The impact of CAAD on design methodology and visual thinking in architectural education.

This thesis aims to explore the potential impact of Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) as a conceptual design tool on the design methodology of final year students. Many design studies have focused on sketching and its relationship with creative thinking to validate CAAD programs as a design tool. On the contrary, this study argues that the continued primacy of traditional tools as the predominant conceptual tools needs more evidence in the contemporary design practices. That is to say, the relative importance of CAAD alongside other media, such as sketching, model making and verbalisation must be recognised before the forthcoming leap in CAAD programs development. To illustrate these ideas, the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment was used as a case study to explore CAADs role in the educational context, the studio in general and the final year studio in particular. A mixed methods approach was employed to carry out two studies: a case study and a protocol study. A case study approach was utilised to understand the modern context whereby CAAD is used by the students despite CAAD not being an integrated part of the project model. The case study was also used to document the reasons behind students tendency of using CAAD at the conceptual phases of the design process. Mixed methods were used to collect data at three different intervals of the two semesters; before starting the studio project, while working on the project and after submitting the final project. The methods used include a questionnaire survey, structured reflection interviews, and a focus group. A protocol study was conducted to understand the impact of CAAD on selfcommunication using the think aloud method under the same experimental conditions using CAAD program(s) as the only external representation. The case study findings clarified the effects of the traditional context of the studio and the project model on CAADs utility within students design processes and identified the lack of CAAD professional skills, and the integration of CAAD as a knowledge base. The protocol study findings provided a greater understanding of the cognitive processes in designing and design performance while using CAAD, as well as acknowledging the possibility of a cyclic conceptual process. The potential impact of CAAD on the design process was further categorised. The empirical exploration provides CAAD research with new insights, instigating more useful ways of teaching and learning by an appropriate integration of CAAD programs and design methods in a situated manner where students can enhance their design processes creatively. It is proposed that a more measured and disinterested approach is now required to investigate CAAD and their implications for education

An embodied carbon implications of home grown cross laminated timber, the Scottish case.

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is a carbon-efficient form of construction, but no UK manufacturers exist, therefore, it remains a product imported from mainland Europe, doing so significantly increases the associated carbon emissions. This paper presents an 'embodied carbon over life-cycle comparative analysis between Austrian CLT manufacturers and a hypothetical CLT supply chain in Scotland using Scottish homegrown timber. The analysis uses an existing seven-story CLT construction project in Scotland as the unit of analysis, to test the following hypothesis: The amount of embodied carbon emissions would differ should a hypothetical Scottish Manufacturer also have supplied this construction. The predominant variables include the timber species, European grown Spruce, and homegrown Sitka Spruce, the different qualities, and the distances between forest, manufacture, and site. Calculations will be performed by analysing the embodied carbon within every stage of the building life cycle with a focus on the sequestered carbon in the timber products. The results will provide an approximate figure which can quantify the embodied carbon emission difference between imported CLT and homegrown CLT. The study concludes that a Scottish CLT manufacturer would achieve lower carbon emissions exclusive of sequestered carbon. If including sequestered carbon, both manufacturers produce a net loss in carbon emissions, however, Austrian timber would sequester more carbon dioxide than Scottish timber

EVALUATING CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES OF THE GCC ISLAMIC BANKS THROUGH DISCLOSURE ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been one of the most contested issues during the last few decades, due to the consequences it has for business and society. The concept of CSR represents corporate activities, beyond profit making, which include protecting the environment, caring for employees, being ethical in trading, and getting involved in the local community. Despite the fact that the primary goal of enterprises is to generate profit, they can be voluntarily involved in solving social and environmental problems. Furthermore, endorsing human rights, community contribution, human resource management, socially responsible investing, and social reporting, in particular, are some of the main issues of CSR. While CSR is expected to be practiced for being socially acceptable, another important and related aspect of corporations including banks are corporate governance (CG). In particular, with the recent financial crises, the importance of CG has emerged as an important factor. Considering that Islamic finance aims to develop an alternative paradigm, it has consequences for CSR and CG. As argued in this research, Islamic moral economy base suggests an integrated CSR and CG. This research hence aims to explore and examine the CSR and CG performance of the GCC Islamic banks through information communicated by their annual reports in relation to a disclosure index created by the help of Islamic moral economy and various standardization documents. For this, fifteen Islamic banks was sampled from five GCC Islamic banks; and through content analysis the disclosed information in line with the created index analyzed for the period of 2008-2012. The findings of this research indicate that the CSR and CG performance of the sampled Islamic banks are very low; and is not compatible with the expectations developed through Islamic moral economy. The study also found that there is a positive but statistically insignificant relationship between CSR and CG practices in the case of sampled banks for the period in question

Preparing architectural technology students for BIM 2016 mandate.

This paper presents a challenging stand for architectural technology (AT) students, and roles. What roles are AT graduates going to play before and after the 2016 Building Information Modelling (BIM) mandate and how academia is preparing them for such roles. All these questions and others have been debated since the mandate, speculation more than any other tangible knowledge or experience is the basis for most changes to the AT curriculum. AT student expectations have been explored and the different opportunities that a graduate might have, in the light of the suggested roles. A survey was designed and emailed to third year students in the second semester of their study. The purpose was to understand students perception on BIM within the context of professional practice (s) this included both; work placement and Simulated Professional Practice. The results suggest that BIM as a practice in context still lacking, however AT graduates feel confident for the mandate. But to overcome the current transitional stage academia needs both; contextual teaching and training of BIM, and stronger ties with the industry. Achieving that would provide well-trained and confident AT graduates to take up the transitional change competently and innovatively in AEC practices

Infrastructure development and abandonment.

The Nigerian Government is developing infrastructure guided by the United Nations (UN) call for sustainable development. However, uncompleted government infrastructure (roads, bridges, buildings, dams and others) projects litter the entire landscape of the country. This research investigates the causes of infrastructure abandonment in Nigeria through literature review and distribution of questionnaire. It also posits possible solutions to the menace of abandoned infrastructure. Findings from the literature review revealed inefficient procurement processes, defective design, cost overrun, and changes in government (election). From 129 questionnaire distributed to Architects, Engineers, Project Managers, Surveyors, Builders and Construction Procurement Personnel in the built environment both in the public and private sectors in Nigeria, 80 responses were received and analysed with SPSS Pearson Correlation Analysis. The findings from the survey showed that inadequate planning, change in government, faulty procurement, corruption and politics are some of the causes of abandonment. “Changing procurement method” ranked highest in the recommendation for addressing the abandoned infrastructure projects followed by designing with deconstructability in mind. Amongst other recommendations are using innovative management tools and refurbishment of abandoned projects. This research is imperative for the revitalisation of abandoned infrastructure environmentally, economically, and socially and the integration of innovative management tools for the future sustainable procurement of infrastructure

Plerixafor for autologous CD34+ cell mobilization

High-dose chemotherapy and autologous transplantation of hematopoietic cells is a crucial treatment option for hematologic malignancy patients. Current mobilization regimes often do not provide adequate numbers of CD34+ cells. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and ligand SDF-1 are integrally involved in homing and mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Disruption of the CXCR4/SDF-1 axis by the CXCR4 antagonist, plerixafor, has been demonstrated in Phase II and Phase III trials to improve mobilization when used in conjunction with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). This approach is safe with few adverse events and produces significantly greater numbers of CD34+ cells when compared to G-CSF alone. New plerixafor initiatives include use in volunteer donors for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant and in other disease targets

Analysis of barriers and drivers for BIM adoption.

Research on 'digitalization and collaboration' in the construction industry has been gaining momentum in the recent academic engagements. Despite its existence in many industries (i.e. financial services, retailing, publishing and travelling) for over ten years, it is yet to catch up by the construction market; this is due to several challenges whose existence are more dynamic and contextual than generic to various countries. The problems are defined in many studies across borders, but their impacts varied with countries. This case is equally the same to drivers toward the adoption of BIM. This study analyses barriers and drivers to BIM adoption in the Nigerian construction industry from adopters and non-adopters perspectives as to allow an informed decision in developing a strategy for macro BIM adoption. Primary data fetched from professional stakeholders through an online questionnaire survey were analysed using SPSS software and Microsoft Excel. This investigation reveals the most significant barriers against BIM adoption as Lack of expertise, Lack of standardization and protocols to mention but a few. And, most influential drivers from both adopters and non-adopters as Availability of trained professionals to handle the tools, Proof of cost savings by its adoption, BIM Software affordability, and awareness of the technology among the industry stakeholders. The adopters and non-adopters groups have nearly equal Percentage Disagreement (PD) and Percentage Agreement (PA) for both the barriers and drivers to BIM adoption. Thus, this suggests that the adopters are still at the early stage of BIM adoption, so have nearly the same perceptions with the non-adopters. The study recommends proper consideration of the established barriers and drivers while developing any strategy for effective BIM adoption. Further face-to-face (interview) study is necessary to explore more and in-depth challenges to adoption of BIM in the industry; and as the industry is getting more aware of the BIM, periodic evaluation of the critical barriers and drivers is vital

Blockchain in construction industry: challenges and opportunities.

Construction Industry is currently evolving around the world. On the other hand, despite the technological advancement across most sectors, construction industry remains amongst laggards in digitalization. Currently, engineering business is facing technological disruption ahead of the fourth industrial revolution; one of which is the blockchain technology! Blockchain is new to construction industry, its challenges and opportunities are yet to be fully realized. This study explores the challenges and potential opportunities of blockchain in the construction industry through extensive review of literature within the blockchain domain vis-à-vis construction business domain. The study presents challenges under three categories (technical, regulation and social), and the potential opportunities in to improving efficiency and reducing conflict through transparency and trust. That will ultimately create value for money in the procurement of construction works. Recommendations are made based on the study finding to advance the research on blockchain applications in to the construction industry

The impact of computer aided architectural design programs on conceptual design in an educational context.

Little research has been undertaken concerning the manner in which students use computer aided architectural design (CAAD) programs for conceptual design. The research aim was to explore the potential impact of CAAD programs as conceptual design tools within architectural design methodologies. Therefore, the study aimed to understand the effect of CAAD on self-reflection using a think-aloud method. The findings demonstrate that participants used CAAD representations for concept development, information visualisation and presentation of design strategies. Results from the detailed analysis of design process are enlightening, particularly in terms of the cyclical nature of conceptual design. Furthermore, the use of a micro-detail protocol study within this context suggests an appropriate methodology for application in further study of the architectural design process

Strategi Pengembangan Ekonomi Lokal Untuk Meningkatkan Daya Saing Pada Industri Batik Di Kabupaten Tulungagung Jawa Timur

Batik industry is an industry sector that become a mainstay for local and export markets, especially post – textile sector . This study aims to analyze local economic development strategies to improve competitiveness in batik industry in Tulungagung regency. The research problem is proposed to find out the problem of the solution on solution of local economic development and batik industry competitiveness in Tulungagung Regency . This research is a qualitative research and the method used is survey method and analysis used by SWOTanalysis. Result of research analysis concluded; A) Determining  market segmentation to be addressed, based on demographic , geographical and buyer behavior variables , B) Determining target market to be addressed those inside and outside Tulungagung including overseas, C) Improve human resource development  (HR) program in quality and design, due to the fact that consumers are very fond of the characteristics of certain goods, such as: good quality with unique colors, design and motifs.D) Continuously conduct market research and development to facilitate product innovation efforts , so that the products sold are not behind competitors, E) Implement pricing policies that compete with competitor prices , F) Increase appreciation , implementation ,and protection of tipycal batik motif area trough intellectual property rights , G) Promotion of promotional program aimed at introducing product innovation and promoting sales , such as : exhibition participation at home and abroad , opening marketing outlets in strategic location of export , H) Fostering good relationships with customers and distributors so as to expand distribution troughout the country