Toward determining critical success factors for SME electrical contractors in the construction industry in South Africa

Abstract

The construction industry in the current South African context is very vibrant. Since 1994 there has been a drive by government and business to promote small and medium size enterprise (SME) contractors. SME contractors often do not succeed in the construction industry project environment. This research study explores the subject of project success by attempting to identify the critical success factors for SME electrical contractors in the South African construction industry. The study delves into the general characteristics of the South African construction industry and the attributes of SME contractors in South Africa. The research strategy and methodology involved the evaluation of literature, interviews with selected industry experts, and a survey through a questionnaire. Various critical success factors were identified, in four logical groupings; Money, Man, Management, and Milieu.Die boubedryf in die huidige Suid Afrikaanse omgewing is lewendig en aan die groei. Vanaf 1994 het die regering en die besigheidswêreld begin om klein en medium kontrakteurs te ondersteun. Hierdie klein en medium kontrakteurs is dikwels onsuksesvol in die boubedryf projekomgewing. Hierdie navorsingstudie ondersoek die onderwerp van projeksukses deur die kritiese suksesfaktore vir klein en medium elektriese kontrakteurs in die Suid Afrikaanse boubedryf te identifiseer. Die studie ondersoek die algemene karaktereienskappe van die Suid Afrikaanse boubedryf sowel as die karaktereienskappe van klein en medium kontrakteurs. Die navorsingstrategie beskik oor ’n literatuurstudie, onderhoude met industrie- kundiges, asook ’n vraelys. Verskeie kritiese suksesfaktore is gegroepeer in vier logiese groepe: Geld, Mens, Bestuur, en Omgewing.