Problem-based learning: enhancing students learning of building information modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an innovative collaborative process underpinned by digital technologies introduced to improve project performance in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Growth in industry demands has necessitated BIM inclusion into the Higher Education (HE) curricula as both a pedagogic and practical objective to prepare and develop aspiring Built Environment (BE) professionals with the required competence for contemporary practice. However, comprehension of BIM concepts and developing the skill set required for its application can be overwhelming for students and crucial to mitigating this challenge is the adoption of appropriate learner-centred strategies. Problem-based Learning (PBL) is becoming a widespread strategy to address such concern. This paper evaluates the impact of PBL strategy on students accelerated learning of BIM based on a case study of an undergraduate BIM module. Findings from the study show PBL benefits on students’ knowledge acquisition (cognitive and affective) of BIM concept and development of transferable skills (academic and disciplinary) equipping them with capabilities to become BIM competent and workplace ready for the AEC industry

A case for target value design towards effective low-cost housing project cost management and performance South-East Zone Nigeria

Going north for sustainability:Leveraging knowledge and innovation for sustainable construction and development, CIB International Conference London.Reports over the past decade, reveal the trend of poor cost performances of many Low-cost Housing (LcH) projects. This have apparently resulted in huge monetary losses to the government as the client, declining housing supply and undermined affordability of many Low and Low-medium incomes particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. In spite of the changes with contemporary trends in Nigeria, it would appear that the techniques employed in the management of the delivery costs of the LcH projects particularly in the South-east zone are yet similar to those used over a century ago. This necessitates urgent and appropriate sustainable intervention strategies adopting cost-effective techniques. Prior studies affirms the implications of modern cost management techniques such as Target Value Design (TVD) in improving delivery cost performances on construction projects. For this reason this paper which forms an integral part of an ongoing doctoral study, aim to identify the efficacy and applicability of TVD in the context of LcH project delivery cost management. A review of relevant and extant literature identifies peculiarities on the concept of TVD and LcH projects. Findings from literature and data collected via questionnaires further identify constraints on current LcH project delivery cost management system and clearly indicates the possible applicability and integration of TVD in the system. These findings provide a platform for the next phase of the research towards developing an improved delivery cost management model for LcH projects. This is expected to engender effective government-led LcH projects delivery particularly in in South-East zone Nigeria

SIGNIFICANT WASTE FACTORS INFLUENCING DELIVERY COST PERFORMANCE OF DESIGN AND BUILD LOW-COST HOUSING PROJECTS IN IMO STATE NIGERIA

Published ArticleEffective performances particularly on Low-cost housing projects has been a major problem in many developing countries. In Nigeria, public sector clients have adopted the design and build (DB) procurement strategy as one of the strategies to deliver Lowcost housing (LcH) projects following potential benefits to facilitate improved performances particularly as it pertains to project cost. Yet, many design and build low-cost housing (DBLcH) projects are not delivered within expected target cost performances resulting from the influences of waste factors amongst several others identified. This paper aim to identify the waste factors that significantly influence poor cost performances of DBLcH projects based on the investigation of the LcH sector in Imo State Nigeria. A mixed method design, using literature review and survey questionnaire, was adopted in this study, to identify and validate contextual waste factors influencing DBLcH project cost performances. Findings revealed the significant waste factors influencing poor cost performances of DBLcH projects. This study’s findings is expected to increase the awareness of the project team on the significant waste factors that will need to be mitigated towards improving the cost performances of DBLcH projects in Imo State Nigeria

Prioritizing cost management system considerations for Nigerian housing projects

Purpose- This study develops a success factor model to understand and facilitate improved cost management system (CMS) implementation in Low-cost housing (LcH) project delivery in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach- Literature findings highlight thirteen drivers��� affecting effective implementation within the CMS and employs series of brainstorming sessions and questionnaire survey to validate the drivers���. Factor analysis (FA) identifies possible contextual relationships among the validated drivers��� and groups them into three success factors. The results of the FA are refined employing interpretive structural modelling (ISM). The ISM identifies and models the influential drivers��� and aids the development of the success factor model. Findings- Effective team qualities, information and management actions and a stable operational environment are the three essential success factors for effective CMS implementation. Practical implications- The paper highlights effective team qualities as the most important CMS considerations for Nigerian LcH project delivery. This finding creates the needed awareness to guide project sponsors and project managers in the appropriate selection of Project Management Team (PMT) as well procurement system that facilitates their collaboration. Originality/value- This study is a novel research using FA and ISM to investigate the influence of success factors needful for effective implementation within the CMS. It further develops a hierarchy model that aids the PMT with the better understanding of the drivers��� and factors interrelationships for use on LcH projects within the Nigerian context

BIM for deconstruction: an interpretive structural model of factors influencing implementation.

Transitioning from demolition to deconstruction practices for end-of-life performances is gaining increasing attention following the need for the construction industry to minimise construction and demolition waste. Building information modelling (BIM) presents an opportunity for sustainable deconstruction. However, the notion of BIM for deconstruction (BIMfD) is still in its infancy in the United Kingdom. Although a few studies on BIMfD are evident, a focus on identifying the underlying factors necessary for successful implementation of BIMfD is lacking. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse the underlying factors necessary for BIMfD implementation in the UK construction industry. It employed a four-stage research design. The reviewed literature explored extant views on BIM implementation factors to identify an initial list of possible factors influencing BIMfD implementation. Subsequently, a mix of questionnaire, focus group discussions and structured interviews were employed at various stages to refine and contextualise 15 factors necessary for BIMfD implementation in the UK construction industry. The contextual interrelationships among the factors were evaluated using interpretive structured modelling (ISM). This evaluation culminated in a BIMfD implementation factor model. The findings identified BIMfD experts, responsiveness of business models to innovative practices and industry’s acceptance to embrace change as the principal factors influencing BIMfD implementation in the UK. The implications of the findings attest that BIMfD experts and advisors must champion the adoption and implementation of BIMfD in the UK and business models need to become more responsive to accommodate BIMfD innovative practices. A BIMfD framework was conceptualised. Even though the BIMfD framework was designed from the UK perspective, the global construction industry can leverage the outcomes of this study. This paper, therefore, brings to the fore, a hierarchical BIMfD implementation factor model to support improved deconstruction practices in the construction industry

The system dynamics analysis of cost overrun causations in UK rail projects in a COVID-19 epidemic era.

Cost overrun is a global issue plaguing transportation infrastructure projects and the rail industry in the United Kingdom is no exception. This industry plays a significant role in stimulating the country's economic development and growth. Understanding the factors contributing to cost overruns in rail projects is vital for ensuring the viability and sustainability of such projects, especially in the COVID-19 epidemic era. This study analyzed and predicted the impact of cost overruns on rail projects in the UK in a COVID-19 pandemic era through a sparse network and system dynamics approach. It leverages a review of existing literature and perceptions of 80 construction professionals purposively, to establish the factors affecting cost overruns in the UK rail construction sector. Findings reveal a web of causations, which highlights labor productivity, delay in the supply of construction materials and equipment, and access to the site as fundamental predictors of cost overruns during a COVID-19 pandemic era. The resulting findings have the potential to assist project managers in strategically planning for and mitigating the potential rise in cost overruns of rail projects in the UK during the pandemic

A systems thinking approach for incremental reduction of non-physical waste

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in Built Environment Project and Asset Management on 02/07/2020. The published version can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-10-2019-0100 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.Purpose: Continual cost reduction of overhead costs of building projects can realign the concept of post-contract cost control towards value driven construction projects and stakeholders satisfaction. This study synthesized and analysed the viable continuous improvement measures critical for waste reduction during the execution phase of a building project. Design/Methodology/approach: A review of existing literature facilitated a list of continuous improvement measures. This literature review findings enabled a Likert scale questionnaire which was administered to two-hundred and fifty (250) small and medium scale construction companies (SMSCC) in Nigeria. Multiple linear regression statistical tests deduced the significant cost reduction measure from which a causal loop diagram was designed to indicate continuous improvement measures during the execution phase of a building project. Findings: Cogent construction activities associated with overhead costs were deduced from the statistical tests as being payment of suppliers and subcontractors; and purchase orders. An all-inclusive casual loop model for cost reduction through waste minimisation in construction projects as a viable oriented mechanism for meeting clients��� requirements was developed. Practical implications: The causal loop continuous improvement model recognised external and internal factors which are crucial for SMSCC to focus on for their organisational growth and performance enhancement. Originality or value: A focus on non-physical waste in construction organisations potentially addresses behavioural challenges for continuous improvement

Enhancing BIM competencies of Built Environment undergraduates students using a Problem-Based Learning and network analysis approach

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an innovative, collaborative process underpinned by digital technologies introduced to improve project performance in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC). Growth in industry demands has necessitated BIM inclusion into the Higher Education (HE) curricula as both a pedagogic and practical objective to prepare and develop aspiring Built Environment (BE) professionals with the required competence for contemporary practice. However, comprehension of BIM concepts and subsequent development of the skill set required for its application remains overwhelming for students. In mitigating this challenge, adopting appropriate learner-centred strategies has been advocated. Problem-based Learning (PBL) is becoming a widespread strategy to address concerns associated with authentic practices. This paper evaluates the impact of the PBL strategy on students' accelerated learning of BIM based on a case study of 53 undergraduate students in a BIM module. The network analysis and centrality measures were employed in understudying the most applicable BIM skills. From the analyses, PBL benefits students' knowledge acquisition (cognitive and affective) of BIM concept and development of transferable skills (academic and disciplinary), equipping them with capabilities to become BIM competent and workplace ready for the AEC industry. The BIM pedagogy evolves, and new skillsets emerge. Analytical, communications and collaboration skills remain sacrosanct to delivering BIM modules. These skills mentioned above are essential in getting undergraduate students ready to apply for BIM in the AEC sector. Keywords: Building Information Modelling, Built environment undergraduate students, Problem-based learning, Sparse Network analysi

Establishing interrelationships and dependencies of critical success factors for implementing offsite construction in the UK

Purpose The United Kingdom (UK) construction sector is transforming with increasing confidence in offsite construction (OSC) solutions following its accrued benefits. To sustain this momentum, exploring viable strategies to promote successful OSC implementation is a top priority. This paper aims to identify and establish interrelationships and logical dependencies of critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing OSC on building projects in the UK. Design/methodology/approach This study utilised a qualitative research approach. Following a critical review of extant literature, brainstorming and focus group sessions were carried out with OSC experts in the UK construction industry to identify and contextualise CSFs for OSC implementation. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and matrix impact cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) were used to analyse and model the interrelationships between the contextualised CSFs. Findings The study identified eighteen CSFs for implementing OSC on projects in the UK positioned on seven hierarchical levels and clustered into dependent, linkage and independent factors. The top five CSFs established were client commitment, top management support, adequate OSC knowledge and experience, flexible leadership and flexible business models. These were located at the base of the ISM model, possessing the highest driving powers in facilitating the successful implementation of OSC on projects. Originality/value This study established a hierarchical interrelationship and the importance of the CSFs influencing the successful implementation of OSC. This would assist OSC clients and project teams in identifying and prioritising particular areas for strategic actions, which offer advantages in pursuing successful OSC project outcomes in the UK. Previous research on OSC implementation in the UK had not examined CSFs' interrelationships

Establishing underpinning concepts for integrating Circular Economy and Offsite Construction: A Bibliometric review

PurposeCircular economy (CE) and Offsite Construction (OSC) are two innovations for improving the construction industry’s overall performance against a myriad of sustainability-driven agenda/initiatives. There is a real opportunity to conjoin OSC and CE to provide new insight and opportunities to deliver more evidence-based sustainable systems. This study analyses extant literature in CE and OSC (between 2000 and 2021) through a bibliometric review to tease out critical measures for their integration and transformation.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a science mapping quantitative literature review approach employing bibliometric and visualization techniques to systematically investigate data. The Web of Science database was used to collect data and the VOSviewer software to analyse the data collected to determine strengths, weights, clusters, and research trends in OSC and CE.FindingsImportant findings emerging from the study include extensive focus on Sustainability, waste, life cycle assessment and Building information modelling (BIM) which currently serve as strong interlinks to integrate OSC and CE. Circular business models, deconstruction, and supply chain management are emerging areas with strong links for integrating CE and OSC. These emerging areas influence organisational and operational decisions towards sustainable value creation hence requiring more future empirical investigations. Originality/valueThis study is novel research using bibliometric analysis to unpick underpinning conduits for integrating CE and OSC providing a blueprint for circular offsite construction future research and practice. It provides the needed awareness to develop viable strategies for integrating CE in OSC creating opportunities to transition to more sustainable systems in the construction sector