Associate Professor at Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Dr. Tirivavi Moyo is a highly accomplished academic and researcher in Construction Economics, with extensive experience in both industry and academia across Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. He has demonstrated strong leadership through the supervision of over 70 honours and numerous MSc dissertations, many of which focus on pressing industry issues such as sustainability, labour productivity, and technological innovation. His work is notable for its applied impact and relevance to real-world construction challenges. Dr. Moyo has held several academic leadership roles, contributing significantly to curriculum development and postgraduate research coordination. While there is limited detail on peer-reviewed publications and external research funding, his research supervision outcomes and academic service reflect a deep commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in the built environment. With enhanced international dissemination and publication, he would be even more competitive. Overall, he is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his impactful, practice-oriented contributions.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Tirivavi Moyo holds a PhD in Construction Economics, demonstrating advanced expertise in the intersection of construction management, cost control, and economic sustainability within the built environment. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in quantity surveying and construction project management, further supported by professional recognition as a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS). Over the years, he has developed and delivered academic content across undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate levels at various institutions, including the National University of Science and Technology (Zimbabwe), Namibia University of Science and Technology, and Nelson Mandela University (South Africa). His teaching portfolio includes modules such as Construction Economics, Research Methods, Construction for Sustainability, and Project Environment and Policy. Dr. Moyo’s education is not only grounded in theory but also shaped by practical industry experience, which enriches his academic delivery and supervision of student research, ensuring strong alignment with industry standards and global best practices.
Professional Experience📝
Dr. Tirivavi Moyo has over two decades of professional experience spanning both the construction industry and academia. He began his career as an Estimator and Quantity Surveyor at MCG Construction and Engineering, where he managed cost estimation, tendering, and project valuations for major housing and industrial projects valued at over US$7 million. He later served as a Project Manager at Gateway Construction, overseeing community development projects worth US$3 million. Transitioning into academia, Dr. Moyo has held lecturing and senior academic positions at institutions such as the National University of Science and Technology (Zimbabwe), Namibia University of Science and Technology, and Nelson Mandela University. His roles have included teaching, research supervision, curriculum development, and academic leadership. He has coordinated numerous postgraduate research projects and held administrative positions such as Examinations and Postgraduate Coordinator. This blend of industry and academic experience positions him as a well-rounded professional with deep practical insight and research acumen.
Research Interest🔎
Dr. Tirivavi Moyo’s research interests lie at the intersection of construction economics, project management, and sustainable development within the built environment. He is particularly focused on addressing practical challenges in the construction industry through applied research, including areas such as labour productivity, construction cost management, and environmental sustainability. His work explores innovative strategies like the adoption of lean construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM), virtual and augmented reality, and wellness programs to improve efficiency and worker well-being. Dr. Moyo is also deeply engaged in examining social dimensions of construction, including gender equality and workforce training. His research consistently aims to align academic inquiry with real-world industry needs, especially within developing contexts like Zimbabwe and southern Africa. With a strong track record of supervising student research on these themes, Dr. Moyo is committed to advancing knowledge that not only contributes to academic literature but also fosters sustainable and inclusive growth in the construction sector.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. Tirivavi Moyo has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to academia and the construction industry through various academic and professional honors. While specific awards are not explicitly listed in his profile, his consistent leadership in supervising high-quality student research—resulting in numerous distinctions at both honours and MSc levels—highlights his excellence in mentorship and research guidance. His appointment as an Associate Professor and previous roles as Examinations Coordinator, Postgraduate Coordinator, and Curriculum Review Lead further reflect the trust and recognition he has earned within academic institutions. In addition, his membership in the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) underscores his professional credibility and standing in the international construction community. Dr. Moyo’s achievements in delivering impactful, industry-relevant research and leading academic programs across institutions in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa stand as a testament to his dedication, earning him respect and acknowledgment from both peers and students in the academic and professional realms.
Research Skill🔬
Dr. Tirivavi Moyo possesses strong and well-rounded research skills developed through years of academic practice and industry engagement. His expertise spans the full research cycle—from conceptualization and proposal development to data collection, analysis, and dissemination. He demonstrates particular strength in applied and empirical research, with a focus on solving real-world problems in the construction industry. Dr. Moyo is proficient in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, enabling him to supervise a wide range of research topics including sustainability, labour management, construction technology adoption, and project performance. His ability to guide students toward producing high-quality dissertations—many of which have received distinctions—speaks to his skill in mentoring and critical evaluation. In addition, his involvement in curriculum development and internal moderation indicates a deep understanding of academic standards and research rigor. Through his work, Dr. Moyo consistently bridges theory and practice, making his research highly relevant to both academia and industry stakeholders.
Conclusion💡
Tirivavi Moyo’s research in construction economics has made a significant impact on the advancement of sustainable construction practices, labour productivity, and social equity in the built environment. His work bridges industry practice and academic scholarship, with a strong emphasis on improving construction project delivery through the integration of decent work principles, innovative technologies, and sustainable development strategies. His continued contributions are shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and efficient construction sector in Southern Africa and beyond.
Publications Top Noted✍
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Title: Factors affecting labor productivity on building projects in Zimbabwe
Authors: B. Chigara, T. Moyo
Year: 2014
Citations: 107
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Title: An analysis of cost management strategies employed by building contractors on projects in Zimbabwe
Authors: B. Chigara, T. Moyo, F.H. Mudzengerere
Year: 2013
Citations: 58
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Title: Factors affecting the delivery of optimum health and safety on construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe
Authors: B. Chigara, T. Moyo
Year: 2022
Citations: 45
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Title: Barriers to lean construction implementation in Zimbabwe
Authors: T. Moyo, B. Chigara
Year: 2023
Citations: 33
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Title: Decent working conditions for improved construction workers’ productivity on Zimbabwean building projects
Authors: T. Moyo, G. Crafford, F. Emuze
Year: 2019
Citations: 31
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Title: Work measurement techniques utilized by the building industry in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe
Authors: T. Moyo, E. Mangore, B. Chigara
Year: 2014
Citations: 18
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Title: Overview of operational and regulatory framework for occupational safety and health management in Zimbabwe’s construction industry
Authors: B. Chigara, T. Moyo
Year: 2014
Citations: 14
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Title: Expected competencies of construction project managers in Zimbabwe
Authors: T. Moyo, B. Chigara
Year: 2023
Citations: 13
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Title: People-centred management for improving construction workers’ productivity in Zimbabwe
Authors: T. Moyo, G. Crafford, F. Emuze
Year: 2021
Citations: 11
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Title: Critical factors affecting workplace well-being at construction sites across countries with different income levels
Authors: M.M. Omer, T. Moyo, A. Al-Otaibi, A.M. Alawag, A. Rizal Alias, R.A. Rahman
Year: 2025
Citations: 7
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Title: Development of workplace well-being indexes at construction sites
Authors: M.M. Omer, T. Moyo, A.R. Alias, R.A. Rahman
Year: 2024
Citations: 7