Quantity Surveying and Construction Management

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Open Access
Urban Renaissance and the delivery of sustainable communities: the influence of the physical environment on the quality of life of communities
(University of the Free State, 2007) Du Plessis, Lizanne; Verster, J. J. P.; Kotzé, B. G.
English: All people basically want the same things: a home, work, healthy economy, good public services, infrastructure and an attractive and safe environment. Some areas have many of these that should be preserved and enhanced. In other areas there are major shortcomings and problems, poor and dangerous environments, a failing local economy, inadequate services and that may lead to serious social problems. The urban environment can be arduous and intimidating or it can encourage people to feel relaxed and at ease. It can make contact between people difficult or create an atmosphere of community. Raising the profile of good design that gives form to public spaces, housing and other building is crucial in sustainable and urban renaissance. Welldesigned places put people first and make efficient use of the available space and environmental resources. It is the art of making places for people. It is concerned with the connection between people and places, urban form, flow of people, natural environment, the material of buildings and the processes for ensuring successful villages, towns and cities. Towns and cities are diverse in character, reflecting history, scale, recent economic fortunes and locations. Each contains many contrasting areas. The way forward needs to be founded in an understanding of the past, the present and the pressures for future change. Furthermore, urban renaissance requires more than the restoration or construction of buildings. The urban renaissance should be a culturally driven redevelopment, creating safe, vibrant, interesting spaces for communities to live in with good quality services and cultural and leisure activities. A better quality of life should be delivered by changing the welfare culture to one build on work and security for those who can, and security to those who cannot.
Open Access
The development and assessment of and integrated skills development model for emerging construction contractors
(University of the Free State, 2007-11) Lazarus, Spencer James; Verster, J. J. P.
English: Many strategies for emerging construction contractor development that are based on instruments such as targeted procurement have generally failed to empower emerging contractors because they are implemented without well-defined skills transfer frameworks. Emerging contractors continue to be regarded by construction clients and suppliers as a high commercial risk area and this presents further barriers to meaningful property development. Related to this is the lack of clear policy targets against which to measure the effectiveness of contractor support programmes. Furthermore, the majority of current support initiatives lack an integrated programme strategy. Interventions tend to be characterised by inadequate preparations, poor needs assessments and an inadequate understanding of the development needs of emerging contractors. This is evident by discontinuances, unstructured training approaches, ad-hoc mentorship, inadequate monitoring and evaluation that promote unsustainable skills transfer. The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has put in place a training and mentoring programme that would result in the development of emerging contractors into sustainable business enterprises. The impact of the programme may be measured to determine the overall effectives of the programme in delivering developed and sustainable contractors to the construction industry. The above mentioned factors identified lead to the following problem that is addressed by the research: The problem statement addressed by the study is how to develop a holistic approach towards integrated skills development for emerging construction contractors, by developing a model that can be managed with quantitative and measurable outcomes.
Open Access
’n Verkennende meting van die kommunikasievolwassenheid van die bourekenaars- en ingenieursprofessies in die konstruksiebedryf
(University of the Free State, 2010) Berry, Frank; Verster, Basie; Zulch, Benita
English: The possible lack of scientific analyses with reference to the maturity of the quantity surveyor and engineering professions’ communication capabilities and communication instruments in the construction industry initiated the study. The reason for the survey on both professions is due to the fact that they perform almost similar functions. This article aims to measure the determinants of a communication maturity model in respect of the communication capabilities of these professions. Research undertaken by the University of the Free State in collaboration with the Wirtschafts University in Vienna, Austria in 2005/6 revealed the proposed most important determinants used. The results of the survey show that respondents were positive in respect of the professions’ communication in general. This can therefore influence the construction industry with continuous advantages for the property development environment. The survey results show that the determinant ‘instruments communication (supportive)’ of the quantity surveyor is experienced as the most positive. The determinants ‘verbal communication‘ and ‘written communication’ of the quantity surveyor are experienced as the least positive. In addition, the survey results show that the determinant ‘knowledge’ capabilities of the engineer is experienced as the most positive. The determinants ‘contractual communication’, ‘written communication’ and ‘instruments communication (clearness)’ of the engineer are experienced as the least positive. A communication maturity model, developed in previous research and consisting of the identified determinants for effective communication, has been used to measure the maturity of the two professions’ communication capabilities in the construction industry. The implementation of the communication maturity model in practice can have a positive influence to improve the communication capabilities of the profession in the construction industry.
Open Access
'n Projekbestuurdersprofiel vir die konstruksiebedryf
(University of the Free State, 2011) Archer, Mart-Mari; Not available
English: Project managers within the construction industry possibly have a lack of sufficient and effective management skills. This study aims to find solutions, and to propose a model with guidelines for creating a profile for effective project management, as well as to determine the characteristics and skills needed by a project manager. Basic management principles, tasks, responsibilities and behaviour of the project manager are researched and these results may form the basis for creating of a probable profile for a construction project manager. If a profile can be created based on the research, this profile might be used to prepare the project manager for effective management and the successful completion of projects. Construction project managers can be measured by means of this profile and adapt where necessary to meet the requirements. Gaps that are thus identified can be rectified. This profile can form the basis of model proposing to measure the maturity of the profile for the construction project manager in construction project management companies. Individuals will also be able to evaluate themselves and to adapt where necessary. The research shows regular cooperation between project managers in the construction industry and other stakeholders, and that poor management by the project manager contributes to project failure. Although management guidelines exist, it is evident that project managers do not implement them effectively. This has a possible negative impact on the projects. It is important that the project manager has some characteristics and skills to successfully implement management functions. When a construction project is undertaken, timely identification of tasks and activities, management areas, functions and responsibilities is important in order for the project manager to be knowledgeable about what is expected. The areas of management, the functions and responsibilities of the project manager can be regarded as the task of the project manager, while certain skills and characteristics can assist the project manager to successfully perform the necessary management tasks. The profile for a project manager is compiled by identifying the tasks (management areas, functions and responsibilities) and the aids (skills and characteristics) needed for the successful execution of the task.
Open Access
The use of ratio conceptual cost estimation for petrochemical construction projects in South Afric
(University of the Free State, 2011) Smith, Willem Petrus; Marx, H. J.
English: The fast pace in which construction projects are being executed and the fact that almost all green field projects in the petrochemical industry are constructed by means of "fast-track" methodologies, has the effect that financial management becomes increasingly difficult. The congested construction program together with the increased emphasis on accurate financial reporting, created an opportunity to improve forecasting methods without spending too much time on such exercises. In my personal capacity, I found the current typical procedure of allowing for additional scope of work, inadequate. The time allocated to come up with estimated costs for new scope / additional scope does not allow for comprehensive measurements to conduct detailed estimates. The only alternative was therefore to find other means of obtaining fairly accurate estimated costs for proposed new scopes of work. Construction time will not be increased to allow for exercises like these, in fact, future construction periods will rather decrease, which will lead to a compounding effect of the problem. To me the only solution is to employ an estimating method that has proofed itself in the industry over many years. The quickest estimating methods are the conceptual estimates of which ratio conceptual estimating will probably take the least time. The downside of this form of estimating is that it is also not as accurate as detailed estimates, but if it is based on good historical data, one can get good results that will be more than adequate for this purpose. My discussions with clients and other professionals in the field over the past couple of years reiterated the urgency of an improved financial forecasting procedure, especially when dealing with larger additions to the scope of work. Should ratio conceptual estimating be used, it must be clearly understood that this form of estimating is very dependable on the accuracy of the database on which it is based. A significant effort should be instilled in deriving at a good quality database. This takes a lot of time and it will not come cheap, but the benefit of this investment will be realized in future projects and will increase as the number of newly finished projects are added to the database.
Open Access
’n Model vir die meting van die bourekenaar se kommunikasievolwassenheid
(University of the Free State, 2012) Berry, Frank; Verster, Basie
English: The aim of this article is to describe the identification and measurement of the determinants important for a communication maturity model leading to the development of a communication maturity model to measure the communication capabilities of the quantity surveyor. The survey has been conducted amongst practising quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, clients and contractors chosen from all 9 provinces in South Africa. The questionnaire which was distributed and returned by respondents by email in 2010, was aimed at measuring the importance of the determinants according to the quantity surveying standard. Views on the quantity surveying standard of maturity in communication based on the chosen determinants which forms the communication maturity model for the quantity surveyor in the construction industry were also collected. The results of the survey indicated that respondents identified the following determinants as important elements of the communication maturity model: verbal communication, written communication, contractual communication, information technology communication, leadership communication and instruments communication. The views of respondents regarding the quantity surveying standard in maturity from the chosen determinants which form the communication maturity model, showed that all determinants were positively experienced and that the determinant ‘Contractual communication’ showed the highest valuation result. The determinant ‘Verbal communication’ is in relation to other determinants identified as an area that should be developed.
Open Access
Competence levels of alternate dispute resolution facilitators in the construction industry in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2012-07) Du Preez, Olive; Berry, F. H.; Verster, J. J. P.
English: The complex nature of the construction industry calls for an effective claims management system which is supported by Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR). Research indicates that ADR is not applied effectively in the industry, which raises the question as to the competence levels of practicing professionals in the role of ADR facilitator. The purpose of the study was to identify the requirements for effective ADR practice and to determine the competence levels of practicing professionals facilitating ADR in the South African construction industry. The findings of the research are intended to determine possible education and training requirements which may be employed to ultimately improve the contribution of ADR in the industry. A literature review was conducted to identify the requirements for effective ADR practice based on international standard practice. A questionnaire based on identified competencies was then developed and administered amongst the practicing professionals in order to determine current knowledge, skills, attributes and experience levels of practicing professionals in the South African construction industry. The findings of the data analysis were plotted on a competence model which reflected the key competencies as identified in the literature review. The competence models reflected the competence levels of practitioners in the industry. A situational competence model was developed illustrating the development process required for ADR facilitators in the construction industry through which professionals should progress in achieving competence however; the model is based on the current situation and will be subjected to variations as the situation changes. The situational competence model suggests that practicing professionals progress through four stages before becoming fully competent in facilitating ADR. Respondents were also grouped into age groups in order to address education and training compared to experience gained. This was intended to determine at which point competence is achieved by comparing the state of the new entrants to the industry with the more experienced professionals. Qualitative data was obtained by means of interviews and open ended questions posed in the questionnaire provided the information required to assess the current situation in the industry. The findings indicated that the problem areas tend toward the the application of the methods, skills and techniques however, respondents consider the application of the fundamentals of ADR important and they are applied effectively as required for successful dispute resolution. The high ratings on the self analysis in terms of the active listening competence raised the question as to the possibility that there may have been a degree of misinterpretation regarding the effective application of this competency. This response also suggests the possible influence of response bias. It was concluded that ADR in the industry is not applied according to the requirements of standard practice and according to the data analysis of the self evaluation; practicing professionals do not meet the requirements for competence in the practice of ADR. It was also identified that experience needs to be addressed in order to achieve competence. Practicing professionals are knowledgeable of the requirements for effective practice, however, experience is lacking. A further need which was identified in practice was for conciliation to be facilitated on site in order to minimize the risk of dispute, in the project environment. The findings support the need for more emphasis to be placed on ADR in the construction industry in the form of education, training and mentorship.
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.
Open Access
Die volwassenheid van die bourekenaar se kontraktuele kommunikasievermoë
(University of the Free State, 2013) Berry, Frank; Verster, Basie
English: The aim of this article is to identify principles that support the quantity surveyor to communicate effectively in contractual communication and measure these principles to determine the maturity standard of the quantity surveyor’s quantity surveying contractual communication. This article forms part of a more comprehensive study on quantity surveying communication in the construction industry, and aspects such as oral, written, electronic and leadership communication have been addressed elsewhere. The survey was conducted among practising quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, clients and contractors chosen from all 9 provinces of South Africa. The questionnaire was distributed to, and returned by respondents in 2010. The questionnaire was circulated by means of e-mail for the purpose of measuring the principles that support the quantity surveyor to communicate effectively in contractual communication according to the quantity surveying standard vs the worldclass standard. The results of the survey indicated that respondents identified the following principles as important in contractual communication maturity measured against quantity surveying standard: contractual binding, reasonableness, effectiveness/enforceability and unambiguousness, where contractual binding showed the most positive and unambiguousness the least positive valuation result.
Open Access
Procurement guidelines for project success in cost planning of construction projects
(University of the Free State, 2014) Ramabodu, Molusiwa Stephan; Campbell, M. M.
English: A number of factors contribute to cost overruns and delays in projects, some within the control of the project team, most of them not. These cost overruns and delays lead to additional costs and loss of productivity on work sites because of time lost. These factors are also not limited to certain regions, but occur in similar projects across the globe. Optimism bias and strategic misrepresentation are identified as the main causes of cost overruns in construction projects, estimates and costs. While the estimation process for this type of project is very complicated, certain techniques have been developed to assess risk and to plan for contingency for these types of problems. This is significant because the cost performance of construction projects is a key success criterion for project sponsors, since construction projects are notorious for running over budget. The concept of cost contingency, estimates, cost overruns, procurement, risk management and value management will be dominant in this study. The aim of this study is to propose a project flow chart model. When followed correctly, this model can reduce the risk of project overrun from the cost plan point of view. The results of the research indicate that the estimator must have the experience and skill to be able to produce accurate estimates. A model is proposed to guide the estimators on what to do before they can start with the estimating process.
Open Access
An evaluation of the right to “access to adequate housing” in Joe Morolong Local Municipality, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2014-02) Rapelang, Thato; Nel, V.
English: Among the rights in the Bill of Rights contained in the South African Constitution is the right to access adequate housing. This right is bound up with other rights in the Constitution, including the right to have their human dignity respected, and the right to,inter alia water and health care. The right to adequate housing is also included in several international human rights declarations including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. However, the right to access adequate housing is more than just shelter but includes a number of other elements such as security of tenure, and access to basic services and facilities. Housing must be affordable and accessible. It must be safe and habitable and be culturally acceptable. Moreover, adequate housing is well located with respect to economic and other opportunities. The provision of housing and basic services has been the focus of the ANC-led government since 1994 and a major portion of municipal resources has been dedicated to providing water and sanitation to particularly the poorest households while over 1,5 million state-subsidised homes have been delivered. While the scale of delivery has been impressive, has it really impacted on the lives of people in remote communities? Research conducted in the Joe Morolong Municipality in the Northern Cape Province regarding the realisation of the right to access adequate housing reveals that the right to adequate housing has at best, only been partially realised. In addition to interviews with office bearers and municipal officials, 120 households were interviewed (of which half were from self-built houses and half were residing in ‘RDP’ houses) regarding their interpretation and experience of the right to access adequate housing in the municipality. The study reveals that the structures do not meet the criteria for adequate housing and the provision of water and sanitation remains a challenge. Access to health and education facilities is poor, due to the low densities and vast distances between settlements. This paper will describe the study conducted and discuss the implications of the findings for the realisation of the right to access adequate housing in South Africa.
Open Access
Volwassenheid van bourekenkundige kommunikasie in die konstruksiebedryf
(University of the Free State, 2014-05-27) Berry, Frank Herman; Verster, J. J. P.
English: Although the quantity surveyors had laid their claim to the building industry for more than a century, poor scientific knowledge analyses with reference to the professional communication capabilities and communication instruments in the construction industry still exists. The aim of this thesis is to measure the determinants of a communication maturity model in respect of the communication capabilities of the profession. The proposed most important determinants used were brought to light through research undertaken by the University of the Free State in collaboration with the Wirtschafts University in Vienna, Austria in 2005/6. The results of the survey indicate that respondents were positive with regard to professional communication in general. This can influence the construction industry with continuous advantages for the property development environment. The survey results indicate that the determinant contractual communication of the quantity surveyor is experienced the most positive. The determinant leadership communication of the quantity surveyor is experienced the least positive. A model of the most important determinants for effective communication was used to measure the maturity of the profession’s communication capabilities in the construction industry.
Open Access
Project management in the built environment: the need for industry specific knowledge
(University of the Free State, 2014-07-23) Burger, Michelle; Verster, J. J. P.
English: The use of project management has expanded and is used in many industries. The generic component of project management across all industries without the necessary technical knowledge has been debated. This study investigates the knowledge base of construction project management and the need for industry specific knowledge. The study includes a literature and also empirical research section. The empirical study made use of interviews, a case study and questionnaires. A construction project management knowledge model was developed based on the research and research findings. The research findings suggest that a project manager in the built environment requires various types of knowledge – project management knowledge, industry specific knowledge and knowledge gained through experience. The project management knowledge includes the 13 areas from the construction extension to the PMBOK guide, the industry specific knowledge is divided into four main areas that are knowledge of construction science, knowledge of construction processes, knowledge of design processes and knowledge of financial cost factors and the knowledge through experience is gained through time spent working in the industry. The construction project management knowledge model aims to contribute to improving the project management environment, aiding in awareness of the various knowledge areas and subareas that are important and the NQF level that is suggested. This could contribute to sufficient education by creating awareness of the level of education a project manager in the built environment requires. Organisations could use the model as reference to determine which areas their project managers could improve on in order to develop and increase project management maturity in the organisation. The project management construction model also offers tertiary institutions a framework for syllabus planning of constructions project management courses. Further research is welcomed and may include improving the model, or using the model as foundation to develop a measuring instrument to determine the knowledge of a construction project manager.
Open Access
The construction project manager in South Africa: analysis of industry-specific knowledge
(University of the Free State, 2015) Burger, Michelle; Venter, Basie; Zulch, Benita
English: Construction project managers in the built environment come from various backgrounds and knowledge bases; therefore, the project managers’ project management set may differ. The type of knowledge required to improve CPD training of project managers thus needs to be determined. This would raise the knowledge levels needed for built environment project managers. The aim of this article is to determine the knowledge needed for the successful management of projects within the built environment. Industry-specific guidelines for construction project management (PMBOK and SACPCMP) were obtained and analysed. Expert interviews were conducted with experienced specialists (n=10) who held a senior managerial position within project management in the built environment. A case study and email questionnaires (n=40) were also analysed to determine the type of knowledge required. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2003®. Three areas of knowledge were identified, namely project management knowledge, industry-specific knowledge and knowledge through experience. Of these, industry-specific knowledge was considered the most important, although all three were very important. Project management knowledge areas essential to project managers included the nine PMBOK knowledge areas from the PMI PMBOK guide, 4th edition 2008, four additional PMI Construction extension to the PMBOK areas, experience as well as built environment-specific knowledge. This study was limited to the nine knowledge areas and did not include stakeholder management as the tenth area. The results from all three test methods (interviews, questionnaires and a case study) indicated that knowledge was essential for effective leadership, trust and communication within a project. Without knowledge, these organisational factors were compromised and project success could be negatively affected. It is concluded that the knowledge needed for the management of projects within the built environment had to include industry-specific knowledge pertinent to the built environment. The knowledge required does not currently appear in a single document, and it is recommended that a new document or set of required skills be established.
Open Access
Risk management in the construction environment: the effects of decision making and communication
(University of the Free State, 2015) Cerff, Wesley David; Ramabodu, M. S.
English: A number of factors contribute to cost overruns, time complications, specification details, and weak communication. Some are within the control of the project team, but most of them are not. These complications lead to additional costs and loss of productivity on construction sites due to time loss. Optimism bias, inability to produce on certain levels, lack of experience and knowledge, inability to understand the seriousness of executing risk management duties as well as strategic misrepresentation are identified as the main causes. In the ideal world every project will make its estimated profit, the client will be satisfied with the product and the professional teams on the client’s side and the contractor’s side will have made all the correct decisions as originally planned at the pre-contract meetings. Every single decision made by a member of the project team (including contractors and consultants), from the principal agent to the labourer on site, has an effect on the results of a project. The concepts of decision making, teamwork and communication play a significant role in the construction industry and are dominant in this study. The construction industry is in a more challenging environment than before. Client expectations have increased and clients want quality products and services that use new advanced resources and equipment at lower cost and that need to be done in less time – which eventually leads to risk. Risk management is a relatively new addition to the wider concept of commercial and trade authority. Risk management may be seen as an ignored part in the planning and completion of building projects, but its significance and effect in the construction industry cannot be stressed enough. This study aims to create awareness of risk by all parties involved and to show that better planning will limit or mitigate the source of risk on a project. Furthermore, effective risk management will only be possible with efficient communication. With communication and awareness, there will be better quality and control of the project. Lastly, the study aims to educate future generations regarding the importance of risk.
Open Access
The status quo of green-building education in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2015) Jacobs, Esti
English: There is countrywide a lack of relevant and necessary professional and tertiary institutions offering education and training in green building in South Africa. This causes a lack of awareness, knowledge and skill in green-building principles, which directly results in a lack in the introduction and implementation thereof on projects in the property-development industry. The purpose of this study was to determine whether tertiary institutions have started to incorporate green-building programmes and/or modules in current curricula. A literature review on green-building education, not only at academic institutions, but also at property industry educators was done to develop a questionnaire for reflecting the status quo of green-building education programmes at built-environment departments of six South African universities. These departments included quantity surveying and construction management; architecture; quantity surveying, construction management, and urban planning. The intention of this article was not to investigate curriculum renewal/innovation, but merely to examine the status quo of green-building education currently offered by tertiary and professional institutions in South Africa. Based on the findings, green-building education at built-environment departments of academic institutions in South Africa is lagging behind, and progress seems to be slow. There are, however, signs indicating that positive changes are being made to introduce and implement green-building education.
Open Access
The construction project manager as communicator in the property development and construction industries
(University of the Free State, 2015-04-10) Zulch, Benita Gertruida; Verster, J. J. P.
English: Ineffective project communication may lead to project failure in respect of expected outcomes. Communication in the construction industry is important even though a qualified project team and manager plan, organise and manage a project. The construction project manager needs communication skills to communicate effectively and manage projects successfully to expected completion. The aim of this thesis is to propose a communication skills and leadership model for construction project management. Management of a project can apply the model. It can also be used to determine which communication skills the construction project manager should possess or should develop to communicate effectively. The results of the research indicate that construction project managers need the basic skill of being able to communicate effectively, with decision making and problem solving as the most important communication skills. A model is proposed to assist construction project management. This model can be developed further as an instrument to measure the maturity of a project manager or team.
Open Access
Sustainable human settlement development: cost implications of going green
(University of the Free State, 2016) Greyling, Cameron; Kajimo-Shakantu, Kahilu
The South African government directs low income housing in the framework of sustainable development with clear guidelines (South Africa. Department of Human Settlements, National Housing Code: Part 3, 2009). However, the international shift towards “green” housing (WCED, 1987), may require a paradigm shift for developers and implementers. The financial cost of greening, cost of support, cost of effort, life cycle costs and the opportunity costs are being investigated. The various benefits, drivers, barriers and methods of green construction, with specific reference to sustainable human settlements, were sourced from literature. A study was conducted on the application thereof in the construction industry, to be able to understand and calculate the scope of going green and the methods currently applied in the construction industry. An exploratory survey informed the interview protocol. The main study involved two phases. Firstly, the analysis of two South African case studies, namely the Cosmo City development and the Savanna City development. Secondly, the conducting of face-to-face interviews with various sustainable human settlement development stakeholders in the Free State and Gauteng provinces. Key finding included a lack of knowledge, skills or experience regarding the cost and effective implementation of green construction practices and procedures related to sustainable human settlements, may have a negative influence on the construction industry’s reputation regarding green building. Developers, implementers and decision-makers may find information, from this study, regarding the cost of going “green” which includes building methods, materials and design of use in planning for sustainable human settlements. Knowledge of the possible green construction practices and procedures in the construction industry may be beneficial to improve the quality of life for housing beneficiaries. These practices are not necessarily more expensive.
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.
Open Access
Building contracts, a means to manage the construction process: a South African perspective
(University of the Free State, 2017) Du Plessis, Hendri Blignaut; Oosthuizen, Pierre; Ramabodu, Stephan
𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 The construction contract, in particular the building contract, is reviewed in this study. Some view risk management and protection of the parties’ interests as being the main objectives of this contract. This research investigates the structure of the building contracts used most often in South Africa, while comparing them with the main project and construction management areas. Four contract suites are recommended by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to be used in public projects in South Africa, namely the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC), the New Engineering Contract (NEC), the General Conditions of Contracts for Construction Works (GCC) and the Fédération Intranationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils (FIDIC). The research focused on the contracts suitable for building work. The structure of these contracts revealed that they are similar to the structure proposed by the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). The contract is formed between two parties, the employer or client, and the contractor. This agreement takes place early on in the implementation phase of the project life cycle (PLC) and is the result of a procurement process. The four contracts reviewed vary in the way they address the project management knowledge areas and the study revealed that knowledge and experience are vital to compile a sound procurement document. The goal of the building contract should be to protect the parties who enter into the agreement. The study recommends that the contract should be seen as the project implementation plan (PIP) and that the implementation phase is only a section within the greater PLC. Parties should be familiar with it and know their responsibilities. The employer’s agent should take responsibility as the project manager on the project and guide the parties through the processes stipulated in the PIP. The PIP or the contract can, however, only be effectively implemented if the required time, budget, and experience is devoted to its implementation and maintenance. ___________________________________________________________________