- Dept. of Construction Economics and Management,University of Cape Town,Rondebosch, 7701,South Africa
- +27-21-650-2049
- Project Management, Building Materials, Construction Management, Sustainability, Strategic Management, Business Management, and 12 moreConstruction Industry, Business, Management, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, Construction Project Management, Construction Technology, Building Technology, Building Services (Architecture), Risk Management, Project Risk Management, and Contractor Developmentedit
- Abimbola Windapo is a Professor of Construction Management, at the University of Cape Town, with more than 34 years o... moreAbimbola Windapo is a Professor of Construction Management, at the University of Cape Town, with more than 34 years of experience in practice, teaching, and research in the construction industry. She is a C2 rated researcher with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and a Professional Construction Project Manager and Mentor registered with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and Registered with the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON). She is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building. Her research is interdisciplinary and focuses on construction industry development, construction business and project management, infrastructure delivery management, practices and performance. She is the University of Cape Town Spoke contact for the ARUA Centre for Unemployment and Skills Development and the Urbanization and Habitable Cities in Africa. She is also the Editor of, Journal of Construction Business and Management (JCBM) (http://journals.uct.ac.za/index.php/jcbm/index). She is a Distinguished Associate of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the recipient of several awards, including the prestigious NSTF-South32 Engineering Research Capacity Development “Science Oscars” and the Best woman in African Construction 2021 Award.edit
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Poor safety culture is a systemic issue for construction workers in Nigeria. Evidence suggests workers’ rights to safe work and dignity are abused frequently. Although extant Nigerian laws compel contractors to maximise work safety, media... more
Poor safety culture is a systemic issue for construction workers in Nigeria. Evidence suggests workers’ rights to safe work and dignity are abused frequently. Although extant Nigerian laws compel contractors to maximise work safety, media reports are rife with incidents of collapse of structures, site accidents and hazards. Fatalities, and consequential losses from these, are significant. In context, the Nigerian procurement law requires contractors to be pre-qualified before receiving contract awards. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), this study examines pre-award assessment processes and standards relating to contractors’ compliance with workers’ health and safety. In addition, pre-award assessment objectives are compared with normative objectives of health and safety standards during construction. A significant gap is found between the two: pre-award assessment is incapable of translating into considerable safety outcomes for workers and projects. As a result, a new framework for assessing contractors’ safety capability is proposed. The study also argues the significance of the proposed framework to extant pre-qualification frameworks used in Nigeria. Rather than being prescriptive, the framework can measure health and safety capabilities quantitatively. Conclusions are elicited from these on how to reform the Nigerian procurement landscape in terms of health and safety standards, and the cost benefits therefrom.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine green building legislation requirements and practices in the construction project execution stage within the context of the South African construction industry. The rationale for this... more
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine green building legislation requirements and practices in the construction project execution stage within the context of the South African construction industry. The rationale for this examination rests with the perception that the implementation of green practices (per se) has been recognised as being “behind” the legislation enacted to control the design and construction of green buildings. Design/methodology/approach – The research process consisted of a literature review to identify existing green building legislation and practices applicable to the project execution phase. This was supported by a sequential mixed-method research approach, which involved a survey of contracting companies based in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to undertake focused interviews with management staff and site operatives. Findings – Research findings established a number of issues, not least: a gap between green building practices and legislation requirements; a high degree of unawareness of green building legislation/practices by construction company stakeholders; selective implementation of health and safety legislative requirements; that management staff had a more “positive” attitude to green building practices than site-based staff who tended to be less motivated and open to such practices. Research limitations/implications – Results from this study are considered generalisable with the sample frame only. Research inference and projections should therefore only be made within this set, and not to the wider population of South African contractors (as this study was limited to the Western Cape Province). Practical implications – Implications from this research are applicable to construction company stakeholders within the population set. Practical considerations include the need to acknowledge a formal commitment to developing a sustainable built environment – especially cognisant of the gap between practices on site and green building legislation requirements. Moreover, this lack of awareness in respect of green building practices and legislation requirements impinges upon several wider areas, not least: construction company stakeholders’ positioning, health and safety practices; managerial and operational staff perceptions, and stakeholders’ willingness and motivation to proactively address these gaps. Social implications – Government bodies and allied professionals in charge of construction industry development are encouraged to consider the implementation of green building legislation requirements on construction sites. This reflection should encourage engagement through formative legislative provision and transparent awareness campaigns. Originality/value – This work is original insofar as it directly addresses the alignment of legislation to current practices within the context of the South African construction industry. However, similar exercises have been undertaken on green building legislation in other countries such as USA, UK and Australia.
Research Interests: Engineering, Environmental Management, Construction, Legislation, Green, and 4 moreAttitudes, K, L, and Sustainability
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Purpose This paper aims to examine briefing practices and whether these are related to the quality of brief documents and client satisfaction in constructed health-care facilities in South Africa. The rational for the examination stems... more
Purpose This paper aims to examine briefing practices and whether these are related to the quality of brief documents and client satisfaction in constructed health-care facilities in South Africa. The rational for the examination stems from the view held by scholars that the briefing process is critical to the success of projects, as well as client/user satisfaction in the constructed facility, and also because of undocumented reports of client/end-user dissatisfaction in constructed health-care facilities in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The research process consisted of a literature review to identify existing briefing framework and practices in use applicable to facilities. This was supported by an exploratory case study of a recently completed public hospital in East London, South Africa. Data collection for the study was undertaken by means of conducting semi-structured interviews with two groups consisting of client representatives and the technical design team on the project. Findings The research established that in the context of this case study, inadequate client consultation took place, not all design consultants were adequately involved in the development of the project brief, limited use was made of a specific briefing framework in developing the project brief and that despite these shortcomings in the briefing process followed, a comprehensive good quality briefing document was produced and the client was satisfied with the health-care facility constructed. Research limitations/implications The results of this study are generalizable with health-care facilities only. As such, research inferences and projections can only be made within this set and may not necessarily be applicable to the wider construction sector or to all projects within this sector. Practical implications The implications of this research are applicable to constructed health-care facilities. Practical inferences include the need to acknowledge that there is a need for a briefing framework, which should outline the involvement of all design consultants and client representatives when developing the project briefs for health-care facilities. The briefing framework is proposed for use in addressing the shortcomings in the briefing processes and practices and will also help the client in the choice of a brief process and practice which will comprehensively capture their requirements, give clear directives/information to the design consultants and will result in higher levels of end-user/patient satisfaction in the constructed health-care facility. Social implications Clients and allied professionals in charge of health-care facilities’ construction are encouraged to consider the implementation of a standard framework for use in the briefing process. This reflection should encourage engagement through formative legislative provision and transparent awareness campaigns. Originality/value This work is original insofar, as it directly addresses the alignment of briefing practices to quality of brief documents and client satisfaction in constructed health-care facilities within the context of the South African construction industry. However, similar exercises have been undertaken on briefing practices in the wider construction sector.
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PurposeThe poor quality of design documentation has been identified as a significant contributor to delays, rework and cost overruns on construction projects in South Africa. Despite this, limited research has been undertaken to... more
PurposeThe poor quality of design documentation has been identified as a significant contributor to delays, rework and cost overruns on construction projects in South Africa. Despite this, limited research has been undertaken to specifically investigate the quality of design documentation. This in turn hampers efforts aimed at improving the quality of the design documents. The aim of this study is to identify the key quality attributes of design documentation and determine the extent to which the design documents issued on South African construction projects are perceived to incorporate the quality attributes.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was distributed among civil engineering design consultants and contractors in the South African construction industry. Responses to a total of 120 completed questionnaires were statistically analysed. The relative importance and extent of incorporation of the quality attributes was determined based on the mean scores.FindingsIt emerged from the study that the two key quality attributes of design documentation were legibility and coordinated design documentation. Attributes with the least importance were relevancy and certainty. Regarding the incorporation of the quality attributes, the design documents were rated highly with respect to their legibility and clarity. The quality of the documentation was deemed inadequate in terms of accuracy and certainty.Practical implicationsThe findings provide valuable insight to stakeholders involved in developing initiatives aimed at improving the quality of design documentation and as a result construction project performance.Originality/valueThe study provides empirical evidence and extends the literature on design documentation quality especially from the perspective of South Africa, a developing country.
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PurposePrevious studies have postulated that an advance payment system (APS) positively impacts the contractor's working capital and is paramount to ensuring an efficient and effective project cash flow process. However, scant... more
PurposePrevious studies have postulated that an advance payment system (APS) positively impacts the contractor's working capital and is paramount to ensuring an efficient and effective project cash flow process. However, scant research has been undertaken to empirically establish the cash flow performance and domino effect of APS on project and organisational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe epistemological design adopted a positivist philosophical stance augmented by deductive reasoning to explore the phenomena under investigation. Primary quantitative data were collected from 504 Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registered contractors (within the grade bandings 1–9) in South Africa. A five-point Likert scale was utilised, and subsequent data accrued were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsEmergent findings reveal that the mandatory use of an APS does not guarantee a positive project cash flow, an improvement in organisational per...
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The performance of labour is one of the factors that contribute to the success of the construction project. Labour productivity alone has been ascribed the sole measure of poor project performance without an examination of factors giving... more
The performance of labour is one of the factors that contribute to the success of the construction project. Labour productivity alone has been ascribed the sole measure of poor project performance without an examination of factors giving rise to this claim. Furthermore, there is limited research that examines the primary factors affecting labour productivity in the context of South African construction industry. This study examines the contextual factors affecting labour productivity on construction projects and whether there are key factors that impact on labour productivity on construction projects. The aim of this study will be achieved through a review of literature pertinent to contextual factors impacting labour productivity on construction projects. Additionally, a distribution of a questionnaire survey to construction companies listed on the cidb Register of Contractors in the grades 2–6. It emerged from the study of extant literature that delays in delivery of material, inspection delays from engineers, change orders from designers/consultants, lack of experience amongst workers and mismanagement of resources on site, critically and negatively impact on labour productivity on construction projects. This examination of contextual factors that affect labour productivity provides necessary information for use by construction organisations in implementing measures to properly address issues pertaining to poor labour productivity on construction projects. Based on these findings, the study recommends that construction organisations create a database that clusters contextual factors per region/location of the project. This is to ensure that the critical factors such as inadequate supervision and remuneration disputes that impact on the performance of labour are addressed, while those that are out of the organisation’s control such as shortage of materials and industrial action are planned for at the pre-construction phase of the project. Further studies that investigate the contextual factors impacting on labour productivity, using empirical data is recommended.
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Research Interests: Business, Engineering, Publishing, Construction Management, Risk, and 15 moreRisk Management, Cost Estimation, Accident, Academic research, Audit, Cost, Regulations, Construction Health and Safety, Commissioning, Occupational Safety and Health, Health and Safety, Cost Benefit Analysis, Statutory law, Accident analysis, and Health and Safety Regulations
Purpose Construction companies require meticulous and thorough financial planning to ensure business survival in an increasingly competitive global market. Past studies assert that cash flow management is also crucial to meeting project... more
Purpose Construction companies require meticulous and thorough financial planning to ensure business survival in an increasingly competitive global market. Past studies assert that cash flow management is also crucial to meeting project and organisational performance expectations. However, the link between an advance payment system (APS), cash flow and project performance has hitherto received scant academic attention. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the attributes and impact of APS on cash flow, project and organisational performance. This study surveyed all registered contractors listed in Grades 1–9 on the Construction Industry Development Board Register of Contractors in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted an empirical epistemological design and deductive reasoning to analyse primary data collated via a questionnaire data collection instrument. Summary statistical and regression analysis were used to explore data garnered. Findings This study found that key significant attributes of APS in South Africa were payment of balance to the contractor upon project delivery; advance payment to contractors before the commencement of the work; and payment to contractors as agreed. This study proffers that project performance in terms of cost, time and quality performance is highly and positively supported by APS. Moreover, APS positively supports the efficiency, competitiveness and profitability of construction organisations. Cumulatively, these findings confirm that APS attributes in South Africa conforms to the global attributes of APS. The research concludes that client use of APS on projects improves the likelihood of attaining improved quality and time performance. This paper concludes with a recommendation that both public and private clients consider the option of an APS as the ideal payment system to support project and organisational performance. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work constitutes the first attempt to explore the linkages between an APS, cash flow and project performance in South Africa and seeks to engender wider polemic debate and further discussion among industry stakeholders.
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Occupational health and safety (OHS) laws are not always abreast of their times in developing countries. Thus, complying with OHS laws might be considered to be pedantic and superficial by contractors. In addition to meeting legislative... more
Occupational health and safety (OHS) laws are not always abreast of their times in developing countries. Thus, complying with OHS laws might be considered to be pedantic and superficial by contractors. In addition to meeting legislative requirements, evidence suggests South African contractors also self-regulate, and this further affects their health and safety performance beyond the remit of legislative guidelines. However, what do a commitment to self-regulation and the transition between self-regulation and compliance with OHS regulations entail in a typical construction company in South Africa? In this study the various levels of self-regulation and compliance to OHS legislative requirements in South Africa have been examined and how these affect the number of accidents on construction sites. The aim of this chapter is to answer the research question using a 20-item scale to develop a conceptual framework that helps to explain the relationship between contractors’ commitment to a work-safety culture, self-regulation and accident frequency rates (AFRs). From the study, it was found that there is a high level of self-regulation ranging from 65% to 97%, and an average AFR of 1.02 accidents per 100,000 hours in South Africa. It also emerged that there is a significant, negative, linear relationship between the level of contractor self-regulation and AFR. It is concluded that the more contractors self-regulate, the lower their AFR. It is recommended that public and private sector clients encourage the use of voluntary self-regulation towards strengthening contracting organisations’ ability to prevent accidents on construction sites.
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The cidb Act mandates the cidb to support human resource development in the construction industry by establishing best practices and advising organs of the state on human resource development in relation to the construction industry. To... more
The cidb Act mandates the cidb to support human resource development in the construction industry by establishing best practices and advising organs of the state on human resource development in relation to the construction industry. To achieve this, the cidb has since 2004 been collaborating with universities that offer construction management related qualifications to host a successful postgraduate conference series. The cidb is pleased to welcome you to this 9th edition of the cidb Postgraduate Conference hosted by the Department of Construction Economics and Management of the University of Cape Town, in partnership with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. It is my belief that you will enjoy the conference that comes at a very critical time in our transformation journey as an industry. The main theme of this conference is: Emerging trends in construction organisational practices and project management knowledge areas. These have a direct bearing on the transformation journey of the country as we grapple with how best to create a just, fair and inclusive society where all are equally valued for their contributions, to the nation building project. I sincerely hope that as you debate the emerging trends in construction organisational practices, you will pay special attention to issues of transformation of the industry as well as your roles as academics. The cidb encourages all participants to work together collectively to transform this industry.
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The resource material presents an overview of the structure of the construction industry, classification of the building as a system incorporating different parts, preliminary steps to procuring a building project, an overview of... more
The resource material presents an overview of the structure of the construction industry, classification of the building as a system incorporating different parts, preliminary steps to procuring a building project, an overview of regulations used in the construction industry, and initial stages of building construction and site operations. The document is a useful material for teaching and learning the techniques of construction. It enables the teacher to access activities in words and figures essential to the transfer of construction techniques. The pictures and figures presented will also make it easier for a student of construction to understand and apply these techniques
Research Interests: Computer Science, Construction, Development, Planning, Text, and 3 moreBuilding, Regulations, and Site
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Purpose of this paper Career advancement and entrepreneurship abilities are key indicators of a successful mentorship programme for women in the construction industry. This research examines the impact of mentor attitude on the... more
Purpose of this paper
Career advancement and entrepreneurship abilities are key indicators of a successful mentorship programme for women in the construction industry. This research examines the impact of mentor attitude on the successful mentorship of women in the South African construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey study approach was adopted, and a purposive sampling technique was used to select female mentees and mentor construction professionals and workers from 9 provinces in South Africa. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data collected.
Findings and value
It was revealed that most female mentees and mentors perceived that mentors are friendly, approachable and patient and that this attitude has contributed to the career development of female mentees.
Research limitations/implications
Female mentees and mentors were selected individually to participate in the study. However, participants who were in matching mentor-mentee relationships would have had improved results.
Originality/value of paper
The study provides evidence that the attitude of mentors impacts women's mentorship.
Conclusions: The study concludes that a positive attitude shown by mentors to mentees would result in a successful mentorship process, which improves the chances of women being promoted into managerial positions and increases the number of women who venture into construction business. The paper recommends that construction companies and professional bodies should design specific mentorship programmes to meet female mentee requirements.
Career advancement and entrepreneurship abilities are key indicators of a successful mentorship programme for women in the construction industry. This research examines the impact of mentor attitude on the successful mentorship of women in the South African construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey study approach was adopted, and a purposive sampling technique was used to select female mentees and mentor construction professionals and workers from 9 provinces in South Africa. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data collected.
Findings and value
It was revealed that most female mentees and mentors perceived that mentors are friendly, approachable and patient and that this attitude has contributed to the career development of female mentees.
Research limitations/implications
Female mentees and mentors were selected individually to participate in the study. However, participants who were in matching mentor-mentee relationships would have had improved results.
Originality/value of paper
The study provides evidence that the attitude of mentors impacts women's mentorship.
Conclusions: The study concludes that a positive attitude shown by mentors to mentees would result in a successful mentorship process, which improves the chances of women being promoted into managerial positions and increases the number of women who venture into construction business. The paper recommends that construction companies and professional bodies should design specific mentorship programmes to meet female mentee requirements.
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The accuracy of any projections depends on the comprehensiveness of the report and the ability to gather appropriate data for the study. Inaccurate portrayals of any study will misguide the investor and result in project failure and loss... more
The accuracy of any projections depends on the comprehensiveness of the report and the ability to gather appropriate data for the study. Inaccurate portrayals of any study will misguide the investor and result in project failure and loss of resources. Due to the current depressed state of the South African Economy, the construction industry’s value fell sharply and there was significant job loss. To help economic recovery, the South African government announced a ten-year infrastructure investment plan in housing among other sectors. The considerable deficit in infrastructure and housing in South Africa means that changes in building costs are important because of the implications of changes to affordability. This paper examines the trends in building costs in South Africa over five years and reconciles these indicators with other key socio-economic factors. The study analysed the indicators of Building Cost in the Medium-Term Forecasting Associates (MFA), Department Trade and Industry (DTi), and StatsSA database using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings suggest a positive correlation between population growth, unemployment, poverty, and the growth in building costs. While it can be inferred that inflation and corruption have a negative impact on growth in building cost. The study recommends that investors should plan ahead and make projections on population, unemployment, and poverty to avoid project failure and loss of resources due to increased building costs.
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This examination looks at the properties and advantages of clay use as building material that improves natural assurance. The reasoning for this assessment originates from the perspectives held by researchers that clay earth blocks are... more
This examination looks at the properties and advantages of clay use as building material that improves natural assurance. The reasoning for this assessment originates from the perspectives held by researchers that clay earth blocks are more liked as supportable structure materials; nonetheless, there is restricted examination into whether the decision of mud materials is impacted simply by its natural advantages. To accomplish the particular exploration targets a blended examination strategy was utilized. The techniques adopted incorporate writing audit, subjective (inquiries questions) and quantitative (poll questionnaire) research strategies, including the review of the chose building and common development firms in Katsina, Kano and Kaduna provinces of Nigeria. The exploration information gathered dependent on the financial, social and ecological properties of clay earth and its advantages in natural properties was examined utilizing unmistakable factual strategies. The examinati...
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PurposeGiven the complexities in improving safety in the construction industry globally, which is exacerbated by the complex safety environment in developing countries (DCs), prevention through design (PtD) has been established to improve... more
PurposeGiven the complexities in improving safety in the construction industry globally, which is exacerbated by the complex safety environment in developing countries (DCs), prevention through design (PtD) has been established to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) where applied. However, it has received very little attention in DCs and the extant literature with limitations. Using Nigeria as a case study, the current study advances the understanding of PtD in DCs by investigating the critical barriers to PtD and other potential OSH responsibilities of designers in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachTwenty-eight semi-structured interviews and e-interviews of architects, builders and civil engineers in Nigeria were analysed using the six-phase thematic analysis. To improve the trustworthiness of the research, triangulation, peer-debriefing, refining the interview protocol and thick detailed description were done.FindingsThe study's findings question th...
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The construction industry has generally been labelled as rigid and slow in its response to change. This is not unconnected with certain features of construction products such as their project-based nature, multiple-stakeholders and... more
The construction industry has generally been labelled as rigid and slow in its response to change. This is not unconnected with certain features of construction products such as their project-based nature, multiple-stakeholders and professionals, and lengthy processes involved in the construction supply chain. The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) presents another moment of change in the global business arena and is dynamically influencing different organisations and their strategic positioning. There is evidence that leadership drives the change agenda. However, scholars also suggest that construction business leaders are unhurried in their pace, strategic decisions and flexibility. This study employed a systematic literature review in identifying the leadership traits, style and intelligence required for construction leaders to lead effectively in the 4IR. The leadership framework developed gives an indication as to the practical implications of 4IR for construction business leaders and concludes that a combination of factors will lead to leadership effectiveness and high levels of 4IR implementation.
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Women possess skills and competencies that makes them relevant and gives them the capacity to fill in the skills shortage gap experienced in the construction industry. However, their participation in the industry is low especially in... more
Women possess skills and competencies that makes them relevant and gives them the capacity to fill in the skills shortage gap experienced in the construction industry. However, their participation in the industry is low especially in professional roles as they face difficulties affecting their recruitment and retention. Moreover, studies on women as professionals within the industry is scant. The participation of women Quantity Surveyors within the construction industry was explored. The study adopted a quantitative approach with structured questionnaire used to gather information from registered women Quantity Surveyors in the country. The data collected was analysed using the percentage and mean methods of descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that a high percentage of the women Quantity Surveyors studied are practising Quantity Surveyors who have worked on construction sites. However, women Quantity Surveyors still experience gender discrimination during recruitment. In order to overcome the myriads of difficulties faced, women take up jobs in firms with flexible work schedule rather than jobs in firms with rigid/hectic schedule. The study recommends that the government and Quantity Surveying bodies promulgate and enforce laws to mitigate gender discrimination during recruitment in both private and public organisations. The findings of this study provide insight into the participation of professional women; and will assist the professional bodies and researchers in the construction industry in exploring measures and policies that encourage women participation in the industry.