Nature of client team structure and role of the client team leader in two successful infrastructure programmes
Date
2018
Authors
Mosaleisi, Tsholofelo
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The role of the client is critical in successful infrastructure project delivery. This requires the
appointment of an experienced and capable client team to lead and oversee infrastructure
programmes or projects. A number of professionals often work in a client’s project
management team and play various roles. While textbooks may identify some of the
professionals and their roles, little empirical research has been conducted on the structure of
such client teams and the critical role of the client’s team leader in leading the infrastructure
delivery process and managing the whole professional team to perform their roles
successfully and deliver the project to achieve the intended objectives and value for money.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the nature of the team structure in each case
and how the client’s project team leader performed his role to ensure successful delivery of
the infrastructure programmes.
Data collection was undertaken through semi-structured interviews with eight (8) members of
the team, documentary analyses and listening to one detailed presentation by three key
members of the client’s team including the client team leader and the client himself.
Based on the results of the work, successful delivery of infrastructure project requires a client
team that is structured in a hierarchical manner in terms of reporting lines, but has flexible
interaction between members of the team. Although there was a clear hierarchy, various team
members referred to structure of the team as ‘’Flat structure’’ this implies that although there
was a hierarchy in terms of leadership and membership of the team, they operated much as
equals within the team.
In relation to the role of the client’s team leader, it was found that project decisions and
actions are driven by the values and interests of the client. The client’s team leader viewed
his primary role to be ‘unblocking obstacles to progress’ and ‘demand management’ of inputs
from everyone in the supply chain.
The qualitative data showed one possible relationship between the team structure, role of the client tem leader, and project outcomes – the role and performance of the leader is a critical determinant of successful project outcomes.
In conclusion, the main contribution of this study lies in the use of a comprehensive
methodology to develop a systematic understanding of the contemporary structure of a
client’s infrastructure project delivery team; and the critical elements of the role of the
delivery manager entrusted with the responsibility to lead the client’s team and deliver the
intended objectives of the infrastructure programme or project.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Quantity Surveying
October 2018
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Citation
Mosalaesi, Tsholofelo Portia (2018) Nature of client team structure and role of the client's team leader in two successful infrastructure programmes, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, <http://hdl.handle.net/10539/26573>