695 research outputs found

    Expert System-Based Exploratory Approach to Cost Modeling of Reinforced Concrete Office Building

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    Expert system is a conventional method that is in use in cost modeling, considering its advantage over traditional regression method. It is based on this fact, that this study aimed at deploying neural network in cost modeling of reinforced concrete office building. One hundred (100) samples were selected at random and divided into two; one part was used to develop network algorithm while the second part was used for model validation. Neural network was used to generate the model algorithm; the model is divided into 3 modules: the data optimization module, criteria selection with initializing and terminating modules. Regression analysis was carried out and model validated with Jackknife re-sampling technique. The colinearity analysis indicates high level of tolerance and -0.07403 lowest variation prediction quotients to 0.66639 highest variation quotients. Also the Regression coefficient (R-square) value for determining the model fitness is 0.034 with standard error of 0.048 this attest to the fitness of the model generated. The model is flexible in accommodating new data and variables, thus, it allows for regular updating

    Utilization of Agricultural Information and Knowledge for Improved Production by Rice Farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria

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    The main objective of this study was to examine the utilization of agricultural knowledge and information by rice farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 80 respondents. Primary data was collected with the aid of a well-structured interview schedule. The data collected was analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study revealed that rice farmers in the study area have a variety of information needs including information on pests and diseases management practices, mechanical land preparation and planting, use of farm machines, improved storage methods, and agricultural credit/loan. Key sources of information used by the respondents were friends and relatives and radio. Access to and utilization of agricultural information and knowledge on improved rice production cultural practices were generally high among the respondents as the ground means were both 3.23. The result of the linear regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between farm size (b=0.802, t=12.104; p#0.05. Also, the result of the correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between respondents’ access to extension services and utilization of agricultural information and knowledge (r=0.259; p#0.05)

    Survey data on factors affecting negotiation of professional fees between Estate Valuers and their clients when the mortgage is financed by bank loan: A case study of mortgage. valuations in Ikeja,Lagos State,Nigeria

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    In this article,two sets of questionnaires were administered to professionals and clients(commercial banks)on their willingness to negotiate the professional fees charged by the Estate Valuers assuming that the mortgage in valuation was financed by bank loan. A range of fees options were provided.Other factors such as the business environment and mortgage valuation can influence the negotiated fees when the data obtained from the survey data is analyzed

    EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONSTRUCTION DESIGN MANAGEMENT (CDM 2007) REGULATIONS BY CLIENTS IN NIGERIA

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    The study evaluated the level of compliance with Construction Design Management (CDM) regulation by Nigerian clients based on the main duties of the client as stipulated in CDM regulation specification. To achieve this goal, sixty (60) questionnaires were distributed among construction firms and clients involved in the execution of projects in Lagos State in Nigeria. The survey showed that the client`s level of compliance based on the CDM regulation on client duty’s requirement has not been encouraging. The regulation requires that enough information should be given by the client; the study found that clients did not give enough information especially on building and number of the floor to be constructed also on the units of accommodation, land survey and report on soil investigation. Most of the respondents believed that the problem associated with the level of client compliance to CDM, includes poor level of communication and inadequate time allowed by the client at every stage in the construction process. In addition, some of the amenities that exist on the construction site are toilets and changing rooms while the sickbay which is important is the least to be found in the construction sites. Also the necessary amenities and are not place in the construction sites. The level of awareness of CDM regulation among the construction workers is low but client is meant to make the information available adequately as contained in the CDM regulation. It should be noted that however, that the problems on the health and safety might have effect on performance of the construction industry in terms of cost, time and quality of the construction. It is therefore concluded that Construction Design Management (CDM) regulation is not fully known among the construction industry’s client, contractors and site workers. The study recommended that for improved services, efforts should be made by project managers to create the awareness 42 Covenant Journal of Research in the Built Environment (CJRBE) Vol. 1, No. 1 (Maiden Edition), June, 2014.while clients attend short course and seminars on CDM regulation.The consulting firms of the project manager are enjoyed to improve on the necessary amenities available on the construction site and at the same time, the construction design management regulation should be conspicuously placed so that construction workers can have access to and be fully aware of the regulations. Finally, the client should appoint a CDM co -coordinator for each project site and that there should be agencies to monitor the implementation of the CDM regulation

    Multivariate Approach to Benchmarking Quality Prediction Parameters in Building Maintenance Works

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    Observing quality etiquette on maintenance work is of essence when satisfying clients’ requirement is a priority. However, the quality etiquette comes in the form of framework and benchmarks. This study has therefore presented succinctly, multivariate approach to benchmarking quality prediction parameters in building maintenance works. The study used sixty-three (63) questionnaires retrieved which contains information on benchmarked parameters. The study used factor analysis to reduce the parameters to a sizeable number based on their coefficient and Eigen value. Resultant factors were used to dissect quality into quality dichotomies; the zero defect, medium quality and high quality work status. The model would assist building maintenance practitioners in quality monitoring on building maintenance work
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