Management challenges of common disasters: A case study of the role of the facilities manager in Lagos

A disaster cause disruption to the normal patterns of life, as it is usually severe, sudden, unexpected, widespread, and has direct effects on the smooth running of an organization. This article has assessed the role of the facilities manager in disaster management in Lagos, with a particular interest in the pre-disaster measures provided. A quantitative research design using a well-structured questionnaire survey was adopted. Out of the 150 questionnaires distributed, a total of 134 questionnaires were returned duly completed, a response rate of 89.3 percent. The data were analyzed using the computer software SPSS (7th ed.). The result of the analysis revealed that the most common and reoccurring disasters experienced by companies in the study area were, as listed in their order of predominance, as follows: flooding, power outage, civil unrest, fire, and pest disasters. The study found that most firms rarely use the disaster threat information as part of their preparedness plan, nor has developed any disaster response techniques or recovery measures. The study has identified the major roles of a facilities manager in disaster management. These roles ranged from disaster record-keeping for subsequent planning, routine survey of areas prone to disaster, disaster tracking and warning, and public enlightenment on disaster occurrence. The study has recommended that facilities managers ensure that there is good public awareness, functional facilities, good organization and planning, and excellent functional readiness facilities, such as having emergency operations centers

We can fix it - corruption in the construction industry

The nature and extent of corruption in the construction industry is considered from a worldwide perspective, but particularly in the context of research conducted in South Africa. The definition of corruption is expanded to include conflict of interest and unethical conduct. Corruption in the construction industry is found to be universal and pervasive, occurring in all areas, at all stages, at all levels and in all forms. A simple triangular model of corruption is replaced by a more complex risk-based model. Combating corruption will essentially require multi-lateral action in eliminating and reducing opportunities where possible; relieving the pressures to commit corrupt acts; rebutting the rationales and arguments used to excuse corruption, and substantially improving and innovating more forensic methods of detection. While the decision to engage in corruption is risk-based, particularly in terms of the capacity to evade detection; in essence corruption is a cultural and moral issue for society

Urban Freight Consolidation Centers:Case Study in the UK Retail Sector

In recent years, traditional urban distribution systems have undergone major structural changes as a result of the increasing power of customers demanding greater variety of quality products at a low cost. This has increased the competition between businesses and at the same time more complicated and longer supply chains have emerged as a result of the globalization of many businesses in their search for low cost production locations and access to new skills. In response hub-and-spoke systems are increasingly used to deal with product flows from numerous origins and to many destinations. As a result, a growing number of studies examine the establishment of various forms of inter-modal transshipment centers to minimize the road use in city centers and support the frequent and rapid replenishment of goods at retail and catering outlets. To this end, this paper examines the establishment of a consolidation center servicing nearly 100 businesses that operate in an urban shopping mall in Southampton U.K. Through the review of numerous existing U.K. and international consolidation schemes and the examination of their operational characteristics, this paper aims to identify potential strengths, weaknesses and risks that would impact its operation. Various operational scenarios considering different business take-up combinations, vehicle delivery mixes, fill rates and back-load practices are examined to elucidate the potential transport and environmental effects of the consolidation scheme. To accurately quantify and verify these effects, a multi-stage analysis framework is developed including data collection, map routing, emissions assessment and scenarios building activities.<br/