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Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Project management

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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    The nexus between project management and service delivery in the eThekwini Municipality
    (2022) Mnembe, Fikile Queen; Murwirapachena, Genius
    Service delivery is placed as the main function of municipalities in Section 152 of the South African Constitution. However, municipalities generally struggle to deliver public services efficiently. As a result, municipalities typically endure ongoing pressure to enhance service delivery and make prudent decisions with integrity and transparency. One of the reasons for service delivery challenges across South African municipalities is the lack of proper and effective project management. Generally, municipalities struggle to implement projects that harmonise national government policies and procedures. This study explores the nexus between project management and public service delivery using a case study of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. A qualitative methodological approach was adopted to address the research questions raised in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from 30 workers at the eThekwini Municipality. The thematic data analysis approach was adopted to analyse data. The study found that, there is a relationship between project management and service delivery, there are gaps in the link between project management and service delivery, whilst document reviews established that policies in place are not reviewed and are mostly implemented as drafts. Seven key challenges of project management in the eThekwini Municipality were identified and their impact, as well as recommendations to improve service delivery in the municipality. It is recommended that there is need for ethical leadership in addressing project management and service delivery challenges in local government. Ethical leadership ensures transparency and accountability in project management and service delivery
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    Factors affecting the implementation of quality management practices in construction projects : $b the case of Transnet Capital Projects
    (2020-11) Mokwena, Pearl Lucky; Ramchander, Manduth
    This study examined the factors affecting the implementation of Quality Management Practices in construction projects at Transnet Capital Projects (TCP). The study sought to establish the factors determining success in delivering quality at TCP and identify the barriers to quality policy implementation at TCP. The study further sought to establish the degree to which top management drives quality at the project sites and to discover project managers’ perceptions of Quality Management Systems at TCP. This study employed a quantitative approach for data collection. A questionnaire was administered to respondents who participated in the survey. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The data was analysed using SPSS 25.0, and statistics were generated for analysis and interpretation. The factors affecting the implementation of quality management practices including the inherent challenges in the QMS in construction projects in the TCP Waterberg coal line were identified, together with the role played by key players, such as management and employees. Thus, the objectives set for the study were satisfactorily achieved. This research revealed that TCP management is very committed to the promotion of quality in projects by ensuring that a QMS is always available. However, other challenges require attention, such as the lack of project compliance monitoring (regular inspections and audits) and assessment of technical competence of subcontractors to assure that projects are completed on time and at the expected quality level. Quality Management Systems (QMS) are implemented in the construction industry to improve organisational effectiveness and ensure company objectives. The study recommends that the TCP management conduct regular project meetings to instil and enforce a quality culture amongst all employees; offer employees who properly follow the quality management practices rewards or awards; make sure that compliance inspections and audits are done as regularly as required; constantly provide resources to facilitate QMP and improve clients’ involvement in quality management practices. Above all, management must follow-up on all the QMP strategies to see if they are being implemented as is expected. The study recommended that project stakeholders apply critical quality management practices to ensure that projects are completed timeously and that all requirements critical to ensuring the quality in project management are met. Also, it recognised the need to enforce gender parity since males appeared to dominate management positions. Another significant recommendation was to engage staff in continuous professional development training. Amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution starting point, training, retraining, and reskilling are paramount in the growth of an organisation. The study finally recommends further research in exploring other factors that affect the implementation of quality management practices, such as, organisational culture and communication and their influence on TQM, organisational performance, and customer satisfaction.
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    The effectiveness of quality management systems in project management : the case of Transnet Group Capital
    (2021-09) Kumalo, Duduzile Emmah; Ramchander, Manduth
    Transnet’s infrastructure development projects foster economic growth through the country’s ports, pipelines, and rail networks expansion and modernisation. To this end, Transnet has taken up several capital expansion projects across all its operating divisions to develop and expand its infrastructure. However, the reported figures on compensation events in rail project execution, comprising defects and double handling was found to be notably high. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of project quality management systems within the life cycle of projects implemented by Transnet Group Capital. The study was cross sectional in nature and a quantitative research design was adopted involving both primary and secondary research. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data based on a stratified random sampling technique. The data was collected at Transnet Group Capital (TGC). The statistical programme, SPSS version 26.0 was used to analyse data. The secondary data was obtained from TGC management information systems (Primavera databases), wherein a repository of the required documentation is maintained. The secondary data was analysed using quantitative content analysis. It was found that gender parity has not been achieved throughout all the disciplines. Overall, women’s representation remains lower than men. On a positive note, Transnet Group Capital projects are selected in line with business goals. This further confirms that the projects are subjected to an independent Gate Review as specified in the Project Lifecycle Process methodology and as per the project’s classification outcome. Findings indicate that the end users are not consulted throughout the construction processes and project timelines are prolonged. This is coupled by an unclear scope which is not adequately communicated to all stakeholders, incapacitated project managers, as well as lack of quality assurance and control processes. The document analysis presented the impact of compensation events at an average of 4% of the contract value. These findings give Transnet Group Capital a reason to improve their project execution and the monitoring process. The study recommends that gender equity be prioritised. There should be agreements on the expected outcomes of the project to allow each milestone of the project to stay on target. An emphasis of core values is also necessary to transcend differences in culture. There is a need to institutionalise quality awareness and to implement a risk mitigation plan.
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    Critical success factors influencing project success in the Durban construction industry
    (2011) Msani, Thulani Armstrong; Garbharran, Hari Lall; Moorley, Angadh
    This study presents an assessment of the perceptions of project managers and contractors regarding the critical success factors influencing project success in the Durban construction industry. To achieve this aim, questionnaires were administered to 95 project managers and 61 active grade four contractors in Durban. The critical success factors are encapsulated in components, that is, comfort, competence, communication and commitment (COMs). These components make up the four COMs model which forms a basis for evaluation of the questionnaires. An in-depth analysis review of the literature on the critical success factors in the construction industry has affirmed the four COMs model. The interpretation of this quantitative study was conducted with the use of descriptive and inferential statistics presented in a tabular format. The findings revealed that both project managers and contractors strongly support the critical success factors as significant in achieving project success. There was no significant difference in their perception of critical success factors, given the biographic differences between them. Achieving project success has eluded the Durban construction industry to a point where it is battling to keep existing clients. The critical success factors identified in this study have provided a way forward for project managers and contractors. Hence, the results presented in this study can be used as a guideline for successful execution of construction projects in Durban. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) can play a pivotal role by providing an enabling environment which will facilitate the adoption of the results of this study. For example, the CIDB can amend its legislation on contracts by making them simple to comprehend. In this way the number of lawsuits between project managers and contractors would be drastically reduced.