Добірка наукової літератури з теми "Construction industry South Australia Management"

Purpose – A large number of benefits have been reported when reverse logistics (RL) is fully implemented in the construction industry. However, RL is yet to become common place in the construction sector, particularly in Australia. The particular sub-sector in which RL operates is small and weak and the remainder of the sector must embrace and accommodate it comfortably. Research is lacking on how to promoting RL in the construction industry. Very little has been done to identify the current practices that have the potential to promote RL industry-wide. The purpose of this paper is to identify the practices that work well in the sector, a strategy could be mapped out to promote RL to all stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – In order to fill the above gap, the present study used a mixed method approach to gather and evaluate current practices and their potential to promote RL in South Australia’s construction industry. Practices that were identified using a comprehensive literature review were evaluated with a questionnaire survey and series of interviews involving construction professionals. Findings – The findings are that practices facilitating deconstruction is the most important, followed by practices facilitating the use of salvaged materials in new construction to promote RL in South Australia. Awareness of deconstruction benefits, challenges and procedures at the organisation level and facilities and services at industry level were associated with RL implementation. Availability of salvaged materials in the market was found to influence its use in new construction and as a consequence its demand. Designing for reverse logistics is another practice that could facilitate deconstruction and the onus of its promotion lies mainly with the designers. Research limitations/implications – This research was confined to one state in Australia. As such the generalisation to other states and other countries should be treated cautiously. Practical implications – The findings of this study can help inform the industry and its stakeholders on areas that they need to concentrate more on to make the South Australian construction industry a fully RL integrated one. To that end the authors propose some recommendations arising from the findings reported here. Originality/value – This study makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on reserve logistics within a previously unexplored South Australian context. In addition, the study provides valuable insights into the contribution of RL practices to the construction industry.

In December 1994 the Australian College of Health Service Executives (SABranch) sought ?a needs analysis for health management training programs withinSouth Australia?. Although the college was interested in a range of matters, thecentral issue was whether the current Graduate Diploma in Health Administration(or a similar course) would continue to be provided in Adelaide. The college providedbackground material and discussions were held with students, the health industry,relevant professional associations and the universities. This commentary sets out someof the background factors and my conclusions, which have been accepted by the SouthAustralian authorities.

AbstractOriginally presented at the National Injury Management and Prevention Conference: Transition and Change, on April 27, 2006, which was held at the Hyatt Regency, Adelaide, South Australia. Reprinted with the permission of the authors.Work in the Australian construction industry is fraught with risk and the potential for serious harm. The industry is consistently placed within the three most hazardous industries to work along with other industries such as mining and transport (National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, 2003). In the 2001 to 2002 period, construction work killed 39 people and injured 13,250 more. Hence, more effort is required to reduce the injury rate and maximise the value of the rehabilitation/back-to-work process.

The purpose of this paper is twofold. Firstly, its aim is to ascertain the major aspects of job satisfaction for South Australian construction workers including the main ramifications of job satisfaction in the working environment. Secondly, it investigates the influence of key age-related factors i.e. chronological age, organisational age and length of service on major aspects of job satisfaction. The collected data for this study comprised 72 questionnaires completed by construction practitioners working at operational levels in the South Australian construction industry. Based on the responses from the target group, this study deduced that job dissatisfaction was predominantly related to the adverse impact on personal health and quality of life. In addition, indifference and the perception of dejection in the workplace are the main consequences of low levels of job satisfaction. Inferential analyses revealed that none of the age-related factors could significantly affect the major aspects of job satisfaction of construction workers in the South Australian context. The study concludes with providing practical suggestions for redesigning human resources practices for increasing the level of job satisfaction within the South Australian construction industry.Keywords: Job satisfaction, workers, age, construction industry, South Australia

The recent skill shortage within South Africa has raised the need for proper management of the available craftsmen in the construction industry, as a large portion of work executed within the industry is done by this set of workers. It is based on this knowledge that this study assessed South African construction craftsmen’s perception on how effective personnel management can be achieved. A survey approach was adopted and a structured questionnaire was used in harnessing information form craftspeople within the construction industry in Johannesburg metropolitan area. Data analyses were done using percentage, mean item score and standard deviation. The reliability of the questionnaire was also tested using Cronbach alpha test. The study revealed that provision of competitive pay, effective leadership, recruiting the multi-skilled workers, the reward for dedicated workers, and paying attention to employee’s needs were the key measures for improving the management of personnel. The study further recommends that managers of construction organisations should give attention to the identified measures of improving management of employees and implement them to recruit and retain employees within their organisations. The study adds to existing knowledge on the theme of measures for effective personnel management in the construction industry.

Australian construction productivity has grown slowly since 1985 and remains arguably stagnant. The importance of this study is therefore to examine several factors through to be drivers of construction productivity and to understand possible avenues for improvement. The drivers tested are research and development, apprentices, wage growth, unionisation and safety regulation. Expenditure on research and development and the number of apprentices were found to be drivers of productivity growth in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. These findings are important because collectively, these three states account for a majority of construction activity in Australia.

In general, dreams are conceived, ideas are conceptualised, and initiatives are embarked upon in order to alter the state of realities. Dreams change realities; when mechanisms are put in place to realise them, dreams succeed. However, anecdotal evidence as well as empirical findings has continued to reiterate the difficulties associated with realising dreams related to construction projects. Extending the „dream‟ analogy to the South African construction industry context therefore paints an uninspiring picture. Dreams associated with construction do not have a 100% chance of becoming realities as evident in reported poor project performance in the industry. Shattered dreams in the form of poor performing projects, poorly implemented construction processes, or worst, projects delivered at the expense of unexpected cost to the client as a direct result of poor H&S or time overruns, negate the intent of dreams. This thesis is primarily concerned with project performance related bottlenecks in South African construction. After an extensive review of related literature that entails the analysis of publications related to non-value adding activities (NVAAs), supply chain management (SCM), and system dynamics (SD) in the construction project management realm, an exhaustive mixed-mode quantitative survey was conducted among key participants in the South African infrastructure sector. Public sector clients, consulting engineers and contractors that were involved in civil engineering projects were surveyed repeatedly with approximately five survey instruments at convenient intervals. Results arising from the study, inter-alia, indicate that: an appreciable amount of NVAAs occur in South African construction; these NVAAs become further compounded when propagated into other value adding activities (VAAs) in the construction process; the identified NVAAs equally perpetrate the menace associated with poor performance to the detriment of the achievement of cost, H&S, quality, and time project targets, and the root cause of these NVAAs that often contribute to poor performance is not far from the much reported „shortage of skills‟ in South Africa. Notable contributions to the body of knowledge include SD models are extendable regardless of the source of their empirical data as evident in the qualitative models proposed in this study; within the SD domain, it is advisable to consider the „competence‟ of individuals assigned to tasks especially in a developing country as this study revealed that human resources issues predominate among the sources of NVAAs that eventuate in a range of poor project performance; the NVAAs that occur, and their causes on projects are perceived to be due to lapses and / or inadequacies that involved the entire construction supply chain; there is no single construction process / task that is immune from being affected by NVAAs; and within the South African, and by implication construction context generally iii in developing countries, the adequacy of required knowledge among project stakeholders is the most crucial determinant of project performance. As opposed to what is obtainable in developed countries, the construction industry in developing countries, particularly in South Africa, should take advantage of knowledge management (KM) techniques such as brainstorming, communities of practices, and face-to-face interactions. These techniques can be driven through appropriate mentorship programmes, industry focused built environment education, and other human resources driven avenues that do not necessarily require substantial investment in technologies, so that to a large extent organisations in the industry can prioritise KM, and thereafter, continually engage in it for future performance improvement. Using inferential statistical methods for hypotheses testing, and SD concepts for creating qualitative models led to a range of recommendations which, inter-alia, propose that halting the tide of NVAAs and poor performance requires the management of both tacit and explicit knowledge gained in construction; and most importantly, it requires the assurance that „competence‟ is the overriding criteria for selecting project partners, and also, for assigning either design or construction related activities to responsible parties involved in project realisation in South Africa. In effect, in order to engender a culture of continuous improvement in South African construction, other considerations should be subservient to „competence‟ in the construction supply chain. Competence must be located among everyone involved in project realisation, that is, enhancing the competence of all involved in project realisation is as good as ensuring performance improvement, which in turn, equates to the acceleration of project delivery in South Africa.

The research emanated from an investigation of GB7, GB8 and GB9 main contractors in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was focussed on the strident economic times in the construction industry following the FIFA Soccer World Cup from August 2010 to December 2012. The research was conducted to identify the key strategy or combination of strategies keeping construction entities in operation. The study further investigates the key elements of a successful turnaround strategy as well as the most effective methods in implementing strategies within construction organizations. The research took the form of an empirical quantitative study where a descriptive survey was used to collect data. Structured interviews were held with the target population to collect data in the field. The study established that geographic diversification was the most effective method utilized by main contractors for survival during the study timeframe. The study also found that lowering of profit margins and preliminary and general amounts were most effective methods in the use of turn around strategies. The study finally concluded that effective steps were taken by main contractors in the Eastern Cape to implement corporate strategies within their organizations. Step by step guidance to all employees on new processes was the key element in successful strategic implementation of a strategy within construction organizations. The research conducted contributes to the strategic management competency within the built environment as well as the existing body of knowledge within the construction industry. All members of the construction industry in South Africa involved with strategic level planning of entities would value the study.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbsoch, 2006.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa's construction industry is emerging from decades of decline into a period of significant growth and opportunity. The industry will need to double its output over the next ten years in order to cope with the infrastructure and housing demands placed on it. The construction industry is also a national asset and South Africa's economic growth depends on the physical infrastructure that is delivered by this industry. This growth trajectory holds out significant opportunity for employment and training to a community that largely suffers from poverty, unemployment and lack of education. This opportunity will only be realised if the role-players in the industry collectively understand and address the challenges of meaningful and sustainable industry growth and efficiency. The study proceeds with a critical look at issues in the construction industry, to identify the industry's inhibiting factors to delivery and to highlight issues contributing to these factors. A SWOT analysis assists in highlighting internal and external characteristics that can be turned into possible solutions. Based on this analysis, action guidelines are identified. Subsequent chapters investigate possible solutions through project management techniques. The first area of research evolves around labour resource management and finds that thoroughly researched resource planning models could provide predictions regarding shortages and performances, and could also assist in the more accurate planning of skills requirements in the design phase of a project. The advantages of multi-skilling can also be beneficial to efforts to overcome current shortages and train a wider base of new entrants. In order to address low production of workers in the industry, morale-boosting investments are suggested that can yield high returns in the form of improved individual performance, higher job-site productivity, as well as cost and time savings to the project. There is strong evidence that a lack of project team integration is a major constraint to its efficient functioning and, inevitably, successful project delivery. Solutions in the next chapter focus on integration strategies to integrate design and construction in a common goal of delivery methods, to streamline workflow and to find synergy in the efforts of team members. The process of benchmarking encourages participation and clear communication of goals and expectations to all project participants. Process mapping assists in understanding how value is added to projects and mapping of business processes identifies how the project meets its customer's requirements. The third section looks at tools and techniques to promote a more economical construction process through improved management initiatives. Lean construction methods are based on traditional manufacturing concepts, but focuses on minimising waste and inventory and streamlining the flow of resources and information. Another technique is the key emphasis on quality assurance and the advancement through all the processes of innovation that needs to be part of an organisation or project strategy. Knowledge management as a further tool and support measure is complex and challenging in the organisational framework of construction projects. Much of the knowledge gained on projects is lost to future projects. All of the project management tools described in this study will benefit greatly from improved knowledge management. The study identifies some applicable tools and techniques that can be implemented to address critical issues of delivery in the construction industry. The continuous effort and commitment required for successful implementation of these measures will ultimately however depend on change agents and management buy-in that goes with organisation renewal.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die konstruksiebedryf in Suid-Afrika beweeg, na dekades van verval, na 'n tydperk van betekenisvolle groei en geleenthede. Die bedryf sal in die volgende tien jaar moet verdubbel om tred te hou met die eise wat gestel gaan word deur die behoefte aan infrastruktuur en behuising. Die konstruksiebedryf is ook 'n nasionale bate en die ekonomiese groei van Suid-Afrika is afhanklik van die fisiese infrastruktuur wat deur die bedryf gelewer word. Hierdie groeitrajek bied betekenisvolle geleenthede vir werkskepping en opleiding aan 'n gemeenskap wat gebuk gaan onder armoede, werkloosheid en gebrek aan onderwys. Hierdie geleenthede sal slegs realiseer as al die rolspelers in die bedryf begryp wat die uitdagings behels en die geleenthede van volgehoue groei en doeltreffendheid aanspreek. Hierdie studie gaan verder met 'n kritiese benadering tot die strydvrae in die konstruksiebedryf en om die beperkende faktore te identifiseer en die aangeleenthede uit te lig. 'n SWOT ontleding is 'n hulpmiddel om die interne en eksterne karaktertrekke, wat tot oplossings kan lei, saam te voeg. Uit hierdie ontleding kan riglyne vir aksie bepaal word en moontlike oplossings in spesifieke areas van navorsing gevind word. Opvolgende hoofstukke sal moontlike oplossings in tegnieke van projekbestuur ondersoek. Die eerste navorsingsgebied ontvou rondom die bestuur van die arbeidsbron. Die bevinding is dat deeglik nagevorsde modelle van beplanning vooruitskattings lewer ten opsigte van leweringstekorte. Dit bring beter beplanning van vaardigheidsbehoeftes in die beplanningsfase van die projek mee. Die voordele van meervoudige vaardighede kan ook voordelig wees in pogings om die huidige tekort te oorbrug en lei 'n breër spektrum van toetreders op. Ten einde die lae produksie van werkers in die industrie aan te spreek, word die uitbou van moraal voorgestel. Dit lewer hoër opbrengste in die vorm van verbeterde individuele prestasie, hoër produktiwiteit in die werkplek, sowel as algehele koste- en tydsbesparings. Daar bestaan sterk aanduidings dat die gebrek aan interpretasie van projekspanne 'n belangrike beperking op die effektiewe werking en die suksesvolle aflewering van 'n projek het. Oplossings in die volgende hoofstuk fokus op die integrasie van strategiee om ontwerp en konstruksie in die gesamentlike mikpunt van leweringsfunksies te integreer, om die werksvloei te verfyn en sinergie in die pogings van spanlede te vind. Die proses van doelstellingsbestuur verhoog deelname. Dit verskaf duidelike mikpunte en lig verwagtinge aan deelnemers uit. Proses-kartering help mee in die proses om waarde toevoeging tot projekte te begryp. Die kartering van sakeprosesse dui aan hoe projekte die behoeftes van kliënte bevredig. Die derde afdeling plaas die blik op tegnieke om tegniese vaardigheid te bevorder deur meer ekonomiese samestelling en verbeterde bestuursinisiatiewe. Skraalkonstruksie ("lean construction") is gegrondves op tradisionele vervaardigingskonsepte. Dit fokus op minimalisering van vermorsing en stroombelyning van voorraadbestuur sowel as die vloei van hulpbronne en inligting. 'n Ander tegniek is die versekering van kwaliteit en vooruitgang deur die genoemde proses van innovering wat deel moet wees van 'n organisasie of projek se strategie. Kennisbestuur is 'n verdere ondersteuningsmeganisme. Dit is kompleks en uitdagend in die organisatoriese raamwerk van konstruksie projekte. Baie kennis, wat deur projekte verwerf word, gaan verlore vir projekte van die toekoms. Alle hulpmiddels vir projekbestuur wat in hierdie studie beskryf word kan aansienlik baat vind deur verbeterde kennisbestuur. Hierdie studie identifiseer sekere hulpmiddels wat toegepas kan word. Dit spreek ook kritieke strydvrae oor lewering in die konstruksiebedryf aan. Die voortdurende inspanning en toewyding benodig vir die suksesvolle aanwending van hierdie maatreëls vereis voortdurende deelname en onderskrywing van die topbestuur van organisasies.

Risk management (RM) should be seen as one of the most important functions in the South African built environment. Without the effective management of the risks associated with the industry, the noble vision of a sector that is efficient, profitable, and sustainable cannot be achieved. By embracing tried and tested policies that successfully mitigate risk, industry stakeholders will achieve many project successes, and will outlast any competitors that choose to ignore, or are ignorant of the fact, that the negative impact risk has on projects is inversely proportional to the level of RM employed. Construction Project Management (CPM) practices, realising that there are excellent business opportunities across South Africa’s borders, and faced with a competitive South African market, are engaging with developers and government entities involved in cross border projects in the hope of securing these potentially lucrative African projects. With this move into Africa comes increased uncertainty and risk for these CPM practices, and other project stakeholders. Similarly, CPM practices that have made the strategic decision to remain operational only within South Africa’s borders, are faced with a competitive and complex built environment and industry, made increasingly challenging by a weakening economy, exacerbated by industrial strikes, infrastructure deficiencies and a decrease in industry skill levels. This study reports on Project Managers’ (PMs’) perceptions of project failures and inefficiencies resulting from inadequate RM on projects, including the RM methodologies currently being employed. The study focused on perceptions of PMs who operate within South Africa’s borders, PMs that operate across border into other African countries, as well as PMs who operate exclusively within South Africa’s built environment framework. A study was undertaken incorporating qualitative methodologies via a normative survey. The survey was split into three main phases. Phase one employed the use of a pilot survey executed with the objective of further investigating the main sub-problems to gain more insight into the related issues and challenges. For the pilot survey, PMs were selected based on their engagement in CPM activities within South Africa as well as across South Africa’s borders into other African countries. Phase two of the main survey, with the sample stratum being the Association of Construction Project Managers (ACPM), was aimed at PMs within the ACPM who have engaged, or are engaging, in CPM activities both within South Africa’s borders as well as across South Africa’s borders into other African countries. Phase 3 of the main survey, with the sample stratum being the ACPM, was aimed at PMs within the ACPM who have engaged, or are engaging, in CPM activities within South Africa’s borders only and have not engaged in cross border activities. Survey findings identified the commercial sector and value of the projects undertaken by the practices, the level of risk associated with different client typologies, the link between inadequate RM and project inefficiency and failure, and the importance of RM on projects. Findings also identified that RM methodologies are employed by CPM practices, and that CPM practices generally endeavour to create a culture of risk awareness amongst employees. Further findings indicated that CPM practices may not always understand the risks associated with new industry sectors, regions or countries that they are considering operating within, and that that there is room for improvement regarding the effectiveness of current RM systems. Survey findings also indicated that risk is not always transferred to the correct project stakeholder most suited to managing the risk, and CPM practices are not always able to accurately quantify the costs associated with project risk. Furthermore, it was identified that CPM practices do not always undertaken risk assessments (RAs) at the correct project stage resulting in inadequate risk contingencies allowances, regular risk reviews are not always undertaken for projects, project pre-mortems are seen as valuable tools by CPM practices as a method to reduce future risk, and project post-mortems relative to ‘lessons learnt’ are not always undertaken. Conclusions outline the link between effective RM, project inefficiencies and project failure, as well as the increase or decrease in risk relative to ineffective or effective use of risk identification and management methodologies for time, cost, and quality factors respectively. Conclusions also outline the fact that although CPM practices generally understand the link between RM and project success, they are not always able to fully comprehend the risks associated with new industry sectors, regions or cross border countries. This indicates that without the adequate identification of risk, the RM process or steps that follow the qualitative risk identification process will have little or no value. This is indicative of the requirement for professional associations to consolidate risk data for industry activities with the aim of improving the level of RM industry wide. Recommendations highlight the importance of the compiling of sector specific risk registers, compiled by the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) with registered member input, made available to all PMs via the SACPCMPs online database. Further recommendations include: the engendering, by senior management of CPM practices; a healthy ‘risk aware’ culture, by promoting RM practices aligned with best practice methodologies; the implementation of well balanced and formal RM systems throughout the CPM practice, with the aim of achieving effective RM without overburdening PMs with unnecessary documentation or ‘paperwork’; the attendance of risk conferences and workshops by all CPM practices, aimed at specifically identifying challenges that exist with RM and methods that can be employed to improve the status quo; the attendance of formal risk training courses, by all CPM practices, aimed at improving the knowledge base of PMs relative to effective RM, and the appointment of risk professionals, driven by the monetary value and risk levels of the project, to undertake the RM process and unburden PMs from the task, allowing PMs to concentrate on the other project knowledge areas.

Construction delays are a global phenomenon. Factors causing construction delays in construction projects differ from country to country, due to different prevailing conditions. The prevailing conditions that could exert an influence on project delivery time are: political, economic, and physical factors as well as level of technological development; management style, and construction techniques. The construction industry is a major player in the economy, generating both employment and wealth. However, many projects experience extensive delays and thereby exceed initial time and cost estimates. This study aims at determining the causes of delays in project delivery in South Africa; evolving interventions, and developing a model for the delivery of projects on time. Inferential and linear regression statistical tools were used in the analysis of data for the study. The sample population consists of architects, builders, quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and clients, and the metropolitan cities of five provinces constituted the geographical delimitation of the study. The provinces are: Eastern Cape; Free State; Gauteng; KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. The metropolitan cities are: Bloemfontein; Cape Town; Durban; Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth. Findings which negatively influence project delivery time in South Africa include the following: lack of adequate planning; management style; the lack of constructability reviews of designs; inadequate motivation of workers; economic policies; lack of prompt payment to contractors, and quality of management during design and construction. Recommendations include: (1) The introduction of the following courses in built environment tertiary education � quality management competences; operational planning; design management, and generic management; (2) pre-qualification of suppliers; (3) inclusion of the following in tender documentation � human resource schedule; plant and equipment schedule; quality assurance plan, and work schedule; (4) appointment of materials specialists on a large projects; (5) the model developed should be adopted for use in the South African construction industry for the delivery of projects on time, and (6) the linear regression equation: Y = 13.1159 + 1.1341x or 35.3 percent addition on time for the estimation of project delivery time.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Construction Management in the Faculty of Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2014
The study investigates the predominant factors that adversely affect the efficiency of construction labour in the South African construction industry. There is a significant number of studies on construction labour efficiency and productivity. Nonetheless, construction labour efficiency in developed and developing nations is widely reported to be inadequate, and thus adversely impacts the delivery of construction projects. Adequate utilisation of basic construction resources (construction materials and machinery) is significantly dependent on the efficiency of human assets in the construction industry. Hence, the utilisation of construction resources to achieve project objectives in the construction sector cannot be disconnected from the efficiency of construction employees. As a result, the study identified five objectives directed towards improving the efficiency of employees in the construction industry. The first objective identified construction-related factors affecting construction workers’ efficiency; the second objective highlighted design-related factors reducing the efficiency of construction labour; the third identified the impact of construction resources on construction labour efficiency; and the fourth ascertained the external factors affecting the efficiency of human assets in the construction industry. Finally, the last objective is directed towards developing a framework for improving the efficiency of the South African construction workforce. The research adopted a mixed methodological approach, utilising a quantitative questionnaire completed by construction professionals (architects, quantity surveyors, site engineers, project managers, contract managers and site manager). Due to the high level of awareness of site supervisors on labour performance in construction, the quantitative data obtained from construction professionals was subsequently validated using semi-structured interviews with site supervisors. The research questionnaire was designed to elicit the perceptions of construction professionals on various identified factors affecting construction workers’ efficiency on Gauteng and Western Cape construction sites in South Africa. With the aid of 35 unstructured questionnaire surveys, an exploratory study was undertaken within construction firms in Cape Town to ensure the validity of research instruments, where the inputs and comments of respondents were duly considered in formulating the questionnaire for the main study. In the main study, two hundred and sixty-five (265) questionnaires were administered via hand-delivered and electronic mail to construction professionals in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces, South Africa. Sixty-two (62) questionnaires (23.39%) were duly completed, returned and analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Cronbach's alpha coefficient reliability test was subsequently conducted on scaled research questions to ensure reliability of the research questionnaire. The findings revealed that the major factors contributing to the shortfall of construction workers’ performance include; missing details in architectural working drawings, the communication ability of site managers, site managers’ coordinating skills, the effect of strikes on construction operations, the planning ability of site managers, slow response of architects to drawing questions, slow response of structural engineers to drawing questions, construction skills of site supervisors and, finally, shortages of construction materials. Improved construction productivity is a product of construction labour efficiency and enables the achievement of construction project objectives. Therefore, an adequate implementation of the framework presented in this study will not only enhance construction labour efficiency and heighten construction productivity during building production process, but will also increase the satisfaction of construction stakeholder on Gauteng and Western Cape construction projects.

A methodology is proposed for constructing a price index that reflects the change in the prices of the goods and services purchased by medical schemes in South Africa. The methodological choices were made taking cognisance of the unique characteristics of the South African medical scheme environment, both in terms of the factors influencing the mix of goods and services purchased by medical schemes, as well as the factors affecting price determination. An example of a pharmaceutical price index was constructed to illustrate the proposed methodology, the results of which are presented. Whilst the proposed methodology provides a base for creating a meaningful and useful medical scheme price index there is considerable further work that needs to be done to refine the methodology.

Much research work has assessed the construction process and discovered that the process is ineffective and besieged with problems. Analysis of these problems has shown that a major part of them are related to the state and workings of the supply chains. Prior research justifies that waste and problems in construction supply chains are extensively present and persistent. This anomaly may be ascribed to the nature of the industry. Horizontal integration that is common place in the construction industry tends to fragment the supply chain, resulting in an unstable production environment occasioned by high unpredictability, much rework, low profits and eventual low level of value creation in the process. Therefore, an increased level of integration of interfaces and processes has been canvassed. The purpose of supply chain management is to achieve the expected increased level of integration of the whole supply chain. Supply chain management is a concept that has flourished in the manufacturing industry through Just in Time production and logistics. Supply chain management represents an autonomous managerial tool, though still largely dominated by logistics. Supply chain management has long been advocated as a means of improving the performance of supply chains in construction. This research study reports on an investigation into the impact of supply chain management on value creation in the South African construction industry. The research discovered that collaborative working is already in the industry and contractors consider supply chain management important for project success. Here construction supply chains were approached from the relationship view point. All issues are encouraged to be viewed and resolved in the supply chain from the relationship perspective.

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.

The construction industry remains a pillar in the South African economy, generating employment and wealth. Nonetheless, the industry is reportedly bedevilled by a high rate of accidents and serious injuries that often lead to permanent deformation and fatalities among workers and the general public. These accidents and injuries manifest due to poor construction health and safety (H&S) performance that is often related to poor H&S leadership of the key project leaders involved in the construction business. Shortcomings pertain to client leadership in terms of involvement and commitment to H&S and project H&S related decisions of professionals (designers, project managers, quantity surveyors and engineers). They also pertain to contractor related aspects such as H&S management systems and leadership at all levels of management. In addition, contractors’ inadequacies of H&S management relative to workplace planning and materials related issues have continued to marginalise H&S performance in construction. The H&S leadership of key project leaders is very important in creating a culture of H&S in the workplace. This study examined the H&S management practices and leadership of the key project leaders that contribute to at-risk work practices or unsafe behaviour of workers. Presently, there is limited or no research in South African construction on how the H&S leadership of the key project leaders contributes to at-risk work practices or unsafe behaviour of workers. The methodology employed in the study included an extensive review of relevant literature, which enabled the field work to proceed unhindered. The quantitative survey and qualitative inquiry was conducted with the key construction participants in South African construction. Focus group discussions and interviews were used in a complementary manner. Accordingly, the sampling technique for the study comprised simple random and purposive sampling. The study revealed apparent poor leadership and lack of involvement and commitment to workers’ H&S by the key project leaders. Notably, there is statistical evidence of poor H&S management practices among contractors in terms of top management commitment to and involvement in project H&S. This statistical evidence includes poor H&S education and training of workers and lack of workers’ involvement and participation in H&S matters, which is the tenet of behaviour-based H&S anagement. The model of leadership influence on worker H&S behaviour developed in this research constitutes an innovative contribution to construction H&S performance improvement through a leadership-focused approach. The study has established a basic level of awareness and understanding among key project leaders in that their upstream decisions during the project planning and construction phases have significant influence on workers’ safe or unsafe behaviour or at-risk work practices. The study strongly advocates transparent leadership, ethical behaviour among clients in public and private sectors, designers’ critical H&S decisions, project managers’ and quantity surveyors’ commitment towards project H&S and contractors’ adoption and implementation of behaviour-based H&S management systems. The developed leadership influence model of worker H&S behaviour in the study provides a useful guide for the key project leaders to realise the desired H&S performance improvement in the South African construction industry.