Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

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Appraisal of career development among female professionals in the South African construction industry
(2022-05-13) Zungu, Hlumelo T.; Aiyetan, Olatunji Ayodeji; Mewomo, M. C.
Every human being aspires to attain to the top of his or her career. Failure results in dissatisfaction, poor productivity, and lack of interest and proper engagement in the career. The study aims to appraise career development (CD) among female professionals in the construction industry in South Africa. The study was conducted among registered female professionals in the SA construction industry. The purposive sampling technique was employed in reaching the sample. The sample frame comprised of registered female professionals within the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Profession (SACPCMP). The total number of registered professionals is 158 and the whole population was taken as the sample size. The questionnaire to the study was administered to the respondents online using Google forms survey. A total of 67 questionnaires were returned filled, representing 42.4% achieved rate.The inferential statistics was used for data analysis. The findings indicated that gender discrimination has a significantinfluence on females’ participation in CD in the construction industry. Training and continuing education in the construction industry’s influences contribution to CD for female professionals, family, and social commitments are impediments to career development for female professionals. Passion mostly motivates the interest in the career choice of females in the construction industry and the factor that most enhances the successof female professionals in career development is education. Recommendations include that policies put in place should be such that women are represented at all levels and the opportunities are granted fairly to ensure that females are not discriminated against. Provision for training programs be made and salaries for femaleprofessionals should be adjusted such that there is an allowance to cater for domestic assistance. Females should pursue or obtain higher degrees to be successful in career development in the construction industry. These qualifications are such that females couldbe placed in managerial positions. Therefore, the following post-graduate programs are recommended: Construction Management, Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, and many others
An assessment of the impact of selected construction materials on the life cycle energy performance and thermal comfort in buildings
(2021) Haripersad, Rajesh; Lazarus, Ian Joseph; Singh, Ramkishore; Aiyetan, Olatunji Ayodeji
South Africa is a developing country with various construction projects that are being undertaken both by government and the private sector. The requirements for the construction of energy-efficient buildings as well as the selection methods for providing construction materials have hence become important. Energy efficiency improvements needs to be implemented in the construction of these buildings in order to decrease energy usage and costs and provide more comfortable conditions for its occupants. Previous studies revealed that most of the focus for improving energy efficiency in buildings has been on their operational emissions. It is estimated that about 30% of all energy consumed throughout the lifetime of a building is utilized as embodied energy (this percentage varies based on factors such as age of building, climate and materials). In the past this percentage was much lower, but with increased emphasis placed on reducing operational emissions (such as energy efficiency improvements in heating and cooling systems), the embodied energy contribution has become more significant. Hence, it is important to employ a life-cycle carbon framework in analysing the carbon emissions in buildings. The study aims to augment energy efficiency initiatives by showcasing energy reduction strategies for buildings. The study assessed the thermal performance of selected construction materials by analysing different buildings using energy modelling program, EnergyPlus and TRNSYS. The parametric study was set in the central plateau region of South Africa and was performed to determine appropriate energy efficiency improvements that can be implemented for maximum savings. A life cycle cost analysis was performed on the selected improvements. The models created are representative of the actual buildings when simulated data is compared to recorded data from these buildings. Results showed a significant variation in energy and construction costs with varying construction materials over the buildings’ life cycle. Findings suggest that there is a significant reduction in energy usage when simple efficiency measures are implemented. The study recommends the use of different energy efficient building materials and the implementation of passive interventions in the constructing of buildings; the thermal performance of a building be optimized to ensure thermal comfort and the developed model be adopted for use in the engineering and construction industry for the reduction of energy consumption.
Development of a project delivery model for Umgeni Water : infrastructure projects
(2019-05-05) Naidoo, Ashok Deenadayalan; Aiyetan, Olatunji Ayodeji
Project delivery challenges encountered within the built-environment is a global phenomenon. Factors causing project delivery challenges in construction projects differ between countries, due to various fundamental reasons. The fundamental reasons that could exert an influence on project delivery challenges could extend into numerous causes relating to; the client, project planning, risk management, cost estimating, communication, quality and project management approach. The construction industry is a key component to the economy, however many construction infrastructure projects are hindered because of project delivery challenges and fail to be delivered successfully. This study aims at identifying lack of performance and its effects on project delivery for construction infrastructure projects and to develop a project delivery model to mitigate or minimise these challenges for Umgeni Water. A typical Likert Scale using a five-point gauge statistical tool was used for the data analysis. The sample population derives from Umgeni Water employees involved in the planning and implementation of construction infrastructure projects. The sample group consists of qualified and experienced professionals that are project managers, civil engineers, planning engineers, quantity surveyors, servitude administrators and environmental project managers. Findings that were identified as major project delivery challenges at Umgeni Water include the following; • Insufficient planning and designing done during the project, communication problems within the project; • Inadequate attributes and capabilitii;is endorsed by the project manager that hinder the implementation of a good project management approach; • Inadequate participation and contribution by the client during the project; • Project risks that are poorly identified assessed, mitigated and controlled during the project; • Unsatisfactory cost estimating resulting in errors and oversights, and • Oversight of critical quality factors during the project. Recommendations include: (1) the project team must ensure that ample effort is applied at the beginning of the project, sufficient time must be allocated to successfully complete the planning and designing process and consultants must be selected on their experience rather than low bidding; (2) the following courses / modules are recommended for inclusion in built environment tertiary education programmes for all disciplines. They are: design management, quality management, cost management, operational management, resource management and project management; and (3) the model developed should be adopted for use at Umgeni Water for the delivery of projects to minimise project delivery challenges.
Ethics in construction industry : project managers’ case study
(2018) Kahlela, Thobeka; Aiyetan, Olatunji Ayodeji
Business ethics and corporate governance have taken centre stage globally in the last decade due to the increasing unethical practices by private and public institutions. These unethical practices adversely affect the image of professionals and organisations with a resultant negative impact on the competitive advantage of the organisation. This study aims to assess factors contributing to unethical behaviours of project managers. The study was conducted in five provinces of South Africa including KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Cape Town, Limpopo and Gauteng. The sample frame consists of construction project managers registered with South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Random sampling technique was employed in the selection of samples. A total number of thirty six questionnaires were analysed for the study. Descriptive statistics were employed for the analysis of data. Findings include personal value, organisational culture and education are very influential factors on ethical decisions of a project manager. Furthermore, corporate value and individual values are the factors which most influence the ethical judgment of a project manager. Improving ethical practice for the professionals could improve ethical performance in construction projects and production efficiency in the construction industry in SA. Based on the findings of the study, ways to mitigate unethical conduct would be; practicing ethical conduct at all times will improve production, the levels of risk on projects will decrease and also an improvement in communication and transparency will minimize the levels of unethical conduct of the project managers in South Africa.
An exploration of funds management by emerging contractors
(2018-01) Merana, Andisa Avuyile; Aiyetan, Olatunji Ayodeji
Finance is a critical aspect that needs to be closely monitored in a business and during the lifespan of a construction project. Emerging contractors need to develop and run sustainable businesses in the construction industry. The extent of expertise in funds management by emerging contractors directly relates to their development. Therefore, all efforts must be geared towards their expertise, development and sustenance. Emerging contractors need to manage their finances, be competitive, and deliver projects in the required quality, time and within the allocated budget. This study aims at determining challenges faced by emerging contractors, the root causes of challenges of emerging contractors in funds management, the impact of emerging contractor challenges on project delivery time. Further, the study aims to develop a flow chart that will mitigate emerging contractor challenges in funds management. The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa using a questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed in two phases and respondents to the study included emerging contractors and industry stakeholders. Random and systematic sampling techniques were employed in the selection of samples. A total of 85 questionnaires were analysed for the study. Inferential statistics was employed for analysis of data. Findings include late payment for completed work which ultimately causes delays; interference with project performance; inadequate planning; unskilled site manpower; late delivery of material; late identification of errors and resolution of drawings, specification errors and omissions; community unrest, militancy and communal crises and interference by political leaders are some of the key factors that negatively affect emerging contractors’ funds management. When adequate attention is given to these factors, it results in project success. In addition, improvement of contractor performance and quality of work; involvement of tribal authorities, provision of finances for project by funders, securing finances and materials credit; successfully managing project finances from inception to completion leads to profits being made and projects are completed successfully and within budget when payment for work done is effected on time. Recommendations include ensuring that sufficient finances are secured, allocated and properly managed from inception to completion of a project; payments are prepared, submitted and paid on time. Planning is improved to combat project delays including ordering materials in advance, identifying design and specification errors early, engaging all project stakeholders to avoid disputes and attending formal training courses to acquire skills that will assist in running projects and managing successful and sustainable businesses. It is also recommended that the new proposed programme and flowchart be adopted to assist the South African construction industry in improving the financial management practices and develop skill of emerging contractors; its adoption will alleviate challenges facing emerging contractors in funds management.
Reducing material waste with the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM)
(2019) Mall, Ayesha; Aiyetan, Olatunji Ayodeji
Every year approximately 13 million tonnes of unused materials go to waste from construction sites. Construction professionals should strive to reduce wastage through the principle of right-first-time. Material waste directly affects the profitability of the contractor and it is a measure of competency and competitive advantage. The construction has a great influence on several industries by procuring products, as well as by providing products to other industries, therefore, by reducing waste there could be great cost savings to the construction industry. The Building Information Modelling (BIM) tool can be used in a construction of a project to motivate the design, construction, and operation of a project from start to finish. Therefore, the 3D BIM model can assist the construction industry in reducing material waste. The aim of this study is to identify the main causes of waste in the South African construction industry and develop a flow chart through the application of BIM to reduce waste. The objectives of the study include the identification of causes and sources of material waste on construction and the use of BIM to aid in waste minimisation. The tools used for data collection included questionnaires and site observations. The sample population for data collection included architects, project managers, quantity surveyors, and engineers. A programme called Statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) was employed to analyse the data. Mean score rankings, factor analysis, and Cronbach alpha test were adopted for data analysis. The structured questionnaire indicated whether construction professionals in South Africa have sufficient knowledge of BIM. Key research findings indicate that BIM has the ability to assist in reducing material waste. BIM enhances practices such as collaboration, detailing, visualisation and simulation, clash detection and improved communication. BIM has a strong influence on the reduction of waste material. BIM has the potential to address the causes of waste, relative to design changes, ineffective coordination and communication, and improvements towards waste minimisation through the construction stage of a project. The results from the data analysis, revealed that the most common contribution to waste on a construction site included material handling and storage factors, design and documentation factors, procurement factors, site management and practice factors and operation factors. The use of the developed flow chart on the application of BIM in the delivery of a project will minimize material waste. The model developed is recommended to be adopted for use in the South African construction industry for the delivery of projects with minimal wastage costs.
Resolution of management issues with mega projects
(2019-05-25) Mhlongo, Scelo; Aiyetan, Olatunji Ayodeji
South Africa is a developing country with many construction projects that are being undetaken. The study aims to contribute to the resolution of issues around the management of projects. Previous studies have revealed that there are many failures in the erection of mega projects. This study was based in three provinces in South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape. A mixed method research approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitive methods was used to collect empirical data from stakeholders working on mega projects. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire and focused individual interviews. The study established that management issues such as the lack of stakeholder engagement and poor logistics planning play a role in the failure of mega projects. The level of use of this research targeted companies which are at 8GB and 9GB and within those companies, professionals such as project managers, architects, quantity surveyors, foremen and site agents. The study recommends that in order for mega projects to be successful, stake holders must mitigate turnaround time on taking decisions. Also, sound decisions must be taken for effective delivery of mega projects. Findings suggests that plant down time contributes to the failure of a project. Regular plant schedule checking is done daily prior to plant operation. Findings on logistic management revealed that the leading factor is public safety. It is recommended that safety of public around projects needs to be managed closely by responsible site agents and safety officers. The change of designs during construction must be avoided since this brings unexpected material expenditure which impacts on the project costing. All cost occurring during design changes must be charged to the architect fees, unless the changes were unforeseen.