This cidb Post Graduate Conference series is now recognized as an important event in
South Africa, encouraging active debate amongst researchers, students and industry.
South Africa has entered a period of sustained growth in infrastructure delivery, driven
by increasing public and private sector investment. South Africa’s accelerated and
shared growth initiative (ASGISA) recognizes the central role of infrastructure to our
growing economy and a better life for all South Africans. The theme of this year’s
conference – “construction as a cornerstone for economic growth and development” was
therefore particularly relevant.
Hosted by the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) and the University of the
Free State, the 5th cidb Post Graduate Conference brought together representatives from
a large number of tertiary institutions in South Africa. The papers presented at this
conference covered a wide range of topics which are relevant to the development of our
construction industry.
Active conference debate on research findings is important to the growth and
development of our industry. So too are the opportunities for the growth and
development of the researchers and other participants at this conference. Conferences
such as these play an important role in the professional development of the skills base in
our industry.
It is hoped that participants and delegates left the conference invigorated and
further inspired to contribute to the body of knowledge as well as to create a research
culture and network that will help to transform the construction industry in its pivotal
role of socio-economic development in South Africa and on the continent. These
proceedings expand the body of knowledge and provide valuable reference material for
academics, researchers, students and practitioners. They also provide pointers towards
future research for construction industry development.
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