Evaluation of Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings in Akure, Nigeria

This paper presents the result of an evaluation of energy efficiency in households in Akure, Nigeria by assessing the metering system used in various residential building types, the energy-intensive behaviour among residential buildings, barriers that hinder the effective implementation of energy efficiency measures, and ways of improving the implementation of energy efficiency measures in the residential buildings. The study adopted a quantitative survey approach with information gathered from occupant within the selected residential building in Akure, Nigeria. Data gathered were analysed using percentage, bar chat, mean score, standard deviation, severity index and significant level analysis. Findings revealed that energy-intensive domestic activities are more prevalent in the postpaid metered building in the study area. The most significant barriers that hinder the effective implementation of energy efficiency measures were none implementation of energy policy, ignorance among energy users of the importance of efficient energy use in buildings and lack of energy efficiency awareness. The study recommends the adoption of measures such as raising energy efficiency awareness campaign, the introduction of the energy-efficient metered system, and implementation of energy efficiency policy. &nbsp

Impact of Naira Exchange Rate on Prices of Selected Construction Materials in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

This paper presents the result of the impact of naira exchange rate on prices of selected construction materials in Ekpoma of Edo state, Nigeria, by examining the trend in naira exchange rate values and selected construction material prices over a five (5) year duration and the impact of naira exchange rate on the price of selected construction materials. The study extracted information on monthly naira exchange rate values from the monetary authority’s database of the central bank of Nigeria and adopted a survey approach to gather information on the prices of selected construction material. Data obtained were analyzed using percentages, Pearson Correlation Coefficient and regression analysis. Findings revealed that there was a strong positive correlation between the naira exchange rate and construction material prices. The study recommends that the monetary authority should research and implement a naira exchange rate stabilization/reduction policy

Development of a Web-Based Human Resource Sourcing System for Labour Only Contracts

Nowadays in some areas of Nigeria, it has been noticed that the search for a satisfactory team of labourers (skilled and unskilled) or even the right amount of people to undertake the job has become a laborious activity. Therefore, there is need to build a two-way partnership system linking construction firms with the required skilled labour and vice versa. The aim of this research is to develop a web-based human resource sourcing system for labour only contracts. The study made use of a questionnaire instrument and developed a web-based interface for skilled labour sourcing. The questionnaire was distributed to fifty (50) construction professionals who were selected through a convenience sampling technique. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS v.21. The design of the system was done using hypertext markup language (HTML) for authoring web pages. The study revealed that contractors’ sourcing techniques for skilled labour on construction projects were mostly by referral from colleagues and workers from past projects. The study identified the major barriers in sourcing for skilled labour on construction projects as the unavailability of trained skilled labour. The study revealed that years of experience, wages charged and behavior of the worker were major criteria considered while sourcing for skilled labour on construction projects. In conclusion, the study developed a web based human resource sourcing system for labour only contracts that incorporated the needs of the skilled labour and requirement of construction firms. It was recommended that construction professionals and contractors need to harness the benefits of web-based technologies. In addition, there is need to increase the information and communication technology (ICT) trainings of workers in the construction industry so has to have a successful integration of ICT and the construction industry

Drivers of training and talent development: insights from oil and gas MNCs in Nigeria

The paper examines the main drivers, nature and extent of employee training in oil and gas (O&G) multinational companies (MNCs). Using insights from 16 managers in Nigeria O&G industry, we identified three broad levels of factors driving the training provisions and talent development decisions. The study further develops an integrated model of direct and moderating factors of training. The findings suggest that government regulations, health and safety concerns, industry-education outreach programmes and the general level of industry tend to trigger proactive measures in developing relevant training programmes. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that organizations’ strategies, policies, health and safety concerns and technological changes also influence training decision-making. The practical implications of the study as well as implications for training and development research are discussed