Factors and Strategies for Improving Construction Management on Sites in Mega-Projects in South Africa: An Explorative Survey

Abstract

Mega-projects, particularly for the development of infrastructure, are being undertaken increasingly in many developing countries. Mega-projects are highly complex and involve significant construction activities. However, mega-projects in Africa face critical challenges of delay and cost overruns because of their nature and the complexities involved. Therefore, using the context of mega-projects in South Africa and stakeholders’ perceptions, the factors that influence construction, and strategies that would alleviate the challenges and improve construction management at sites were examined in this study. Factor analysis and ordinal regression modelling were used to analyse data obtained from a survey conducted among stakeholders. Findings suggested that five principal components and associated factors, including stakeholders, plant and machinery, productivity, workforce and materials, significantly affect construction during mega-projects. Further, eight strategies that are aligned to stakeholder engagement, plants and machinery, productivity, human resources and materials are likely to improve construction management at sites of mega-projects in South Africa. The four most important strategies include making the availability of competent personnel for plant and machinery operation and maintenance, effective supervision and monitoring, the adoption of appropriate stakeholder engagement methods and ensuring transparent and effective engagement, and the implementation of an advanced and effective communication system. Further strategies, such as the identification of stakeholders and common goals and procurement and use of advanced and quality plant and machinery, including the use of robotics and automation, could improve construction at sites. Similarly, strategies such as ensuring availability of adequate and quality material, and management of the site for effective accessibility and operation, although likely to have lesser influence, could also improve construction at sites of mega-projects.

Evaluating the impact of internet communication quality in human resource management on the productivity of construction projects

“…The study shows that HRM practices are mostly concerned with gaining value through increased skills, and productivity. Regarding productivity, studies discussing the basic factors for increasing production have been published previously [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] ]. To improve productivity in construction project delivery, key factors such as project planning, productivity measurement, avoidance of construction site congestion, motivation of workforce, and good communication should be considered, Additionally, effective work-based training components can help quantify the variations in the performance and productivity levels of labor in building construction projects [ 12 ].…”

Relationship between Management Challenges and Construction Project Sizes Using Fuzzy AHP

“…Interpersonal Factors Stakeholder engagement was found to have the biggest impact on the delivery of large projects [3]. This significance originates from the numerous stakeholders involved, including clients, consultants, designers, safety officers, supervisors, administrators, material suppliers, machinery and plant operators, contractors, project managers, and construction workers.…”

“…This significance originates from the numerous stakeholders involved, including clients, consultants, designers, safety officers, supervisors, administrators, material suppliers, machinery and plant operators, contractors, project managers, and construction workers. As a project grows, managers struggle to maintain effective communication between stakeholders in a responsive and transparent engagement [3].…”

What is Next for Africa’s Youthful and Useful Population? STREAM Education for Global Inclusivity

“…Previous paragraphs in this manuscript have outlined government efforts in driving STREAM education in the advanced worlds, which ultimately reflect in the economies of such societies. The global focus on technology in recent times is automation and robotics and their education (Aiyetan & Das, 2022;Akinradewo et al, 2021;Ayentimi & Burgess, 2019). As reported in the study of Llale et al (2019), automation and robotics in the construction industry are a necessity for the fact that modern architecture requires technicality only technology can resolve with little or no casualty.…”