Application of Value Chain Principles: A linchpin to successful completion of construction projects at institutions of higher learning. The Masvingo Regional Campus experience.

Every organisation has an operations system that creates value by transforming inputs into outputs (Robbins and Coulter, 2002). This study analyses how the application of value chain principles can influence the success of construction projects at institutions of higher learning. The study is based on the construction project at Masvingo Regional Campus of the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). A qualitative participatory approach is used to analyse data related to the requirements for value chain management that could be of competitive advantage to the successful completion of a construction project. A convenient sample of 8 members of staff at the region, headed by the Regional Director, and a workforce of 12 men doing various construction related activities, is used to augment qualitative data drawn from documented minutes and progress reports on the construction project. Results indicate that the successful completion of a construction project rests on three pillars of the value chain process. In addition, elements of best practices such as strong leadership, teamwork, strong financial support, and effective supply chain, among other elements of value chain management, are linchpins to successful completion of construction projects. The study concludes by recommending a model, similar to Porter’s value chain model (Porter, 1985) that can be used by other Regional Campuses of the ZOU in their future construction projects