School of Construction Economics and Management (Books)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/43871

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Start date: 2024Subject: search.filters.subject.Equity

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    Making a mark: Wits School of Construction Economics and Management and Its Contribution to the Construction and Property Fields
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Laryea, Samuel; Smit-Stachowski, Alexandra; Mphuti, Bongi
    This book is a historical account on the Wits School of Construction Economics and Management, its contributions and impact in society, which is very significant and leaves a positive impression of academic and industry development, despite historical hurdles. It looks at the past, present, and future of the School in the broader context of South African history and the overall development of the university. The process of writing this book has been both challenging and exciting with interesting discoveries about the academic disciplines and the growth trajectory of the School. It was challenging uncovering information from various sources within the university and external sources. It has also been an interesting process learning about the rich history and contributions of a key School within the university to the South African and global society. This book chronicles the careers of some graduates of the School who served in the highest leadership and management roles, and made an indelible mark in the construction industry locally and internationally. The School’s graduates have made substantial contributions to the growth and advancement of the South African construction and property sectors and their respective statutory councils including the South African Council for Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and the South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession (SACPVP). The School’s graduates have also played leading roles in major construction firms that have built some of the iconic buildings in South Africa and other parts of the world. In recent years, many of the School’s graduates are increasingly being recruited by firms in Europe, Middle East, Australia, and the US, indicating the quality of their education and their value to employers and the global construction industry. Through a meticulous search through the Wits university archives and available published material, a huge amount of history and contributions of the School could be produced in this book. As these sources spoke their minds, many of their quotes are produced verbatim - so we can appreciate their wisdom. When gaps emerged in the historical chronology, we turned to those who studied and taught at Wits in the various phases of our Faculty. The Alumni and past Academics took time from their busy schedules as many are still instrumental in building our country, to answer several questions and share their fondest memories and what they believe is the state of the industry currently. The original 15-page document has grown and developed, as has the School, into a fully-fledged manuscript of interviews, yet-unheard-of stories and a vibrant and vital document, to be read and shared widely. The story arc includes the factual history of the School of Construction and Economic Management from birth until now, and is peppered with amusing anecdotes and pictures. Students’ awards were mentioned, where the information was available. This also serves to remember the inspiring academics including Professors Harry Bell-John, Geoff Pearse, Doug Calderwood, Ronnie Schloss and the lecturers who led our current leaders in the fields of quantity surveying, construction management, building sciences and property development, onto the path they have carved, so they can make a mark. This story is filled with chutzpah, grit, determination, humour and a few mishaps, but proves without a doubt that the time spent by students at Wits and SCEM has resulted in lasting friendships, business savvy and in professionals in the built environment who are making their mark across the country, the continent and the world. This is their story and the story of the School of Construction and Economic Management.