Controlling risk in a town house development : a case study

M.Ing.As the title of the dissertation implies, 'control' and 'risk' are the core issues regarding the dissertation. The approach by which a property development company manages these two issues are the focal points. The primary research objective was to draw conclusions from feedback obtained via a property developer and compare the findings to its literature counterpart. Expanding on the primary objective one aimed to determine commonalties and differences (case study and literature) and derive logical explanations for those differences. The second research objective was a by-product from the first. That being if the property developer is controlling his risk in the best manner possible given the inherent restrictions, in other words is the system efficient. It was evident that control measures and ways to identify and manage risk were put in place by the developer. Most of the literature theory corresponds with that of the property developer. Elements of risk were noted via analysis of the results. One way of increasing the efficiency of the system would be to increase the focus/resources in the evaluation/planning phase. In turn by improving the control mechanisms it may be possible to improve the systems efficiency. Risk can not be eliminated in its entirety - it is part and parcel of any business, particularly that of property development. Risk and control are therefore critical elements in any business. Understanding the core issues surrounding those elements can only prove beneficial to a company's success. Furthermore, the dissertation raised important issues that may be addressed in future research. Issues that may be followed up on in future research include and are not limited to the following: • Analysis of control and risk management' methods on a broader scale, in terms of a larger survey population. • Investigate and analyze the efficiency of a property development company/companies. • Expand on various risk issues: - return on investment, the market, project site, the project, the process, the organization and contingency. • Expand on various control measures: - tools (charts, schedules etc.), communication