Equipping Teams to Navigate Local Business Environments
Background
An international engineering firm, newly awarded an EPC contract in South Africa, faced operational inefficiencies due to a lack of understanding of the local supply chain, workforce dynamics, and subcontractor expectations. Despite having technical expertise, their execution teams struggled to function efficiently in the South African construction ecosystem.
Challenges
- Procurement delays due to misalignment with local supplier capabilities and availability.
- Workforce retention issues stemming from unfamiliarity with South African labour practices and community expectations.
- Inadequate risk mitigation strategies, leading to project delays and increased costs.
Breaking Ground Solution
- Conducted a Pre-Mobilisation Training Program, ensuring all execution teams understood South African labour regulations, procurement processes, and socio-political dynamics.
- Established a Local Supplier & Workforce Integration Plan, streamlining procurement and employment strategies to align with community expectations and regulatory frameworks.
- Developed a Project Execution Playbook, outlining risk scenarios and mitigation strategies specific to South Africa’s construction environment.
Outcome
- Reduced procurement turnaround times by 35% through early supplier alignment.
- Improved workforce retention by implementing local employment best practices.
- Enhanced project execution efficiency, ensuring construction milestones were met without disruption.