School of Construction Economics and Management (Conference Proceedings)

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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, Runming
The 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.
An evaluation of the quantitative risk assessment simulation undertaken during the planning stage of mega-projects
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Zwane, Sibongile; Schutte, David; Maila, Sue; Jones, Razaak; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
This research examines how the absence of robust risk identification processes during the planning stage can significantly impact the quantitative risk assessment (QRA) outcomes and increase the likelihood of cost overruns in mega-projects in South Africa. By analysing specific mega-projects and their risk identification procedures, this study highlights the importance of a high-quality assessment of the QRA input stage in the context of these mega-projects. Through surveys and interviews with project managers and stakeholders, the study has provided deeper insights into the consequences of inadequate planning, such as project cost overruns and decreased project profitability. The research indicated that a robust risk identification process during the planning stage is pivotal in mitigating cost overruns in mega-projects in South Africa. Projects that prioritise structured methodologies involving all the relevant stakeholders and conduct comprehensive risk identification practices are better equipped to control project costs. The unanimous agreement on the significance of risk identification in cost overrun prevention emphasises its paramount importance. The findings will contribute to the risk management body of knowledge, offering valuable recommendations for improved risk identification and mitigation strategies to enhance project outcomes and positively impact project owners. Lastly, the paper sheds light on the nuanced landscape of risk identification, its impact on cost overruns, and the strategies for its improvement.
Barriers to digitalization of procurement – a review
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Ojo-Fafore, Elizabeth; Laryea, Samuel; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
The concept of digital technology is making waves in the construction industry in developed countries; however, it is not the same story in other nations as there are several barriers militating the progress of adoption of the new concept. This study aims to investigate the barriers militating digitalization of procurement in Construction, to proffer solutions. This study investigated possible barriers affecting the implementation of digitalization of procurement using a descriptive literature review. Several past works were reviewed to fill the gaps and apply new methods that will enable the digitalization of procurement. The study discovered several barriers restraining the digitalization of Procurement, but there are three common barriers to the literature reviewed; insecurity, cost, and Lack of skilled expertise. This industry will bring overall improvements in project time, quality, cost, and safety standards as well as client requirements and satisfaction. This research paper is of the view that digitalization will increase productivity and the competitive advantage in the Construction industry. In conclusion, there is a need to prioritize investment in digital tools and technology to have ease of adoption of procurement digitalization.
Bibliometric review of social value in construction literature
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Laryea, Samuel; Kwasafo, Oscar Kwame; Mensah, Sarfo; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
The construction industry plays a leading role in the provision of infrastructure projects that promote not only the primary objectives for which a project is intended but also the secondary objectives which relate to wider socio-economic development and social value aspects, as shown in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 10845…2022) 10845 family of standards for construction procurement. While most papers in the construction literature have focused on the primary objectives of infrastructure projects such as costs, time, and quality, relatively little attention has been focused on the secondary objective aspects like economic, environmental, and social sustainability objectives. There has been an increasing focus on the social value aspects of infrastructure projects in recent years. This trend seems likely to increase and directions for future research can be generated from examining the current literature. This paper examines 78 articles relating to social value in construction to explore current understanding and key emerging themes in this area. The 78 articles were identified through a systematic search in Scopus and Google Scholar, then analysed using temporal co-word analysis to generate four key bibliometric themes: social sustainability, social procurement, social value, and employment. Two preliminary conclusions are presented from the bibliometric review. First, while using the ‘social value’ terminology may show this as a relatively new concept flowing from the social sustainability discourse, earlier studies and practices in this area precede the ‘social value’ terminology and appropriate linkages to earlier knowledge should be properly established. Secondly, different terminologies are used to refer to the same concept, creating duplication and significant overlaps across the different terminologies. It would be necessary to consolidate and align the various terminologies for consistency.
Detecting and preventing unbalanced bidding in South African public sector construction
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Tilese, Neliswa; Makhaga, Thendo; Mphahlele, Matjelele; Zungu, Zamageda; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
Unbalanced bidding in public sector infrastructure projects is a key challenge, involving the manipulation of unit prices without adjusting the overall bid. Unbalanced bidding increases the client’s financial risks and the likelihood of project abandonment by the contractor. Existing literature provides guidelines for detecting and preventing bid price imbalances but inadequately addresses the practical implementation and efficacy of these approaches. This research aims to evaluate the practices for detecting and preventing unbalanced bidding in the South African public sector against existing formal models. This qualitative case study employs semi-structured interviews with quantity surveyors from public sector clients in Gauteng, South Africa. The purposive, non-probabilistic sampling targets professionals with relevant expertise. A thematic analysis of the interview data reveals insights into the awareness, consequences, and practices associated with unbalanced bidding in the South African public sector. The study findings highlight the need for strengthened governance and accountability, more robust strategies for detection of unbalanced bidding, and enhanced education of practitioners to promote fair competition and ethical practices in awarding projects.
Evaluating the new universities project outcomes using the PMBOK project performance domains
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Mosalaesi, Tsholofelo; Laryea, Samuel; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
The Project Management Institute (2021) PMBOK Guide seventh edition presents eight essential domains or activities that are crucial to ensure the success of a project. PMI (2021) defines these Project Performance Domains as a group of related activities that are critical for the effective delivery of project outcomes. The PMI’s new focus on performance and project outcomes marks a significant shift away from traditional project management tools and techniques. This paper uses the eight PPDs as a framework to determine the critical factors that enabled the success of the new universities project based on the eight domains. A completed project with comprehensive data was used for the analysis. Hence, data from the project close out report was analysed using the thematic analysis method to identify the key project performance practices that were formulated and implemented to successfully achieve the intended outcomes. The key success factors identified relate to the role of the client as a leader, stakeholder’s productive working relationship and the delivery of the project within 1% of the control budget. There may be a common assumption that all clients may employ project managers who may possess the skills to execute these critical functions successfully. However, this is not always the case on all projects, and there is also varying degrees of competency among project managers. Therefore, clients should ensure that those playing leadership roles in their projects are well equipped to perform these critical functions successfully as a condition to achieve better infrastructure project outcomes.
Fostering construction firm resilience through persuasive narratives of strategy: a conceptual framework
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Zungu, Zamageda; Laryea, Samuel; Nkado, Raymond; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
Amid macroeconomic, political, environmental and technological disruptions that have previously led to the failure of contracting firms, the construction industry faces the imperative to foster organisational resilience. While contemporary literature proposes diverse strategies to manage these disruptions effectively, it lacks clarity on how these strategies are conceptualised and practically mobilised within contracting organisations. However, a notable deficiency of the literature is that the manner in which these strategies are conceptualised and mobilised persuasively within contracting organisations remain unidentified. This study fills this void by conducting a comprehensive literature review, proposing a conceptual framework on the persuasive mobilisation of organisational resilience strategies within the construction sector. Through the lens of the strategy-as-practice perspective and drawing upon theoretical insights from narrative theory, this research intricately examines the interplay between contextual factors such as industry dynamics, organisational resilience strategies, narrative building blocks, strategic discourse and narrative persuasion. Specifically, this study underscores the significance of narrative infrastructure as the contextual canvas upon which strategic narratives are crafted and enacted. By elucidating the impact of narrative infrastructure on organisational actions and member perceptions, this framework not only advances theoretical understanding but also offers actionable insights for enhancing organisational resilience through strategic narratives. This research contributes to both academia and industry by shedding light on the pivotal role of narrative infrastructure in construction firms and providing pragmatic pathways for leveraging it effectively.
Key barriers to green building implementation in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Mompati, Lerato; Mandlate, Mike; Kabini, Karabo; Nomvalo, Usiphe; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
Due to climate change, South Africa is faced with economic and health challenges. Adopting green building technologies reduces the amount of energy usage, however the implementation of green building in South Africa has been slow. This research aimed to identify the barriers on the implementation of green building and the methods that can be adopted to enhance the growth of green building in South Africa. A qualitative research method was be adopted. The open-ended interviews were conducted with built environment professionals. The main barriers of green building implementation are: initial high cost, lack of awareness, lack of incentives, and resistance to change. Recommendations to enhance the growth of green building practices in South Africa include: updating building codes, expanding training programs, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, offering financial incentives, promoting the re-purposing of existing structures, and using performance-based contracts. The paper has highlighted the key barriers of green building implementation in South Africa and developed a database of the relevant studies which can further guide future researchers, stakeholders and policymakers in this area.
Perceptions of tender document quality and its impact on construction estimates
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Nezambe, Bruce; Laryea, Samuel; Govender, Neil; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
Construction experts have noted the persistent concern about the quality of tender documents and its impact on the construction sector. Poor specification writing continues to be a weak link in the information chain that degrades the quality of tender documents and causes disputes, particularly in a competitive market where construction professionals strictly interpret the documents to prepare a competitive bid. The impact of tender document quality on the accuracy of project estimates is assessed to determine the determinants of good tender-quality documents. Additionally, interventions that can be implemented to improve tender document quality and the implications of poor tender document quality were also analyzed. Qualitative data was collected from construction professionals using an interview. Data was analyzed by Atlas-ti using thematic analysis where six key themes were extracted. The study concluded that poor quality tender documents compromise the accuracy of project estimates and delivery of projects within the South African construction industry. The consequences of poor tender document quality included reduced project profitability, incomplete projects, project termination due to funding issues, misunderstanding of boundaries, misalignment of the programme, increased costs and a negative impact on construction estimates.
Proceedings of the WABER SuDBE 2024 Conference 30th – 31st July 2024 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
(WABER SuDBE Conference 2024, 2024-07) Laryea, Samuel; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
The technical presentations consist of seven keynote speeches and 130 paper presentations. The keynote speeches focus on an array of interesting topics that relate to the general conference theme of sustainable built environments. We have four keynote speeches relating to the theme of adaptability of the built environment to climate change and the sustainable development goals. The three other keynote speeches address matters of resilient and sustainable futures, the use of digital technologies to improve the sustainability of buildings, and artificial intelligence and carbon neutrality. The academic and industry leaders speaking on these topics are very experienced and their keynote presentations are expected to stimulate new ideas and discussion in the conference. The accepted papers to be presented in the parallel sessions relate to eight themes namely: • Climate Responsive Built Environments • Air Quality and Healthy Building • Thermal Comfort and Intelligent Operation • Low Carbon Technology and Energy System • Sustainable Urban Renewal • Building Technology and Performance • Construction and Project Management • Real Estate and Property Management
The impact of inflation on house prices in South Africa: effects of COVID-19
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Simbanegavi, Prisca; Weaich, Malcom; Mpofu, Bekithemba; Moobela, Cletus; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
This study investigates the impact of inflation on house prices in South Africa, with a particular focus on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aims to elucidate the nature of the relationship between inflation and housing, and to determine how the pandemic has influenced this dynamic. Utilising monthly data from January 2010 to April 2022, the study employs Johansen cointegration and Granger causality tests to assess long-term and causal relationships, respectively. The findings confirm a positive long-term relationship between house prices and inflation, indicating that housing serves as an effective hedge against inflation. However, the results also reveal structural breaks in this relationship, with significant changes observed during the COVID-19 period. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) highlights short-run adjustments and the speed of return to equilibrium. This study provides valuable insights for investors and policymakers, demonstrating the resilience of housing investments during economic disruptions and underscoring the importance of considering regional and temporal factors in real estate investment strategies.
The job satisfaction of black female quantity surveyors
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Punungwe, Fungai; Terblanche, Rolien; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
Black women face discrimination in the quantity surveying profession hence experiencing tension to balance their careers and life, which results in them not being satisfied with their jobs. The aim of this research is to assess the job satisfaction of black females in quantity surveying and examine if discrimination affects it. Data was collected through online interviews with Black females that are Quantity Surveyors. The results were analysed using thematic analysis to assess similarities in responses. Issues of harassment discrimination were significantly recognised through deep interviews with participants. The issue of job satisfaction of black female quantity surveyors is less explored in literature. The findings of this research can be used by bodies of knowledge and industry professional to improve measures on issues of inequality and alleviate any problems.
Using dynamic BIM to improve construction safety culture
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Amiri, Mojtaba; Saghatforoush, Ehsan; Laryea, Samuel; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
Among the various studies that have addressed the application of BIM dynamics in domain of health and safety management, the lack of research regarding the impact of BIM dynamics on safety culture is clearly visible. These days, it is apparent that more and more construction technologies are currently being used for safety and health management. These technologies can be used in different construction applications to mitigate workplace hazards. Among these technologies, BIM and IoT has been shown to have significant potential in high-risk Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) industries. Several researchers have started to explore the potential synergy between BIM and IOT. Dynamic BIM presents an influential pattern for applications to improve construction safety management. The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the necessity of research on the use of dynamic BIM in improving construction safety culture. Hence, the literature review method was used to identify the domains in which dynamic BIM has been applied. Prominent application domains in which dynamic BIM has been applied are construction operation and monitoring, facility management (FM), construction logistic and management, health and safety (H&S) management. Results show that no research has addressed the impact of dynamic BIM on safety culture. Therefore, research related to dynamic BIM and its impact on construction safety culture is necessary.

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