AS 2009 Volume 16 Issue 2

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http://hdl.handle.net/11660/6885

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    Client attitude to health and safety – a report on contractor’s perceptions
    (University of the Free State, 2009) Musonda, Innocent; Haupt, Theo; Smallwood, John
    English: The purpose of this article is to present findings of a preliminary survey on contractors’ perceptions of clients’ attitude relative to health and safety (H&S) implementation in the construction industry of Botswana and Southern Africa. A questionnaire survey was conducted on construction projects to establish clients’ attitude towards H&S. Interviews were also held with contractors’ representatives on selected construction sites in and around Gaborone, Botswana. Findings from the survey include: clients do not perceive H&S to be very important on construction projects; the majority of clients do not address H&S adequately in contract documentation, and H&S is rarely a major item on the agenda of progress meetings. Findings also included that clients are not fully committed to H&S implementation. The client sets the tone for H&S culture. Client attitude is therefore very important for H&S performance improvement as all stakeholders are compelled to act in line with the client’s values. Various researchers have recognised the importance of the client to H&S performance improvement. The extent to which clients are involved in H&S implementation has, however, not been researched extensively, especially in Southern Africa. This article therefore provides an insight into the clients’ attitude towards H&S and explains the reason for the current state of H&S in Botswana’s construction industry.
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    Kommunikasie-volwassenheidsmodel vir die meting van bourekenkundige kommunikasie en kommunikasieinstrumente
    (University of the Free State, 2009) Berry, Frank; Verster, Basie; Zulch, Benita
    English: Although quantity surveyors lay their claim to the construction industry for over a century there still exists a need for further scientific analyses with reference to the quantity surveyor’s communication capabilities and communication instruments as presented in the industry. This article aims to establish the determinants of a communication maturity model with respect to the communication capabilities of the quantity surveyor. The proposed most important determinants used were disclosed through research on maturity models and project management undertaken by the University of the Free State in collaboration with the Wirtschafts University in Vienna, Austria in 2005/6; the final results were issued in 2008. The results of the provisional survey with regards to the determinants of communication maturity show that respondents were positive with respect to the quantity surveyor’s communication in general. This can therefore have a positive influence on the construction industry with continuous advantages for the property development environment. The survey results also indicate that the verbal, written and contractual communication capabilities of the quantity surveyor are experienced positively. ‘Contractual validity’ as an element of the contractual communication capability of the quantity surveyor was indicated as the most positive element. The respondents indicated that the instruments of ‘estimation’ and ‘final accounting’ are the most important communication instruments. Furthermore, the respondents’ assessments regarding clarity and understandability of the instruments ‘final accounts’ and ‘payment advices’ were rated the highest. A model with the most important determinants identified for effective communication has been proposed. The model can be used by quantity surveyors to measure the maturity of quantity surveying communication and communication instruments in the construction industry.
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    The perceived economic impact of the City of Johannesburg’s storm water attenuation policy on private property developers
    (University of the Free State, 2009) Buys, Fanie; Aldous, Mike
    English: Over recent years storm water attenuation policy has become a contentious issue for the property development community, both locally and internationally. Increased urbanisation has forced municipal authorities to reconsider the role of storm water management in an evolving urban landscape. It is within this context that the legislative support and municipal policy for storm water management in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has been considered, with direct regard to the perceived economic impact of storm water policy on private property developers. Factors considered included the cost, risk, and time factors of policy compliance within the development process. Research of international policy implementation issues in countries with welldeveloped storm water management frameworks formed the basis for the design of a questionnaire to evaluate the response of local private property developers to the relevant issues. Results of the research indicated that developers had a below average level of knowledge with regard to the storm water management policy of the CoJ, as well as of the underlying supporting legislation. The results of the survey further indicated that developers were strongly opposed to the loss of developable area, but indicated a limited financial impact of the current storm water attenuation policy. The risk element inherent in incorporating attenuation facilities within a development was identified as being low, with little perceived impact, while indications highlighted the inclusion of attenuation facilities as a significant contributing factor in the delay of approval and acceptance of new developments. The additional maintenance costs associated with attenuation facility inclusion were indicated to be of a low level of importance to developers.
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    The potential role of value management in environmental impact assessment: a Maseru case study
    (University of the Free State, 2009) Bowen, Paul; Hill, Richard; Mabote, Relebohile; Cattell, Keith; Edwards, Peter
    English: Environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies are undertaken to assess the anticipated environmental impacts of proposed projects. Such studies typically address biophysical and socio-economic issues. Using a case study approach, the effectiveness of the EIA process adopted for a landfill project in Maseru, Lesotho, is reviewed. It was found that the Maseru environmental impact statement (EIS) was not fit for the purpose as it did not facilitate effective decision-making. This failure was to a large extent due to inadequate briefing by the client and ineffective study implementation and review procedures. It is proposed that value management (VM), a value-adding technique mainly applied in the manufacturing and construction industries, could improve the effectiveness of EIA.
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    The calculation of acceleration costs on construction projects
    (University of the Free State, 2009) Maritz, Tinus; Schutte, Andries
    English: A lack of understanding often exists between contractors, client organisations and consultants as to what may, and what may not, be included in acceleration claims on construction projects. The aim of this article is to create a better understanding of the complexity of acceleration claims. It should also lead to new insights into claim procedures and the substantiation of acceleration costs. The impacts and delays which may result in acceleration claims on a project were analysed as they form the basis for establishing liability in terms of a particular contract. Matters of principle that are applicable to acceleration claims, regardless of the form of contract recommended for use in the South African construction industry, were also examined. The findings indicate that there are significant differences on a number of aspects regarding the calculation of acceleration costs on construction projects between contractors, consultants and employers/developers. The majority of the respondents, however, were of the opinion that of the various methods used for calculating acceleration costs, the time impact analysis is most frequently applied, but that the modified total cost approach is the method most suitable on projects where there is a significant increase in the scope of work, something that occurs regularly on construction projects.
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    Why do South African women choose careers in construction?
    (University of the Free State, 2009) Haupt, Theo; Madikizela, Kolosa
    English: This article analyses the factors influencing the choices of careers in construction by South African women. Literature was reviewed on challenges facing women in construction which contribute to their choices of careers in a traditionally male-dominated industry such as construction. Questionnaires were conducted with multiple samples that included construction organisations, construction students and professional women working in construction. The study found that women had a role to play in the construction industry and that they could build successful careers within the sector. However, this was not easy given the various barriers to entry such as gender-based discrimination against them, the harsh work environment of the construction, the lack of sufficient knowledge about the industry itself, and the lack of successful women in construction as role models. There was evidence of discrimination and sexual harassment. All these factors impacted negatively on the choices of careers in construction by South African women. The study stimulates debate about how the low representation of women in construction can be addressed and how construction careers for women can be promoted and encouraged. This article makes a contribution to understanding the factors that have marginalised women in a male-dominated industry and provides some indication of approaches to attract more women into the sector. Consequently, the resource pool will be enlarged given the prevalent acute skills shortage in the industry