The Determination of a Basic Management System for Small Construction Firms Within the Western Region with Recommendations for Education and Training Patterns

Abstract

In terms of manpower, turnover and value to the National economy, Building is a major industry but unlike: other major industries it has the distinction of being in the main fragmented into small firms. However small the community, there are buildings to be maintained, repaired and extended, thus justifying small local units. The problem of these very small firms is one of determining the basic needs for sound, economic survival with appropriate management structures. Only too often the problems of the small firm have to be met and solved by one person and there is a need for simple well worked out procedures if this person is to meet with economic success the day to day problems that arise in building. The purpose of this thesis is to study the small builder in the South West Region going about his daily work and to identify his problems with a view to establishing procedures and techniques which will enable him to survive in a labour intensive and cost conscious industry. As are result of this survey, the small firms' problems have been identified and solutions posed in the form of training programmes - they are little more than guide-lines but could prove to be life-lines.