Building information modelling and integrated project delivery (BIM/IPD)- Key building design/construction concepts for sustainability and lean project delivery

Digital technologies are changing the way we live, think, learn, and conduct businesses across the world. In fact, information and communication technologies have completely changed the way architects practice their profession. Building Information Modelling (BIM) came as a technology solution for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry for improved communication and performance. The paper chronicled the history of design communication from the pre-renaissance period to the twenty first century and the need for improvement due to project complexities which has necessitated the advent of BIM. The paper elucidated the content of a BIM model and the key features of the BIM process, it also discusses its benefits as a tool for collaborative practice in the AEC industry. It further presents the demands of compressed project schedules which encouraged integrated practices in the industry leading to the emergence of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). The paper presents a brief overview of IPD, how IPD stems from current challenges facing the building industry, and reflects on the perspectives of three key members of an integrated project team: owner, architect/engineer, and contractor. The paper concludes by identifying ways that technology—particularly technology that supports the BIM process—will catalyze significant changes in the way the building industry works. It also highlights the impact IPD is likely to have on the practice of architecture professio

Exploring anti-corruption capabilities of e-procurement in construction project delivery in Nigeria

The use of electronic (e-­) procurement to support the execution of supply chain management activities in the different industrial sectors is permeating all regions of the world. However, in countries in sub-Saharan Africa where there is a significant level of corruption and unethical practices in the procurement process, there is a need for a better understanding of how e-Procurement can help to check the incidence of corrupt and unethical practices in construction project delivery. This study relied on a cross-sectional survey of 759 respondents, including architects, builders, engineers, estate/facilities managers, contractors, construction/project managers, quantity surveyors, supply chain managers and others to identify and analyse the anti-corruption capabilities of e-Procurement in construction project delivery in Nigeria. The results of the descriptive statistics, relative importance index and principal components analysis identified 18 anti-corruption capabilities in e-Procurement in construction project delivery with the three most important ones being the capability of e-Procurement to ensure good inventory management/record keeping; accountability by providing audit services trail and minimise direct human contacts during bidding. The key underlying dimensions of these capabilities include the advantage of e-Procurement over the traditional paper-based method; transparent bidding process and increase in competition in construction project delivery process. The findings of this study have implications, especially, on the use of e-Procurement to curb corruption in construction procurement activities

Economic Potentiality And Consequences Of Inflation In Argentina

  This paper provides insight on Argentina's crisis since the default in an attempt to find a way out of the economic crisis. In 1991 Argentina pegged its peso to the U.S. dollar to stabilize the economic conditions and it set in restrictions on the issuance of money to control hyperinflation. The problem faced by Argentina has come from what will be termed “econogenocide,” that is, killing one’s own economy through its own acts, procedures, policies, and reforms. However, there are more signs that the economy is over the worst. An examination of the policies and procedures that caused the downfall of this nation’s once thriving economy can show the tell-tale signs that other nations may need to watch out for, and protect against

An Econometric Analysis of Two Possible Land Reform Strategies in Nigeria

This paper argues that for the agricultural sector to be developed, there would be need for a detailed research to determine a possible land reform strategy suitable particularly, to sub-regions – North/South - and their social and cultural relations to land

Factors influencing e-Procurement adoption in the Nigerian building industry

Against the backdrop of increasing adoption of e-Procurement in supply chain management, there is a need for adequate knowledge of the factors that influence the decision by organizations in the building industry to use e-Procurement. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap through investigating the factors influencing e-Procurement adoption based on the data sourced in a questionnaire survey involving 213 organizations in the building industry. The survey was conducted between June and November 2015 in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, factor and categorical regression analyses were used to analyze the data. The results show that the three most important factors influencing the adoption of e-Procurement amongst the participants, in order of importance, were: the benefits of e-Procurement in enhancing efficiency in project delivery; eliminating geographic barriers and effective communication among project team members. The 29 factors were investigated in seven different dimensions - the benefits of e-Procurement use; level of awareness on e-Procurement in construction; and the availability and cost of e-Procurement applications emerged as the three most significant predictors of e-Procurement adoption in the survey. The study concludes by identifying strategies that should be engaged in increasing the uptake and maximizing the benefits of e-Procurement in the Nigerian building industry. 

The Impact Of Price Changes And Trends On Demand For Meat In Nigeria

This study determines the responsiveness of demand for meat to variations in prices and incomes on the basis of food demand data for the time period between 1980 to 2001 using an Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model.  These findings are reasonable given the position that beef holds as the dominant and traditional meat in Nigeria.  These elasticities also imply that beef and chicken are luxury goods, while other fish and demersal fish are normal goods for Nigeria households consistent with the findings of previous studies. With the exception of some cross-price elasticities, the majority of the price elasticities exhibit the expected signs and magnitudes.  This indicates that demand for beef and other meat Nigeria is very price elastic.  In general, the results suggest that own-prices as well as incomes are the predominant factors determining consumer choice and meat consumption patterns in Nigeria rather than relative prices

The Impact Of Oil And Gas Production On The Nigerian Economy: A Rural Sector Econometric Model

The oil economy of Nigeria is very important to the country, but the people of Nigeria still suffer from a corrupt government.  Despite the revenues being brought in from oil exports, the Nigerian government still holds a large unemployment rate and a high poverty rate.  This paper shows the amount of oil being produced per day, as well as, the process by which the oil is brought to the market.  This paper also shows the labor to GDP ratio, the major exports, and the major imports of Nigeria.  Finally, an understanding of the ethnic struggle within Nigeria is looked at, as well as, the illegal oil racketeering that is costing the Nigerian governments billions of dollars.  Until the people of Nigeria can take control of its government and rid themselves of the crushing militias that controls the politics in Nigeria, the people are doomed to suffer

PLACE IN PRACTICE An Appraisal of Urban Renewal in Nigeria: A case study of the Nigerian Army Shopping Arena, Oshodi-Lagos

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to appraise the sustainability of the Nigerian Army Shopping Arena urban renewal project in Oshodi-Lagos, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – Case study research design was adopted for the study and both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used. Data were collected from randomly selected 94 business operators in the shopping complex using structured questionnaires, while oral interviews were conducted with two purposively selected members of the project management team. Data were also collected through non-participant observation and analysed by using both descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings – The project was executed using the build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangement, and users were generally satisfied with facilities provided, except for the provision of utilities. Access to public facilities, creation of job opportunities, community involvement and sense of ownership, as well as the provision of facilities for pedestrian and vehicle users were considered as contributing optimally, while adherence to the principle of green design and construction was rated as contributing minimally to the sustainability of the project. Practical implications – The adoption of BOT can facilitate access to funds for urban renewal projects in the developing countries. Creation of job opportunities, ensuring users’ satisfaction, community involvement and compatibility with environment can promote the sustainability of urban renewal projects in the developing countries. Originality/value – The study extents our understanding of funding mechanisms, users’ satisfaction with, and the sustainability of urban renewal projects from the Nigerian perspectiv

FEDs Impact On The Value Of Dollar Through Interest Rates

In this study we aimed to demonstrate how the actions of FED indirectly impact the value of American dollar. We specifically hypothesized that when FED encourages banks to borrow more from each other by holding the discount rate higher than the federal funds rate then this should have a negative impact on the value of dollar and also subsequent higher spread between federal funds rate and prime rate. We also hypothesized that as this spread gets larger a subsequent depreciation in dollars value and negative effect on unemployment should be observed. Although we were unable to demonstrate the impact when the spread between the prime rate and federal funds rate is considered, our results show that when FED encourages banks to borrow from each other by holding the discount rate higher than the federal funds rate, the American dollar goes down in value and corresponding larger difference between federal funds rate and prime rate is observed

Practical Training in Architectural Institutions

Architecture as a profession is a multifaceted field that requires extensive knowledge in various fields. An architect must know about structural engineering, plumbing, electrical works, environmental science, and human psychology, etc. Most of these subjects are taught as a part of many architectural programs, but how much of the practical aspects are knows? Will the average architectural graduate know how floor tiles are laid? How to market themselves? How to manage labourers and other professionals? Architects are known for excelling during design and floundering with business and management aspects that follow after the design. The business and management aspects of architecture require practical skills. The design aspect is emphasized in schools because it is the base of the Architect. However an architect’s work will only be about 20% design. Management takes the other 80% of the architects work and will require practical skill in order to execute and lead construction works effectively. This research attempts to see the extent to which students of architecture are being involved in practical training, to evaluate the practical skills they are acquiring. It also aims at discovering what is lacking in the department of architecture, in the focus institutions, to enhance the education of architectural students, and to better prepare them for the practical aspect of architecture. To get the desired data for this research, questionnaires were distributed to students in different Universities. The curriculum of different universities were also used. Interviews with architecture students at varying levels will also be conducted to see the depth comprehensiveness and effectiveness of any implemented practical training. The results from this research will be valuable to educators as they draw up curriculums for their departments. They will have a resource to guide them as they try to design and mold the education of their students