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Article

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

by
Ayodeji Olatunji Aiyetan
1 and
Dillip Kumar Das
2,*
1
Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa
2
Civil Engineering, Sustainable Transport Research Group (STRg), School of Engineering, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Infrastructures 2022, 7(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7020019
Submission received: 27 December 2021 / Revised: 18 January 2022 / Accepted: 21 January 2022 / Published: 29 January 2022

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.
Keywords: challenges and strategies; construction; construction sites; infrastructure; mega-projects challenges and strategies; construction; construction sites; infrastructure; mega-projects

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MDPI and ACS Style

Aiyetan, A.O.; Das, D.K. Factors and Strategies for Improving Construction Management on Sites in Mega-Projects in South Africa: An Explorative Survey. Infrastructures 2022, 7, 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7020019

AMA Style

Aiyetan AO, Das DK. Factors and Strategies for Improving Construction Management on Sites in Mega-Projects in South Africa: An Explorative Survey. Infrastructures. 2022; 7(2):19. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7020019

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aiyetan, Ayodeji Olatunji, and Dillip Kumar Das. 2022. "Factors and Strategies for Improving Construction Management on Sites in Mega-Projects in South Africa: An Explorative Survey" Infrastructures 7, no. 2: 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7020019

APA Style

Aiyetan, A. O., & Das, D. K. (2022). Factors and Strategies for Improving Construction Management on Sites in Mega-Projects in South Africa: An Explorative Survey. Infrastructures, 7(2), 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7020019

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