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Item Open Access A decision support framework for extension of time claims for the JBCC Principal Building Agreement(University of the Free State, 2016) Maritz, Tinus; Prinsloo, HendrikEnglish: Delays to contractors’ progress, often resulting in time and cost overruns, are a major source of claims and disputes in the construction industry. The assessment of extension of time (EOT) claims as part of a construction project can have far-reaching consequences for the financial success of the project. The proper and transparent assessment of EOT claims is, therefore, an essential component in the success of any project. In this article, an action-research approach, a very specific qualitative approach, was followed to develop a user-friendly guideline to help practitioners navigate this potential minefield of complexities in the process of the assessment of EOT claims. Focus groups, consisting of industry practitioners, with specialist knowledge in construction contracts, contributed to the development of the decision-support frameworks, and ultimately to the findings. The iterative process followed assisted in producing a tool that can be used in practice as a guideline for the analysis of EOT claims when using the Principal Building Agreement of the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC).Item Open Access The image of the construction industry and its employment attractiveness(University of the Free State, 2016) Haupt, Theo; Harinarain, NishaniEnglish: As the construction industry does not seem to enjoy a positive image, it is not necessarily the career of choice when compared with other industries. This study examines the image of the industry in order to establish what the perception of the industry is, the effects of that perception, and how the image of the sector could be improved. A mixed approach is used that involves a questionnaire survey of a purposive sample of high-school students, employers and employees in the Greater Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal province as well as a focus group of employers. The findings of the study are important if the image of the construction industry is to be improved so that it can become the career of choice for larger numbers of high-school students and other potential new entrants. The study is confined to the KwaZulu-Natal province and high schools in the western suburbs of Durban.Item Open Access Effective utilisation of generation Y Quantity Surveyors(University of the Free State, 2016) Van Eck, Elzane; Burger, MichelleEnglish: In South Africa, 43% of all quantity surveyors are identified as generation Y, born between 1981 and 2000. This highlights the importance of generation Y to the Quantity Surveying (QS) profession, as they are the future upon which the QS profession will build. A lack of knowledge of the differences among generations can easily lead to misunderstandings and conflict in the workplace. QS employers who want to effectively utilise generation Y employees require a sound knowledge and understanding of their attributes and expectations in relation to their job requirements. This study examines the literature on the attributes and expectations as well as the roles and responsibilities of a generation Y quantity surveyor. Suggestions are made as to how QS employers could utilise generation Y more effectively by harnessing their energy and capitalising on their attributes. Initially, 554 published papers, articles and books were generated as references, of which only 68 were purposively selected and extensively reviewed to analyse the key attributes of generation Y as well as to determine the main functions and services rendered by a quantity surveyor. The literature review showed that the key attributes and expectations of generation Y are flexibility; a meaningful job; interesting work; good relationships with supervisors; regular feedback, and career growth opportunities. The literature review also indicated that the service stages offered by a quantity surveyor are inception; concept and viability; design development; documentation and procurement; construction, and close-out. Based on the literature reviewed, generation Y has the potential to be the highest producing workforce in history. QS employers, who practically apply generational knowledge in relation to job requirements, should be able to unlock the potential of generation Y, increase its productivity, and ultimately its profitability. The findings of this article will be of value to employers in the QS profession by expanding their knowledge and understanding of their generation Y employees. Adapting management and leadership strategies according to these findings could lead to higher staff satisfaction, resulting in workforce productivity and increased profitability.Item Open Access The valuation of commercial grain silos(University of the Free State, 2016) Winckler, Christiaan; Boshoff, DouwEnglish: A grain silo is a unique form of real estate because of its construction, use and income generation. The study is based on vertical concrete silos built for the sole purpose of storing grain. Silos are, in essence, income-producing properties, but because the tenant is the owner of grain and oilseed, the income produced by the silo fluctuates from year to year depending on the size of annual grain harvests. The purpose of this qualitative study is to establish which valuation methodology is best applicable to grain silos and to explore the factors that make grain silos unique in the determination of their value. Sources of information include historical research, unstructured interviews and case studies. The results of this study indicate that grain silos should be valued using the income capitalisation method. Income is calculated based on a long-term trend; expenses are calculated on financial information, and a capitalisation rate is calculated by adding risk to a baseline capitalisation rate. This study provides a guide to valuers and silo owners on how to determine the value of silos. The study focuses on grain silos that store maize and soya beans in the Highveld of Mpumalanga. The principles determined will be the same if other silos in other regions charge for storage and handling in the same way as used in this study.Item Open Access Risk management in public sector construction projects: case studies in Lesotho(University of the Free State, 2016) Nketekete, Molefi; Emuze, Fidelis; Smallwood, JohnEnglish: Construction projects are facing problems that impede their expected performance. Time, cost, quality, and competition limitations place constraints on projects. These challenges require incisive risk-management (RM) practices. This article presents the findings of a multiple case study, which determined how and why public sector construction projects are failing in terms of contemporary RM practices that appear to be lacking in Lesotho construction. The article investigates the stakeholders’ perceptions regarding risks’ likelihoods and impacts (P-Is) on three public sector construction projects. A 5-point Likert measurement scale was used to collect data for the P-I grids. The data are analysed and presented with Scatter plots. The results obtained through cross-case synthesis show that the interviewees perceive the level of risks’ P-Is on the examined construction projects to be high. Moreover, the level of RM practice is found to be inconsistent with best practices. To enhance RM practices in Lesotho, the management of public sector construction projects should promote the use of competent project managers.