Masters Degrees (Quantity Surveying and Construction Management)
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Item 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, Stephan𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 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. ___________________________________________________________________Item Open Access Sustainable human settlement development: cost implications of going green(University of the Free State, 2016) Greyling, Cameron; Kajimo-Shakantu, KahiluThe 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.Item 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.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 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item Open Access 'n Projekbestuurdersprofiel vir die konstruksiebedryf(University of the Free State, 2011) Archer, Mart-Mari; Not availableEnglish: 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.