Emuze, F; Norgbey, W S and Smallwood, J (2015) Provincial roads capex programme in South Africa: Planning and management inadequacies. In: Raiden, A and Aboagye-Nimo, E (eds.) Proceedings of 31st Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-9 September 2015, Lincoln, UK.
Abstract
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 problems encountered on the programme. The utilisation of the management structure in the programme can be deemed to be more ineffective in terms of the time lag relative to critical decisions that may stall the programme. The research findings imply that the Department should ensure that the Roads CAPEX Programme (RCP) is well resourced in terms of expertise, and the planning processes should be detailed enough to support the flow of both programme and project activities.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | programme management; roads; South Africa |
| Index terms: | programme, management issue, road project, planning process, research design, South Africa, implementation, public work, capital expenditure |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, economic analysis, management, Geography, project controls, infrastructure engineering, research design and methodology |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Procurement, Geographical Context, Time Control, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here