School of Construction Economics and Management (Journal Articles)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/38053

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Contractor's plant: whether to buy or to lease?
(University of the Free State, 1997) Muller, Marius M.
This article comments on the concepts of buying versus leasing in terms of decision-making theory regarding the procurement of contractor's plant. It was found that leasing offered the better option in the worked example presented herein, but that every plant buying or lease decision would have to be made individually on proven calculation and on merit. In hierdie ortikel word die bestoonde opsies behondel woorvoor die boukontrokteur te stoon kom wonneer hy toerusting oonskof. Die vroog is: moet hy huur of koop. Uit die voorbeeld wot hier oongehool word blyk dit dot huur 'n beter opsie bied. Dit is egter ook boie duidelik dot elke gevol meriete het en dus individueel bekyk moet word. Kostes moet teen mekoor opgeweeg word. verol met die kontrokteur se doelwit voor oe.
Expert systems : the fifth generation -more than a genealogical pursuit
(University of the Free State, 1995-12) Muller, Marius M.
This paper describes the nature of Expert Systems and outlines their possible use in the field of building economics. Their usefulness in terms of quantification of uncertainty is also examined. It was found that the benefits of developing Expert Systems are tremendous, but that the success of Expert Systems would be determined by their acceptance by the general public.
How Rapid Urbanisation, Neighbourhood Management Affects Living Conditions. A Survey of Agege Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2014-11-23) Ijasan, K.C.; Ogunro, V. O.
This paper explores the issues around urbanisation, neighbourhood degeneration and its effects on the living condition on the residents of Agege area of Lagos, Nigeria. This paper traces the historical background of the area, examines the meaning of neighbourhood degeneration and explores factors responsible for neighbourhood degeneration. The paper adopts quantitative data collection strategies of investigation, and compares these with past literature on the issue. From the survey of 120 households in the area, the study realized street hooliganism; destitution, bad roads and considerable inequality in the distribution of wealth as the greatest problems in the area. It concluded on the need for holistic approach by government to fast-track housing conditions improvement in the entire areas. Moreover, the redevelopment of the area needs to be community-led participatory planning where all stakeholders harness ideas that can be used to improve the present situation of the area.
Investing in the Future: A Comparative Analysis of Green Technology Investments and Youth Unemployment in the US and South Africa
(Common Ground, 2024-05-14) Weaich, Malcolm; Weaich, Sherwyn; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Ndlovu, Pride
This study explores the nuanced relationship between sustainable investments, particularly from entities such as the United States (US), and their impact on unemployment trends in South Africa, contributing to discussions on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Utilizing a quantitative approach with data from sources such as the World Bank and Statistics SA, this study employs statistical and econometric methods to assess the socioeconomic consequences of international sustainability funding. The findings indicate a significant link between US sustainable investments and youth unemployment in South Africa, challenging and reinforcing existing research. It depicts that while foreign investments in green initiatives are crucial, they may inadvertently affect local employment negatively. This study recommends policy adjustments in both US and South African legislation to align foreign investments with SDGs, aiming to mitigate youth unemployment. This study underscores the importance of understanding the implications of international funding conditions on local economies, offering insights for policymakers and scholars to develop strategies that leverage sustainable investments for economic growth and employment opportunities. This study provides a fresh perspective on the dynamics between international investments and local unemployment, offering valuable insights for economic planning and policy formulation in South Africa and across other African nations.
The role of education as an agent of change: a two fold effect
(1997) Muller, Marius M.; Hindle, R.D.
Several aspects of change to the procedures in the construction delivery process have been described in recent times, particularly those affecting building procurement systems. This paper describes the results of an investigation into one of the underlying causes of such change, particularly that which is affecting the traditional roles of the various parties that participate in the construction procurement process. It is proposed that one of the 'agents' of change is the product of tertiary education programmes that have been producing 'professional builders'. It describes how a new generation of builders, equipped with business skills and an inherent dissatisfaction with the traditional structure and procedures of the industry, are allowing leading construction companies to develop innovative construction marketing strategies and systems. These systems are based upon sound business practice, offer improved customer satisfaction and allow them to get closer to customers. In so doing they are taking over the roles of various built environment consultants who were principal agents and leaders in the traditional building procurement system.
Time and frequency nexus among public debt, exchange rate, inflation, monetary policy rate and economic growth in Ghana
(Elsevier, 2025-01) Owusu Junior, Peterson; Odoom, Absalom; Adu-Asare Idun, Anthony; Akorsu, Patrick Kwashie
The debate about the influence of public debt on an economy has gained long-standing attention among policy-makers, regulators and academic scholars. The excessive expansion of Ghana’s public debt to GDP demands a fresh insight into the macroeconomic variables that are connected to economic growth. This study utilised wavelet techniques to investigate the nexus and effect of public debt, exchange rate, inflation rate, and monetary policy rate on economic growth in Ghana using monthly data from 2000 to 2022. Diks and Panchenko (2006) was used as a battery test for the wavelet results. We found a significant negative correlation between public debt and GDP at both short- and long-term frequencies, though there was no notable connection in the medium term. The causality analysis suggests a possibility of bidirectional causality between GDP and public debt in both the short and medium term. Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic had minimal impact on this relationship when comparing the pre-pandemic and during-pandemic periods. The only observed coherence (negative) between monetary policy and GDP occurred between 2000 and 2003, at low and medium frequencies. The WMCC results depicted that no variable was seen to lead or lag during the pandemic period however, GDP (exchange rate) reacted to shocks first (last) in the short run (long run) prior to the pandemic. The result of this research is crucial for policy implementation. The GDP-public debt negative nexus offers strong evidence for the government to make determined efforts to reduce external borrowing. The positive coherence of exchange rates and the public debt offers a strong incentive to the monetary authorities to make determined efforts to stop the rapid rise of exchange rates.