A system dynamics model to enhance on-time delivery of infrastructure projects within a power utility in South Africa

Abstract

Energy plays a fundamental role in sustainable development and poverty alleviation efforts. The energy sector is critical, looking at the economic growth perspective as it contributes about 3.2% of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product. Due to economic growth in South Africa, the state-owned firm has witnessed increasing demand for power supply over the last 20 years. To alleviate the existing supply restriction, the electricity sector started implementing capital expansion build projects. The completion of capital expansion build projects has been delayed due to quality problems and cost overruns, which results in frequent power outages that limit overall economic activity and erode investor trust in the area. The primary motivation of this research was to develop a System Dynamics Model to enhance on-time delivery of infrastructure projects within the power utility in South Africa. The proposed study is aimed at developing a System Dynamics Model to inform policy and decision-makers in the energy sector in