Risk Classification Model for Design and Build Projects

The purpose of this paper is to investigate if the various risk sources in Design and Build projects can be classified into three risk groups of cost, time and quality using the discriminant analysis technique. Literature search was undertaken to review issues of risk sources, classification of the identified risks into a risk structure, management of risks and effects of risks all on Design and Build projects as well as concepts of discriminant analysis as a statistical technique. This literature review was undertaken through the use of internet, published papers, journal articles and other published reports on risks in Design and Build projects. A research questionnaire was further designed to collect research information. This research study is a survey research that utilized cross-sectional design to capture the primary data. The data for the survey was collected in Nigeria. In all forty (40) questionnaires were sent to various respondents that included Architects, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Builders who had used Design and Build procurement method for their recently completed projects. Responses from these retrieved questionnaires that measured the impact of risks on Design and Build were analyzed using the discriminant analysis technique through the use of SPSS software package to build two discriminant models for classifying risks into cost, time and quality risk groups. Results of the study indicate that time overrun and poor quality are the two factors that discriminate between cost, time and quality related risk groups. These two discriminant functions explain the variation between the risk groups. All the discriminating variables of cost overrun, time overrun and poor quality demonstrate some relationships with the two discriminant functions. The two discriminant models built can classify risks in Design and Build projects into risk groups of cost, time and quality. These classifications models have 72% success rate of classification of risks in Design and Build projects. These models are strongly recommended for use of clients, Design and Build contractors and Risk Managers for the management, control and mitigation of future risks in new Design and Build projects. These models will offer appreciable improvements in risk management and mitigations which can enhance better management of future Design and Build projects. This study also recommends that clients and contractors using Design and Build approach should watch out for emerging issues of cost overrun and poor quality in their projects as these can dictate classification of newly encountered risks.Keywords: Risk classification, model, Design and Build project

Stakeholders Perception of Factors Determining the Adoptability of Green Building Practices In Construction Projects In Nigeria

Within the Nigerian construction industry there has been a lack of research profiling the adoptability of green building practices in construction projects. The aim of this study is to investigate factors determining the adoptability of green building practices. The objectives of the study are to compare perception of stakeholders on factors determining the adoptability of green building principles in construction projects and also to find out the constraints in implementing green building principles. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from various respondents who were built environment professionals. Random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and fifty (150) respondents out of which ninety-one (91) responses were used for the data analysis. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicated that green building practices adoptable by  building industry professional include, site sustainability, material and resource conservation, energy conservation, maintenance and building operation, occupant health and safety, water conservation, recycling and waste reduction.  Barriers affecting green practices include lack of awareness, expertise and higher cost. The findings have important implications for policy and practice. The study recommends full establishment of Green Building Council of Nigeria (GBCN) that will be responsible for awareness creation, introduction of guidelines, tools and techniques that will drive green building practices for future project. KEYWORDS: Adoptability, Green Building, Nigeria, Perception, Stakeholders

Risk Classification Model for Design and Build Projects

The purpose of this paper is to investigate if the various risk sources in Design and Build projects can be classified into three risk groups of cost, time and quality using the discriminant analysis technique. Literature search was undertaken to review issues of risk sources, classification of the identified risks into a risk structure, management of risks and effects of risks all on Design and Build projects as well as concepts of discriminant analysis as a statistical technique. This literature review was undertaken through the use of internet, published papers, journal articles and other published reports on risks in Design and Build projects. A research questionnaire was further designed to collect research information. This research study is a survey research that utilized cross-sectional design to capture the primary data. The data for the survey was collected in Nigeria. In all forty (40) questionnaires were sent to various respondents that included Architects, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Builders who had used Design and Build procurement method for their recently completed projects. Responses from these retrieved questionnaires that measured the impact of risks on Design and Build were analyzed using the discriminant analysis technique through the use of SPSS software package to build two discriminant models for classifying risks into cost, time and quality risk groups. Results of the study indicate that time overrun and poor quality are the two factors that discriminate between cost, time and quality related risk groups. These two discriminant functions explain the variation between the risk groups. All the discriminating variables of cost overrun, time overrun and poor quality demonstrate some relationships with the two discriminant functions. The two discriminant models built can classify risks in Design and Build projects into risk groups of cost, time and quality. These classifications models have 72% success rate of classification of risks in Design and Build projects. These models are strongly recommended for use of clients, Design and Build contractors and Risk Managers for the management, control and mitigation of future risks in new Design and Build projects. These models will offer appreciable improvements in risk management and mitigations which can enhance better management of future Design and Build projects. This study also recommends that clients and contractors using Design and Build approach should watch out for emerging issues of cost overrun and poor quality in their projects as these can dictate classification of newly encountered risks.Keywords: Risk classification, model, Design and Build project

Determining the essential skill requirements for construction managers' practice in Nigeria

The study investigates the essential skill requirements for construction managers in Nigeria. The objective is to determine the most important skill requirements for construction managers. A structured questionnaire was administered to construction professionals who worked recently with construction managers in their recently completed projects. Snowballing sampling technique was used to select seventy (70) respondents, however only forty (40) responses were used for the data analysis. The results indicate that essential skills required by the construction managers for their jobs include: procedural-industrial skills, quality assurance/management, listening skills, knowledge of codes and regulations, sustainable skills and ability to learn skills. These skills are important for the construction manager to practice effectively in Nigeria and other developing countries. These findings have seven practical implications to professional bodies, Universities and other trainers of construction managers, whose present curricula may be deficient in knowledge areas in industry (business, managerial, personal and technical). These institutions may need to re-orientate and improve the curricula for newly trained construction managers to cope with current skill requirements. On the other hand, recruiting agencies should ensure that job applicants with the right hard and soft skills are engaged as construction managers. Consequently efficient and effective management of future construction projects in Nigeria and other developing countries can be ensured

Comparisons of Procurement Characteristics of Traditional and Labour-only Procurements in Housing Projects in Nigeria

Procurement characteristics of Traditional and Labour-only are compared insome selected states of Nigeria. The objective of this study is to examine if procurementrisks, generation of claims, variations to original design, control of sub-contractors andprocurement prospects are the same for both methods. The study obtains its primary datathrough the use of designed questionnaires that are sent to clients, contractors andconsultants. In all, 120 questionnaires were sent to these respondents who recentlycompleted their housing projects based on the two methods. Results of the study indicatethat there is no significant difference between both methods in terms of risks of value formoney, getting good satisfaction, generation of more claims and variation to originaldesign while a significant difference exists between both methods in risk of timelycompletion of project. Labour-only method demonstrates less risk of timely completionof project than the Traditional method. Characteristics of both methods are notsignificantly different from each other when control of subcontractors, benefits of gettinggood quality material and workmanship, satisfaction with co-ordination and planning.improved relationship between project team and timely delivery of project are benefits ofcomparisons. Labour-only differs significantly from Traditional method in terms ofprospect of getting good value for money spent on the project. This study concludes thatthere are various types of risks inherent in use of both methods in housing projects andLabour-only method indicates characteristics of early completion of project and prospectsof getting good value for money. Recommendations of the study are that clients,contractors and consultants should use Labour-only for execution of their future housingprojects and also they are at liberty to use any of the two methods as they best satisfytheir requirements. Implications of this study to policy makers and other stakeholders inthe construction industry is that Labour-only method should be explored for use in largeand complex projects as significant cost savings can be achieved, timely delivery ofproject and good value for money are equally achievable with the use of the method.Results of this study serve as a springboard for further research in perfecting the use ofLabour-only method for construction projects.Keywords: Comparisons, Procurement characteristics, Traditional and Labour-onlyprocurements, Nigeria

Evaluation of the scenarios of facilities maintenance management of sport complexes in South West Nigeria

The philosophy of every maintenance practice and operation in any organization is usually to provide a structurally sound and aesthetically appealing environment throughout the life of a property. Maintenance has generally been referred to as all works carried out to keep and restore an item to a currently acceptable standard. This work evaluates the performance of facilities maintenance management in the maintenance of sport complexes in South–West Nigeria. The study research method includes physical observation, administration of questionnaires to measure performance. In order to gather information, structured questionnaires were administer at the study area (the six stadia covered), the management staff, the maintenance staff and the user of the facilities in each of the stadia, covering kiosk owner, sport men and women, spectators, and lover of sports. The study revealed some factors affecting performance in the maintenance of sports complexes among which are: funding, organizational structure, political factors, ownership types, and security. The study concluded that it is only when adequate fund is provided and fully utilized in the maintenance of sport complexes that one will enjoy the initial investment in them and the consequent accruing benefits from the complexes will be achieved. The study recommended among others facts that the government should set aside part of her annual budget to maintenance of the sport complexes so as to ensure their fitness and world class standard at all time which will consequently reduce the operating cost and increase the revenue generating capacity of the stadium