Showing papers by "Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke published in 2017"

Students’ satisfaction with hostel accommodations in higher education institutions

Abstract: Purpose There are several types of accommodation available to students of higher education institutions, and it is the responsibility of the institutions to focus on factors that can attract and retain students to their residences. This study aims to investigate satisfaction of higher institutions students with on-campus accommodation with an emphasis on the ethnicity of the students. Design/methodology/approach Using convenience sampling method, questionnaires were administered to students of selected residences in the study area. Mean item score was used to rank identified factors, whereas mean gap and Kruskal–Wallis K-test were adopted to examine the difference in opinion of students from various ethnic groups. Findings Overall, major features that make students dissatisfied with university-owned accommodations are enforcement of rule that compels all students to move out with their belongings during each recess, the effectiveness of the lift system, the size of wardrobe and closet, laundry service in the residence, numbers of electrical sockets and window quality. Considering dwelling unit features, neighbourhood, environmental, building quality and services provided by residence management, this study reveals that there is a significant difference in the satisfaction of students of diverse ethnic groups with their accommodation. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to on-campus residences owned by higher education institutions in South Africa. However, the findings of the study can be adopted for off-campus residences, and such owned by private individuals, agencies and other bodies provided are approved by the institutions. Originality/value The findings of this study will help management of higher education institutions to improve quality of services in their residences for the satisfaction of their students. Developers, contractors and other stakeholders involved in construction of these residences will also find the findings useful in designing and construction of the facilities.

Impact of team members’ composition on construction projects delivery in selected higher institutions in Nigeria

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of team members’ composition on cost and time of completion of construction projects in selected higher institutions with a view to improving construction project delivery in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study used the purposive sampling technique to select two higher institutions out of six in the study area, and census survey was used in selecting 35 completed construction projects executed by the institutions within the time frame 2000 to 2013. A total of 191 questionnaires were distributed to obtain information from construction team members (quantity surveyors, architects, structural/civil engineers, services engineers, contractors and clients) who participated in the selected construction projects. Mean item score and Kendall’s test were used in examining team members’ composition, while the relationship between team members’ composition and construction cost and time was tested using t-test and eta-squared. Findings The results revealed that construction team members’ composition has a significant impact on the completion time of construction projects, though with small magnitude, while the impact of construction team members’ composition on construction cost is not significant. Also, it was revealed that some team members did not play any team role due to the fact that the main criterion for team members’ composition was knowledge, skill and abilities (KSA). Practical implications The study finally recommended that a deliberate effort should be made in studying and ascertaining the team role every construction team member will play before appointing them to be member of a team, as improper team members’ composition could hamper effective construction project delivery in terms of completion time. Originality/value The study is an attempt to discourage the traditional construction team members’ selection system which was based on KSAs, which is deficient under team environment.

Effect of Skills Shortage on Sustainable Construction

Abstract: The desire for sustainable construction has been on the increase and one of the identified challenges is the adequacy of skilled workforce to understand and execute projects in line with sustainable goals. This study examines the general effects of skill shortages in the construction industry with a view to improving the delivery of construction projects. Variables from reviewed literature materials were examined using closed-ended questionnaires administered on professionals and artisans in the industry. Shortage of project managers has the most effect on sustainable construction while the general effects of skill shortages are cost increase, time overrun, decrease quality, high accidents rate and more rework, which are related to the three elements of sustainable development, that is, economic, social and environment. Agencies shouldered with the responsibilities of managing and regulating skilled workforce in the construction industry will find this study useful in their quest for delivery of sustainable construction projects.

Effects of Automation on Construction Industry Performance

Abstract: The growth of infrastructure and development in an emerging country like South Africa may requires the construction industry to shift from traditional methods of construction to modern ones in order to improve productivity and enhance performance. However, most of the existing studies have been tailored towards the awareness, willingness, drivers, barriers and benefits of such modern methods, including automation and robotics. Like other technological advancement, there are some negative impacts that should be assessed and understood by stakeholders with a view to managing and minimizing them. In view of this, the purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which the usage of automation can influence negatively on the delivery of construction projects if fully implemented in the South African construction industry.

Appraisal of reward packages in construction firms

Abstract: Purpose A major requirement and practice in human resource management of an organisation is the award of appropriate reward packages to employees. This paper aims to examine the importance attached to reward packages by personnel of quantity surveying firms (QSFs) and the level of adoption of the packages with a view to develop important ones that can enhance quality of performance and reliability of the employees. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaires were administered on registered quantity surveyors employed in QSFs in the study area, which was Lagos State, Nigeria. Mean item score and chi-square were used to examine the significance of importance attached to available reward packages by employees, whereas factor analysis was used to highlight and group identified available reward packages. Findings Basic pay, that is salary and wages, is the most important and mostly used reward package, whereas the least are service recognition and profit sharing. Most of the reward packages were found to be important to the development of QSFs, and the variables were extracted and grouped into eight components. Originality/value As much as basic pay is a global and traditional reward system, managers and directors of QSFs should ensure that personnel with long-term commitment to the mission and vision of the company are duly recognised and rewarded accordingly. More so, profit from the proceed and benefits of the company should be shared in an appropriate manner, especially if employees are involved in securing jobs from clients.

Effect of project managers' skills on construction project delivery

Abstract: Managers' skills are important requirement in managing construction projects, and as an effective manager, it is the vital responsibility of the project manager to ascertain that work efforts of other participants are guided toward the accomplishment of organisational objectives. The main aim of this study was to assess project managers' skills with a view to determining their effects on performance of construction projects. Data were collected with the aid of questionnaire administered on construction professionals. The results revealed communication, organisational and budgeting skills as the top three skills exhibited by project managers in project management (PM). Furthermore, architects and builders were revealed to exhibit most of the top three skills identified. The study therefore suggested Architects and Builders as the best professionals to carry out project manager's duties on construction projects in the absence of a trained personnel. The study also revealed a poor level of concordance between the PM skills exhibited by the four professionals considered. Finally, project managers' skills were revealed to have a significant effect on time, team and cost performance of construction projects.

Adoption of Smart Structures for Prevention of Health Hazards in Buildings

Abstract: The importance of building quality to the health and well-being of occupants and surrounding neighbors cannot be overemphasized. Smart structures were construed to proffer solution to various issues of sustainable development including social factors that is concerned with health and safety of people. Based on existing literature materials on building quality, smart structures and general aspect of sustainable developments, this study examined the benefits of smart structures in the prevention of various health issues in infrastructural buildings, which has been a concern for stakeholders in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. The criterion for indoor environmental quality was adopted and various health and bodily issues related to building quality were explained. The adoption of smart structure concept will help to manage physical, chemical, biological and psychological factors of building with a view to enhancing better quality of life of occupants.

Review of the Application of Nanotechnology for Sustainable Construction Materials

Abstract: The construction industry is one of the major contributors to the economy development of any country, hence, the need to investigate new technological ways that will ensure the growth and development of the industry. Using existing literature materials, the adoption of nanotechnology as a technological method for construction materials were examined. It was observed that the adoption of nanotechnology can aid new building typologies and opportunities for sustainable use of construction materials for the achievement of sustainable developments in architecture, engineering and construction projects.

Improving Sustainable Construction Practices Through Facility Management

Abstract: The construction industry is key to the development and economic growth of any country, either developing or developed. The role of the industry in the achievement of infrastructures that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable cannot be over-emphasized. It is therefore necessary for construction industry to continuously pursue sustainable construction projects. This study examines factors influencing the adoption and implementation of sustainable construction goals as well as the impact of facility management in achieving and sustaining the practice in the construction industry. Data were collected through well-structured questionnaires administered on relevant stakeholders that are involved in various activities in the construction industry. The policies and actions which affects the transition of companies towards sustainable construction practices include implementation of sustainable policies in the design stage, waste reduction practices, effective reuse and recycling of materials, utilization of life cycle costing and implementation of facility management principles. To improve sustainable practices in the industry, concerned stakeholders must take into consideration maintenance and running of all facilities, implementation of life cycle costing, training of local construction companies on sustainable methodologies and creating awareness within the industry on benefits associated with sustainable construction. This study has contributed to the body of knowledge by examining the role of facility management in the achievement of sustainable construction, it is therefore recommended that the identified policies and techniques as well as highlighted facility management processes are given consideration by construction stakeholders in their quest to improving performance of construction projects.

The Concept of Value Management

Abstract: The concept of value management was introduced to compare alternative materials in order to arrive at the one that provides the best function at the lowest possible overall cost. This chapter discusses the initial introduction of the concept to the manufacturing industry but indicates that it has since gained popularity in other sectors, including the construction industry. Owing to the varying knowledge and different levels of perceptions of the essence and principles of operation of the practice, various terms were attributed to the discipline but the most common and all-encompassing one is that of ‘value management’. As beneficial as the practice has been in countries and projects where it has been adopted, there are some risks that required attention to achieve the purpose for which it was conceived. The risks, as well as direct and indirect costs of conducting the exercise, are also identified and discussed in this chapter.

Importance of Safety Guidelines on South African Construction Sites

Abstract: The concern for human lives on construction sites is a major issue not only for construction stakeholders but also for relevant agencies and bodies responsible for general health and safety of people in a particular society. In this study, the level of importance of various construction safety guidelines were examined with a view to creating better awareness for improved performance of construction projects. The analysis of the data revealed a minimum mean item score (MIS) of 4.13 out of the possible 5.00 for analysed safety related variables. This implies that there is a high level of awareness of various safety guidelines while the problem of implementation and enforcement of the guidelines persist. There is therefore the need for consistent and continuous training on practical implementation of the guidelines and programs by relevant construction training agencies such as Construction Education Training Agency (CETA).

Value Management as a Construction Management Tool

Abstract: Value management can be described as a management tool that can be adopted for overall project management of construction projects. Other construction management techniques such as risk management, lean construction and management, total quality management, knowledge management, total asset management, and safety management can be incorporated into a value management study instead of setting up various management teams to manage these aspects for the same project. This chapter explains the application of value management for other construction management methods, techniques, and practices in the construction industry. It highlights various areas of the construction management techniques and how their practice can be incorporated into value management study. However, it should be noted that for some specific reasons, the highlighted and discussed management techniques will be more effective and efficient for a better performance of construction projects when they are integrated with value management study for the same project.

Effect of Construction Project Finance on Infrastructure in Ondo and Ekiti state of Nigeria

Abstract: Project finance is a method of financing very large capital intensive projects with long delivery period, where the lenders rely on the assets created for the project as security and cash flow generated by the project as source of funds for paying back their dues. The rate of abandonment of public project in Nigeria today is alarming and it calls for attention, one wonders why it almost seven years to construct just a building and even after project handing over its still uncompleted. This research work focuses on effect of construction project finance on infrastructure in Nigeria. Thus the objectives of this work are to identify and assess Stakeholders involved in Project Finance, to identify and assess risk involved in Project finance, to identify and assess process involved in Project Finance. Data for the study were obtained through well-structured questionnaires administered to professionals in the construction industry. A total of 70 questionnaires were distributed in both Ondo and Ekiti State, 45 were suitable for analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using frequency and percentage table. The result shows that government is the most important stakeholder in project finance, currency fluctuation was identified as the major risk involved in project finance and construction stage has the highest level of awareness in the project finance process, however preliminary negotiation is the most important. Based on these findings, this research work recommends that government should have more political and technical will towards infrastructure and necessary polices should be put in place by the central bank of Nigeria to control currency fluctuation.

Measures of Project Success

Abstract: Every project is initially conceived and designed to achieve a specific objective relating to the desire and need of the client. However, owing to various interests of other construction stakeholders, the objectives of the projects become numerous, depending on the views of the participants. These objectives are referred to as measures, factors, methods, criteria, indices, or attributes of project success, performance, or delivery. Generally, the success of construction projects is influenced by various factors. They are classified as project characteristics, contractual arrangements, project participants, or interactive processes. This chapter therefore highlights and explains various measures of project success with a conclusion that sustainability goals encompass every other measure.

Sustainability in Construction

Abstract: The world is moving towards sustainable development and the construction sector is not being left behind because it plays a vital role in the development and economy growth of any country. However, construction processes have evolved over the years owing to several factors such as constant changes in the demands of stakeholders who are mostly clients, owners and regulatory agencies of infrastructural developments, and the core of construction is to provide value for money for clients and ensure they are duly satisfied. This has necessitated the alteration of the traditional ways of construction and ways of measuring the success of construction projects. This paradigm shift in construction and its related activities has given rise to sustainable construction which is geared at providing projects that are environmentally, socially, and economically beneficial to stakeholders, including the current and future generation within the immediate and distant environment of the project. This chapter commences by discussing the history of sustainable construction through the lens of sustainable development before providing a detailed explanation of the concept of sustainable construction. Various attributes and elements of sustainable construction are highlighted and discussed, followed by explanations of the levels of adoption of sustainability in the construction industry. Based on the identified elements, various barriers, drivers and benefits of sustainable construction are highlighted and explained.

Appraisal of Smartization of Major Cities in South Africa

Abstract: The growing nature of cities through globalization and advancement in technology have necessitated for the transformation of infrastructures and other elements of the cities in the quest of meeting up with the sustainable development goals. This is known as smartization process, which implies that cities should be designed and modernized focusing on the social, environmental and financial benefits to the current and future citizens. Using the basis of smartization process, smart city initiates as well as cities in motion index (CIMI), this study examines the characteristics and global ranking of major cities in South Africa within a 3 years period. It could be observed that there has been a decline in average ranking of the selected cities by about 4.26% which is a concern not only for agencies of government responsible for city planning and development but also construction stakeholders that are involved in the design, development and management of cities and their infrastructures.

Construction Projects and Stakeholders

Abstract: Owing to new and emerging performance measurement for construction projects, clients of construction projects will continue to demand more complex projects and it is the responsibility of the participants, especially the contractors and consultants, to ensure that the industry continues to be relevant in the face of changing demands, needs and requirements. One of the means of achieving this is through adhering to the construction process and ensuring that the right mix of team members in terms of team roles and profession is in place for all construction work. In view of this, it is deemed necessary to discuss the nature and concept of construction projects in term of their objectives and processes. Various participants and stakeholders responsible for construction activities are explained while team roles as they relate to the key stakeholders are also discussed. In addition, the challenges of the construction process are highlighted and explained with a view to adopting the principle of value management to reduce or eliminate these.

Barriers of Sustainable Value Management

Abstract: There are several benefits associated with sustainable value management if properly practised and adopted. As beneficial as the study can be to construction projects, there are some barriers that may hinder its adoption, the conducting of the study or the implementation of recommendations emanating from the study. This chapter discusses various limitations and hindrances to the successful initiation and implementation of sustainable value management. Three stages of the barriers to sustainable value management study in construction are discussed. The first is the willingness to accept and adopt the study for construction projects by the initial project stakeholders, especially the clients and lead consultants. This will depend on their experience of the study and their willingness to try something new. The other set of barriers arises during the conduct of the study which may include interference from the project team, and the inappropriate composition of the team. After the study, another barrier to sustainable value management is the willingness to accept and adopt recommendations emanating from the study for the construction projects under consideration.

Challenges of Mentoring in South African Construction Industry

Abstract: One of the major requirements in the development and growth of an industry or organisation is the incubation of new workforce through appropriate recruitment processes, proper training and effective mentoring by experienced members. However, the process is not expected to be smooth owing to individual dispositions and attitudes, organisation interest, and avenues and opportunities for mentoring, amongst others. In this study, various challenges of mentoring encountered by mentees and mentors were examined with a view to promoting effective mentoring among professionals in the construction industry in the quest to improve their productivity and thereby enhance better performance in construction projects. Data on professionals in the built environment were collected through the administration of questionnaires using a convenient sampling technique. Personality issues that are concerned with differences in behaviours and dispositions to matters are the major challenges of mentoring in the construction industry. More so, attitudes of the mentees dictate and affect behaviours of mentors, and vice-versa. In view of this, professionals involved in mentoring should be concerned about their attitudes to each other and personal beliefs should not be a basis for judgment. Mutual respect and concern for growth and development should form the basis of mentoring relationships.Keywords: Knowledge, Mentee, Mentor, Skill, Training

Preferred Team Roles of Construction Team Members in Selected Higher Institution Projects

Abstract: The study appraises the preferred team role of construction team members in selected higher institution projects in Nigeria, with a view to improving delivery of such projects. The study used purposive sampling technique to select two higher institutions studied and census survey was used in selecting 35 completed construction projects executed by the institutions. A total of 191 questionnaires were distributed to obtain information from construction team members who participated in the selected construction projects. Mean Item Score was used in ranking the preferred team roles of construction team members. The results revealed that the construction team members’ preferred team roles by personal assessment are different from their preferred team roles by other observers’ assessment of individual construction team members. Construction team members have more than one preferred team roles and that the most preferred team role of Quantity surveyors, clients and contractors is resource investigator while the most preferred team role of Architects, Structural/Civil Engineers and Service Engineer is Planter, Implementer/company worker and specialist respectively. The study concluded that a deliberate attempt should be made in determining the preferred team roles of construction team members before co- opting them into a team so as to improve construction projects delivery.

Benefits of Sustainable Value Management

Abstract: The combination of the sustainability concept and value management for construction projects will benefit not only the client and project but will also help in generating ideas that will improve the environment and quality of lives of people now and in the future. The benefits include those of sustainable goals and objectives of value management practice. This chapter discusses various direct and indirect benefits resulting from the adoption and application of sustainable value management in construction. There are numerous benefits of sustainable value management but they can only be harnessed if adopted, if the right mix of people is engaged, and if recommendations from the study are implemented accordingly. These therefore become the joint roles of clients, consultants, and other construction project stakeholders in harnessing the benefits of sustainable value management.

Relationship Between Smart City Drivers and Socially Cohesive Societies

Abstract: The awareness, adoption and practice of smart city system has been on the increase among developers, regulators and other stakeholders of city planning and development. This study examines the relationship between drivers of smart cities and social inclusion of citizens in the societies with a view to enhancing urban citizens’ identification and willingness to share skills and knowledge. Relevant literature materials relating to smart city concept and social cohesion were reviewed and variables obtained were further examined through the administration of questionnaires to experts and professionals concerned with the planning, development and regulation of cities. Majority of the respondents are willing to share knowledge and skills among themselves and prefers to be identified as an individual rather than by their race, gender or ethnicity. The study also assess the importance of the six smart city drivers. Therefore, smart city model, which is an urban design mechanism, has the capacity and capabilities to re-form and modify any environment provided the correct and rigid frameworks are built, adopted and properly followed.