Henry Ndubuisi Onukwube

Bio: Henry Ndubuisi Onukwube is an academic researcher from University of Lagos. The author has contributed to research in topics: Job attitude & Public policy. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 9 publications receiving 157 citations.

Sustainable or Green Construction in Lagos, Nigeria: Principles, Attributes and Framework

Abstract: The concept of sustainable development is used as a basis for enhancing understanding of sustainable construction. Principles of sustainable construction cover four attributes: social, economic, biophysical and technical. The research examined these concepts, principles and attributes in understanding sustainable and green construction as well as current practices and challenges of sustainable construction in Lagos, Nigeria. The research embraced both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The sample frame is the total number of built industry registered and practising professionals in Lagos. A total number of 85 respondents were randomly selected for study from each group. A 5-point likert scale was used to assess respondents’ judgement on the identified social, economic, bio-physical and technical indicators. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted with all the above professional groups to corroborate the primary information. For a wider coverage, three different construction sites are selected to reflect income neighbourhoods-Lekki (high income), Yaba (medium income) and Bariga (low income). Data Collected were analysed using the mean item score. A multi- stage framework which required the application of environmental assessment and environment management systems for construction projects was utilised. Research findings indicate that the most important factors considered for sustainable construction with their mean item scores are quality of working conditions (0.852) strengthening and enforcement of relevant law and regulations(0.872), encouraging construction waste management(0.819) and design for flexibility and adaptability. Results from the FGDs indicate that the current practice on sustainable construction does not take into consideration integrated design process, acoustic and visual comfort in the planning and construction of sustainable projects. The research therefore concludes that government should improve existing laws to enhance quality of working life, education, training as well as knowledge management for all stakeholders in sustainable construction.

Factors Affecting the Accuracy of a Pre-Tender Cost Estimate in Nigeria

Abstract: Pre-tender cost estimating of building projects requires extensive knowledge and expertise. Because of inadequate design information in the early design stages, it is extremely difficult for quantity surveyors to arrive at an accurate cost estimate. The main objective of this article is to evaluate the factors affecting accuracy of pre-tender cost estimate in Nigeria. Data was collected, through a questionnaire, from 50 randomly selected quantity surveyors in consulting firms. A 66 percent majority of the respondents are principal partners of their respective firms, eight percent are partners, 10 percent are associate partners, while 16 percent are quantity surveyors employed by consulting firms. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and an analysis of variance. The study revealed six important factors, based upon the construction industry experience of the quantity surveyors, which affect the accuracy of a pre-tender cost estimate. These six factors are: expertise of consultants, quality of information and flow requirements, the project team's experience of the construction type, the tender period and market condition, extent of completion of pre-contract design, and the complexity of design and construction. Taking these factors into consideration at the inception stage of the project could improve the accuracy of preliminary cost advice that the quantity surveyor consultant gives his or her client.

Correlates of job satisfaction amongst quantity surveyors in consulting firms in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: Job satisfaction is the sense of well- being, good feeling and positive mental state that emerge in an incumbent worker when his obtained reward consequent upon his performance is congruent with his equitable rewardThe aim of this study is to ascertain the levels of job satisfaction amongst quantity surveyors in consulting firms in Lagos, Nigeria Biographical and job descriptive index questionnaires (JDI) were administered to gather the data The JDI measures job satisfaction on five facets, namely, pay, promotions, supervision, co-workers and the work itself A total of 100 questionnaires were collected and used for the study The survey covered quantity surveyors in consulting firms in Lagos and the respondents were selected using stratified random sampling technique Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation matrix, t-test and one way anova Findings of the study revealed that the respondents were satisfied with the relationship with co-workers, nature of work and the supervision they receive Major sources of dissatisfaction are promotion and salaries of the respondents This finding is a bold step and necessary benchmark for resolving major sources of dissatisfaction among quantity surveyors in consulting firms The roles of other contextual factors on job satisfaction need to be contemplated for future research

Causes of Errors in Construction Contract Documents in Southwestern, Nigeria

Abstract: The issue of continual poor project performance in the construction industry remains unresolved and there is need for improvement. In view of improving project performance, the study aims at investigating the frequent causes of errors in construction contract documents. The survey research design and mixed research methods were used for the study. The respondents for the study consist of 86 consulting and 98 contracting firms that have been engaged on building projects that is above one floor between 2012 and 2015. Fifty one (51) interviews were also conducted on contractors, project managers and consultants on the projects they were involved and can equally provide necessary information for the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20) was used for the analysis of the study. The study found that the frequent causes of the errors in contract documents are frequent design changes by clients, lack of adequate time to prepare documents and design management experience among others. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the causes of errors in contract documents vary from one state to the other. It was also concluded that there is difference in the causes of errors in contract documents based on types of building, services rendered by construction organisations and states in South West, Nigeria. However, there is no significant difference in the causes of errors in contract documents based on procurement method except where there is incomplete documentation or contracting organisations have overlapping activities. The study recommends that the frequent errors identified should always be prevented from occurring if cost and time overrun are to be minimized. Also since most of the causes identified are related to consultants, it was recommended as suggested by interviewees that all designs must go through quality assurance process.Keywords: Building projects, Construction, Contract documents, Errors, project performance

Exploring the Coastal Tourism Potentials of Lagos

Abstract: Nigeria, just like the ASEAN countries, is in the process of metamorphosizing into a developed country. In its quest for developing other sectors of the economy to diversify from its main stay which is oil, Nigeria is looking to tourism as a possible alternative income earner for the nation. Growing statistics indicate the increasingly financial gains in exploiting the untapped wealth of coastal tourism: it is increasingly an area of interest whose potential lies hugely unexploited in Nigeria. Lagos, its former capital, is one of Nigeria’s coastal cities. Water-based sites in the city are largely neglected or grossly under-utilized thereby wasting their natural recreational potentials. This research seeks to examine the existing water tourism destinations, identify the problems causing lack of popularity, and subsequently proffer solutions enabling policy makers in government and private sector plan better. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires and interviews from sixty randomly selected users and industry practitioners in Tarzan Jetty, Ozumba Mbadiwe Waterfront, Bar Beach Harbour and the Marina Waterfront. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean item score. Result of the survey showed that all the four water-based tourist destinations experience lack of infrastructure, most especially functional ferries or other water transport, piers, canoes and boats for pleasure rides and sightseeing, properly designed areas for relaxation and passive leisure, lack of security and non availability of restaurants, shopping facilities and conveniences. The provision of these infrastructures will definitely improve the current state of coastal tourism in Lagos.

Green building incentives: A review

Abstract: Green building incentives are important to promoting green building. However, it lacks a systematic review of existing knowledge. This paper aims to elicit the common themes in studies of green building incentives through a systematic review. It is found that the common research areas into green building incentives are incentive categorisation, its effectiveness on promoting green building development, criticism of current green incentive implementation and strategies for improving green building incentives. Green building incentives are categorised into external and internal incentives. The external incentive is a forced choice whereby beneficiaries are required to fulfil specified conditions or requirements before benefitting, while the internal incentive allows beneficiaries to be incentivised out of volition because of the appeal of the benefits of green buildings. The external incentives, which are largely provided by the government, are divided into financial and non-financial incentives. It is found that owners are more incentivised by non-financial incentives. In terms of effectiveness, both external and internal incentives are important instruments for promoting green building, although it is not clear which are the more effective. Furthermore, the review uncovered criticisms of external green building incentives, which mainly focus on shortcomings in administering the incentives by the government. The strategies for improving green building incentives were also found, the most important of these being the need for the government to redirect its approach of providing incentives so that owners can be encouraged to pursue green building. The review findings signify the importance of the government in relation to green building incentives. Further research areas that could expand the knowledge of green building incentives are also recommended.