Mega construction projects in South Africa: critical complexity
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Date
2019
Authors
Mashegoana, Gcobisa
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Abstract
Mega construction projects (MCPs) represent one of the strategic options towards achieving
sustainable development objectives in countries at different levels of development; the
MCP’s success is reported to be significantly lower in developing countries than in those with
more mature economies. South Africa is not immune from this as recent projects have
shown. Statistics of challenged and failed mega projects testify that the impact of cultural
complexities on mega project implementation over the years has become a talking point that
needs a deeper understanding. This is pertinent with mega projects as strategic alliances
exacerbate culture and national cultural differences which would require more harmonising
to effect utmost success.
The possibility of cultural disruptions in implementing Mega Construction Projects (MCPs) in
South Africa using Medupi and Kusile coal plant projects as cases for this study was
explored with the intention of enlightening project stakeholders in order to assist developing
countries achieve their sustainable development objectives and overcome the challenges
that hinder the successful development of MCPs. Questionnaires and interviews were held
with implementing agencies and key personnel and permission was sought to peruse
through relevant documents. Analysis of the qualitative data was performed using content
analysis and thematic analysis of transcribed interviews. Based on the findings, the study
results reveal that there are cultural disruptions that can be found in implementing mega
construction projects, ignoring and mismanaging these cultural differences could lead to
massive project delays
Description
Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Construction Project Management
to the School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witwatersrand.
August 2019