Application of Value Management to Selected Construction Projects in Nigeria

Due to the benefits of value management (VM) in capital projects in some developed and developing countries of the world, there has been call by built environment professionals in Nigeria for embracement of the practice by project stakeholders. VM has been introduced in the country but there are challenges with its implementation and application, this study therefore examine the influence of VM practice on 4 selected building projects. Case-study approach was employed in which group of professionals carried out hypothetical VM analysis of selected projects using 40-hour workshop plan. Prior to the examination of the projects, facilitators and members of the team were trained on the history, basis and application of VM to construction works and a typical project was examined in the course of the training. On a general note, the study revealed that VM has numerous benefits if fully implemented for construction projects thereby enhancing value for money for project clients, owners or sponsors. The two notable benefits are reduction of cost while maintaining function as well as identification and removal of unnecessary materials, process and workmen time. Beyond the introduction of VM into curriculum of higher institutions and presentation at various workshops and seminars, a major issue of implementation should be addressed by stakeholders in the construction industry. Keywords: Construction projects; Cost; Nigeria; Project function; Value management

Establishing a common ground for the use of structural equation modelling for construction related research studies

The use of structural equation modelling (SEM) for research studies in construction related field has been on the increase over the years. The essence of this study is not to compare the level of usage of SEM with other modelling methods, neither is it to examine its extent of adoption in construction management - as this has been researched in previous works - but to arrive at a common ground for future construction related research works, based on the findings and recommendations from existing studies on the subject of SEM. Research materials within and outside the field of construction management were reviewed and it was discovered that SEM using AMOS (covariance approach) is the most appropriate method for construction research studies. This is not just because it is the most available of the software programs, but because of the numerous benefits and advantages highlighted from previous studies. The study also recommended appropriate sample size as well as cut-off value for various required goodness-of-fit tests of SEM model

Factors Affecting Performance of Undergraduate Students in Construction Related Disciplines

Academic performance of students in Nigerian institutions has been of much concern to all and sundry hence the need to assess the factors affecting performance of undergraduate students in construction related discipline in Nigeria. A survey design was employed with questionnaires administered on students in the department of Quantity Surveying, Estate Management, Architecture and Industrial Design in Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria, using a convenient sampling approach. Data were analyzed using percentage, frequency, mean item score and Kruskal-Wallis test. The study revealed that parents and lecturers have the highest influence on the success of undergraduate students in construction related disciplines in Nigerian while school board members have the lesser impact. Concentration, lack of reading habit and class size are the major identified factors affecting the performance of undergraduates while Cumulative Grade Point Average and Continuous Assessment and Examination are the best means of measuring student success. The study therefore recommend that parents and lecturers should be made aware of their roles in the success of their wards while necessary facilities in term of accommodation and serene environment on campus should be provided for students as this will enhance students’ concentration, hence increasing the rate of students' success. Keywords: Academic, Construction Students, Nigeria, Stakeholders, Students' Succes

Assessment of Maintenance Management Culture of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

Buildings are critical factors in achieving desirable outcomes for tertiary institutions. Any inadequacy in building facilities represents a loss in value of the institution, its users and stakeholders. Hence, institution buildings require maintenance in order to create a conducive environment that supports and stimulates learning, teaching, innovation and research as there seems to be a strong correlation between learning and the environment in which knowledge is imparted. In this research, maintenance management structure of tertiary institutions was assessed and the usual maintenance procedures as well as means of funding maintenance activities in the institutions were examined and evaluated. Data used for this research work were collected using structured questionnaires and interview which were administered to workers of the various departments in charge of maintenance work. Data received were analyzed using simple statistical tools such as mean item score, percentage and frequency. The research shows that institutions have a structure in place to carryout maintenance work but do not have a formal organogram showing the hierarchy flow of authority and that maintenance department is characterized by inexperienced staff. It also revealed that maintenance works are properly funded but characterized by frequent occurrences like underestimating and cost overrun. The research recommends that the institution should have a formal organogram to show the distribution of power and to carry out proper training of maintenance staff especially the quantity surveyors in preparing maintenance budgets. Keywords: Tertiary Institutions, Maintenance, Maintenance Department, Maintenance Practice, Nigeria

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

Assessment of the Use of Subcontracting Options for Construction Project Delivery

In most developing countries around the world, construction projects are carried out on a daily basis, using diverse means of contracting. One of such means is the process of subcontracting which is gaining popularity as a result of specialization among construction participants. This research therefore assessed the use of various subcontracting options for construction project delivery. Using a survey design, 43 registered construction firms were sampled. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, frequency and mean item score. Findings showed that nominated and domestic subcontracting options are the mostly used subcontracting options. Planned construction time, time taken to implement variation order and time taken to rectify defects are the major time related factors capable of causing poor project delivery, while contractor’s expected profit, contractor’s cash flow and the cost of materials and equipment are the major cost related factors capable of causing poor project delivery if not properly evaluated by the parties involved. The study further recommends that the level of awareness and usage of the other subcontracting options which are not widely known and used presently can be improved through seminars, meetings, conferences organized by construction professional’s supervisory bodies and relative agencies for construction stakeholders. Also effective monitoring and coordination of the activities of subcontractors by the main contractor is necessary so that the outline programme of works can be achieved on time and within budget. Keywords: Cost, Nigeria, Project delivery, Subcontracting, Time

Implementation of Code of Ethics among Quantity Surveying Firms in Nigeria

With the challenging economy in a developing country like Nigeria, it is not uncommon to see construction professionals acting in manners that goes against the ethics of their profession during the course of carrying out their professional duties just to make ends meet. This study therefore assessed the implementation of code of ethics among quantity surveying firms in Nigeria. Using a survey design, 68 Quantity surveying firms were identified and sampled using a well-structured questionnaire. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, frequency and mean item score. The study reveals that there is high level of awareness of the code of ethics among quantity surveyors in the study area but not all have fully implemented it in their day to day activities. This non-implementation is as a result of inadequate remuneration for services rendered, present economic condition within the country and pressure from project team members. The study also reveals that the most occurring unethical practice among Quantity surveyors is insincerity to clients and other professionals, and this and all other unethical practices such as bribery, colluding with contractors during the course of construction and revealing of official details such as tender figures can be curbed with the strict enforcement of the code of ethics. The study therefore recommend that the professional bodies should be more proactive in enforcing the professions code of ethics among its members and ensure strict penalty for defaulters. Also Quantity surveying profession’s code of ethics should be taught extensively in higher institutions. Seminars and workshops to sensitize and remind Quantity surveyors of the benefits of implementing the code and its effect on the image of the profession should also be organized by its professional bodies. Keywords: Code of ethics, Nigeria, Quantity surveying, Performance, Unethical

Effect of Construction Project Performance on Economic Development of Nigeria

Construction projects located in Nigeria suffer from many problems and complex issues and this ultimately impact on the country’s economic development. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to assess the effect of construction performance on economic development of Nigeria with a view to providing better construction project performance and improving economic development in the process. Using a survey design, a total of 74 construction professionals were sampled and data were analyzed using related descriptive tools. The study revealed that the major factors affecting project performance include; project design cost, cost of reworks, unavailability of resources, average delay in regular payment, quality of equipment and raw materials and unavailability of competent staffs to handle construction process. Also findings revealed that the areas where construction project performance have more effect on economic development are; improvement in technology, extension of infrastructures, increase in employment opportunities and government expenditure. The study further recommends that human resources in the construction industry should be developed through proper and continuous training programs about construction projects performance. Also elements required for better performance in construction have to be fully integrated into every construction projects in Nigeria. Keywords: Construction, Economic development, Performance, Nigeria

Evaluating the relationship between communication management practices and project outcomes : a case study of Eswatini (Swaziland) construction industry

Abstract: Communication management is viewed as an imperative factor associated with performance improvement in construction projects. In Eswatini, it is established that projects experience poor project delivery associated with poor communication management practices. This study seeks to elucidate communication management practices informed by local culture and relate it to project outcome. A questionnaire survey of practitioners registered with Eswatini construction industry council was adopted for the study. Data was collected from 66 respondents. Principal axis factoring established nine practices namely; information technology, communication technology, communication skills and competence, communication management plan, teamwork, clear channels within organisation’s structure, project brief requirement management, project brief risk requirement management and context of environment as being key factors to project positive outcome. Spearman’s rho established..

Asymmetry in Professionals’ Perceptions of Sustainable Construction

Sustainable construction is the response of the construction industry to the environmental, social and economic challenges arising from construction activities. Although the negative impact of construction activities is a global problem, it has local effects that require the inputs of indigenous stakeholders for mitigation. Hence, the study assessed the perceptions of professionals about sustainable construction with a view to boosting understanding of how individual awareness and commitments influence the implementation of sustainable construction. The study adopted a quantitative research approach to obtain information from professionals working in different sectors of the construction industry in Lagos, Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data from the survey. Findings revealed statistically significant differences in the perceptions of professionals about sustainable constriction. The findings have implications for: the design of sustainable construction policies, the business case for sustainable construction and the diffusion of sustainable construction