Success Factors in Mega Infrastructure Projects (MIPs): Developing Nations Perspectives

There is a common understanding that megaprojects are important drivers of societal change. Their impact is an important phenomenon because of the influence on both society and economy. Despite the best practices all around the globe, numerous challenges can move a megaproject from a programmed success to a failure scenario. It can create an uncertainty over the result, impact as well as over the justification of the enormous amount of resources spent. Despite much research done so far, it is still not clear what are the causes of megaproject success. However, there seems to be no clear understanding as to what are the major success factors on which a project is judged in developing nation. Hence, this study aims to analyse the most vital success factors that would label a megaproject as being a complete accomplishment. The research was conducted using quantitative survey. The questionnaires were distributed to different stakeholders who have participated in previous megaproject. The questions were based on a Likert's scale rating and analysed using relative important index (RII). The result from the analysis was then used in establishing the main success factors in mega project whilst focusing on what is regarded as the most important success factors as projects are unique with certain needs. The key finding from the study is the Project Managers experience and co existence with other stakeholders which was found as vital factor for the successful delivery of MIPs. Therefore, the research demonstrates the implication of the role of the project managers in terms of coordination of other parties in achieving stakeholders goal

The implications of adopting sustainable urbanism in developing resilient places in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract Purpose – Sustainable urbanism is the study of both cities and the practices to build them, which focusses on promoting their long-term viability by reducing consumption, waste and harmful impacts on people and place while enhancing the overall well-being of both people and place. This paper analyses the implications of adopting sustainable urbanism principles and developing resilient places with Abuja as the area of focus to tackle the highlighted issues. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on qualitative research which is centred on an extensive literature review and archival retrieval of historical documents. This includes the emergence of urbanism, sustainable urbanism definition and current issues surrounding its adaptation. The paper also focusses on a case study area in the capital city of Abuja, Nigeria which is currently undergoing massive urban development. Interviews are conducted with academics (13), practitioners (12) and government officials (10) making a total of 35 participants. Findings – The main findings will create an understanding of the definition of sustainability and sustainable urbanism with a special focus on Abuja city. It was realised from the interviews that sustainable urbanism in broad terms encompasses economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and that these dimensions vary across different contexts even in the developing world. Also, sustainability can be achieved through deploying the right combination of measures, policies, assessment tools, sustainability assessment, good governance, and training/education and incentives. Originality/value – By reviewing the selected studies which explore a wide range of disciplines and research areas, and conducting this qualitative research, this paper shares insights into how sustainability and sustainability urbanism can be achieved in the development of urban spaces in Abuja environs. Keywords - Developing countries, Sustainability, Sustainable urbanism, Urbanisation, Urban regeneration Paper type Research pape

Determining the Level of Prefabricated Module Requirements in Offsite Construction

Offsite construction technique presents substantially speedier construction processes whilst lowering construction wastes. The level of prefabricated for offsite construction projects depend largely on the amount of complexity and the level of prefabricated components, which can be classified into two levels such as 2D penalized and 3D volumetric construction. However, there is often no specific method adoptable for determining the level of prefabrication construction. This research aims to determine the level of prefabrication requirement for offsite construction and their significance. An online database collected for offsite construction projects was analysed with decision making models. The results revealed that the building volume, i.e., the building footprint and height were the most influential factors. Furthermore, three other factors related to timber material, low-income target user, and residential function of prefabricated projects were also identified crucial in deciding the prefabrication level. The research concluded with certain guidance recommended for choosing the appropriate prefabrication level for building construction. For example, penalized construction generally had higher level of implementation than volumetric construction in prefabrication

Driving Construction Health and Safety Through Procurement Strategy.

Abstract Context: There is an increasing awareness of the importance of health and safety in the construction industry. However, the extent to which this is given the appropriate attention is contested, given the divergent views among key stakeholders. The contractors view clients’ as merely paying ‘lips services’ to health and safety, and they point to clients’ obsession with ‘value for money’ and the failure to understand that ‘value for money’ concept transcends beyond tender price when selecting contractors. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the role of procurement strategy in improving health and safety culture in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach: The method adopted is based on a review of the literature and in-depth exploratory interviews with two major contractors to explore how health and safety is influenced by procurement approaches. Findings: Preliminary findings suggest that collaborative procurement approaches, unlike traditional procurement with conflicting objectives of key stakeholders, can dissolve hierarchical barriers and create highly connected teams with strong working relationships to promote health and safety. Practical implications: Health and safety should be positioned at the heart of procurement to ensure that there are adequate provisions to develop a stronger health and safety culture to facilitate the implementation of construction projects. Originality/value: The study argues for increasing understanding the roles of procurement strategy in ameliorating health and safety issues in construction projects, which will enable appropriate guidelines to be utilised by clients in selecting contractors for a construction project

Sustainable Solutions to Dampness in Building: A Case Study of Selected Period Properties in England.

Abstract Purpose: Dampness is a problem in predominantly period properties due to lack of insulation, heating, ventilation and untreated building defects. Associated problems of dampness in buildings transcend physical deterioration in buildings. There are serious and varied health hazards and environmental problems, particularly concerning the chosen methods of remediation. The aim of this study is to examine other eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to Chemical treatment of dampness, which is disruptive to occupants and intrusive to the building. Design/methodology/approach: Case study methodology was employed for this study as a deep understanding of dampness and the effectiveness of the electro-osmosis and magneto-physical methods. Nine properties treated using electro-osmosis and magneto-physical methods are presented as exploratory case studies to demonstrate their effectiveness in comparison to the conventional dampness treatment method. Findings: In 3, 4, 6, representing (33%) of the cases, significant improvements to rising dampness was achieved. However, it was found in few of the cases; 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 representing (56%), that the dampness returned after treatment. It was not successful in case 9 which represent (11%) due to other source of dampness that was not detected initially. On further investigation, it was found in these cases that the sources of dampness had not been exhausted at the beginning of the experimentation, necessitating the strong recommendations that thorough investigations of sources of dampness in buildings must be undertaken before treatment is applied. Practical implications: Electro-osmosis and Magneto-physical method are chemical-free, simpler and cheaper to apply. In other to eliminate the negative imprints of the 70s and 80s, educating building professionals through continuous professional development (CPDs) is paramount to their revival, as effective measures for arresting rising dampness in buildings. Originality/value: The study argues for increased preference for the eco-friendly and sustainable alternative methods to conventional chemical based methods of treating rising dampness

Complexities Inherent in Mega Infrastructure: The Challenges of Accurate Estimating.

The amount of risk in mega infrastructure projects (MIPs) has undoubtedly contributed to the rising costs of MIPs and delays. Whether such projects are initially underestimated cannot be determined at the planning stage. Despite this, it is claimed that before any project risks are envisaged, the initial estimate is more often or likely to have been underestimated. An issue with underestimating MIPs can lead to many unrealistic expectations. Those expectations may lead to cost overrun which must have emanated from underestimating the risk variables that should have been covered with contingencies during the estimation stage. The purpose of this study is to explore some recent headlines surrounding Crossrail and its many failures in meeting completion deadlines, with many components of the project far from completion at the due dates. This research will be a continuous study from previous research undertaking in Cost overruns and unmet deadlines in MIPs. The research aims to examine various literature to obtain an insight into some of the challenges affecting infrastructure project estimation. This is an area which has not been particularly delve into by many researchers who have concentrate their energy on the causative factors of delays and cost overrun. The discussion will help to highlight some of the difficulties and create the awareness for estimators, cost engineers, quantity surveyors and cost advisers, of what they would need when preparing initial cost estimates

Success Factors in Mega Infrastructure Projects (MIPs): Developing Nation’s Perspectives

There is a common understanding that megaprojects are important drivers of societal change. Their impact is an important phenomenon because of the influence on both society and economy. Despite the best practices all around the globe, numerous challenges can move a megaproject from a programmed success to a failure scenario. It can create an uncertainty over the result, impact as well as over the justification of the enormous amount of resources spent. Despite much research done so far, it is still not clear what are the causes of megaproject success. However, there seems to be no clear understanding as to what are the major success factors on which a project is judged in developing nation. Hence, this study aims to analyse the most vital success factors that would label a megaproject as being a complete accomplishment. The research was conducted using quantitative survey. The questionnaires were distributed to different stakeholders who have participated in previous megaproject. The questions were based on a Likert’s scale rating and analysed using relative important index (RII). The result from the analysis was then used in establishing the main success factors in mega project whilst focusing on what is regarded as the most important success factors as projects are unique with certain needs. The key finding from the study is the Project Managers experience and co existence with other stakeholders which was found as vital factor for the successful delivery of MIPs. Therefore, the research demonstates the implication of the role of the project managers in terms of coordination of other parties in achieving stakeholders goal

An investigation and comparison of the mental health of the construction industry workforce prior to and during the pandemic in UK

Purpose of this paper This research investigated and compared the mental health of those working within the construction industry prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. There had been research exploring this topic prior to the pandemic. However, there had been limited exploration into how the pandemic period effected mental health, despite the speculation that the pandemic caused the mental health of those working in the construction industry in the UK to decline. Design/methodology/approach The research was carried out using a mixed methodology, including primary, secondary, qualitative, and quantitative data. Due to the complex nature of the topic, but also the need to explore past and current events, the research question required a mixed methodology. Findings There were high rates of poor mental health and suicides within the construction industry in the UK. This had been well documented for some years, the pandemic was expected to exacerbate these issues due to restrictions and changed stressors. However, this research showed that the mental health of construction workers did not necessarily worsen, in addition to there being a lower level of suicides in 2020 compared to 2019. However, the rates had been still alarmingly high, and the construction industry had reached crisis point. Further research needed to be carried out in the years following the pandemic. Original value The mental health of construction workers in the UK had been consistently poor over at least the last decade. Additionally, there were high rates of suicides within the construction industry. However, the speculation that statistics would show declining mental health in the industry during the pandemic, was proved to be incorrect by the primary and secondary research. The research provided data and discussions on the mental health of construction employees prior and amid the global pandemic in UK. It sheded light on the post-pandemic era on how to improve the mental wellbeing of employees for all stakeholders in the construction industry

Construction Infrastructure Project Cost Overrun and Cost Control/Management Techniques.

Purpose of this paper The construction industry is distinct and different from other industries due to its multifaceted nature and the unpredictability it meets. Despite advancements in construction project management throughout the decades, cost overrun as proved to be a significant challenge for the industry with most of the construction and infrastructure projects encounter cost and schedule overruns due to challenges caused by inadequate cost management during the design and implementation stages. Hence, this research is set to identify and rate the elements that influence cost overruns and evaluate the cost management techniques in the UK construction sector. Design/methodology/approach The research was carried out using primary research, which takes the form of quantitative data collected through a questionnaire. This provides the required data for analysing cost overruns and determining the most effective cost management strategy. The Relative Importance Index (RII) rated the components. Findings Findings from the research show that erroneous estimating, unsuitable planned design standards, and information are the main militating factors influencing cost overruns in construction infrastructure projects (CIPs) with a relative important index (RII) of 0.938462 whilst budgeting ranked highest for all participants as a cost-control approach. Original/value of paper. This is to gauge the position of middle management on the various challenges posed by cost overrun and delays. It was deduced from the research outcome that an experience professional should oversee complex or mega project and innovative design technology can be used to enhance design consideration right from the outline design stages

The implications of adopting sustainable urbanism in developing resilient places in Abuja, Nigeria

Purpose: Sustainable urbanism is the study of both cities and the practices to build them, which focusses on promoting their long-term viability by reducing consumption, waste and harmful impacts on people and place while enhancing the overall well-being of both people and place. This paper analyses the implications of adopting sustainable urbanism principles and developing resilient places with Abuja as the area of focus to tackle the highlighted issues. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on qualitative research which is centred on an extensive literature review and archival retrieval of historical documents. This includes the emergence of urbanism, sustainable urbanism definition and current issues surrounding its adaptation. The paper also focusses on a case study area in the capital city of Abuja, Nigeria which is currently undergoing massive urban development. Interviews are conducted with academics (13), practitioners (12) and government officials (10) making a total of 35 participants. Findings: The main findings will create an understanding of the definition of sustainability and sustainable urbanism with a special focus on Abuja city. It was realised from the interviews that sustainable urbanism in broad terms encompasses economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and that these dimensions vary across different contexts even in the developing world. Also, sustainability can be achieved through deploying the right combination of measures, policies, assessment tools, sustainability assessment, good governance, and training/education and incentives. Originality/value: By reviewing the selected studies which explore a wide range of disciplines and research areas, and conducting this qualitative research, this paper shares insights into how sustainability and sustainability urbanism can be achieved in the development of urban spaces in Abuja environs