Quantity Surveying and Construction Management
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Browsing Quantity Surveying and Construction Management by Advisor "Zulch, B. G."
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Item Open Access Green rooftop systems: a South African perspective(University of the Free State, 2016-02-29) Labuschagne, Petronella Hendrina; Zulch, B. G.The purpose of this study is to determine the outcome of green rooftop systems in South Africa. Cities in South Africa are expanding with new developments. With development and expansion comes the increase in pollutants, undesirable living conditions and challenges to overcome. Rooftop gardens are not getting the recognition for the value of it to the environment, the citizens, the industry and the buildings as such in South Africa. This is due to lack of knowledge and innovation. Green rooftop systems is a relatively new concept in South Africa. The study used a literature review followed by field notes and 68 questionnaires received back from contractors, quantity surveyors, engineers, architects and citizens of Johannesburg. The respondents do not have experience regarding the construction of green rooftop systems, and thus indicates why professional members of the construction industry do not recommend the development thereof. This further indicates that there is a lack of knowledge in the industry regarding the construction of green rooftop systems and the benefits that accompanies green rooftop systems. Despite the lack of knowledge in the industry, the materials needed to construct green rooftop systems are available in South Africa. Johannesburg seems to benefit most from improved air quality and better insulated buildings. Other benefits also includes job creation, aesthetics, eliminating the heat island effect, stormwater management and economic growth. Respondents do not utilise existing green areas due to crime and unsafeness and green rooftop systems provide a secure and safe green area. Green areas also provide health benefits such as promotion of health, reducing stress, depression and anxiety. Drainage and structural integrity seems to be important factors that may limit the development of green rooftop systems due to the financial impact. Incentives seem to be the best way to encourage the development of green rooftop systems according to the respondents. Therefore finance is a concern for the development of green rooftop systems in South Africa; however, there is a demand for it as the respondents are willing to pay more rent for property with green areas. Property value thus increases with the development of green rooftop systems and absorbs the financial impact thereof. There are different types of green rooftop systems with different cost implications and according to the respondents, the semi-intensive green rooftop system will be feasible for South African circumstances. The field notes presented that the few existing green rooftop systems in Johannesburg are semi-intensive green rooftop systems. Green rooftop systems may conserve indigenous plant species and create habitats. In conclusion, Johannesburg will benefit from green rooftop systems, despite the capital cost. The professionals in the construction industry do not have experience in the construction of green rooftop systems and have a lack of knowledge thereof, thus do not recommend the development of green rooftop systems to developers. The lack of knowledge regarding the construction of green rooftop systems and the benefits provided by green rooftop systems should be addressed, not only the construction industry, but also to the public.Item Open Access The influence of human behaviour factors on construction productivity(University of the Free State, 2013) Orando, Marcellus; Verster, J. J. P.; Zulch, B. G.Human factors as important sources for increasing efficiency and performance in the construction industry are often cited as contributors to project success. This stems from the limited success of technical management of projects in terms of completing projects in time, within approved cost and to a satisfactory quality. Against this background, the aim of the study was to investigate behavioural project systems management as a way of increasing success and productivity. The objective of the study was to identify and investigate human factors that may reinforce positive behaviours that in turn may improve productivity. The study identified and investigated 64 human factors that influence positive behaviours for improved construction productivity. The result of the study showed that although all 64 human factors are very significant in encouraging positive behaviours, 21 of the factors were found to be extremely significant and are more likely to exert a higher influence towards positive behaviours. The highest ranked human factor was identified as ‘ability and willingness to accept responsibility’ while the least ranked was identified as ‘charisma of leadership’. The study also identified and investigated 23 positive construction worker behaviours that may improve productivity. The result of the study further showed that although all these construction worker positive behaviours are very significant in influencing improved construction productivity, twelve of the positive behaviours were found to be extremely significant and are more likely to exert a higher influence on improved productivity. The highest ranked positive behaviour was identified as “completing task at hand on schedule” while the least ranked positive behaviour was identified as “making sacrifices for the well-being of the company”. Conclusions drawn from this research are that when the 64 factors are present in a construction environment, they influence the 23 positive behaviours, thus improving construction productivity. In addition, these positive behaviours serve as key behaviour indicators for motivation, commitment, satisfaction and loyalty levels of workers while twelve of these positive behaviours were identified as extremely significant positive behaviours and, serve as key behaviour indicators for motivation, commitment and loyalty levels of workers. From the research, recommendations that construction practitioners should pay attention and resources to such factors as effective communication, good co-worker relationships, staff skill development and good remuneration and fringe benefits are made in order to have a positive influencing on worker behaviour. Human behavioural management should therefore be introduced in project implementation for improving construction productivity.