Critical success factors influencing performance outcome of joint venture construction projects in South Africa: Comparison of first and second order models

Joint ventures (JVs) have become increasingly common, because of the complexity and challenges associated with the delivery of construction projects globally and in South Africa. However, it has been established that JV projects have experienced unsatisfactory performance leading to clients’ dissatisfaction. The purpose of this paper is therefore to determine the critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the performance of JV construction projects in South Africa. A positivist philosophy position was adopted using a structured questionnaire survey administered to the construction professionals. Prior to the main study, a content validity of the questionnaire was achieved using a pilot study. The data was collected from 115 conveniently sampled respondents, and analysed using principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis. The exploratory factor analysis revealed two empirical models to be tested; namely the first and second order factor models. The result of the first order model revealed that, management control influenced achievement of project objective of JV, whereas, the second order model established that understanding of contractual agreement, which was explained by six components of CSFs influenced achievement of project objective. It is suggested that stakeholders who prefer to be involved in JV projects should acquire good understanding of the contractual agreement in managing JV projects in order to successfully achieve the project objectives. This study adds to the discourse and literature on CSFs of JVs. It provides new empirical evidence of the CSFs that influence project performance outcome of JV in the context of South Africa which can also be replicated in other countries globally. However, the study may not be generalised because of the geographical setting and respondents

Underlying structures of risk response measures among small and medium contractors in South Africa

Although attention has been given to the measures used to respond to risk in the construction industry (CI), there is limited literature that scrutinizes underlying structures of risk response measures (RRMs) especially among small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study, therefore, presents findings from an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of RRMs. A positivist paradigm was adopted to collect empirical raw data from 181 conveniently sampled respondents in Gauteng, South Africa (SA), using a structured questionnaire. The results support the extant literature and empirically established the structural composition of risk response by two constructs. The construct with emerged measures was termed trailing measures while the one with popular measures was termed leading measures of risk response. However, the study yielded a two-factor model with all the six items supposed to measure risk response. Based on the results obtained, it seems that risk avoidance and risk mitigation are reliable measures for measuring risk response. This study could thus serve as a reference for the accurate measurement of risk response and for the development of agreed responses for each risk, including an appropriate strategy and specific responses to implement the chosen strategy. The study was limited to the CI and to a lesser extent, construction SMEs in Gauteng; hence the findings cannot be generalized to all SMEs in SA

Evaluating the use of project management techniques in infrastructure delivery by South African small and medium sized contractors

South Africa is currently faced with the challenge of reducing the huge backlog of infrastructure delivery to communities that were previously disadvantaged. Given the prioritization of empowerment by the South African government, the previously disadvantaged and marginalized sector of the construction industry that comprises mainly, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is the preferred vehicle of delivery. However, consequent to their historic position outside of the mainstream construction industry, they lack the requisite project management expertise and experience to make good on this objective. This study investigates the characteristics of the personnel managing SMEs and the SMEs themselves, the usage, necessity, importance and adequate use of the techniques, effectiveness and potential applicability of various project management techniques to improve the performance of the SMEs in delivering the much-needed infrastructure. The study also identifies those external and internal factors that are detrimental to the effective implementation of project management techniques. Given the aforementioned, a descriptive survey was conducted among contractors who were either registered members of the Gauteng Master Builders Association (GMBA) or the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) in Gauteng. The data was collected using a semi-structured, structured and open-ended interview questionnaire, and analysed using descriptive analysis, severity index and content analysis respectively. The findings indicate that experienced and educated personnel manage SMEs. There is usage of essential project management techniques, which the contractors agreed are necessary and important in managing their projects. There is inadequate use of project management techniques among the SMEs. When used, the techniques brought about improvement in the delivery of projects. The research also established various factors that deterred the adequate implementation of project management techniques, namely, lack of adequate project information from professionals, time and financial constraints. The research concludes by suggesting that if significant improvements in the delivery of construction projects are to be attained, the findings stated need to be taken into consideration.Mr. F.C. Fester Prof. F.A.O. Otieno Mr. I.O. Adegok

The Relationship between Age of Post-Graduate Adult Learning Students and Learning Style Preferences: A Case of Africa International University, Kenya

This paper sought to examine the relationship between age and learning preferences of post- graduate students at Africa International University (AIU). The study employed a descriptive survey design which used cross-sectional approach to data collection. The population of the study consisted of all the 397 post-graduate students at Africa International University at the time of data collection. The sample size used was made up of 199 participants from the post-graduate Diploma, Masters’ level and Doctoral programmes. A questionnaire guide was the instrument used to collect information from the participants on their age demographics and their preferences. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. A modified version of the Grasha - Riechmann Student Learning Style Scales (GRSLSS) was the learning style inventory that was used to measure the learning preferences. The findings revealed that age was not significantly related to the ways Post-graduate students at Africa International University preferred to learn. Keywords: Learning style preferences, Age, Post-graduate, Adult learning

SANKSI ADMINISTRATIF DALAM HUKUM LINGKUNGAN MENURUT UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 32 TAHUN 2009 TENTANG PERLINDUNGAN DAN PENGELOLAAN LINGKUNGAN HIDUP

Tujuan dilakukannya penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana pengaturan tentang sanksi administratif dalam hukum lingkungan dan bagaimana penerapan sanksi administratif dalam hukum lingkungan. Dengan menggunakan metode penelitian yuridis normatif, disimpulkan: 1. Pengaturan sanksi administrasi yang ditentukan dalam hukum lingkungan, yaitu : teguran tertulis; paksaan pemerintah; pembekuan izin lingkungan; atau pencabutan izin lingkungan yang secara jelas tercantum dalam: Undang-Undang No. 32 Tahun 2009 Tentang Perlindungan Dan Pengelolaaan Lingkungan Hidup; Undang-Undang No.51 Tahun 2009 Tentang Peradilan Tata Usaha Negara; Peraturan Pemerintah No.27 Tahun 2012 Tentang Izin Lingkungan; Peraturan Menteri Lingkungan Hidup Republik Indonesia No. 2 Tahun 2013 Tentang Pedoman Penerapan Sanksi Administrasi di Bidang Perlindungan Dan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup. 2. Penerapan sanksi administrasi sebagai salah satu bentuk tindakan pemerintahan berupa keputusan tata usaha negara harus didasarkan pada keabsahan suatu keputusan, mekanisme, jenis dan bentuk putusan yang ditentukan dalam peraturan perundang-undangan.Kata kunci: Sanksi Administratif, Hukum Lingkungan, Perlindungan dan Pengeloaan Lingkugan Hidu

Working with rural community groups for WASH access in Maseno, Kenya

This paper aims to share KWAHO’s experience in implementing water and sanitation projects in the rural town of Maseno, Kisumu, Lake region. It highlights the community entry methods used, the implementation strategy and most importantly the factors put into place to ensure sustainability. Other initiatives that have come up will also be shared. Other than the successes of the projects, it also shares the challenges encountered in the project. It emphasizes the need for community participation by looking at them as partners and not merely as helpless beneficiaries

Identifying Tools and Techniques for Managing Construction Project Delivery in Small and Medium Enterprises in South African Construction Industry

The purpose of this study was to assess the management tools and techniques that are used to manage time, cost and quality and determine if the management tools and techniques used were effective in managing time, cost and quality. Fifteen small and medium construction enterprises accepted to be interviewed after they were purposively sampled in Gauteng province in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. This study reports the findings of in-depth structured interviews with directors and construction managers of the small and medium construction enterprises. The results were analysed using content analysis and the findings reveal that the management tools and techniques used to manage time were bar charts or networks; in managing cost, cash flow and cost breakdown structure or bill of quantity, and in managing quality, inspection of work and specifications. The respondents agreed that in using these management tools and techniques they were able to effectively manage their projects and attained the targets set

Political Connection, CEO Gender, Internal Audit, Corporate Complexity and Audit Fee in Go Public Companies in Indonesia

This study aims to determine the Political Connection, Gender CEO, Internal Audit and Corporate Complexity affect the size of the Audit Fee paid to the Public Accountant by the company. This study uses secondary data in the form of the company's annual report going public in 2015-2017 and using a purposive sampling technique with a total of 247 company data companies. Analysis Techniques Data used in this study are Multiple Linear Regression with Classical Assumption Test.  The results of this study indicate that Political Connections (0.003), Internal Audit (0.032) and Corporate Complexity (0.005) have a significant effect on Audit Fee while for Gender CEO variables (0.603) does not affect Audit Fees. Keywords: Audit Fee, Political Connection, CEO Gender, Internal Audit, Corporate Complexity, Company Risk (DEBT), KAP Type DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/10-12-02 Publication date:June 30th 201