Factors constraining successful building project implementation in South Africa

Abstract

The prevalence of client dissatisfaction in the South African building industry is a consequence of non-achievement of set project objectives due to identifiable constraints. The paper presents the results of investigations into the nature, magnitudes and frequencies of occurrence of these constraints. The descriptive survey method was used with qualitative data gathering through semi-structured interviews, and quantitative data gathering using structured questionnaires. Multi-attribute methods and rank correlation tests were used in the data analyses. A set of consultants' and contractors' acts of omission or commission is shown as the most influential and most frequently occurring factor constraining successful project delivery in the South African building industry. The controllable factors account for 67% of the perceived discrepancies between expected and actual outcomes of project development. An Influence-Frequency matrix was developed and applied as a conceptual framework for establishing the risk levels of the identified project constraints. The application of this framework is recommended as an effective approach to risk analysis and risk response development in project management.Development constraints, Influence-Frequency matrix, project management, project success criteria, risk management,

On-site Labour Productivity of New Zealand Construction Industry: Key Constraints and Improvement Measures

“…This approach was recommended in past studies (Mbachu and Nkado, 2007;Chang and Ive, 2002) as the appropriate analytical approach to group ratings of the variables in a given set. The analysis involved the computation of the Mean Rating (MR), which is the average or representative rating point for the collective ratings made for each variable in the subset.…”

“…The analysis involved the computation of the Mean Rating (MR), which is the average or representative rating point for the collective ratings made for each variable in the subset. Equation 2 shows the computation for the MR as provided by Mbachu and Nkado (2007).…”

“…For instance, Wilkinson and Scofield (2010) identify the choice of procurement system as having significant impact on the achievement of time, cost and quality targets for a project. Mbachu and Nkado (2007) identify factors relating to the acts or omission of the key role players including clients, consultants and contractors, as well as project characteristics and external factors. The Egan (1998) Report, though focused on house building, points to several constraints including processes and overuse of materials, poor management of relationships and the workforce, unambitious targets and ineffective measurement of performance as some of the productivity constraints.…”

Factors Affecting the Performance of Construction Projects in the Gaza Strip

“…Hanson et al (2003) examined causes of client dissatisfaction in the South African building industry and found that conflict, poor workmanship and incompetence of contractors to be among the factors which would negatively impact on project performance. Mbachu and Nkando (2007) established that quality and attitude to service is one of the key factors constraining successful project delivery in South Africa. The performance of contractors in Zambia is apparently below expectation; it is not uncommon to learn of local projects that have not been completed or significantly delayed.…”

Critical Factors Inhibiting Performance of Small- and Medium-Scale Contractors in Sub-Saharan Region: A Case for Malawi

“…Other research studies conducted in the region were aimed at determining solutions to a single contemporary challenge [8,9]. Many of the research studies that have been conducted in the sub-Saharan region were not necessarily on SMCs and generally were not specific to construction business areas such as buildings [10][11][12][13][14]. The need to get abreast of the constraints to the delivery of projects cannot, therefore, be overemphasised.…”