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

DEVELOPMENT OF PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR SOME ANTHROPOMETRIC DIMENSIONS OF NIGERIAN OCCUPATIONAL BUS OPERATORS

Movement of commodities, material and men from one place to another using various automated means remains a major activity of mankind. The operation of the transportation systems placed much demand on operators’ capabilities and limitations in relation to human body dimensions. A stratified sample size of 160 drivers were randomly selected among the operators of commercial buses in six (6) selected motor parks within the study area were considered and anthropometric variables relating to seated drivers’ workplace were collected using developed and calibrated anthropometric seat, stadiometer, vernier-calipers, tape rule and bathroom weighing scale. The collected data were analysed using STATA 11.0 and Microsoft excel 2010. Descriptive statistics which included; mean, standard deviation, range and percentiles (5th, 50th and 95th percentiles) were determined. The database developed were used to describe the drivers’anthropometry. Design-Expert 6.0.8 version was used in modelling the anthropometric equations. Models were developed for buttock popliteal length, anterior arm reach and thigh clearance height from data collected for statures, weight and popliteal height sitting. The resulting models exhibited quadratic property with coefficient of determination (R2) ranging between 0.88 and 0.94. These model provide significantly efficient and effective tool for predicting the studied anthropometric dimensions Automotive industries whose market is in Nigeria and other similar manufacturing companies would find this models useful in both design and manufacture of goods

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

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

Tax Incentives and Liquidity Performance of Quoted Industrial Goods’ Firms in Nigeria

This study examined the effect of tax incentives on liquidity performance of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria Exchange Group. Expo-facto research design was adopted in the study. The population of the study comprised of 18 industrial goods firms listed in Nigeria Exchange Group from 2012 to 2021. The sample size of 10 firms was selected using purposive sampling technique. Data was obtained from secondary sources through the published financial statements of the companies. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The result from the analysis of data revealed that tax savings had a significant and positive effect on liquidity performance of companies. The findings also from the study revealed that tax holyday has a negative and insignificant effect on companies’ liquidity performance. The study concluded that liquidity performance of quoted manufacturing firms improves at the instant of tax savings. It was therefore recommended that Nigerian government should provide adequate tax incentives for manufacturers in Nigeria in order to achieve the growth of infant manufacturing industries. Keywords:Tax savings, Tax holidays, Quick Ratio, liquidity Performance JEL Codes: H25, L25 DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/14-23-02 Publication date: December 31st 2022

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

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

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation of Mass Transfer during Deep-Fat Frying of Plantain (\u3ci\u3eMusa paradisiacal\u3c/i\u3e AAB) Chips (\u3ci\u3eipekere\u3c/i\u3e)

This study developed a mathematical model following the fundamental principles of mass transfer for the simulation of the oil and moisture content change during the Deep-Fat Frying of plantain (ipekere) chip. The explicit Finite Difference Technique (FDT) was used to conduct a numerical solution to the consequential governing equation (partial differential equation) that was used to describe the mass transfer rate during the process. Computer codes that were computed in MATLAB were used for the implementation of FDT at diverse frying conditions. Samples of the plantain were cut into portions of 2 mm thickness, and these sliced portions were fried at separate frying oil temperatures (170, 180 and 190°C) between 0.5 and 4 minutes. The experimental data and the predicted outcomes were compared for the validation of the model, and the juxtaposition revealed a plausible agreement. The predicted values and the experimental values of oil and moisture transfer models produced correlation coefficients that range from 0.96 to 0.99 and 0.94 to 0.99, respectively. The predicted outcomes could be utilized for the control and design of the DFF

Deposition and coagulation of aerosols from household spray products

This study investigated the dynamics of aerosols emitted from household spray products in terms of deposition rate, deposition velocity, and coagulation. Thirty brands of spray products were selected with respect to their uses. Time variations of particle size distribution and concentrations resulting from aerosol emission from the spray products were measured using the MetOneTM GT 321 particle counter. Deposition rates were estimated as a function of air exchange rate. Coagulation rates of singlet, doublet, and triplet particles were estimated using Smoluchowski’s equation. Average deposition rates for 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 µm aerosols were 0.154, 0.157, 0.159, 0.165, and 0.170 min-1 , respectively. The results provide useful information about the fate of aerosols released from the spray products and can be used in indoor air quality modeling and exposure assessment studies

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation of Mass Transfer During Deep-Fat Frying of Plantain (Musa paradisiacal AAB) Chips (ipekere)

This study developed a mathematical model following the fundamental principles of mass transfer for the simulation of the oil and moisture content change during the Deep-Fat Frying of plantain (ipekere) chip. The explicit Finite Difference Technique (FDT) was used to conduct a numerical solution to the consequential governing equation (partial differential equation) that was used to describe the mass transfer rate during the process. Computer codes that were computed in MATLAB were used for the implementation of FDT at diverse frying conditions. Samples of the plantain were cut into portions of 2 mm thickness, and these sliced portions were fried at separate frying oil temperatures (170, 180 and 190°C) between 0.5 and 4 minutes. The experimental data and the predicted outcomes were compared for the validation of the model, and the juxtaposition revealed a plausible agreement. The predicted values and the experimental values of oil and moisture transfer models produced correlation coefficients that range from 0.96 to 0.99 and 0.94 to 0.99, respectively. The predicted outcomes could be utilized for the control and design of the DFF