Showing papers by "Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke published in 2020"

Identifying and Assessing Sustainable Value Management Implementation Activities in Developing Countries: The Case of Egypt

Abstract: Value management (VM) has become a useful tool for achieving sustainability in many countries. This paper aims to assess VM implementation and its activities towards achieving sustainable building projects in Egypt. Data were obtained from the literature, followed by a qualitative approach through a semi-structured interview and a quantitative approach via a questionnaire survey. In Cairo and Giza, data were collected from a sample of 200 building professionals using a questionnaire, while exploration of the country’s VM activities practice was completed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), including descriptive statistics such as “frequency analysis” and ”measures of central tendencies”. The results show that VM awareness was demonstrated by 64% of the sample, which means that they know about VM. On the other hand, most respondents, 85.3%, did not adopt VM and did not receive any VM training. The results also show, through EFA, that the correlations between these activities show five main components: an information phase, a function phase, a creativity phase, an evaluation phase, and a development/presentation phase. This study will help building professionals to eliminate unwanted costs and enhance project sustainability by adopting VM in building projects in developing countries. Finally, the results of this study will enhance building management through the implementation of VM elements, with a view to ensuring value for money and meeting sustainability goals.

Appraisal of stakeholders' willingness to adopt construction 4.0 technologies for construction projects

Abstract: Construction 4.0 technology has the capabilities for improving the design, management, operations and decision making of construction projects. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the willingness of construction professionals towards adopting construction 4.0 technologies.,The study adopts a survey design, and construction professionals in South Africa are assessed using a convenience sampling technique through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was analysed with SPSS while statistical test like; mean score, t-test and principal component analysis was used to present the data.,The findings, from the analysis, revealed that the construction professionals are willing to adopt construction 4.0 technologies for construction project. However, the possibility of fully integrating the technologies into the construction industry is low. This is because the major technologies such as; Internet of things, robotics, human-computer interaction and cyber-physical systems that encourage smart construction site are rated as not important by the construction professionals.,It is believed that the findings emanating from this study will serve as an indicator for investors that are interested in procuring construction 4.0 technologies for the construction industry.,This paper presents a framework for the application of construction 4.0 technologies for the construction industry. It also contributes to the development of digitalising construction industry in South Africa.

Critical success factors for digital partnering of construction organisations – a Delphi study

Abstract: The construction organisations in developing countries are lagging in digital technology usage; hence, they are still characterised by poor project delivery and technological backwardness. To checkmate this problem, partnering with other organisations was proposed, while critical factors needed for successful digital partnering of construction organisations were assessed.,The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Delphi method was used to get experts' opinion on some identified factors necessary for successful digital partnering. The experts for the study were selected using defined criteria, and a combination of interquartile deviation, Kendall's coefficient of concordance and chi-square was used to achieve robust consensus among respondents. Mann–Whitney U test was also used to ascertain the difference in perception of experts.,The findings revealed trust in digital partners, top management support and digital partner selection as the three key success factors for partnering. Other factors that can be considered alongside these main factors are the creation of a common goal, a long-term commitment, effective communication, proper conflict resolution and structured as well as continuous digital training, workshops and meetings.,Instead of going through the digitalisation journey alone, construction organisations, particularly in a developing country like South Africa, stand a better chance of surviving the dynamic construction and digital environment by partnering with other organisations within and outside the industry. Carefully selecting the right partner, trusting in their capability and ensuring constant commitment is necessary for the success of the process.,The value of this study lies in its ability to showcase the critical success factors needed for effective digital partnering, an aspect that lacks adequate consideration in the digitalisation of construction industry discourse.

Critical value management activities in building projects: A case of Egypt

Abstract: Value management (VM) is one of the principles adopted by stakeholders to manage issues in the building industry. This paper aims to examine VM diffusion between residential building entities in the Egyptian residential building industry. This research was confined to the Cairo and Giza regions, with enough residential building experience from clients, consultants, and contractors. A quantitative questionnaire survey was generated to find answers from those active in the residential building industry. The results show that although VM’s most widely practiced activities in the Egyptian construction industry are only information phase activities, professionals in Egyptian building projects agreed that all VM activities are important. The results also demonstrated that there is a significant positive correlation among VM phases. The results constitute activities for the adoption of VMs in Egypt. Its guidelines will dramatically enhance the implementation of VMs both in Egypt and in other developing countries where similar projects are conducted. Finally, this research strengthens the residential building industry’s present management by enhancing VM tools and elements to generate value for money.

Digitalization of construction organisations – a case for digital partnering

Abstract: The digitalization of construction organizations is deemed essential with the advent of the fourth industrial revolution. To achieve this, there is a need for construction organizations to partner ...

An appraisal of the adoption internet of things (IoT) elements for sustainable construction

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess the adoption of internet of things (IoT) element with the view of increasing usage so that benefits of convenience, increased performance and timely completion of work can be improved. This research was conducted so that there can be increase in the usage of IoT elements for construction performance and sustainability.,The study adopted survey design and various construction professionals were used to assessing the level of adoption of IoT elements. Convenience sample was used by distributing the structured questionnaire to registered professionals. Mean score, bar chart, Kruskal–Wallis H test, one-sample t-test and Shapiro–Wilk were used for analyzing the data gathered.,The findings revealed that wireless fidelity, visualization, wireless sensor networks, Bluetooth, electronic product code and internet protocol are the most adopted element of IoT in the industry. The study also shows that there are areas where there is no significance attached by construction professionals in the usage of IoT elements. These are data storage and analytics, barcode, Zigbee, gateway, near field communication and actuators. It is recommended that less significant areas can be improved through training and educating professionals about the whole concept of IoT and other design professionals. When the importance of IoT elements are understood it will help in the level of adoption.,This paper highlights the possible ways of increasing the adoption of IoT elements with a view to achieving better usage for convenience, high productivity of workers and easy access to information.

Improving resilience of cities through smart city drivers

Abstract: The embracement of smart city approach as a sustainable system for the management and delivery of infrastructural developments has been on the increase, especially in developed and some developing countries For this to be successful, cities in these countries, particularly in developing ones like South Africa, needs to be resilient because even though resilience can be achieved by making cities smart, smartness does not bring resilience by default Thus, this study examines various factors influencing the ability of cities to develop resilience through smart city drivers A survey of construction professionals involved in the design, planning, development and general management of cities and their infrastructure was carried out with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire Factors influencing resilience were grouped into five divisions which are climate change, education, food security, public safety and threat to disease, in order of their importance Findings revealed that the most important of these factors are the development of literacy and technical skills of citizens, regeneration of agricultural land and increased localised food production The paper further examined the effects of these factors on six smart city drivers and found out that smart economy has the most influence on the resilience of a city It was concluded that stakeholders concerned with the achievement of resilient smart city must give attention to the major needs of its citizens, and such needs are better produced locally

Influence of the Internet of Things’ application on construction project performance

Abstract: Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of interconnected devices that are embedded with network connectivity, sensors, software that enable them to amass and exchange data making them responsive. ...

Making a case for smart buildings in preventing corona-virus: focus on maintenance management challenges

Abstract: The major prevention for the COVID-19 pandemic is staying indoors. But research has discovered that COVID-19 can be spread indoors through the touching of building components. Therefore, this study...

Appraisal of the drivers of smart city development in South Africa

Abstract: The quest for smart cities and development has been on the increase among infrastructural development stakeholders, including clients, government agencies responsible for the management of infrastructures, construction professionals, sponsors, and financiers of these projects However, studies around the world have shown that less attention is being paid by these stakeholders to various indices and measures of smart cities These measures and indices, known as drivers, are smart environment, smart economy, smart people, smart governance, smart mobility, and smart living Using these drivers and their indicators, a multiple-choice questionnaire was designed in line with existing and relevant literature materials in the subject area These questionnaires were administered on construction professionals with relevant and adequate knowledge of smart construction Smart environment was found to be a major driver of a smart city while smart people, smart governance and smart living are also key to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the concept The developed key smart city drivers are a workable, adaptable and efficient city design mechanism and it will be useful for city planners, statutory agencies as well other stakeholders in the development of smart cities

Impact of work–life policies on organizational commitment of construction professionals: role of work–life balance

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between work–life policies (WLPs) and organizational commitment, and determines if work–life balance (WLB) mediates in the relationship as it concerns female co...

Improving accuracy of road projects’ estimates in the Ghanaian construction industry

Abstract: The inaccuracy of preliminary estimates sometimes results in wasted development effort if the project is abandoned. To curb this menace, this study aims to assess the different measures to improve the accuracy of road project estimates.,Quantitative research design was used for this study, and questionnaire was designed to retrieve data from the target population. Engineers and quantity surveyors in Accra, Ghana formed the target population and were contacted by using an e-questionnaire through their professional bodies owing to location constraints. Descriptive and exploratory factor analyses were used in analysing the retrieved data. Mann–Whitney U non-parametric test was also used to compare the opinions of the respondents.,The study revealed that factors categorised as due diligence by estimator should be given more attention for accuracy of estimates to be improved.,This study was limited to Accra, Ghana owing to time and distance constraint.,Proper consideration must be given to preliminary site investigation when preparing the estimates for road projects. This will provide the estimator with information on the physical features of the project environment.,Defined clusters of measures to improve estimate accuracy as highlighted in this study rather than merely ranked variables which are done by previous research studies will set the tone and provide insights for effective stakeholders’ actions. The study also bridges the gap between theory and practice by outlining how the findings can be implemented practically to achieve more accurate preliminary estimate for road projects. With efforts aligned with the core characteristics of each cluster, accuracy can be improved.

Accuracy of road construction preliminary estimate: examining the influencing factors

Abstract: Preparation of preliminary estimate is difficult owing to the lack of full project details in the early phases of the construction project. This paper seeks to assess the estimation techniques used for road projects and the critical factors affecting their accuracy in the Ghanaian construction industry.,Quantitative research design was adopted and questionnaire was designed to retrieve data. The target population were engineers and quantity surveyors who were contacted using an e-questionnaire through their professional bodies owing to location constraints. Retrieved data were analysed using descriptive and exploratory factor analysis. In order to compare the opinions of the respondents, the Mann–Whitney U-test was employed.,The survey revealed that subjective, parametric, comparative and analytical estimations are in use in Ghana. The most critical factors influencing the accuracy of estimation techniques are improper project planning, insufficient preliminary site investigation and usage of shortcuts, among others.,This study was limited to Accra, Ghana, due to time and distance constraint.,For accuracy of preliminary estimates to be improved, estimators being the custodian of the estimate are expected to be devoid of errors such as arithmetic calculation errors, inaccurate quantity measurement and error of omission. The usage of estimating software can eliminate these human errors.,The study will assist policymakers and stakeholders in aligning mitigative actions for factors influencing preliminary estimate of road projects with defined clusters rather than basic ranks. With attention focussed on the characteristics of each cluster, accuracy of preliminary estimate can be improved.

An empirical study on challenges to the adoption of the Internet of Things in the Nigerian construction industry

Abstract: Internet of Things is a model in which computing and networking abilities are inserted into any sort of possible object. These abilities are utilized to inquire about the condition of the object an...

Latent Institutional Environment Factors Influencing Construction Digitalization in South Africa

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of an assessment of the latent institutional environment factors influencing construction digitalization using South Africa as a point of reference. The study emplo...

Appraisal of factors affecting bidding decisions in Nigeria

Abstract: The usual practice in selecting a contractor for a project is through competitive bidding. The decision to bid is a complex activity that requires the consideration of several factors. These factor...

Impact of contractors’ opportunism on construction project transaction costs: Construction professionals’ perception

Abstract: There is a growing concern of the non-balance of the final output of construction works in comparison the financial resources invested with during the course of construction projects. One propelling factor to this is the opportunistic disposition often sought out by construction contractors. This study aims to investigate the relationship between construction contractors’ opportunism and construction project transaction costs from the viewpoint of construction professionals.,Questionnaire survey was deployed in eliciting responses from construction professionals. A total of 337 questionnaires were distributed and 264 were retrieved and deemed fit for analysis. Methods of data analysis used for the study are Mean Item Score, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, Student Newman Kauls Post Hoc Test, Factor Analysis, Spearman Rank Correlation and Regression Analysis.,The study showed that the most-ranked factor influencing contractors’ opportunism that affects transaction cost is “Unclear scope of work”. Revealed from the study is the differing view of construction professionals of the effect of contractors’ opportunism on transaction costs. Equally revealed through Spearman correlation analysis is the potent effect that contractors’ opportunism has on transaction costs. Likewise, the study established that there is a discovered difference among construction professionals’ perceived effect of contractors’ opportunism on construction transaction costs.,The study establishes the nexus between construction contractors’ opportunistic disposition and construction transaction costs, which are shown to be highly correlated. The study went further to recommend that efforts should be made to ensure that issues like contract documentation should be well and appropriately carried out; roles and responsibilities of stakeholders should be well defined so as to fully keep all parties to a contract abreast with the expectations of their duties in relation to the project objectives.

Gap analysis of mentoring practices in quantity surveying firms

Abstract: The paper carried out gap analyses of mentoring practices in quantity surveying consultancy firms with a view to ensuring competitive advantage of quantity surveyors in the construction industry. T...

Strategic alliance in the construction industry: barriers facing its implementation in an emerging market

Abstract: Construction firms over the world involve in Strategy Alliance (SA) in order to achieve efficient time-cost-quality relationship during construction process through knowledge sharing, team culture and risk management with one another. Despite the numerous benefits gained, there are still various barriers facing it in the developing world. This paper is aimed at analysing the current level of awareness and barrier facing SA procurement method in the building industry in an emerging market (EM) using Nigeria as a case study, to profound future steps in avoiding these barriers and to encourage maximum implementation in the construction industry. A survey design was employed in evaluating the level of awareness of SA and barriers facing its adoption in building industry. Construction professionals in Nigeria were examined through a well-structured questionnaire. Mean Item Score and Factor Analysis were utilized in evaluating data gathered on the current barriers to SA procurement method in the construction industry. It was revealed from the study that the awareness level of SA procurement method within the industry amongst construction professionals is moderately high. This indicates that the barrier facing SA procurement method is not the issue of awareness but of willingness to adopt it. It was also established from the study that fear and trust issue, lack of strategic planning toward alliance, inadequate knowledge about alliance and, different in cultural values were the major component barriers facing strategic alliance procurement method. The study shows the true reflection of the current barriers facing the adoption of SA procurement methods in the developing country and notable points in this study can be largely recommended to promote strategic alliance partnership among construction firms the Nigerian construction industry and other emerging economy countries were building projects are carried out in the same approach, style and method.

Mitigating strategies of threats to quantity surveying profession in the nigerian construction industry

Abstract: Quantity surveying (QS) profession had faced numerous challenges in recent decades than when it was first introduced in developing countries. In addition, opportunities via technology advancement to the profession were also perceived as threats. This, therefore, inform the need to investigate the possible mitigating strategies to the threats confronting the profession in the Nigerian construction industry as an attempt to proffer solutions. Therefore, opinions of quantity surveyors in construction firms, consulting firms and government establishments of Lagos State, Nigeria were collected through a survey. The mitigating strategies garnered from extant literature were used to elicit the opinions of the respondents. One hundred and twelve (112) copies of questionnaires were administered, while the retrieved copies were used to analyse with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean score and Standard Deviation (SD) were used to rank the opinions of the respondents, and factor analysis was used to group the mitigating strategies into concise form for ease of discussion. The results of the analysis show that the mitigating strategies identified in the study are significant to mitigating the threats in the QS profession. The factor analysis conducted grouped the mitigating strategies into four major groups, namely practice, knowledge, progressive learning and ethics. These groupings were discussed within the context of the study and in relation with previous researches. This study proffers possible solutions to the threats to the QS profession that had been publicised in many studies.

Factors affecting mentoring of professionals in construction firms: Nigerian quantity surveyors’ perspective

Abstract: Mentoring has been associated with many positive outcomes ranging from promotion, increased pay, job satisfaction, knowledge retention in organizations, reduced employee turnover as well as employe...

A principal component analysis of knowledge management success factors in construction firms in nigeria

Abstract: Construction firms are knowledge-intensive organisations as employees use knowledge in their day to day activities; however, managing this knowledge is essential for improved service delivery. Knowledge Management (KM) has been affirmed to be of great benefit and improve the performance of organisations and particularly quantity surveying firms in Nigeria so, therefore, the need to assess the factors critical to the implementation of KM. Quantitative data was collected through the use of questionnaire from eighty-six quantity surveyors from quantity surveying firms in the southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria which comprises of six states using census sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected, and the result discussed. Mean Item Score was used to rank the factors while data reduction technique was used to ascertain the factors critical to the implementation of KM. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s test of sphericity were conducted before the data were subjected to principal component analysis and the results indicated that the data set is suitable for factor analysis. Five constructs of CSF, namely; Organisation and Leadership, Resources, Management involvement, Information technology and culture were developed from the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with a significant value ranging from 0.524 - 0.776. The reliability of each construct was tested using Cronbach Alpha coefficient, and the values arrived at are; 0.87, 0.885, 0.882, 0.903 and 0.749 respectively. The study revealed that the significance of KM critical success factors is well acknowledged by quantity surveyors in quantity surveying firms and the findings contributed to knowledge by introducing five factors critical to the success of KM. The study recommends that these factors should be given adequate attention for successful KM implementation in quantity surveying firms in Nigeria.