Modalities to achieve sustainable success rate of SMEs construction project delivery in South Africa

Abstract

Construction SMEs play a crucial a role in the economy of the country and are significant in terms of employment in South Africa, but construction SMEs face numerous challenges when carrying out construction projects. Although some SMEs are able to deliver projects, the sustainability rate in terms of delivery is still lacking in most SMEs. The purpose of this research is to establish modalities to enable construction SMEs to achieve consistent construction project success in South Africa. This study focuses on specific modalities that are adopted by SMEs to successfully deliver construction projects: through exploring the existing modalities adopted by SMEs, such as identifying effective cost management modalities, identifying effective time management modalities, evaluating effective quality management modalities, ascertaining effective resource management modalities and effective strategic management modalities in order to achieve construction project success. This study adopted a mixed method approach, comprising both quantitative and qualitative methods. This study targeted construction SMEs in South Africa. Quantitative data collection was adopted at the initial stage with regard to ascertaining the success rate of construction SMEs in South Africa. To analyse the data, descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted in this study, using SPSS software. To validate the quantitative survey, semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of SME management teams such as directors, project managers, surveyors, and quantity surveyors. The findings from the study reveal that SMEs in South Africa need to adopt the following modalities related to cost management practice: appointment of experienced estimators, effective procurement strategies, effective circulation of drawings and specifications, work production and avoiding waste during construction projects. Concerning time management techniques, the most significant practices include progress meetings, planning and effective communication. In addition, the findings reveal that clear working drawings, periodic requests for inspection and adoption of total quality management are the most significant quality management practices that can be adopted by SMEs. Resource management was categorised as effective materials management, manpower management and machinery management. The results reveal that SMEs need to adopt the following modalities concerning effective material management practices: effective use of specified material for construction, effective utilisation of construction material and effective material recording strategy. Nonetheless, with respect to manpower management, the findings reveal the following management practices that could be adopted by construction SMEs: SMEs manage all workers equally to avoid any conflict on construction sites, project leaders are involved in the allocation of building personnel and SMEs support values and beliefs of construction workers. Also, the findings reveal that SMEs need to adopt the following modalities regarding effective machinery management practices: effective recruitment of skilled plant operators, effective maintenance plans for regular maintenance of plant and equipment and continuous use of hired plant until booked off site. The findings reveal that SMEs need to adopt in relation to strategic management, as well as integrated project management planning and health and safety protocols. In conclusion, sustainable project success in South Africa can be achieved through the adoption of effective circulation of drawings and specifications, effective and accurate cost estimate, progress meetings with consultants to ensure regular monitoring of work progress, Clear working drawings supplied by the architect, the use of specified material for construction project, managing construction workers equal, hiring skilled plant operator and adoption of integrated management system. This study recommends that SMEs should adopt the following modalities to achieve sustainable success: clear procurement strategy, endeavour appointing qualified estimator to manage tendering process, employment of experienced personnel to run the project, adopting effective circulation of information, SMEs need to have meeting from time to time, on the construction project SMEs need to request for periodic quality inspection, effective utilization of available material, effective utilization of hired plant, recruiting skilled workers and introducing integrated management system.