scheduling by the contractor, poor site management and delay in progress payment by the client. While the main causes of time overrun were found to consist of inadequate contractor experience, contractor's cashflow difficulty, poor site management and supervision, slow decision making by the client, and deficiency in project planning and scheduling by the contractor. Furthermore, this study revealed that four out of the five factors causing cost and time overrun are related to contractors, while one was client related. The study also found that key strategies proposed to mitigate cost overrun on projects from a ranking perspective include ensuring that consultants submit their drawings and documentations on time, frequent coordination between all the project parties and adequate project planning and scheduling. The key strategies proposed to mitigate time overrun, based on a ranking perspective, are proper planning of the work, adequate and close supervision of the project, and the consultant ensuring that drawings and documentations are submitted on time. Spearman correlation was carried out in order to measure the correlation between top ten rated cost and time overrun factors and construction performance. The result showed that there is positive correlation between cost and time overrun factors against construction performance however it was not statistically significant and this may be due to the small sample size . However, two of the top 10-time overrun factors — which include availability of finance of contractors, deficiency in project planning and scheduling, experience in project planning, late delivery of construction material and equipment, and extension of time claim cost overrun factors — showed a moderate and positive impact on construction performance. Further investigation of the hypothesis may be required. Based on these findings, the study concludes that projects on which an inexperienced contractor is engaged, and for which poor payment regimes exist, will experience time and cost overruns. The study recommends that activities undertaken at the execution stage should be properly monitored to prevent time and cost overruns on the project as a whole.
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    Examining the drivers and barriers to e-procurement and e-collaboration adoption in South African Construction- post Covid-19
    (2023) Sekgoele, Kgomotso; Lefoka, Mochelo; Windapo Abimbola
    The uptake of e-procurement in the South African construction industry (SACI) has been generally slow and with no record of e-collaboration uptake. However, the onset of the Covid19 pandemic presented an opportunity for this to change, due to the new ways of working that had to be adopted as a result of limited in-person contact. This research examines the drivers and barriers of the e-procurement (EP) adoption and e-collaboration (EC) in SACI. It also determines the EC and EP adoption rates and tests whether there are statistically significant differences in the drivers and barriers of EP and EC before versus after the onset of Covid-19. A questionnaire was compiled using the top drivers and barriers found in the literature review. It was administered online to respondents working for companies listed on the cidb Register of Contractors. This study uses a quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional survey in collecting data. The statistical analysis used is the Paired Sample Sign Test, which calculates the difference between the medians of driver and barrier pairs, consisting of influence levels before and after Covid-19. This study found that the EP and EC adoption rates increased after the onset of Covid-19, and that Covid-19 itself was a top driver for both EP and EC. The top barriers for EP and EC were (1) unreliable internet service and power supply and (2) benefits to be achieved as a result of EC Software that is not communicated by management, respectively. There is a statistically significant difference in the EP driver ‘ease of use of procurement software' and the EP barrier ‘unreliable internet service and power supply' before versus after the onset of Covid-19. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected for this driver and barrier. As for EC, there was a statistically significant difference between the EC driver ‘employees' confidence in their technological abilities' and the following five EC barriers: ‘benefits …of EC are not communicated', ‘content generated by some employees on EC software is not useful'; ‘employees' poor management of multiple tools'; ‘the competitive and non-sharing culture … makes it difficult for EC software to thrive;' and ‘employees have limited time during their workday … before versus after the onset of Covid-19'. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected for this EC driver and five EC barriers. The study helps SACI stakeholders to know how they currently fare in terms of EP and EC adoption, and where they should direct efforts to increase it. Increased adoption makes SACI competitive in the global construction space and it also makes their work effective and efficient. Keywords: e-procurement, e-collaboration, adoption rate, South Africa, construction, South African Construction Industry, Covid-19
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    Extending knowledge management beyond organisational borders – barriers for South African construction organisations
    (2020) Osborne, Jeremy; Windapo, Abimbola
    Previous research raised the question of why South African organisations do not extend their Knowledge Management (KM) practices beyond their organisational borders. Therefore, there is a need to examine the barriers faced by construction organisations when trying to extend KM activities beyond organisational borders towards encouraging the South African construction sector to improve upon its collective KM maturity. This research utilised a quantitative approach which initially examined the available literature on the topic of Knowledge Management and the barriers found inhibiting its implementation. From this knowledge a survey instrument was developed and circulated to 499 construction professionals based in South Africa to elicit their opinions on Knowledge Management, extending KM activities beyond organisational boundaries and the barriers potentially inhibiting these activities. A total of 93 usable data sets were received and subjected to statistical analysis. This research found that there was a clear positive opinion towards KM and to extending these activities beyond organisational borders. The perception that by extending KM activities beyond organisational borders may negatively impact the organisations competitiveness is still prevalent and is a barrier to extending KM activities beyond organisational borders. Further it was found that the lack of time allocated to KM activities was an inhibitor to KM activities bother internally and from extending these KM activities beyond organisational borders. However, the amount of training given on KM and support of management was only found to be of significant concern in the less mature organisations and therefore may inhibit KM activities but were not a clear inhibitor to extending these activities beyond organisational borders. Continuity in the makeup of project teams was identified as a potential route to improve project performance and the current contracts utilised in the sector did not appear to currently impact knowledge sharing. Encouragingly it was found that knowledge was not withheld by employees to improve job security and further the challenges faced by multiple languages being spoken in the project environment and in coordinating TMO's did not register as significant inhibitors to knowledge sharing. This research's findings show that professionals in the South African construction sector have a positive opinion towards KM and extending these activities beyond organisational borders. Barriers do exist in the sector that are inhibiting knowledge managements implementation and growth, however by highlighting these issues it is possible for organisations to overcome the challenges faced, grow their knowledge management maturity and extract the most out of the strategies implemented. Based on these findings, the study recommended that there is a need to establish partnerships and longstanding relationships which foster knowledge transfer to overcome the negative perception that extending knowledge management activities beyond organisational borders may negatively impact competitiveness. This research was limited by the response rate to the survey circulated being low with only 93 valid data sets in the sample for statistical analysis. Further most respondents to the survey were from small and micro organisations who had low KM maturities and therefore the results for this research cannot claim to represent the construction sector of South Africa as a whole.
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    Factors causing delay of modification projects at Koeberg Power Station
    (2016) Ntoyanto, Sikholiwe; Tuan, Nien-Tsu
    Project delays are common in construction projects, and at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, modification and outage projects are not exempted from these delays. Subsequently, these project delays have a detrimental effect on the Eskom organization in terms of its mandate to supply electricity to promote and boost the South African economy. Therefore, timely project delivery within the Eskom business is of paramount importance in ensuring the utility honours its mandate. The aim of this research study is to identify factors and that influence untimely delivery of plant system modification projects which at times affect the timely delivery of outage projects at Koeberg Power Station. The research study focuses on the following objectives: (i) identification of factors contributing to untimely delivery of plant system modification projects at Koeberg Power Station, (ii) analysis of identified factors to determine the main determinants of untimely delivery of plant system modification projects, (iii) assessing whether a gap or correlation exists between the factors identified through the study and the factors the project management fraternity believe to have a significant contribution to the untimely delivery of projects, and (iv) to recommend mitigating measures that Koeberg Power Station may consider in addressing the consequences of identified project delay factors on modification projects. Through the use of interactive management research methodology, a total of 92 identified project delay factors were reduced to 21 principal project delay factors that form part of the interpretive structural model. The results of the research study show that the main determinant of modification project delays at Koeberg Power Station is the "proficiency of a project manager". Proficiency of a project manager relates to the ability of a project manager to accomplish the required project tasks based on his or her skills, competency, and experience within the project management field. Inadequate proficiency of a project manager was found to be the major cause of modification delays at Koeberg Power Station. Proficiency of a project manager could not be directly matched with other project delay factors identified from the reviewed literature, but it could be matched with the "poor professional management" identified by Fugar and Agyakwah-Baah (2010). In addition, the matching of "proficiency of a project manager" project delay factor could also be established through other project delay factors identified by this study. These include poor leadership, competency, and skill of a project manager in communication, planning, coordination, risk management, and scope management. The study found that, a total of 9 out of 21 project delay factors identified are unique to Koeberg Power Station.
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    Factors critical to benefits realisation of IT/IS projects in the South African government
    (2018) Matsio, Thato; Jay, Christopher I
    Purpose – This research investigated factors critical to benefits realisation of IT/IS project in the South African Government. The aim of the research was therefore to establish a list of factors critical to benefits realisation of IT/IS projects in SA government by testing the applicability of Coombs (2015) factors and as well as testing factors identified in the literature. Method – In addition to the factors identified in Coombs (2015) study, a literature review was conducted to identify additional factors critical for benefits realisation in IT/IS projects and twenty-one factors were identified. A web-survey with twenty one (21) success factors was sent to IT stakeholders in SA government particularly the State Information Technology Agency to determine their relevance and importance in benefits realisation of IT/IS projects in SA government. Results – The research finding revealed that all four of Coombs (2015) study success factors were relevant. Two of the factors were amongst the top ten factors considered the most important factors rated by the IT stakeholders in SA government. It also revealed that all twenty-one factors were relevant, however the following ten (10) factors were considered the most important factors: Clear Project Mission, Effective Communication, Defined Project Scope, User/Client Involvement, Top Management Support, Competent Project Manager, Sufficient/Well allocated resources, Strong, and detailed project plan, Business Process Knowledge, and Governance Structure. Furthermore, the research also revealed nine (9) additional factors identified by the IT stakeholders and they include: Political Stability, Architecture, Supportive legislation and policies, Teamwork, Trust and Honesty, IT solutions aligned to global Trend, Social and Economic Impact on Citizen, System Integration, and Project Management Methodology. Practical Implications – The findings allowed for an establishment of twenty-one factors critical for benefits realisation in IT/IS projects in SA government. However, the findings and the research process had some limitations. The sample for the survey was chosen from a population of a single organisation. The outcome of the survey is not an accurate representation of the entire government. Therefore, further research might be required using a larger sample size spanning various and different levels of government. The research findings may also need to be confirmed with more qualitative methods.