Mini-dissertations (Construction Economics)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/10919

This collection contains research documents that presents the author's research and findings and is submitted in support of candidature for a final year undergraduate programme, an Honours degree, or as part of a Masters degree that involves course-work at the University of Pretoria, within the department indicated.

From the Letter of consent:
"As per the policy of the University of Pretoria, The Department of Construction Economics is authorised to grant permission for the archiving of the final year project mini-dissertations proceedings."

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HEALTH CONDITION IN AND SURROUNDING CONSTRUCTION
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2014-08-05) Joubert, F.J.; Jansen, Riaan; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The health and environmental sacrifices are some of the biggest problems with construction and developing a world that better suits our needs and luxurious living standards. It is however unavoidable in most cases as we need to use toxic chemicals and materials like cement to make it possible for us to move forward and have sustainable growth in the industry. In general, construction is a very risky business and more so a risk to the health of humans. Construction does not only affect people working on a construction site, but also the public in general. According to Earle (2012), Construction can have a major impact on the environment, which can in turn have a drastic influence on the people living in the surrounding areas. Construction also influences the health of people globally since the carbon footprint of construction has a negative influence on the planet. The purpose of the research and surveys are to determine the severity of the effects that construction has on human health and the impact and effectiveness of methods that are being used to limit these effects. Construction impacts human health on different levels, which are: Site/construction workers; Social Impact; Environmental
HOW A QUANTITY SURVEYOR IN SOUTH AFRICA CAN USE BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) TO STAY RELEVANT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2014-08-04) Beukes, Steyn; Le Roux, Franzel; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
Building Information Modeling is a term representing a new process or approach that is being widely implemented in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. If one works in this industry and has not yet heard the term, it is reasonable to expect it will not be the case much longer. The adoption of this approach to designing and managing projects is catching on at a phenomenal pace in the US and in Europe and it will not be long before it takes over the South African building industry. The firms that have been early adopters of BIM are realizing its benefits and enjoying a competitive advantage as they work to secure and perform new projects in a much more efficient manner, from the conceptual design stage through project completion, and the operation and maintenance of the building. BIM continues to overcome the initial hesitancy among architects, designers, engineers, contractors and owners, by proving it to be a powerful data management system and time saver. BIM is in its early stages of development and the tools that support BIM are being improved each year. The building industry will continue to reap the rewards as the tools and processes of BIM are fine-tuned.
Instalment Sales Agreement: an alternative home financing option in the property market
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2014-08-04) Kruger, Eduan; Burger, Michelle
The study was conducted in attempt to investigate the viability of the INSTALMENT SALE AGREEMENTS concept in the South African residential property market. The study aimed to answer the pressing question on whether the concept of an Instalment Sales Agreement would stand ground as a viable alternative/option for both the purchaser as well as the credit provider for properties ranged above the governmental subsidy schemes and programmes and below R500 000 niche market of Gauteng. This particular research aimed to investigate the core challenges as experienced and viewed by the main stakeholders in the process of furnishing and/or the acquisition of residential property whilst investigating and addressing adequate solutions beneficial to the respective parties as viewed and interpreted from their respective vantage points. The main concerns identified include primarily whether developers would find it feasible to develop and sell the said properties on the basis of an Instalment Sales Agreement. Secondarily whether prospective clients will be willing and able to purchase and secure residential property on the basis of an Instalment Sales Agreement as an viable alternative sales model whilst, accepting the concept as a feasible and reasonable alternative to conventional and traditional property purchasing and acquisition methods on offer in order to achieve property ownership as opposed to possibly not being successful nor able to qualify to secure a home loans or government subsidy.
Providing adequate housing in SA in the twentieth and twenty first century
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2014-07-29) Tagg, Jason; Cruywagen, J.H.H.; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The provision of adequate housing to the people of South Africa is a fundamental human right as entrenched in the Constitution of South Africa. In order to propose a solution to the problem of providing adequate housing, an understanding of the sources of the housing problem in South Africa needs to be explored. The objective of this treatise is to identify the origins of the housing problem in South Africa in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries by examining various policy instruments employed by the State that had an effect on housing provision, the current policy instruments employed by government to solve the problem and finally a look at how the problem of housing has been solved in the Netherlands which may be used as a benchmark for policy formulation in South Africa. In addition, the study will also make mention of historical events that shaped the social fabric of South Africa, which had an impact on housing provision for more than a century.
Providing adequate housing in SA in the twentieth and twenty first century
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2014-07-29) Tagg, Jason; Cruywagen, J.H.H.; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The provision of adequate housing to the people of South Africa is a fundamental human right as entrenched in the Constitution of South Africa. In order to propose a solution to the problem of providing adequate housing, an understanding of the sources of the housing problem in South Africa needs to be explored. The objective of this treatise is to identify the origins of the housing problem in South Africa in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries by examining various policy instruments employed by the State that had an effect on housing provision, the current policy instruments employed by government to solve the problem and finally a look at how the problem of housing has been solved in the Netherlands which may be used as a benchmark for policy formulation in South Africa. In addition, the study will also make mention of historical events that shaped the social fabric of South Africa, which had an impact on housing provision for more than a century.
Can the use of Cannibis (Hemp), when mixed with additives, be a suitable substitute to conventional building materials?
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-12-13) Leitch, Phillipa Anne; Cruywagen, J.H.H.; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
This research will determine if it is viable to cultivate and process hemp into a building material to be used in the construction industry of South Africa. The effect on the environment of manufacturing and using conventional materials will be compared the cultivation and production of hemp building materials. The general opinion of professionals and contractors will be determined regarding the use of hemp building materials in their design and also using such materials for construction. This research will establish if further training and education of using hemp building materials is necessary for skilled labour. Lastly, the current knowledge and research of hemp construction materials in South Africa will be verified, and which projects in South Africa are currently using such materials. The legalisation of cultivating this plant will be investigated.
An evaluation of construction project cost management for public works: a case for Botswana
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-12-13) Njamu, Harrison; Basson, G.A.J. (Gert); University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The construction industry in Botswana faces a problem of cost variances on the construction projects. Hence, the identified problem needs to be attended to. The study was an evaluation of how constructions cost on projects were managed. This entails establishing how project costs were planned, how projects costs were controlled and reported and finally how project costs at completion were analysed. This was done through questionnaires. The major findings were that of inadequate planning for project costs. This could be attributed to the fact that, although the major cost planning factors such as specifications and statement of work (Scope) were incorporated in the cost plan, they were not complete at the time the cost plan was determined. Consequently, they were the major causes of cost variances at post contract stage. Furthermore, cost control was not adequately conducted on projects. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should provide a detailed brief and specifications to confirm the project requirements and also have standardised cost control measures on projects.
The risk management framework for organisations dealing with construction project management in South Africa
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-11-21) Makombo, Honorius Makombo; Prinsloo, Hendrik F.; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
Risk management framework in the construction project management sector is the solution to a systematic step-by-step management of risks in organisations and projects. It is vital that all organisations become involved in the management of risks from top management to the general labour force. This is the only way that organisations will manage to handle risks effectively and eventually protect and increase the wealth of enterprises. A study was conducted to identify the existing risk management frameworks in various institutions as well as the risks commonly encountered in the construction related projects undertaken by engineering and construction project management professionals and firms as well as other stakeholders. In addition, the study also looked at the project management professionals in order to determine their levels of competence and expertise to perform as project managers. The study also looked at the effect that poor knowledge in project and risk management areas have on project performance. The aim eventually is to present a solution in the form of a risk managment framework that is balanced for small, medium and large organisations dealing with construction project management in South Africa.
An integrated approach to risk management during competitive tendering for local authorities by emerging building contractors in Botswana
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-11-21) Maina, Anthony; Basson, G.A.J. (Gert); Hoffman, Danie; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The construction industry in Botswana has in the recent years come under severe pressure due to increased competition and a critical shortage of construction work. The competition has been as a result of a dramatic influx of foreign firms that have set up base in Botswana in recent years due to Botswana’s good economic performance. The abundant diamond resources coupled with the government’s sound macroeconomic policies have largely driven this economic growth. As a result of the shortage of construction work, locally owned emerging construction companies have had to change their bidding strategies in order to be competitive and secure construction work. This in turn has led these companies tendering at very low prices and sometimes submitting sub-economic bids. In doing so, these construction companies do not price for all the risks they are expected to carry if their bids mature into a construction contract. This paper investigates the sources of risk due to the client (Botswana local authorities) and due to statutory requirements and whether these sources are perceived by the emerging building contractors to have an influence in their (contractors) pricing strategies. The paper also investigates the risk management strategies, which are employed by these contractors in order to minimize risks during competitive tendering. The study concentrated on those building projects tendered in the public sector within the local authorities in Botswana. This was further narrowed down to specifically those projects tendered for the district councils located in the southern region of Botswana. The study concentrated on building projects and excluded civil engineering projects and projects that are overwhelmingly of specialized electrical or mechanical installations.
Transformer maintenance at Swaziland Electricity Company (S.E.C.) : a critical investigation
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-11-21) Hoffman, Danie; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics; Dlamini, Muziwandile Ayanda
SEC being an electricity utility within the context of a developing country, Swaziland is faced with the multi-faceted challenges of providing electricity to the poor in remote areas, comply with environmental and international standards and sustain industrial and economic growth. These challenges require that limited resources be allocated to the upkeep of existing network elements. Transformers form the most expensive single unit of these. The critical investigation looks into the approach taken by the organisation towards transformer maintenance as well as the allocation of key resources for the effective carrying out of this function. Through structured interviews, network users and employees of the organisation provide vital information on the status quo of transformer maintenance as well as how it affects their work. Copper theft is a factor that could not be ignored as it compromises all efforts of network protection. The partial transformer maintenance policy of the company leaves a section of customers and network assets in complete neglect. This is an undesirable approach to looking after invested capital and customer service. The research recommends its amendment and the introduction of laws and technology to curb copper theft.
Project management : a requirement for Zimbabwean indigenous contractors
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-11-21) Mukumba, Elias; Cruywagen, J.H.H.; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
Project management is a fairly new profession in the Zimbabwean construction industry. The information revolution brought about by the Internet has resulted in clients becoming more critical of the way construction projects are being procured right from inception through implementation to maintenance. This has brought the limelight on the Zimbabwean Indigenous contractors who despite a great deal of assistance from government in the form of affirmative legislation have failed to deliver construction projects timeously to specification and within budget. The Zimbabwean construction industry is greatly fragmented. There exists professional practices and foreign owned construction companies who are increasingly embracing project management as a tool for project delivery. The new generally small to medium sized construction companies owned by the local business people have still not grasped project management. This paper explores the emergence of indigenous contractors and what can be done to improve their operations.
Effectiveness of planned maintenance in power stations
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-11-21) Prinsloo, Hendrik F.; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics; Mamabolo, Carl Matome
Eskom has subdivided its power generation into competitive clusters. This has been done with a view to measuring individual plant reliability. The objective of this project is to study the impact of preventive maintenance on the performance of power stations and reliability of power supply. The project also intends to study the resultant benefits of preventive maintenance to consumers. This study is based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of preventive maintenance, which is a form of planned maintenance in Eskom’s power-generating utilities, as opposed to reactive maintenance (unplanned maintenance). A critical analysis of the performance of various power stations over a three-year period will be done. Reasons for loss of power supply of different plants will also be identified, including raising concerns to key role players to embrace preventive maintenance as a tool to sustain power supply and minimise disruptions in order to enhance economic growth.
Delays in completion of building construction projects in the Botswana public sector by medium to large category C, D and E contractors
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-11-14) Musuya, Joseph; Basson, G.A.J. (Gert); University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
A contract between a prospective building owner and a building contractor is rather like a contract of sell between a buyer of goods and the seller. What makes the building contractor different from the seller of goods, however, is that unlike the seller of goods who deals in identical ready-made goods, the building contractor deals in unique goods that must be assembled at a unique location. One of the essential features of a building contract is that the time or period for performance by the seller, in this case the building contractor is agreed in advance. The delivery of a building project by the contractor to the building buyer or client within the contractually agreed timeframe is, however, in reality rarely achieved. This is because the unique nature of each building project in terms of project characteristics such as design, size, complexity, quality, and location pose unique challenges to the building contractor. A review of literature on the subject revealed that in developed countries where the building industry is expected to be quite efficient, at best, only about 20% of building projects are delivered within the agreed time period. The performance in the building industry in the Republic of Botswana, a developing economy, is not as good as in the developed countries. The performance of indigenous or 100% citizen contractors in Botswana is even more suspect, and has been the subject of much debate in this developing Southern African country.
Lean construction: should lean construction be part of a construction company's objective in South Africa?
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-09-21) Van Rooy, Ignatius Johannes; Cruywagen, J.H.H.; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The construction industry in South Africa is not perfect and there are all kinds of chronic problems like for example low productivity, poor safety, inferior working conditions, waste and insufficient quality, and evaluation of the performance at site and project level. These problems also exist in other countries around the world. In some of these countries (like Japan, America and some European countries) they developed a new production philosophy, called lean construction, which was developed to solve these problems. The objective of this treatise is to investigate this process called lean construction to see what it is; how it is implemented; how its performance can be measured; and what tools are used to execute lean construction in a construction company. The sole point of this investigation will be to show that this new form of production management should become part of a construction company’s objective, aim and goal in South Africa and will not only help these companies to solve chronic problems in a construction company itself but also on the different sites of the construction company. This will not only apply for construction companies in South Africa but also for construction companies around the world.
Customer-perceived value: principles for the formulation of a policy framework to regulate the project management profession in construction in Botswana
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-09-21) Kaumba, Jacqueline; Basson, G.A.J. (Gert); University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
This research focuses on the identification of perceived value by the client inherent in the project management attributes in terms of its benefits and the remuneration to be determined through a policy framework to regulate the recognition by the government of new procurement methods that are cost effective, accelerate project implementation and outsourcing of specialist skills to assist government departments to implement public projects in the construction industry. This study analyses and identifies that customer-perceived value provides guidelines for the principles necessary to formulate a policy framework for regulating the project management profession in construction in Bostwana to achieve successful implementation of projects. The importance of this study is in establishing these principles in line with the policy framework used in South Africa in order to adhere to best practice acceptable internationally as supported by the provisions in the “Act 10 of 2001 Public Procurement and Asset Disposal”, by relating these to the guidelines identified in the customer-perceived value concept.
The causes of design changes in petrochemical process plant projects in the Mpumalanga and Free State provinces in South Africa
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-09-21) Maherry, Andrew A.; Jansen, Riaan; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The objective of this study is to determine and analyse the causes of design changes when executing petrochemical process plant projects in the Mpumalanga and Free State Provinces in South Africa. Data for analysis was obtained through a questionnaire survey based on the literature review. Although data is mainly qualitative in nature, the techniques used to analyse the data is quantitative. The results from the survey indicate that the main causes of the design changes is the unrealistic duration to complete design and insufficient equipment information resulting in assumptions at early stages of the design. The change in scope of work and none attendance of sufficiently experienced personnel and key stakeholders at design reviews later enforcing changes were determined to be the design change factors often experienced in petrochemical process plant projects in the Mpumalanga and Free State Provinces.
A review of the performance of the public sector implementing department and a private implementing agent : is there a role for an implementing agent in the private sector?
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-09-21) Mogadime, Mputsanyane Rosemary; Cruywagen, J.H.H.; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
Client departments had entrusted delivery of construction of buildings to an infrastructure implementing department monopoly managed through a service delivery agreement within the inter-governmental framework. The performance of the public sector infrastructure implementing department had been plagued by inefficiency; and in most cases yielded poor results. Recently, a client department had through an open public tender sourced an infrastructure implementing agent to achieve project objectives and service delivery goals; managed through a legally binding contract. The quest is for projects to be delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality; and communities access the needed services. In both cases, the traditional design-bid-build approach is used, differing on management and supervision. The focus of this study is to assess the performance of the implementing department and that of the implementing agent in respect of four elements of the infrastructure delivery process: penalties, variation orders, planned contract duration versus actual completion duration and actual duration/time lapse between practical completion and presentation of final account. Based on quantitative data analysis, the implementing agent performed better than the implementing department on all the four elements. The study concludes that an implementing agent has a role in the public sector; and qualitative data revealed preference for it to be placed with the implementing department and not with the client department. The study recognizes the need to create enabling conditions and sustainability measures to nurture such an intervention.
Is 'breaking new ground' as a comprehensive plan for housing delivery, a realistic solution to the housing problem faced in South Africa?
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-09-21) Trusler, Ross Karl; Cruywagen, J.H.H.; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The national goal, to provide housing opportunities for all South Africans, and to eradicate informal settlements by the year 2014, is a noble one worthy of rallied support by all who can contribute. Breaking new ground as a comprehensive plan for the development of sustainable human settlements has sought to ensure that every South African is granted a housing opportunity along with exposure to economic and social opportunities, and this is to be achieved before the year 2014. Extensive literary studies have been carried out revealing the extent of the task, as well as the aspects pertaining to the provision of services and equality of living standards. There are a vast number of recognised barriers standing in the way of delivery, as well as unforeseen hindrances to achieving this goal. The results obtained led to the conclusion that the Breaking New Ground policy is achieving their goal in as much as housing is being delivered, but not at the delivery rates required in order to achieve what has been set out.
The causes of delays on government housing construction projects in Botswana
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-09-21) Libetwa, Erick Kombuwa; Brummer, Diederick Gerhardus; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The spate of delays on Botswana government housing construction projects has raised concern – not only to the government but also to the general public. The conditions of contract applicable to the Botswana government building contracts make allowance for extension of construction periods under certain circumstances. Any such circumstances not dealt with by the conditions of contract, do not warrant extension of the construction period and is referred to as a circumstance which is within the contractor’s control. The aim of this study, amongst others, is to identify the major circumstances that cause delays on government housing construction projects. This is achieved by means of ex post facto research on available data of completed projects. By means of an analysis of response to questionnaires which were put to selected consultants and contractors, it is investigated whether the types of programming techniques utilised by contractors are appropriate and whether attributes other than price are taken into account by consultants at contractor selection stage. It is investigated in addition whether contract periods are realistically determined. The abovementioned investigations have been tested against hypotheses statements. Based on the findings and conclusions, recommendations are made with the objective of reducing delays on Botswana government housing construction projects in future. Recommendations for further research in fields related to the topic of the treatise have also been made.
Risk management strategies employed to minimise time and cost overruns: a case for Botswana's public sector building construction industry
(University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics, 2012-09-14) Nthase, Phenyo; Basson, G.A.J. (Gert); University of Pretoria. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. Dept. of Construction Economics
The objective of this study is to investigate Risk Management Strategies that could be used to minimize time and cost overruns currently experienced in Botswana’s Public Sector Building Construction Industry. This is achieved by identifying risk factors that cause time and cost overruns. The main problem is divided into three sub-problems which form the basis of the questionnaire. The three sub-problems are to: · Identify the major risks associated with time and cost overruns in the Botswana’s Public Sector Building Construction Industry. · Evaluate how these risks impact on Botswana’s Public Sector Building Construction Industry performance with regard to time and cost overruns. · Assess the applicability of risk management as a management strategy that can be adopted in the management of time and cost overruns experienced in Botswana’s Public Sector Building Construction Industry.

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