Applications of AHP, FAHP, BWM, Entropy, and CRITIC Methods in Electrohydraulic Forming Process Parametric Evaluation for Automotive Panels Using the 1100 Aluminum Alloy Sheets

Although multicriteria selection methods are flexible and extensively used in machining, less attention has been paid to their comprehensive test performance in the electrohydraulic forming process. In this study, five new applications of multicriteria selection methods are proposed to analyze available parameters in the electrohydraulic forming process and select parameters best suited for further analysis and improvement of the process. The analyzed parameters are the stand-off distance, electrode gap, voltage, and medium, while the multicriteria methods are the AHP, FAHP, BMW, entropy, and CRITIC. The proposed methods were demonstrated on experimental data from the literature utilizing an impulse magnetizer system (walker type). For each method, the prioritized parametric results were obtained. All the methods assign the first position to the medium as a parameter with consensus on the voltage parameter has the worst (lowest) value of weights in all the methods. The weights of the medium parameter for the best results are 0.5030 (AHP method), 0.5600 (FAHP method), 0.5230 (best-worst method), 0.4090 (entropy method), and 0.5000 (CRITIC method). The worst parameter for all the methods is the voltage of 0.0320 (FAHP method). The results obtained from the proposed applications were compared with one another and found to be effective for multicriteria selection decisions. This article offers new methods to establish the parametric values of the electrohydraulic forming process for machining composites made of AA1100 sheets

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

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

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

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

Consumer Behavior towards Decision Making and Loyalty to Particular Brands

Currently, consumers pay more attention to their health; there is a growing awareness of health benefits of healthy drinks such as the green tea. Green tea is a popular healthy drink that helps prevent many deadly diseases. There are increasing numbers of green tea manufacturers around the world especially in Thailand. This industry has overwhelmingly expanded due to high consumers demand and purchases. Previous studies show that the market of green tea beverage in Thailand is worth nearly 9000 million baht. The most popular green tea brand in Thailand known as “Oishi” accounts for over 50% of the total market share and as a result of the growing demand for this product, its market worth and benefits to the consumers, there is need to look at the consumers’ behavior towards the product. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of consumer behavior and decision making towards loyalty to Oishi green tea. A survey method using well-constructed questionnaire was administered to 50 consumers. The researchers utilized the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 19.0) as data analysis tool to run the analysis such as the Chi-square and correlation analysis. The findings of this study shows that the factors influencing Thai consumer decisions toward Oishi beverage green tea are perception values (brand awareness, brand association and brand loyalty) and perceived quality. In addition, there is a positive link between decision making and consumer loyalty behaviors which are re-purchasing and word-of-mouth behavior. This study discovered that apart from the four main factors well-thought-out in the literature review, there are other numerous factors (such as convenience to buy, taste, flavors, price and packaging) that influence consumer decision to buy and consume the Oishi green tea. Based on these findings, this study provides consciousness for further marketing research development and also the strategies for planning an efficient marketing strategy in responding to consumer needs

Consumer Behavior towards Decision Making and Loyalty to Particular Brands

Currently, consumers pay more attention to their health; there is a growing awareness of health benefits of healthy drinks such as the green tea. Green tea is a popular healthy drink that helps prevent many deadly diseases. There are increasing numbers of green tea manufacturers around the world especially in Thailand. This industry has overwhelmingly expanded due to high consumers demand and purchases. Previous studies show that the market of green tea beverage in Thailand is worth nearly 9000 million baht. The most popular green tea brand in Thailand known as “Oishi” accounts for over 50% of the total market share and as a result of the growing demand for this product, its market worth and benefits to the consumers, there is need to look at the consumers’ behavior towards the product. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of consumer behavior and decision making towards loyalty to Oishi green tea. A survey method using well-constructed questionnaire was administered to 50 consumers. The researchers utilized the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 19.0) as data analysis tool to run the analysis such as the Chi-square and correlation analysis. The findings of this study shows that the factors influencing Thai consumer decisions toward Oishi beverage green tea are perception values (brand awareness, brand association and brand loyalty) and perceived quality. In addition, there is a positive link between decision making and consumer loyalty behaviors which are re-purchasing and word-of-mouth behavior. This study discovered that apart from the four main factors well-thought-out in the literature review, there are other numerous factors (such as convenience to buy, taste, flavors, price and packaging) that influence consumer decision to buy and consume the Oishi green tea. Based on these findings, this study provides consciousness for further marketing research development and also the strategies for planning an efficient marketing strategy in responding to consumer needs