South African Construction Industry Research Articles

An assessment on the drivers and obstacles of sustainable project management in South Africa: A case study of Johannesburg

The construction industry has been identified as the industry which carry out unsustainable practices, and processes, this has led to several countries seeking to incorporate sustainable practices such as sustainable construction, sustainable construction project management to handle the growing concern over climate and environmental issues. Despite the construction industry awareness of these sustainable practices, it has been a problem implementing these sustainable practices. The aim of this study is to identify the barriers that hinder the implementation of sustainable project management in the South African construction industry, as well as drivers that encourages the implementation of sustainable project management. A quantitative methodology approach was adopted for this study, a questionnaire was employed to gather data for this study. A total of fifty-two (52) respondents returned their questionnaires. Findings from this study reveal that a major barrier to implementation of sustainable project management is the perception that green buildings are expensive, lack of expertise and lack of training also obstacles of the implementation of sustainable project management. Findings on what drives organisations to invest in sustainable project management is the benefits that will be gained financially This study concluded with recommendations stating that an increased level of training and drumming interest in the clients so that when the construction professionals propose the use of sustainable project management, there is an understanding by the clients.

Measures to improve the adoption of life cycle assessment in the South African construction industry

PurposeIn spite of the urge among stakeholders to increase sustainability in the built environment, the South African Construction Industry (SACI) continues to suffer from low level of adoption of strategies such as life cycle assessment (LCA) to increase sustainable building practices in building and infrastructure delivery, hence the need to increase the adoption of sustainable concepts and sustainability practices is an emergent necessity. This study aims to identify the measures that can increase the adoption of LCA toward overcoming the practical difficulties, theoretical concerns and structural differences encountered in making gains in achieving sustainable practices in the SA construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a deductive research design using a questionnaire survey with mean scores, Kruskal–Wallis and least square regression analysis done.FindingsThe study determined ten measures that can significantly influence about 88 per cent improvement in the success of LCA adopting in the SA industry. Also, there was a higher level of consensus in the findings which offers credence and good representation of the practical reality in the LCA adoption in South Africa.Originality/valueThese measures could be seen to embrace behavioural, social, technical and policy dimensions of LCA adoption. The findings are thus crucial in overcoming challenges to LCA methodologies in achieving sustainable building practices in the construction process in building and infrastructural delivery in SACI.

Nature of communication performance in non-traditional procurements in South Africa

Purpose Non-traditional procurement is thought to offer enhanced benefits over traditional contracts. However, several factors significantly impacting the optimization of the benefits have been suggested. Even though effective communication is ranked high among these factors, not enough empirical insights have been given to the nature of communication performance in non-traditional procurements in construction project delivery. The purpose of this paper is to focus on understanding the taxonomy of communication performance in non-traditional procurements in the South African Construction Industry, given the centrality of communication to team effectiveness, performance, project success and managerial efficiency. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a deductive research approach, an empirical questionnaire survey was conducted drawing on the practical communication experience of project teams engaged in projects using non-traditional procurement systems. Findings Using aggregated mean scores and inter-rater agreement index and Mann‒Whitney tests, the results revealed inaccuracies, barriers and procedural challenges as frequently occurring in the interpersonal and organizational communication in the adopted non-traditional procurement systems. Additionally, untimeliness and distorted information were noted to be occurring occasionally, whereas incomplete communication, misunderstood information and gatekeeping rarely occurred. Lastly, protocol-related communication challenges were deemed to have never occurred in their interpersonal and organizational communication in their project delivery. In the assessment of communication performance, the less frequently occurring assessment indicator is a testament to good communication performance, whereas the frequently occurring indicator represents a poor performance in the communication. Originality/value This systematic approach toward understanding the taxonomy of the interpersonal and organizational communication performance in non-traditional procurement is very significant toward communication performance improvement in the industry. The insight given by the findings may help construction project practitioners to focus their attention on the necessary aspects of communication in non-traditional procurements to optimize their benefits over traditional procurement models.

Factors driving tax compliance costs of small businesses in the South African construction industry

Orientation: Tax compliance costs are regressive in nature and impose a heavy burden on performance and sustainability of small businesses. Research purpose: The aim of this article was to identify endogenous factors that drive tax compliance costs of small businesses in the construction industry of South Africa. Motivation for the study: Small businesses in the construction industry face many challenges that result in low-profit margins, poor performance and eventually failure. Tax compliance costs are one of the factors behind poor performance and failure, as often cited by small businesses, and as such warranted an investigation into the factors that drive the costs. Research design, approach and method: Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires that were emailed to contractors in classes 3 and 4 of the Construction Industry Development Board’s register. A total of 83 usable questionnaires were returned and analysed using the structural equation modelling function of STATA data analysis and statistical software. Main findings: Statistical tests performed revealed that business size, age, method of settling tax obligations and qualifications of the tax preparer drive tax compliance costs of small businesses in the construction industry. Practical/managerial implications: Empowerment of employees and owners engaged in tax tasks, through formal education and tailor-made training, reduces the tax compliance burden and improves the performance of small construction businesses. Contribution/value-add: The results of the study could assist business owners and managers in the construction industry in identifying efficient tax approaches that could minimise the tax compliance costs burden. They also assist with better planning by government departments in terms of the kind of tax support required by small businesses in the construction industry.

Talent management in the South African construction industry

Orientation: The South African construction industry is constrained by the shortage of a skilled workforce due to global competition and insufficient graduate output. There is a need to evolve attract and retain the most valuable talent.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate talent management in a prominent South African internationally operating construction company. The objective is to develop a framework for enhancement of talent management practices.Motivation for the study: The South African construction industry’s inability to retain talent, hampers global competitiveness and productivity. Talent shortages need to be addressed at a strategic level to remain competitive.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach examined a single South African construction organisation in the Gauteng Province. Grounded theory was used to analyse data generated from interviews, participant observations and company documents.Main findings: Firstly, talent management in the construction industry supposes mutual actions from the organisation and its talented employees. Secondly, internal enablers drive business outcomes by in alignment with a well-crafted strategy. Thirdly, a regulatory framework should acknowledge labour market dynamics and diversity. Fourthly, internal and external enablers should be taken into consideration. Finally, effective implementation of talent management practices yields talent sustainability and competitiveness.Practical/managerial implications: The two conceptual frameworks developed indicate: (1) key factors that play a role in talent management, and (2) the interface between talented employees and the organisation.Contributions/value-add: The findings provide two proposed frameworks that could guide leadership to devise an enabling global competitive talent management environment in the construction industry.

Strategies for Building Information Modelling Adoption in the South African Construction Industry

The present state of the construction industry worldwide requires continual improvement. The quest for improvement is to the advantage of all concerned stakeholders. Innovation has been identified as this improvement measure. Building Information Model (BIM) is an example of such innovation in the construction industry. This work presents the strategies required for full adoption of BIM among construction professionals in South Africa. The study conducted a questionnaire survey among construction professionals in Gauteng province, South Africa. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, mean item score and Kruskal-Wallis H-Test. The reliability of the questionnaire was also determined using Cronbach-alpha test. Embracing BIM requirements in construction supply chain, encouraging stakeholders collaboration, clear understanding of procurement process, and interpretation of accurate information are identified as key strategies for proper BIM adoption in for construction activities in South Africa

Tax compliance costs and small business performance: Evidence from the South African construction industry

Background: Several studies on tax compliance costs (TCCs) for small businesses found them to be regressive in nature and, imposing a heavier burden on small businesses compared to larger ones. Objectives: This study predicts the effect of TCCs on performance of small businesses using the survival index value model (SIV ® ). The intention is to determine if TCCs have a statistically significant effect on the performance of small businesses. Method: A self-administered questionnaire was emailed to randomly selected contractors registered in classes 3 and 4 of the Construction Industry Development Board to solicit responses. Paired samples t -tests, Pearson correlation coefficient tests, regression tests and structural equation modelling were carried out on the 83 responses obtained. Results: Data analysis, using STATA data analysis and statistical software, depicted TCCs to have a significant effect on the performance of small businesses. Internal TCCs were found to have the heaviest burden on small businesses, and thus had the strongest impact on performance. External TCCs were found to have a negative effect on business performance. Conclusion: The article recommends proper tax planning for small businesses to enjoy the benefits associated with TCCs and minimise the negative effects. To improve on their performance, small businesses are advised to undertake tax tasks in-house.

THE USE OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

This study assesses the benefit of sustainable construction and the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) in the South African construction industry to achieve sustainable construction. The data used in this was derived from both primary and secondary resources. The primary data was collected through a questionnaire approach. The study revealed that LCA could be used for product comparison, product development, formulating of product eco-labels, evaluating construction processes and decision-making processes in the construction industry concerning materials. Furthermore, the study revealed that LCA has various strengths, challenges and weakness, this is due to the fact that there is a requirement of the high quality of knowledge and data when conducting a detailed LCA study. However, this study revealed that life cycle thinking is a cornerstone for developing policies and programs, which meet sustainability criteria and there is a great room for the development and use of LCA in the South African construction industry. Therefore, it is recommended that the South African Construction industry invest more in environmental tools such as LCA.

Internal constraints to business performance in black-owned small to medium enterprises in the construction industry

Background: There has been an upsurge of black-owned small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry in South Africa. However, many of them continue to face various challenges, which adversely affect their business performance. Aim: This article investigated the internal constraints influencing business performance in black-owned SMEs in the South African construction industry. Setting: The study was conducted using a purposive sample of 13 professionals employed by five black-owned SMEs operating in the construction industry in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Design, methodology and approach: A qualitative approach was followed involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with the selected participants. The collected data were analysed using content analysis. Results: After the content analysis, five constraints to business performance emerged: occupational health and safety, human resources, leadership style, workplace communication and resource allocation. Conclusion: The study offers insights on issues affecting the performance of black-owned SMEs in the construction industry in South Africa. Its findings facilitate the identification of the primary drivers of underperformance and are thus useful for the diagnosis of business performance challenges in SMEs operating in the construction industry.

Language and communication issues in HIV/AIDS intervention management in the South African construction industry

Purpose Effective communication is a key factor in presenting Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) awareness and prevention campaigns, and delivering treatment programmes, particularly in South Africa where different ethnic groups and a diversity of languages and educational attainment levels are encountered. Language is an important element of such communication. The purpose of this paper is to examine the communication effectiveness of AIDS-related intervention messages. Design/methodology/approach Case-based semi-structured interviews, with 42 employees from three construction organisations, and with six telephone counsellors from a service provider, were used to explore language in the HIV/AIDS context in the construction industry in the Western Cape region. Findings Workers’ knowledge about HIV (a key element in prevention and willingness to engage in treatment regimes) tended to align with their level of education. African cultures may inhibit the use of plain language about AIDS. Graphic posters with text in different languages were the most preferred communication media, but need periodic refreshment to remain effective. For toolbox talks and other company presentations, a comprehensive approach to language differences is limited, and appropriate confirmatory feedback loops are not used – the message sent is not always the message received. The recruitment and training processes for service provider counsellors ensure a more comprehensive grasp of HIV knowledge and a more consistent approach to communication. Practical implications Construction organisations should be more careful in their HIV/AIDS campaigns and programmes, ensure better targeting of audiences and pay more nuanced and sensitive attention to language needs, gender differences and cultural contexts with respect to communicating with workers in ways that engage them more fully about HIV/AIDS, stigma and disclosure. Originality/value Communication effectiveness is pivotal in the provision of intervention management by construction firms. Ineffective language and communication processes directly and adversely influence HIV/AIDS intervention management success.

Key quality attributes of design documentation: South African perspective

PurposeThe poor quality of design documentation has been identified as a significant contributor to delays, rework and cost overruns on construction projects in South Africa. Despite this, limited research has been undertaken to specifically investigate the quality of design documentation. This in turn hampers efforts aimed at improving the quality of the design documents. The aim of this study is to identify the key quality attributes of design documentation and determine the extent to which the design documents issued on South African construction projects are perceived to incorporate the quality attributes.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was distributed among civil engineering design consultants and contractors in the South African construction industry. Responses to a total of 120 completed questionnaires were statistically analysed. The relative importance and extent of incorporation of the quality attributes was determined based on the mean scores.FindingsIt emerged from the study that the two key quality attributes of design documentation were legibility and coordinated design documentation. Attributes with the least importance were relevancy and certainty. Regarding the incorporation of the quality attributes, the design documents were rated highly with respect to their legibility and clarity. The quality of the documentation was deemed inadequate in terms of accuracy and certainty.Practical implicationsThe findings provide valuable insight to stakeholders involved in developing initiatives aimed at improving the quality of design documentation and as a result construction project performance.Originality/valueThe study provides empirical evidence and extends the literature on design documentation quality especially from the perspective of South Africa, a developing country.

Evaluation of raw and chemically treated waste phosphogypsum and its potential applications

A million tons of Phosphogypsum (PG) is stacked in the environment every year and is progressively considered an asset. South African construction industry is expanding as a result of infrastructural developments in the country, the reuse of PG in this industry is considered for recycling and reducing the stacks in landfills. Phosphogypsum is known for its limited ability to use in cement industry due to its phosphorus and radionuclides impurities. This study was conducted to reduce these impurities and investigate the probability of PG application in building and construction. Leaching of PG with citric acid was conducted whereby a relative proportion of P2O5 and radionuclides was reduced in the material, constituents which contributes to strengths reduction. Optimum moisture Contents and maximum dry densities were determined for various PG content mix designs in which Lime and Fly Ash were added to stabilise PG material. The composites were compacted at various moisture contents and cured at low and elevated temperatures of at 40 °C and 80 °C for 4 days. The results obtained shows that for unconfined compressive strengths; the composites produced from PG, and cured at high temperature qualified for the use in construction industry.

DIGITALISATION IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS PERSPECTIVE

This study presents the result of an assessment of digitalisation within the South African construction industry from the construction professionals' perspective. The study adopted a quantitative approach through a questionnaire survey carried out among construction professionals in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Appropriate descriptive statistical tools were used in analysing the data gathered. The study revealed that the major stages of construction where digitalisation is evident are the design phase, and the feasibility phase. The major construction processes where it is mostly visible are, construction cost control, cost planning, preliminary cost estimate and building system analysis. In addition, the most significant benefits to be derived from digitalisation in the industry includes time-saving in construction projects delivery, increase productivity, increase speed of work, increase document quality, speeding up of response time, and simpler working methods. This study contributes to the body of knowledge as it reveals the happenings surrounding digitalisation within the South African construction industry; an aspect that seems to be lacking research attention.

Evaluating credit accessibility predictors among small and medium contractors in the South African construction industry

The importance of small and medium construction enterprises (SMEs) in the South African economy has been recognised. However, construction SMEs are faced with difficulties in accessing credit from financial institutions. Furthermore, past research has failed to reach consensus on the demographic and socio-economic factors that predict credit accessibility for construction SMEs in South Africa. This study determines the predicting demographic and socio-economic factors for credit accessibility for construction SMEs from financial institutions in South Africa. A quantitative research approach was used and data was collected, using a questionnaire survey from 250 construction SMEs who were conveniently sampled. The demographic and company profile factors predicting credit accessibility were modelled and set as the independent variables with credit accessibility to the construction SMEs as the dependent variable, irrespective of the amount obtained from financial institutions. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the predictors of obtaining credit. In the first model, the results revealed that the credit accessed irrespective of the amount and those who did not receive credit at all, when modelled with the conceptualised predictors suggested, showed no significant predictors of obtaining credit. However, in the second model, when the conceptualised predictors were modelled with full and partial credit, the results established that age group, current position in the organisation, tax number and location were good predictors of obtaining full credit. The findings of this study cannot be generalised across South Africa, as the study was conducted only in the Gauteng province. The value of this study informs owners of SMEs in the construction industry to provide their age and current position in the organisation when applying for credit. They should also provide the tax number and the location of the business in order to improve their chances of obtaining full credit from financial institutions. Keywords : Credit accessibility, determinants of credit accessibility, full credit, small and medium enterprises

The influence of health and safety practices on health and safety performance outcomes in small and medium enterprise projects in the South African construction industry

Health and safety (H&S) management is imperative for construction projects owing to the high level of fatalities and accident rates experienced. However, very few studies have used mixed-method research to examine H&S practices that are tailored towards small and medium constructio n enterprises (SMEs) to establish whether they influenced overall H&S performance. A Delphi study involving 16 H&S experts produced a refined H&S conceptual model comprising five H&S practices and one H&S performance outcome which were tested on 216 construction SMEs. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the H&S practices and performance were valid, reliable and acceptable variables. Structural equation modelling (SEM) produced a good-fit model. Upper management commitment and involvement in H&S influenced overall H&S performance indirectly through the mediating variables of project supervision and H&S resources and training. These three H&S practices are essential in influencing H&S performance at project level of construction SMEs, and are viewed as catalysts for H&S culture. However, to ensure that H&S performance by construction SMEs is improved, upper management personnel should be committed and involved in H&S at project level

Entrepreneurial Factors Affecting the Sustainable Growth and Success of a South African Construction Company

The study examines a case of how the South African construction industry nurtured an entrepreneur and a large successful entrepreneurial construction company, even though the founder had no formal education and the company was founded during the Apartheid era. The question of whether entrepreneurs are born or are made is based on the age-old question of nurture or nature. The paper presents the narratives of the successful entrepreneur Mr. Sam Lubbe and the business strategy he used in growing a sustainable business. The information presented is collected through a case study research approach. The data collected suggests that although Sam does not have any formal education, he succeeded based on the nurturing given to him when he had the opportunity to work for a large South African construction company, his innate characteristics of self-confidence, task–result orientation, and originality, as well as his planning for the future and the use of a unique business model which helped him access international construction work opportunities. The study of this particular individual and his unique company is significant because it further validates previous research undertaken in other contexts and sectors on the traits of entrepreneurs and the success of companies.

Validity and reliability of a questionnaire developed to explore nutrition determinants among construction workers in Gauteng, South Africa

Objectives: The nutrition of construction workers is related to their health and safety (H&S) at work. Research on the factors influencing construction workers’ food choices and overall nutrition is limited, in South Africa and indeed Africa as a whole. The present paper aims to develop and validate a questionnaire on factors influencing construction workers’ food choices.Design: The study adopted a quantitative approach; 42 items, divided into six constructs, were used to develop a field-survey questionnaire after a detailed literature review.Setting: The study was conducted on eight construction sites (consisting of five building construction and three road construction sites), chosen through heterogeneity sampling, in Midrand, Centurion, Johannesburg and Samrand.Subjects: Participants included construction workers actively involved in site activities.Outcome measures: Principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine the structures and validity of the constructs. Cronbach’s alpha test and mean inter-item correlations were used to examine internal consistency reliability.Results: After repeated factor analysis, the questionnaire on food-choice factors revealed seven different factors: food context, biological factors, nutritional knowledge, personal ideas and systems, economic factors, resources and cultural background. These factors explained 60.09% variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.62 to 0.85, signifying good internal consistency reliability.Conclusion: The determinants of construction workers’ food choices are vital considerations when designing and implementing nutrition interventions in the South African construction industry. Future research can adopt the instrument and developed model when conducting psychometric evaluations of construction workers’ food-choice determinants.

Health and safety implementation motivators in the South African construction industry

The increased emphasis on health and safety (H&S) in the construction industry in recent years necessitates continuous research on strategies to improve H&S performance in the sector. However, the motives behind the implementation of H&S practices in the construction industry has been explored to a limited extent. The aim of the current study is to classify the drivers behind H&S implementation in the South African construction industry. A field survey was undertaken. Participants, selected through judgemental and snowball sampling techniques, included site engineers, site agents, contracts managers, construction managers and project managers. Mean item score and standard deviation were determined using EXCEL. The need to manage hazards; organisations regard H&S as important; and compliance with the legislation emerged as the most important drivers. The study provides evidence for construction organisations to develop effective strategies to mitigate the occurrence of fatalities and deaths in the construction industry. More robust data analysis techniques could be employed in further studies.

An Examination of the Key Drivers of Amendments to the Standard Forms of Contract in the South African Construction Industry

An Examination of the Key Drivers of Amendments to the Standard Forms of Contract in the South African Construction Industry

Impact of Change Commitment to Information Systems Change in the South African Construction Industry

Impact of Change Commitment to Information Systems Change in the South African Construction Industry