Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Question
1 Approved Answer
Lockdown forcing construction sector to think more strategically about tech adoption According to the results of a survey conducted by Construction Computer Software ( CCS
Lockdown forcing construction sector to think more strategically about tech adoptionAccording to the results of a survey conducted by Construction Computer Software CCS amongst its clients,stakeholders and industry partners, the lockdown has compelled the construction industry to think more strategicallyabout the adoption of technology, especially as it relates to communication and collaboration. The survey was conductedto establish how the construction industry has been affected by the lockdown and what measures players are putting inplace to manage the current situation, as the sector is expected to play a major role in South Africas economic recoverypost the Covid pandemic.Project disruptions and delaysSome of respondents said all their projects have been affected by disruptions or delays due to the Covidpandemic and of respondents from companies with a revenue of more than Rbn indicated that of theirprojects have been delayed or disrupted. These disruptions and delays are as a result of the lockdown measuresenforced by government, as well as shortages of materials, plants and equipment and PPE.CCS CEO Andrew Skudder says while respondents expect all construction sectors to be affected by the pandemic in theshortterm, the building sector is expected to be the most affected.The building sector is primarily funded by private sector clients, who are expected to cut back on investments due to theanticipated economic decline as a result of the Covid pandemic. Residential and retail investment is likely to be mostaffected due to significant job losses, growing consumer financial stress and a lack of confidence following the Covidenforced lockdowns.He adds that infrastructure spending, including civil and roads, is expected to be less affected as this tends to begovernment funded. Respondents suggest that government is likely to accelerate its infrastructure spend programme ina bid to accelerate economic recovery and absorb unemployed labour into the employment market as quickly aspossible Mining is expected to be least affected.Private clients most affected of respondents said private clients would be the most affected. Business and consumer confidence have beennegatively affected by the Covid pandemic and lockdowns, which is expected to result in a decline in GDP in This supports the view that the building sector will be most affected as it is primarily funded by private clients.Stateowned enterprises, such as Eskom and Sanral, are expected to be least affected. Eskom, in particular, is anessential service provider and has significant build programmes under way which have not been affected by thelockdown In addition, water authorities such as Rand Water, which is an extension of national government, are alsoexpected to be less affected as they too provide essential services, with infrastructure requiring ongoing maintenanceand upgrading.Skudder says of respondents indicated that on more than of their projects, clients have invoked force majeureclauses on their projects. Smaller companies seem to have been less affected with of companies with less thanRm revenue having more than of their projects affected.This compares to of Rm to Rm ofRm to Rbn and of Rbnplus revenue companies. Companies with a revenue of between Rm and Rbnseem to have had the highest level of force majeure being invoked, with of Rm to Rm companies having to of their projects being affected, compared to just for companies with revenue of less than RbnManaging the challenges presented by the pandemicSkudder says a few major themes emerged in the survey. One was the increased need to keep the channels ofcommunication open, especially with employees, but also with clients and other stakeholders on projects. It isundoubtedly healthier for businesses if people feel informed in times of great uncertainty. "Cost management is anotherobvious theme, with companies implementing measures to manage costs and ensure liquidity stretches for as long asQUESTION Marks
Based on the case study and the impact of the pandemic on projects, critically discuss some of the key factors that might
cause construction projects baseline on MS Project to be amended. You are encouraged to use appropriate diagrams
andor tables to illustrate your points.
QUESTION Marks
In light of the changes to the project created by the pandemic, critically discuss the importance of setting project
baselines on MS Project and lay out clearly, the steps that are required to set a baseline in MS Project.
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started