Contributing Factors of Time Overrun in Public Sector Construction Projects

Time overrun is a major issue in construction projects. Its causes vary, depending upon the nature and size of the project. Developing countries are more susceptible to this problem due to limited resources and lack of managerial skills. This paper focuses on the identification and classification of time overrun factors in public sector projects in Pakistan. Data was collected by the use of a questionnaire given to different professionals in the construction field. Average index (AI) was used to determine each factor’s relative importance. Results indicate that financial difficulties faced by constructor, inadequate planning and scheduling, financial difficulties faced by client, delays in payment by the client, delays in decision making by the client, design mistakes, frequent design changes, material shortage, incompetent sub-constructor assigned by the constructor, poor site management and supervision and inadequate constructor’s experience are the most significant factors of time overrun in public sector construction projects in Pakistan. This study aims to be useful in addressing the issue of time overrun in the construction industry

Changing the prehistory of Sindh and Las Bela coast: twenty-five years of Italian contribution

The paper discusses the prehistory of Lowr Sindh and Las Bela Coast, and the role played by the Italian archaeologists since the 1980's. New date are presented regarding mainly the radiocarbon chronology the Indus Delta settlement on rocky outcrops and the shell middens of Las Bela

Effect of transplanting dates on growth and yield of inbred and hybrid rice varieties grown during rainfed season in Bangladesh

A field experiment was carried out at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to determine the effects of transplanting dates on growth and yield of rice varieties grown in the rainfed season of 2011. The growth and yield of two inbred varieties (BR11-Mukta and BRRI dhan39) and two hybrid varieties (ACI 1 and ACI Shera) were evaluated at four transplanting dates (at 15-d intervals, from 20 July to 3 September). Varietal effect was significant based on all the recorded agronomic parameters whereas transplanting date had little effect on panicle length, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield and harvest index. Combined effect showed significant variation among the tested rice genotypes except for number of total tillers m-2 at 90 d after transplanting (DAT), leaf area index (LAI) at 15 and 30 DAT, panicle length and harvest index. Among the four transplanting dates, transplanting on 4 August resulted in the highest plant biomass and yield for all tested varieties. Inbred variety BR11 produced maximum number of effective tillers (502.70 m-2), grain yield (6.57 t ha-1) and straw yield (7.68 t ha-1), yield followed by the hybrid variety ACI1. The hybrid variety ACI Shera transplanted on 4 August resulted in 9 d of early flowering, 12 d less time for maturity. The lowest performance in terms of morphological and yield-contributory characteristics, except harvest index, was recorded in the hybrid variety ACI Shera planted on 3 September. Among the tested varieties, BR11 performed better in terms of plant growth and yield, and 4 August proved to be the best time for transplanting inbred and hybrid rainfed transplanted Aman varieties in Bangladesh

Establishment of the Top Quality Centralized Instrumentation Centre: a Model for Developing Countries

To take part in the global technological advance, it has become imperative, especially for developing countries, to keep pace with the progress being achieved elsewhere, by renewing their research laboratories and by establishing centers of research and development. Developing countries need to advance the fields of engineering, science and technology, which have become essential factors for their economies. The importance of Research and Development especially in the field of Engineering, Science and Technology, in the academic and industrial sectors, is recognized by the Government of Pakistan. In pursuit of such policies, it has established the Top Quality Centralized Instrumentation Center (TQCIC) at Mehran University. This center establishes a major two-way conduit between industry and academia, thus providing cost-effective high-tech solutions. This paper presents the TQCIC as a role model for developing countries. We focus on the importance of achieving self-reliance, developing state-of-the-art equipment training and facilities, and bridging the gap between industries and academic institutions through programs linking them both. Pakistani universities have only produced a few PhDs in Engineering in their first 50 years. As research culture is vital for the acquisition of new knowledge and health of universities, the TQCIC has resulted in the improvement of infrastructure for better training and research. A large number of highly advanced instruments and equipment have been acquired and installed. Research students, faculty members, research scientists, and industries are all benefiting from these facilities. The paper also covers the procedure for selecting the right equipment, development of infrastructure, and technical staff requirements. We demonstrate the benefits of the TQCIC project in terms of financial, economic, technical, and social aspects

PERFORMANCE OF SOME NEWLY DEVELOPED SUGARCANE GENOTYPES FOR SOME QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE TRAITS UNDER THATTA CONDITIONS

ABSTRACT Investigations were carried out at National Sugar Crops Research Institute (NSCRI), Thatta to assess the performance of different sugarcane genotypes under agro-climatic condition of Thatta during 2006-07. Twelve sugarcane genotypes developed from exotic fuzz (true seed) of USA origin along with one local check as standard variety Thatta-10 were evaluated for their cane yield, yield components and quality performance subsequently in 4 th cycle. The behavior of the genotypes with regard to cane yield, yield components and quality remained variable during the study. The data indicated that the genotypes HoTh-610, HoTh-607 and check variety Thatta-10 remained superior by producing maximum average cane yield of 112.66, 106.66 and 106.00 t ha -1 , respectively. While, the genotypes HoTh-640, HoTh-641 and HoTh-642 were ranked next to check variety on account of producing average cane yield of 103.0, 100.0 and 100.0 t ha -1 , respectively. Moreover, the genotypes HoTh-614, HoTh-612, HoTh-633 and HoTh-618 occupied intermediate position by producing average cane yield of 94.0, 93.00, 89.66 and 82.0 t ha -1 , respectively. While, in case of commercial cane sugar percentage, the data indicated that the genotypes HoTh-642 and HoTh-641were identified as high sugar containing on account of producing maximum CCS of 13.43% and 12.99%, respectively. Moreover, the genotypes HoTh-607, HoTh-606, HoTh-640, HoTh-610 and HoTh-618 also appeared to be the good sugar containing with CCS of 12. 72, 12.42, 12.40, 12.36 and 12.35%, respectively, against Thatta-10 (11.56% CCS). All the genotypes along with Thatta-10 were also less susceptible to borer complex infestation

Historical and current perspectives of AKST

In McIntyre, B. D.; Herren, H. R.; Wakhungu, J.; Watson, R. T. (Eds.). Agriculture at a crossroads: IAASTD-CWANA report. Vol.1. Washington, DC, USA: Island Pres

Agriculture à la croisée des chemins

International audienc