Delays and disruptions on construction projects within the public sector integrated project delivery system as an alternative.

Masters in of science of construction management university of KwaZulu-Natal Howard campus.Durban. South Africa,2017.The South African construction industry has earned a reputation for poor project delivery, particularly within the public sector. Successful project delivery has been identified as attaining the project objectives with regards to time, cost, quality and scope within the constraints as outlined by the client. Research and statistical data has highlighted key causes for project delivery failure, with delays and disruptions being identified as a primary reason. The consequences of these delays and disruptions are severe and frequently and if not always, lead to cost overruns. The reasons for these delays vary on projects and circumstances. Constructability on projects has been found to be lacking. The sequence of processes on a project is known as the constructability or more commonly, buildability. There is a significant lack of consideration of constructability on projects which results in variations, cost overruns, poor communication and ultimately delaying the project. This study aimed to examine the existing procurement methods which determine the processes, sequence of operations and communication channels within the public sector and investigated whether an alternative procurement method, namely Integrated Project Delivery System (IPDS), could serve as a potential solution to the existing issues. The research was conducted on key project professionals who have great influence on the procurement methods implemented on public sector projects. The processes, sequence of operations and communication channels on a project are determined by the procurement method implemented. The selected procurement method provides a framework for the project and the project team. The current options available within the public sector are structured according to guidelines provided by legislative framework, the Construction Industry Development Board and The National Treasury. The guidelines are aligned with the specific requirement of the country. The findings revealed that the Traditional Procurement method is implemented by default or due to familiarity and is therefore not always the appropriate system. The research found that the Traditional Procurement system possesses adversarial relations and the industry is in agreement that a more relational system could harness greater results. In additions, the TPS unfortunately restricts contractor involvement during the implementation stages which is potentially to the detriment of the project. The findings further suggested that the contractor has valuable input which should be considered during the design stages in order to improve the ease of construction and possible reduce construction time and effectively diminish delays and disruptions. The research revealed that the consequential impact of this change will be significant. The study recommends that the South African construction industry within the public sector should display greater versatility when considering the implementation of alternate procurement systems such as ` 1 Integrated Project Delivery as opposed to adopting the default conventional method which fosters adversarial relations

Integration of waste minimisation strategies into the design process of buildings

The construction industry is by far the greatest consumer of resources and waste producer of all industries in the UK; being responsible for 32% of total waste generation, which equates to three times the combined waste produced by all households. Consequently, construction waste management and minimisation became a priority in the EU and UK environmental policy programmes resulting in a combined plethora of government-driven waste related legislation and guidance documents to curb construction waste production. Similarly, an ever-increasing global research on construction waste has been conducted over the last decade ranging from ‘soft’ onsite waste auditing tools and methodologies to ‘hard’ material and recycling technologies. However, the current state-of-research is largely dominated by endeavours to manage waste that has already been produced. Very few studies have been undertaken on how architects could go about minimising waste through a change in design practices. Hence, this research set out to construct and validate a Designing out Waste (DoW) Framework to assist architects in embedding design waste reduction strategies in each design stage. [Continues.

Design, procurement and construction strategies for minimizing waste in construction projects

The construction industry contributes the largest portion of waste to landfill, and it consumes a significant proportion of mineral resources excavated from nature. Due to adverse environmental impacts of waste generation, as well as financial gains associated with its minimization, waste intensiveness of the industry has remained a major concern across nations. This study investigates the design, procurement and construction strategies for waste minimization, using a dynamic approach. Apart from an investigation of the key and underlying measures for construction waste mitigation, the study considers the interrelationship between stages of projects' lifecycle. This is as activities carried out at an earlier stage are capable of engendering occurrences at later stages of the dynamic project delivery processes. Following the tenets of critical realism philosophy and exploratory sequential mixed method, the study combined qualitative and quantitative approaches at intensive and extensive stages respectively. At the early stage of the study, data were collected through literature review and focus group discussions with industry experts. Results of the qualitative study were used to develop a questionnaire, which was analysed using statistical approach and structural equation modelling. As a means of investigating the key drivers of waste minimization at a holistic level, a system dynamic model was developed to simulate the interplay and effects of different strategies that were confirmed through the previous process. The study suggests that design stage has the most decisive impacts on construction waste minimization. At this stage, the key dimensions for designing out waste include design for modern methods of construction, collaborative design process, design for standardisation and waste-efficient design documentation. Error-free design and involvement of contractors at early design stage are part of the critical success factors for designing out waste. With design being much important for waste minimization, competencies of design in terms of waste behavioural competency, design task proficiency, construction-related knowledge and inter-professional collaborative competency are essential for designing out waste. Materials procurement process could enhance waste minimization by considering its key dimensions for driving waste-efficient projects, which includes waste-efficient materials purchase management, suppliers' alliance and waste-efficient bill of quantity. Efficient materials take-off and take back scheme are confirmed as critical success factors for driving waste minimization through materials procurement processes. During construction activities, waste could be reduced through prefabrication and offsite technology, contractual requirements, maximisation of materials reuse and improved collaboration, among others. Prefabrication, supply chain alliance and collaborative procurement routes are confirmed as the critical success factors for reducing waste during construction process. Dynamic interplay among these sets of strategies suggests that notwithstanding the significance of the different measures during design, procurement and construction processes, prefabrication technology and collaborative procurement route are the holistic drivers of construction waste minimisation. The study implies that designers could effectively drive waste minimization through dimensional coordination and standardisation of design in line with standard materials supplies. In addition to the need for prefabrication and offsite technologies, increasing collaboration among project team is requisite to reducing waste generated by construction activities. By implementing the strategies suggested in the study, substantial proportion of construction waste would be diverted from landfill

Investment risks in public private partnerships in sub Saharan Africa infrastructure projects

Master of Management in Finance and Investment (2015)Infrastructure development is one of the constraints to the economic development of sub-Saharan Africa. The region needs to invest in excess of US$68bn by 2020 to bridge the gap in the current core infrastructure areas of energy, transport, water and information and communications technology. Governments are therefore pursuing strategies that include Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for core infrastructure services. This structure involves contracting the private sector to develop and deliver services that would traditionally be the responsibility of the state. In return the private sector retains rights to all revenue related to the service provision under defined terms with the government. Equitable risk allocation, funding structure and contract enforcement are some of the key characteristics of effective PPP programmes and growing private sector investment into the sector. The investment risk profile of PPP projects is fairly similar in structure to that of typical project finance transactions with the added complexity of the dynamics introduced by public sector policy and politics. Understanding the risk profile of sub-Saharan Africa projects is essential to growth in the sector. Through the literature, the critical risk elements are identifiable and further study into their relevance to sub-Saharan Africa investors and market observers is what this research pursued. These include the state project preparation processes, governance, legislation, political stability, operational and market risk. The research focused primarily on identifying and analysing those elements in the risk profile that are having significant negative impact on the growth of private sector investment participation and in turn the wider adoption of the PPP strategy in infrastructure provision. Further to this was the identification of viable recommendations the industry could implement to improve investor participation. The research was conducted through structured interviews with market participants, reflecting on the trends data, reports, a selected few project cases and academic studies found in the literature relevant for the risk elements identified. It was found that the lack of sound project selection and preparation processes and poor legislative and regulatory environment were the two highest inherent risks in sub-Saharan Africa impeding the development of infrastructure PPPs. Respondents highlighted the need to establish well governed and resourced PPP agencies responsible for the legislation and regulation of PPP projects. Technical and operational risk management did not concern investors as much as issues with dealing with the political and social dynamics the projects are exposed to. Successful projects in the region are characterised by sound preparation with experienced transaction advisors leading to an equitable risk allocation structure, good governance and availability of support and guarantees against political risk and breach of contract from multilateral agencies like The World Bank. On-going state fragility will remain a challenge for the region in terms of poverty and political instability in some countries and this would affect the viability of regional integration infrastructure initiatives. The role of multilateral funding agencies like the African Development Bank and World Bank is essential for risk coverage and capacity building. Overall the improvement of planning and governing processes within the public sector procuring entities is what will result in real improvement in the risk profile of projects in the region and in turn the growth of PPP investment

Investigating policy gaps in the implementation and monitoring of the delivery of low cost housing projects in South Africa the case study of Illovo Township.

Masters of Art in Housing. University of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban, 2017.From its inception in 1994 the South African Low cost housing programme has been characterised by policy implementation gaps, leading to the delivery of poor quality and substandard houses. From 1994 to date there is an alarming decline in the quality of the low cost housing stock that has been rolled out, (Zunguzane et al 2012). The Study Area is located approximately 30kms south west of the eThekwini CBD, and in land of the southern coastal areas of Kingsburgh and Warner Beach, in proximity to the Amanzimtoti central area. The research aims to investigate Policy gaps emanating from the implementation and monitoring of Low Cost housing construction process in South Africa with reference to the Illovo Township, as a case study. The Research uses a qualitative method to examine the implementation challenges. This was achieved by utilising findings from results derived from questionnaire interviews conducted with selected key informants. These were Department of Housing and settlements Project Managers, NHBRC Quality Assessors, and Contractors, the ward councillor and the housing beneficiaries. Project management and Evaluation concept were interrogated to enhance the study. Project management concept highlighted the relationship between world class supply chain management, Total Quality Management (TQM) and the role of norms, standards and specifications is explored. Secondly the Evaluation concept which refers to an on-going process focused on the assessment of projects. To develop arguments the welfare state, developmental state, and Sustainability theories were utilised. The welfare state which is a theory of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the social and economic well-being of its citizens. The Key elements the developmental state theory include state control over finance, direct support for state owned enterprises by the government. Sustainability theory is a key strategy of the Breaking New Ground housing policy (2004) its plan is to “redirect and enhance existing mechanisms to move towards more responsive and effective delivery. The research revealed that managing time, cost and quality was a major challenges in the implementation of the low cost housing project at Illovo Township. Recommendations are budget increase to allow for skills training, the extension of the Contract period Stringent Project management and monitoring must be applied, by all stakeholders involved

An Investigation into the Applications of Total Quality Management on Government Funded Road Projects in Zambia A Case Study: The Kitwe-Ndola Dual carriageway

The construction industry plays a vital role in the economic development of any country. The road sector in Zambia has been taken as the major drive in the effective transportation of goods and services from one area to another within the country and beyond. The general aim of the study was to establish the causes of poor quality road projects, quality shortfalls and schedule overruns in the Zambian road sector on government funded road projects. The research took a case study of the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway. This road directly serves a population of three towns and beyond, namely Ndola, Kitwe and Luanshya. The escalations on Costs, Schedule overruns and quality shortfalls have a negative effect on the performance of the road sector in enhancing economic growth of a country. The research was conducted by use of closed ended type of questionnaires. These were delivered and collected by hand by the author himself to and from the respondents. The results from the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway confirmed that the project had cost escalations of 7.2% with a schedule overrun of 72.2%. Cost and schedule overruns were seen on other projects investigated. From the findings, the study identified lack of contractor experience, material shortages, project scope changes, poor project planning, high labour costs and insufficient tendering information and site conditions as the major causes of Cost overruns. Further the study identified changes in initial designs, low labour productivity, wrong material estimates, decision making delays and unforeseen ground conditions as the major causes of schedule overruns. On quality shortfalls, the study identified lack of material testing, late consultant engagements, wrong estimates and inadequate specifications as the major causes of quality shortfalls. The study concluded that although there are levels on the usage of Total Quality Management principles on government funded road projects, however there are no formal systems that have been set up to implement the use of Total Quality Management. It was also established that the project team members lack training and education in the management of projects. Appropriate training and education for project personnel should be enhanced couple with supplier involvement. The study also recommended the use of Quality groups in the implementation of Total Quality Management usage on Road construction projects

Main contractors' design contribution to the delivery of green buildings

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Science (Building) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Construction Economics and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2016This study set out to establish the extent to which South African contractors are seen as capable of engaging and contributing towards the designs of green buildings. The study further examines how the traditional procurement path, which is dominant in delivery of construction projects, affects a contractor’s contribution towards green buildings. The problem that exists is the exclusion of contractors at the design stage of a project through the use of the traditional procurement path. This exclusion potentially leads to clients not getting the full benefits of green practices in the delivery of their projects. The research adopted a positivist methodology collecting quantitative data using a questionnaire surveying construction professionals that are registered with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).The construction professionals that were surveyed include construction managers, project managers, architects, quantity surveyors and engineers who have direct experience and knowledge of green buildings Findings from the research reveals that there is a perception that the lack of awareness of green buildings in South Africa leads to certain clients, most notably government and parastatals, to invest less in green buildings. The use of the traditional procurement path is perceived to be inappropriate in the delivery of green buildings. This is due to the fact that the traditional procurement path excludes involvement by contractors at the early stages of the project therefore they do not contribute to the design of green buildings. The clients are therefore advised to plan and strategise procurement plans so that contractors can be involved early during the design stages, so that they can provide input so as to improve the buildability of projects and prepare proper health and safety plans.MT201

Hierarchical structuring and evaluation of risks, uncertainties and technical challenges faced by building refurbishment contractors.

The UK is believed to have some of the oldest buildings in Europe and these aged buildings are constantly growing in number while there is a concomitant growing pressure to maintain their utilitarian values in the face of changing technology, legislation and sustainability issues. Wholesale demolition of these buildings is believed to be unhealthy from an environmental protection perspective as it causes heavy pollution as well as placing more demand upon depleting resources. The need for alternatives to demolition and new-build is therefore imperative. Refurbishment is one such and a well-established alternative to demolition and new-build as the schemes are adjudged to be a cost-effective way of extending the lifespan of properties as it allows the provision of modern facilities. However, dealing with an existing building is faced with various unknowns, unexpected, unpredictable and often undesirable situations which will require further attention and a mechanism to identify any source of uncertainty because when risks are unidentified and not properly managed, they consequently affect project objectives. The study investigates the factors which contribute to risks, uncertainties and technical challenges associated with building refurbishment schemes and the impact they may have in achieving project desired outcomes. The overall objective is to develop a framework that provides helpful information to refurbishment practitioners to assist in minimising level of uncertainty. Developing a framework that provides support for decision makers in pinpointing the vital elements that define the characteristics of the refurbishment projects in terms of achieving high quality standards as well as those factors which may act as barriers was chosen for this study as there is no widely used, understood and accepted refurbishment focused framewor

Modern building services for listed historic buildings: problems and risk

The English Heritage Press Office has estimated that listed buildings represent a finite cultural resource of approximately 6% of England's building stock. Many of these listed buildings are historic. It is often necessary to find an appropriate use for them, in order to preserve them for future generations. Many, not threatened by obsolescence, require upgrading to comply with statutory regulations. Others are improved to provide the occupants with twenty-first century standards of environmental comfort, lighting and power, sanitation, security and communications systems. The revitalisation or upgrading of property is commonly accepted as refurbishment. The study initially focused on the refurbishment of listed historic buildings - the enquiry was then narrowed to investigate the integration of modern building services into listed historic buildings. This element of the refurbishment process was identified as an area that frequently constitutes a considerable proportion of the contract sum. A naturalistic form of enquiry was used to elicit information that would contribute to the body of knowledge on this area of building conservation work. Refurbishment characteristics pertaining to the process of integrating modern building services into listed historic buildings were identified and rated for frequency of occurrence and degree of difficulty. An evaluation of perceptions and attitudes to adverse events, that posed risk in the process, was also undertaken. Practitioners from the Construction Industry then described both success and problem factors encountered in this element of building conservation. Having built up a picture of the process, based on the experiences of the constituent members of the project team, three individual projects were studied to gain further insight into the project and what might be considered as 'repetitive essentials'. To facilitate analysis the elicited data was assigned to the most appropriate choice from eight different project categories. These categories were employed as a way of recording the data throughout all stages in the research enquiry. The study concludes by outlining a model, based on these project categories, which could be developed to provide a common project framework. A key function of such a project framework would be to promote understanding through improved communication and integrated teamwork. The study concludes by recommending areas worthy of further research relating to the project framework, the project team and risk in listed historic buildings