School of Construction Economics and Management (Conference Proceedings)
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Browsing School of Construction Economics and Management (Conference Proceedings) by Author "Gethe, Faranani"
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Item A Digital Skills Gap Analysis of Building Inspectors: The Case of The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Authority(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Gethe, Faranani; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Awuzie, Bankole; Chiloane, Maruping Broderick; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, RunmingThe utility of digital technologies in improving building inspection functions has been elucidated by relevant literature. However, the ability of building inspectors to deploy these technologies remains contentious as a paucity of studies, highlighting the digital capabilities possessed by these cohort has been observed. To bridge this gap, this study conducts a digital skills gap analysis of building inspectors in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study adopts a case study research strategy with a selected building inspectorate unit in South Africa’s Gauteng province serving as the case study. Data was elicited within case surveys, 41 building inspectors responded out of 70 total population sampling sent out. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS. Results show substantial levels of digital illiteracy among building inspectors in the City of Johannesburg yet little drive-in adoption of the digital technologies in conducting building inspections. It is clear from this study that essential competencies required for the adoption of digital technologies are not at the acceptable level for practical application in the case of Johannesburg. Besides elucidating the growing importance of digital technologies in the execution of building inspection functions in developing countries, the study provides considerable insight into the existence of a skills gap which limits the ability of building inspectors to engage in the increased uptake of these technologies.Item The 'Massive, Little' Houses: 'Prefabs', A Solution for Informal Settlement Housing Crisis in South Africa! A Scoping Review(Construction Business and Project Management Group, University of Cape Town, 2024-08-27) Simbanegavi, Prisca; Weaich, Malcolm; Adewunmi, Yewande; Ndlovu, Pride; Gethe, FarananiUnlike most continents, Africa still grapples with urban informality, where housing shortages affect most people living in substandard conditions. Prefabricated housing (PH) presents an alternative option that provides a quicker and cheaper housing supply, although it currently lags behind demand. This paper examines whether 1) informal settlements can be upgraded using prefabricated/modular houses, 2) these housing types are desirable to occupants, and 3) alternative houses should receive as much emphasis and policy support as possible, particularly considering the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a comprehensive literature survey utilising a scoping review methodology, the paper indicates that stakeholders such as developers, financiers, and occupants of prefabricated housing increasingly embrace PH despite its challenges. The literature unanimously agrees that substantial efforts are required to catalyse more investment in PH regarding further research, education, supply chain improvements, and enhanced communication and collaboration among industry stakeholders. Additionally, numerous research gaps need addressing, including in-depth examinations of PH's contextual feasibility and performance across different geographical areas. The paper recommends that South African governments adopt PH as an alternative housing solution, as it is faster and cheaper, thereby aiding in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 11.