Browsing by Author "Zungu, Zamageda"

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    Constraints and enablers of effective knowledge sharing practices of South African construction project managers
    (2018) Zungu, Zamageda
    Due to budget and time constraints, construction projects are fast paced and rely heavily on quick but sound knowledge input and application by the different participants in a project team. This requires accurate information retrieval and management of the social interactions between different project participants through knowledge sharing. Although knowledge sharing between construction project managers working within the same organisation exists, the knowledge sharing practices of construction project managers are ineffective and that has a negative impact on the development of innovative ideas, the way project members deal with changes, cope with crisis, deal with coordination and complex tasks, define plans, and make decisions. The aim of this research report was to examine the factors constraining effective knowledge sharing practices among construction project management colleagues working within the same organization with a view to developing recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the knowledge sharing practices. A quantitative research methodology was applied in the examination of the factors constraining and enabling effective knowledge sharing of South African project management colleagues working within the same organization. The main findings indicate that, the reluctance to share knowledge, the lack of affiliation and time limitations are the knowledge sharing constraints faced by most construction project managers. Conversely, the findings also reveal that the allocation of time (in the form of organisational systems), team member relationships, and sense of self-worth would equally motivate the sharing of knowledge. Main conclusions indicate that companies need to formalise the knowledge sharing process through structured mentorship programmes and facilitate team building activities.
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    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.
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    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.