Perceptions of Quantity Surveyors on Challenges to and Benefits of Incorporating Information Technology in Quantity Surveying Practice in Ghana

This paper aimed at examining challenges and benefits associated with the incorporation of information technology (IT) in Ghanaian Quantity Surveying practice. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to solicit the views of 45 Chief Quantity Surveyors of quantity surveying firms in Kumasi and Accra on the issues under investigation. Data obtained was analyzed by mean scores. The findings from the study revealed that Microsoft project, Autodesk Quantity Takeoff, Masterbill, In-house software and QSPlus are the most frequently used quantity surveying softwares in quantity surveying practices. The results further showed that ‘inadequate training and education in the use of IT tools’, ‘high cost of innovation/learning a new technology’ and ‘inadequate or erratic power supply’ are the top most challenges to the adoption of IT in QS practices. Increase in productivity through streamlined data entry and management, increased productivity through automated quantities and cost calculations and improved savings in operation cost are among the benefits perceived to be associated with the adoption of IT in Quantity Surveying practice. Identification of the challenges and knowing the benefits associated with the adoption of IT should encourage industry practitioners to embrace the future prospects of IT adoption

Project management processes in the adoption of smart building technologies: a systematic review of constraints

Purpose: The necessity for sustainable development and high building performance has led to the adoption of smart building technologies (SBTs) in the construction community. The SBTs adoption has been hindered in many different parts of the world due to several constraints underpinning the project management processes to help adopt SBTs. This paper presents a systematic review of relevant literature on barriers underpinning the project management processes on the adoption of SBTs. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents a systematic review of relevant literature on barriers to technology adoption published in academic peer-reviewed journals and conference papers. The study adopted a systematic review technique on 56 relevant articles and conference papers in relation to barriers to adoption of technology, and barrier frequency was employed to select the most reported barriers. Findings: The study revealed the most reported barriers underpinning project management process towards SBTs adoption, which include lengthy approval process for new SBTs, structure and organization of the construction industry, higher cost for smart construction practices and materials, unfamiliarity with smart building technology and technical difficulty during construction process. Practical implications: To both the industry practitioners and policymakers, this review provides a valuable reference during implementation. Also, to the academic scholars on embarking on further empirical studies, the developed checklist of SBTs barriers could be important and useful. Originality/value: This study has contributed to the knowledge of barriers underpinning the project management processes on SBTs adoption by identifying the most reported barriers in literature

Perceptions of Undergraduate Construction Students on Industrial Training in Ghana

Ghanaian universities’ curricula, which have provisions for industrial training (IT), have not made the expected impact on graduates to meet the expectations of the construction industry. This paper assesses the perceptions of undergraduate construction students on IT in Ghana, its challenges and possible measures to overcome them. The study employed a structured questionnaire survey of 185 final year construction students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. Data analysis was based on mean scores of factors evaluated and the t-test was used to assess the significance of the differences between students’ performance before and after undertaking IT. Students are of the perception that IT exposes them to real work environment and increases their job prospects among others. Students’ satisfaction level with their performance on personal attitude, communication and work attitude significantly improved after undergoing IT. Students are, however, not satisfied with their departments’ involvement in IT, particularly, with regards to placement and monitoring. Stressful placement processes and financial strain on students are some of the challenges identified.Keywords: Industrial training, perception, construction graduates, Ghana

A holistic survey of dampness in a six bedroom residential apartment

As one of the most damaging failures that occur in buildings, dampness in all its forms affects both old and modern types of buildings. As an important function, buildings should seek to prevent water penetrations and give envelop to their occupants. This study adopted a holistic approach to dampness surveying to identify and document the areas in a six bedroom residential building severely affected by dampness. A case study approach which involves a three-stage protocol of damp investigation, thus visual inspection, non-destructive tests using a moisture meter and destructive testing was used in the study to identify and document areas in the building severely affected by dampness. The results from the visual investigation showed that dampness was seen on the external and internal walls of the building and was accompanied by symptoms such as damp patches in horizontal bands, blistering of paint, surface efflorescence, stains and in some portions mould growth. A further investigation with the moisture meter showed that the problem was very pronounced in the walls located in the western orientation. Also, destructive tests revealed that the dampness in the bathrooms and kitchen were due to plumbing leakages and rain water penetration respectively. Further research on affected buildings situated in different ground conditions is recommended. This study should serve as a platform for further studies to be conducted on the building in order to trace the visible evidence back to the actual seat of the problem. In so doing, it should provide a platform for all stakeholders in the construction industry to come together to address this common but dangerous problem.Keywords: Dampness, residential buildings, plumbing leakage, rising damp, water penetratio

Underlying indicators for measuring smartness of buildings in the construction industry

Purpose: This study investigates the underlying indicators for measuring the smartness of buildings in the construction industry; where the Smart Building Technology (SBT) concept (which incorporates elements of the Zero Energy Building (NZEB) concept) could ensure efficient energy consumption and high performance of buildings. Design/methodology/approach: An overarching post-positivist and empirical epistemological design was adopted to analyze primary quantitative data collected via a structured questionnaire survey with 227 respondents. The mean ranking analysis and one-sample t-test were employed to analyse data. Findings: Research findings revealed that the level of knowledge of smart building indicators is averagely high in the Ghanaian construction industry. Future research is required to evaluate the awareness level of Smart Building Technologies (SBTs) by construction professionals and identify barriers to its adoption. Originality/value: A blueprint guidance model (consisting of significant indicators for measuring building smartness) was developed to help improve building performance and inform policymakers

Assessing the level of awareness of smart building technologies (SBTs) in the developing countries

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the awareness level of smart building technologies (SBTs) among construction professionals in developing countries such as Ghana, and identify the key factors that have the significant capability of influencing the awareness level significantly. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through questionnaire survey from 227 construction design team and project managers in the Ghanaian construction industry. Descriptive analysis and multivariate analysis using multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Findings: Averagely low level of SBTs awareness was observed to exist among professionals in the construction industry of Ghana. The study further revealed “training programs” by organizations and “individual knowledge” as the key factors capable of significantly influencing the level of SBTs awareness in the construction industry of developing countries, particularly Ghana. Practical implications: This paper identified training programs by organizations and individual knowledge as the two key factors having significant capability of influencing the SBTs awareness in the construction industry of developing countries such Ghana. The two factors can be incorporated in policymaking process via considerations to help create SBTs awareness, such as encouragement of continuous professional development toward smart building concept in relation to construction sustainability. Originality/value: This study conceptualizes from a systematic professional perspective and provides empirical evidence on the key significant factors capable of influencing the awareness of SBTs in the developing countries such as Ghana

Exploration of latent barriers inhibiting project management processes in adopting smart building technologies (SBTs) in the developing countries

Purpose: While smart building technologies (SBTs) implementation ensures sustainability, their adoption is hampered by latent barriers, especially in project management processes. These latent barriers must be addressed to facilitate the successful and widespread adoption of SBTs. Therefore, this study aims to explore the significant latent barriers inhibiting the project management processes in adopting SBTs in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach: A positivist research philosophy couched within a deductive approach was adopted to undertake a quantitative questionnaire survey of 227 project management and design team participants. Descriptive and inferential analytical tools (including a one sample T-test and exploratory factor analysis) were then adopted to interpret data collected. Findings: The results reveal that the “high cost of smart sustainable materials and equipment” is the major significant barrier hindering the adoption of SBTs in developing countries. Latent barriers were: “structure and time-related barriers,” “construction-related barriers” and “human, policy and cost-related barriers”. Originality/value: The study contributes novel insights into the prevailing nascent discourse on SBTs from the perspectives of construction project managers and design teams in developing countries, particularly. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that ascertains the significant barriers inhibiting project management processes in adopting SBTs in developing countries

Underlying Indicators For Measuring Smartness Of Buildings In The Construction Industry

Purpose: The introduction of the Smart Buildings Technology (SBT) concept (which incorporates elements of the Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) concept) could be a measure in ensuring efficient energy consumption and high performance in buildings. Smart buildings provide solutions to improve building efficiency, and reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and concomitant energy costs. In order to adopt SBT in the construction industry, it is important to identify the indicators of smartness of buildings, even though such may differ from region to region or even country to country. However, there have been inefficient studies identifying the indicators of smartness of buildings, especially in developing countries such as Ghana. This study investigates the underlying indicators for measuring the smartness of buildings in the construction industry. Methodology: An overarching post-positivist and empirical epistemological design was adopted for this research to analyse primary quantitative data. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire survey with 227 respondents including project managers and construction design teams in Ghana. The mean ranking analysis and one sample t-test were employed to analyse the data. Findings: Research findings revealed that the level of knowledge of smart building indicators is averagely high in the Ghanaian construction industry. With regards to the indicators of smart building, ‘sensors implementation to manage light level, air quality, temperature, fire alarm and smoke detector’ is regards as the most significant measure of smart buildings in the Ghanaian construction industry. Also, ‘remote implementation monitors building conditions and occupancy’, ‘implementation of any software that can talk to legacy equipment from many different manufactures’ and ‘data analytic’ are statistically insignificant in measuring smartness of buildings. Practical Implication: Practically, policy makers and practitioners can use the study’s results as blueprint guidance to appreciate and utilise the idea of smartness of buildings because it can improve building performance therefore, promoting the adoption of SBTs. To the body of knowledge, this study has identified the significant indicators for measuring the smartness of buildings, which can further influence SBTs adoption. Originality: Using the results, a model consisting of significant indicators for measuring building smartness was developed to help improve building performance. Recommendation: The study recommends future research to evaluate the awareness level of Smart Building Technologies (SBTs) by construction professionals and identify barriers to its adoption

Post Occupancy Evaluation of postgraduate students’ hostel facilities and services

Construction Post Occupancy Evaluation studies, especially those related to students’ hostels has received worldwide attention. However, this has not been the case in Ghana. This study sought to evaluate the performance of two postgraduate hostel buildings (Steven Paris Hostel and Transport Hostel) on Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus with regards to services rendered by management, functionality and environmental friendliness. The objective was to investigate the level of students’ satisfaction with some selected facilities and services available at the hostels. A survey of 70 postgraduate students who were residents of the two hostels were conducted to achieve the objective of the study. Data obtained from the survey was analyzed by Relative Satisfaction Index (RSI) and mean aggregate RSIs. The findings from the study revealed that occupants are generally “Satisfied” (Mean Aggregate RSI of 68.05) with the facilities and services available at the postgraduate hostels. The occupants showed high satisfaction level with the bedroom, television room, bathroom, kitchen, meeting room, support services and lobbies. However, they were indecisive about their satisfaction with management of the hostels and the laundry room. The feedbacks obtained from the occupants should inform any decisions regarding future renovations and effective management of the hostels. The study recommends effective POEs and maintenance management practices for the institution’s hostel facilities to improve the comfort of users

Built and forgotten: unveiling the defects associated with the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) jubilee house in Kumasi

Lack of attention given to government buildings in Ghana has resulted in the deplorable states of such buildings. This study sought to identify and examine key defects associated with the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) Regional Office building in Kumasi. A mixed research strategy which involved the use of on-site building observations and case studies was adopted. A checklist was prepared to assist in the identification of the defects, and the on-site building inspection assisted in examining the key defects identified. The findings from the study revealed that peeling of paints, leakages in ceilings, staining/discolouration of walls, dampness in walls and floors, electrical defects and cracked walls were among the key defects associated with the building. The on-site inspection carried out confirmed the severity of these defects, and revealed that the building was in a deplorable state. Though this study may not indicate the entire scenario of the deplorable states of many government buildings, it tries to explore some common defects affecting one of such buildings and the need to pay attention to them. The findings from this study provides the platform for all stakeholders involved to come together and fight the deteriorating states of government buildings in the country