Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation, 2020
This article aims to outline how to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for on sites use in So... more This article aims to outline how to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for on sites use in South African construction. The use of UAVs is gaining traction in the construction industry, where cyber-physical systems are promoting digital-to physical transformation. Among others, UAVs help assures the safety of people in construction. For instance, they are controlled remotely while moving faster than humans into inaccessible, hard-to-reach, and unsafe areas of job sites. They can be equipped with various types of sensors to transfer valuable data to safety managers and assist with onsite safety monitoring. Based on realised gains and the need to motivate its use, this article uses presents a schema that could help managers deploy UAVs on construction sites for safety performance purposes. The literature-based report utilised the keywords unmanned aerial vehicles and safety in construction to search the relevant database. The findings reveal that the critical hazards on constructio...
Irrespective of all the efforts made by the Department of Labour (DoL) and other relevant stakeho... more Irrespective of all the efforts made by the Department of Labour (DoL) and other relevant stakeholders to improve construction occupational health and safety (OHS a reduction in the cost of workers’ compensation insurance; alleviation of fatalities, injuries, pain and suffering, and a reduction in the indirect CoA to society and the national health care system. The salient findings of the study are presented and elucidate that the DoL OH&S Inspectorate is not effective in terms of OH&S relative to the construction industry in South Africa. Conclusions and recommendations included reinforce the need for a reviewed OH&S Inspectorate model framework. The findings of the study with recommendations are included.
The management of infrastructure programmes has been challenged with poor performance in South Af... more The management of infrastructure programmes has been challenged with poor performance in South Africa. The implementation of road projects through Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) programmes by provincial Department of Public Works (DPW) is not an exception. To understand the performance challenges and proffer suggestions, a research study with the overall aim of identifying remedial actions that can mitigate the challenges in the programme was conducted. This research reports on the detrimental effects of planning and management issues experienced in the programme. The exploratory sequential research design method, which allows the collected qualitative data to build into the quantitative data for a broad interpretation of the findings, provides insights from the study. Analysis of the statistical and textual data points to rigid bureaucratic processes as the major cause of the CAPEX programme dilemma. Inadequate planning and insufficient in-house capacity also contributed to the proble...
Construction in developing economies is now a vital sector that contributes more than a marginal ... more Construction in developing economies is now a vital sector that contributes more than a marginal growth to the economic emancipations of countries in sub-Sahara Africa, South America and Asia. The upswing in construction activities tends to increase the number of actors that must make decisions, which determine project outcomes. Thus, astute decisions are critically important for project success. This paper addresses how lean supply chain decisions engender project value in the sector. Qualitative approach in the form of “structured literature review” led to the primary data that were generated. Using lean ‘general management’ and ‘construction management’ as the subject area, supply chain decisions were examined in the literature. The increased number of stakeholders, especially at the operational phase of project execution necessitates the negotiation of improved collaborative working within the supply chain. The interfaces between suppliers, subcontractors and contractors imply t...
Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction, 2014
The fragmented state of the construction industry is a global phenomenon visible in South African... more The fragmented state of the construction industry is a global phenomenon visible in South African construction. The number of parties to a construction project has been on the upward trend in recent times. This increase in the number of members of a typical construction supply chain is invariably accompanied by an increase in management complexity. To counter the pitfalls of such complexities, the discipline has witnessed the proliferation of supply chain management (SCM) concepts of which integration is a notable aspect. Based on a succinct conceptual framework that was derived from the construction SCM literature, this paper reports on barriers to supply chain integration. A questionnaire was distributed among the participants of two South African projects. The responses indicate that lack of integration is partly responsible for performance-related failures in the form of rework and defects. Moreover, poor payment mechanisms between contractors, their subcontractors, and supplier...
Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction, 2015
This study advocates the integration of sustainability into undergraduate construction management... more This study advocates the integration of sustainability into undergraduate construction management programs in South Africa. Sustainability with the color ‘Green’ is presently reshaping the built environment and construction professionals are challenged to implement ‘Green Building’, ‘Green Construction’, and ‘Green Infrastructure’ within the context of a ‘Green Economy’. Likewise, academia is faced with the expected challenge of adding these trends and topics to existing curricula so as to produce graduates that will address these trends. A review of existing construction management programs in South Africa shows a major gap that must be closed in order to evolve a standardized ‘Green’ curriculum that will enable students to integrate knowledge gained into future jobs. To close the gaps, the current trend among schools affiliated with the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) has been used to recommend curriculum renewal that would provide the industry with benefits of sustainabi...
Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction, 2015
This study explores the 'holy grail' of health and safety (H&S)-zero fatalities, injuries... more This study explores the 'holy grail' of health and safety (H&S)-zero fatalities, injuries, and disease! Although, the logic of pursuing such a goal is obvious there are many 'non-believers' in the sense that they do not believe it is achievable. However, the literature indicates that such a goal is an integral part of H&S culture and is complementary to the vision of fatality, injury, and disease free construction. Furthermore, it is the only 'transparent' goal. A study conducted among ‘better practice H&S’ general contractors (GCs) determined the following: subscription to such a goal is an integral part of H&S culture, and a pre-requisite for optimum H&S performance; such a goal is achievable, and there are a range of complementary interventions such as optimum resourcing of H&S, management commitment, participation, and involvement, and optimum H&S training. Conclusions and recommendations include: optimum H&S and the achievement of zero fatalities, injuri...
Proceedings of the Creative Construction Conference 2019, 2019
The high volume of traffic to the Holy City of Moria during the Easter weekend could be graphical... more The high volume of traffic to the Holy City of Moria during the Easter weekend could be graphically described as taxing to both the motorists and pilgrims. The rationale for the study was to understand, investigate, analyse and describe the role of the Polokwane Local Municipality (PLM) in the planning and the execution of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Easter weekend pilgrimage with a view to reducing vehicular traffic. The PLM is home to the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), that hosts one of the biggest mass gathering event on the African continent, but researchers and the media have paid little or no attention to this pilgrimage which attracts more than 15 million pilgrims during the Easter weekend. It is notable that a mass gathering is an event attended by enough people to strain the planning and response resources of a community, state or nation. The researchers adopted an action research strategy with the view to carving out a lasting solution to the management of the high volume of vehicular traffic during the Easter weekend pilgrimage. Judgemental or purposive sampling was chosen over other available sampling methods due to the few experienced municipality employees who work closely with the church in the planning of the pilgrimage. Eight themes emerged during the interaction between the researchers and the municipality. The study graphically showed that there was a lack of synergy between the ZCC and the municipality in the execution of the pilgrimage. The research findings suggested that; traffic congestion was attributable to a vehicular-centric approach to transport planning in South Africa. The heavy reliance on vehicular transportation by South Africans is a cause of road accidents. The study recommended an introduction of a pilgrim train for the church with a view to reducing vehicular traffic congestion during the Easter weekend pilgrimage for the collective good of both the motorists and the pilgrims. Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2019.
The relevance of managing technology to architectural practices in South African construction can... more The relevance of managing technology to architectural practices in South African construction cannot be overemphasised. As major stakeholders in the construction industry with particular significant contributions in the property sector, practising architects cannot afford not to exploit old technologies, and embrace new technologies with a view to improving their business and competitiveness.
Proceedings of the 2015 (6th) International Conference on Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 2015
Workers are major stakeholders in the construction industry generally considered to be dangerous.... more Workers are major stakeholders in the construction industry generally considered to be dangerous. Their health and safety (H&S) should thus be a priority. One of many hazards, construction noise, when excessive, can result in polluting a neighbourhood, lead to workers experiencing stress and / or experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and subsequently marginalise their performance. Two descriptive surveys were conducted among members of the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) in the Eastern Cape, and the national members of the Association of Construction Health and Safety Management (ACHASM). The salient findings include: noise above the noise-rating limit is frequently generated on construction sites; construction noise can lead to workers experiencing NIHL and stress; workers do not always wear the suitable hearing protection, and construction noise can pollute a neighbourhood.
Construction Project Manager Health and Safety Interventions Towards Improving Workers’ Performance
Optimum worker performance is required to achieve project delivery within project parameters. How... more Optimum worker performance is required to achieve project delivery within project parameters. However, construction workers are regularly exposed to hazards, involved in accidents, their productivity is poor, they suffer from ill health, suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and contractors lack resources to allocate towards HS inadequate HS poor constructability is relevant to HS provision and maintenance of welfare facilities are inadequate and affect workers’ performance, and projects do not benefit from adequate financial provision for H&S. It is concluded that CPMs do not effectively integrate H&S into projects, they can influence workers’ health and well-being and performance indirectly, and they can enhance their H&S interventions towards improving workers’ performance.
In most cases, the motivation for health and safety (HS and H&S should be promoted on the basis o... more In most cases, the motivation for health and safety (HS and H&S should be promoted on the basis of its role in overall project performance, as opposed to the need to comply with legislation.
Creative Construction Conference 2018 - Proceedings, 2018
Relative to other industries worldwide, the construction process generates a disproportionate num... more Relative to other industries worldwide, the construction process generates a disproportionate number of fatalities, injuries, and disease, and both the direct and indirect costs contribute to the cumulative cost of construction. Designers influence construction ergonomics directly and indirectly. The direct influence is because of design, details and method of fixing, and depending upon the type of procurement system, supervisory and administrative interventions. The indirect influence is because of the type of procurement system used, pre-qualification, project duration, partnering, and the facilitating of pre-planning. The purpose of the paper is to present the results of a study conducted among designers in Slovenia using a self-administered questionnaire, to determine their perceptions and practices relative to construction ergonomics. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and a measure of central tendency were computed from the collected data. The following constitute the salient findings. Cost, quality, and time are more important to designers than construction ergonomics and project health and safety (H&S). Ergonomics during the construction, and design phases are more important to designers than the other phases. A range of design related aspects impact on construction ergonomics. To a degree, construction ergonomics is considered on most design, procurement, and construction occasions by designers. Practice notes predominate in terms of how designers' ergonomics knowledge was acquired. A range of aspects have the potential to contribute to an improvement in knowledge, and the application of construction ergonomics. The paper concludes that designers contribute to construction ergonomics, but that there is potential for and a clear need for enhanced contributions. Recommendations include the inclusion of construction ergonomics in designers' tertiary education, and continuing professional development (CPD), to remedy shortcomings in practitioners' knowledge.
Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction, Nov 1, 2015
This study explores the 'holy grail' of health and safety (H&S)-zero fatalities, injuries, and di... more This study explores the 'holy grail' of health and safety (H&S)-zero fatalities, injuries, and disease! Although, the logic of pursuing such a goal is obvious there are many 'non-believers' in the sense that they do not believe it is achievable. However, the literature indicates that such a goal is an integral part of H&S culture and is complementary to the vision of fatality, injury, and disease free construction. Furthermore, it is the only 'transparent' goal. A study conducted among 'better practice H&S' general contractors (GCs) determined the following: subscription to such a goal is an integral part of H&S culture, and a prerequisite for optimum H&S performance; such a goal is achievable, and there are a range of complementary interventions such as optimum resourcing of H&S, management commitment, participation, and involvement, and optimum H&S training. Conclusions and recommendations include: optimum H&S and the achievement of zero fatalities, injuries, and disease requires a goal of zero fatalities, injuries, and disease; industry H&S programs must focus on H&S culture; contractors must be enlightened in terms of the need to subscribe to such a goal, and the complementary interventions, and case studies that document the achievement of zero fatalities, injuries, and disease must be conducted.
Proceedings of the Creative Construction Conference 2019, 2019
The high volume of traffic to the Holy City of Moria during the Easter weekend could be graphical... more The high volume of traffic to the Holy City of Moria during the Easter weekend could be graphically described as taxing to both the motorists and pilgrims. The rationale for the study was to understand, investigate, analyse and describe the role of the Polokwane Local Municipality (PLM) in the planning and the execution of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Easter weekend pilgrimage with a view to reducing vehicular traffic. The PLM is home to the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), that hosts one of the biggest mass gathering event on the African continent, but researchers and the media have paid little or no attention to this pilgrimage which attracts more than 15 million pilgrims during the Easter weekend. It is notable that a mass gathering is an event attended by enough people to strain the planning and response resources of a community, state or nation. The researchers adopted an action research strategy with the view to carving out a lasting solution to the management of the high volume of vehicular traffic during the Easter weekend pilgrimage. Judgemental or purposive sampling was chosen over other available sampling methods due to the few experienced municipality employees who work closely with the church in the planning of the pilgrimage. Eight themes emerged during the interaction between the researchers and the municipality. The study graphically showed that there was a lack of synergy between the ZCC and the municipality in the execution of the pilgrimage. The research findings suggested that; traffic congestion was attributable to a vehicular-centric approach to transport planning in South Africa. The heavy reliance on vehicular transportation by South Africans is a cause of road accidents. The study recommended an introduction of a pilgrim train for the church with a view to reducing vehicular traffic congestion during the Easter weekend pilgrimage for the collective good of both the motorists and the pilgrims. Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2019.
Acta Structilia : Journal for the Physical and Development Sciences, 2011
The relevance of managing technology to architectural practices in South African construction can... more The relevance of managing technology to architectural practices in South African construction cannot be overemphasised. As major stakeholders in the construction industry with particular significant contributions in the property sector, practising architects cannot afford not to exploit old technologies, and embrace new technologies with a view to improving their business and competitiveness. The thrust of the issue addressed in this article is the assessment of the status accorded to issues relating to technology in the form of a technology audit and/or management in architectural practices. In furtherance of this issue, a quantitative survey was conducted among Eastern Cape-based South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) registered architects. Selected findings include that respondents perceived that there are no barriers to communication in organisations as technology does not only form part of the organisational business strategy, but also benefits project partners during implementation. In addition, with the use of office technologies, management is able to forecast and plan future requirements for their practices, while marketing-related technologies allow the closing of identified performance gaps as well as the development of best practices by the firms. Therefore, periodical technology audits are recommended for practices intending to remain competitive in the market.
Rethinking health and safety training to serve people in the construction industry better
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Jul 1, 2023
This study aims to assess health and safety (H&S) training and communication in the const... more This study aims to assess health and safety (H&S) training and communication in the construction industry. Data for this study were collected using open-ended questions in an online survey and the responses were analysed thematically. The target respondents were construction professionals located in Nigeria and South Africa. Findings are presented comparatively, and the implications of the results are discussed contextually. It was notable that formal presentations, such as seminars, workshops and lectures, dominated the training for general construction workers. However, findings from the Nigerian participants revealed that a method of training underpinned by verbal instruction was prevalent. Based on the study, a link was established between safety communication and the H&S training of workers. High-quality safety communication is required for effective H&S training and to obtain improved H&S education levels among workers. The study recommends that management explore effective methods for advancing H&S learning and education among construction workers, given that high levels of H&S education improve safety participation and compliance. Further, management may explore the benefits of digital technology for enhanced H&S education, communication and the overall safety performance of an organisation.
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Papers by John Smallwood