Paradigm for Total Quality Management in Building Maintenance Operation

The study is about developing benchmark/ paradigm for total Quality Management in Building Maintenance Operations.  Building defects is usually   outcome of failure or shortcomings recorded at early stage of project which could be design oriented and sometimes wrong  approach, this need to be corrected and as well maintained, the study thus present paradigm/benchmark through which quality of maintenance operations being carried out  on construction projects and buildings could be improved. The methodology involved primarily opinion survey, measured against benchmarked Total quality management principles, the data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire, designed in Likert scale 1 to 5. The secondary data were collected through review of pastworks, Journal articles and Textbooks. Random sampling method was used for population sampling, the result generated were analysed using mean item score, frequency count and Ranking The study concluded with recommending eighteen benchmarked quality points which when observed could lead to productivity enhancement, accident reduction, waste elimination, quality job output and host of other positive outcomes. Keywords: Quality, Maintenance, Benchmark ,Management, Paradigm,Operatio

COST AND TIME PERFORMANCE INFORMATION OF BUILDING PROJECTS IN DEVELOPING ECONOMY

The construction industry plays a very important role in nation development and in construction project delivery and timely provision of shelter and dwelling units for the masses. The aim of the study therefore is to study cost and time performance on building project in developing economy, with a view to finding ways of improving cost and time performance on building projects. Some of the developing in used in this context includes: Nigeria, Togo, Cameroun, and Ghana. A population size of 70 was selected, and a total sample size of 59 respondents was used in this study, with questionnaire distributed to construction professionals. Variables pertaining to the above listed targets were identified and incorporated into questionnaires as the primary source of data. The data was collated and analysed, using mean item score ranking, percentages and the use of descriptive statistics. It was discovered that variables like rising prices of building materials, inclusion of additional work as a result of clients’ request, deterioration in economic situation, were identified as the top causes of variation in construction project from developing countries. Also, cost, poor planning and scheduling, delay in payment approval for additional work, work suspension by client, were identified as top causes of time and cost variations. The study recommend among other things that: full consideration should be given to projects from inception to completion, adequate and effective consultancy services for clients, as well as strict follow up of programme of works by every contractor for a construction project

Adequacy of Fire Safety Measures of Residential Buildings in Peri-Urban Neighbourhoods of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The spate of fire outbreaks and the lack of capacity to mitigate the incidence in most urban areas reflect the violation of physical planning regulations and relevant building codes. In the past two decades, the peri-urban neighbourhoods have witnessed rapid developments as a result of the growing population in these areas. However, the level of compliance of various developments with the provisions of the existing National Fire Safety Code remains unclear. Consequently, an assessment of the adequacy of fire safety provisions vis-à-vis the effectiveness of the fire safety standards in rapidly urbanising communities became imperative. This study examined the adequacy of fire safety measures of residential buildings in peri-urban neighbourhoods of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Relevant studies were reviewed while structured questionnaires were administered to 320 respondents across four towns in Lagelu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA). A total 296 questionnaires were retrieved representing 92.5% rate of response. Responses were analysed with basic descriptive statistic tools. The mean scores were interpreted using cut-off points and results presented in tables and charts. The study found that human activities and attitudes constituted the principal causes of fire incidence and that there is good compliance with passive fire control guidelines in the study area. However, the active fire control systems were grossly deficient in residential buildings. Moreover, lack of active fire control equipment, lack of community fire safety apparatus, and lack of reliable water supply constituted the principal challenges against effective fire control measures facing the neighbourhoods. Whilst filling the gap in literature especially on fire hazards in peri-urban areas, the study recommended the strict compliance with extant fire safety codes by property owners, provision of community fire safety apparatus by the government, residents’ awareness programs on fire safety measures, subsidized active firefighting equipment and improvement of road and water infrastructure, amongst others.

Managing Residential Building Project Retention Money Using Building Informatics Parameters

In recent times there have been paradigm shift in the management of finance on project sites, especially the retention money that client usually release to the contractor after the end of defect liability period. Improper management of retention money often results into crisis on site among client and professionals which can lead to delay in project completion. It is against this background that this study was centered on managing construction project retention fee in residential building projects in Nigeria. A random sampling technique was adopted in carrying out the study, while population size of 100 residential building projects was used. Also, a structured questionnaire in Likert Scale 1-5 was used for data collection. Parameters for scope of retention fee, challenges of retention practice, impact of retention fee on projects, and model for managing retention money were generated using Building informatics generated parameter. Mean Item Score was used to generate the agreement index for parameters obtain from influencing the retention fee management process, while Factor Analysis in Regression Analysis of SPSS software was used to generate factors for a suitable fee management model by reducing the factors to their minimum Coefficients and Eigen Values. The building informatics generated model if adopted could assist in managing retention money on residential building projects

PROJECT MANAGEMENT A PANACEA TO IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJEC

The parameters for measuring the performance of project managers on any construction project are time, cost, quality, health and safety, meeting requirements of the owners and satisfaction of stakeholders. This study was conducted in Ogun state to ascertain the effects of project manager on construction works and project delivery in Nigeria. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. A cross-sectional survey research design was used. A survey of randomly selected samples of 32 professionals, questionnaires was used to collect data from Architects, Civil Engineers, Builders and Quantity Surveyors practicing in the state. The result of the findings shows that effective engagement of project managers on project ensures that project criteria are achieved both at the preliminary and construction stages of projects. It is concluded that there is need to engage the services of project managers in projects for better efficiencies and quality delivery of projects. It is however recommended that project managers should be properly trained and engage in continuous professional development to be abreast with latest project management strategies

Application of Industry4.0 Tools: Integrated Building Site Payment Management Portal for Construction Works

Managing construction site financial engagement is one of prerequisite of an effective site management system. In recent times, Building informatics concept has been useful in developing state of art equipment and process. In this study therefore, building informatics integrated system was generated, which could be adapted to financial management purpose on site. The research was carried out using qualitative research method; qualitative research method involved the use of structured questionnaire developed in Likert scale 1 to 5. Therefore with the aid of purposive sampling method, sixty (60) samples were picked comprising of construction professionals. Construction professional constitute the nucleus of the respondents. The statistical inference was carried out on the data with Relative agreement Index and presented in tables. Qualitative method was used to develop the proposed integrated system. The study developed an integrated system that could assist in overcoming the negative vices of payment on site. The following task was carried out in line with aim of the study: identification of existing web-based financial platform, critical success factor in deployment of payment interface, methods of preventing financial conflict on site, challenges of web- interface, critical success factor in deployment of payment interface, identification of strengths and weaknesses of existing web-based financial platforms, among others. The interface can help solve basic problem about financial payment difficulty on site. The direction of choice should be in automating different aspect of building and construction for maximum productivity. The system that was developed in the context of this study can help prevent cost overrun on site, payment conflict, and delay payment among others

Adequacy of Fire Safety Measures of Residential Buildings in Peri-Urban Neighbourhoods of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The spate of fire outbreaks and the lack of capacity to mitigate the incidence in most urban areas reflect the violation of physical planning regulations and relevant building codes. In the past two decades, the peri-urban neighbourhoods have witnessed rapid developments as a result of the growing population in these areas. However, the level of compliance of various developments with the provisions of the existing National Fire Safety Code remains unclear. Consequently, an assessment of the adequacy of fire safety provisions vis-à-vis the effectiveness of the fire safety standards in rapidly urbanising communities became imperative. This study examined the adequacy of fire safety measures of residential buildings in peri-urban neighbourhoods of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Relevant studies were reviewed while structured questionnaires were administered to 320 respondents across four towns in Lagelu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA). A total 296 questionnaires were retrieved representing 92.5% rate of response. Responses were analysed with basic descriptive statistic tools. The mean scores were interpreted using cut-off points and results presented in tables and charts. The study found that human activities and attitudes constituted the principal causes of fire incidence and that there is good compliance with passive fire control guidelines in the study area. However, the active fire control systems were grossly deficient in residential buildings. Moreover, lack of active fire control equipment, lack of community fire safety apparatus, and lack of reliable water supply constituted the principal challenges against effective fire control measures facing the neighbourhoods. Whilst filling the gap in literature especially on fire hazards in peri-urban areas, the study recommended the strict compliance with extant fire safety codes by property owners, provision of community fire safety apparatus by the government, residents’ awareness programs on fire safety measures, subsidized active firefighting equipment and improvement of road and water infrastructure, amongst others.

Cost Entropy and Expert System Approach to Modeling Cost Smoothing System in Reinforced Concrete Office Building Projects Procurement

The main aim of this research work is to develop an expert system approach to cost smoothing model in reinforced concrete office building project procurement. An econometric model which incorporates exigency escalator and inflation buffer, with entropy threshold for a typical reinforced concrete office building, useful at tendering and construction stages of building projects  was developed in this study. As built and bill of quantity value of twenty (20) building projects initiated and completed within 2008 and 2009 were used at random. Elemental dichotomies within the context of early and late constructible elements with speculated prediction period was used, taken into consideration the present value of cost. This attributes would enable a builder or contactor load cost implication of an unseen circumstance even on occasion of deferred cost reimbursement with the aid of average entropy index developed for each project elements. The model was further validated with new samples and discovered to be of high Eigen and contingency coefficient values. The model could help in cost smoothing at different stages of reinforced concrete office building which could further aid cost overrun prevention.   Keywords: Expert system, Smoothing, Entropy, Dichotomy

Sustainability Strategies in Engineering Infrastructure Maintenance in Developing Countries: Selected South Western Nigeria States Case Study

It is an undeniable fact that production of maintenance- free infrastructure is not feasible. The reality is that all the elements and components that make up an engineering infrastructure unavoidably, deteriorates with time due to inherent defects in design and construction, and the effects of environmental agents and users activities. All engineering infrastructures are subject to aging, wear and tear in the performance of their functions and deterioration by exposure to outside operating environment. Hence, left to themselves, engineering infrastructures will eventually become inefficient, unreliable and fail.  The issue then is how the existing infrastructure can be sustained to the extent that the functions they are designed to perform will not be compromised. To this end, this study researched into sustainability strategies that can be adopted in engineering infrastructure maintenance. Data will be collected for purpose of extracting information on deployable strategies, including the use of Public engineering infrastructure in Southwestern part of Nigeria as case study. The study later recommended strategies than can be adopted to aid this present generation provide solution to their environmental needs without compromise ability of future generation to meet their needs, which concept of sustainability has birthed. Key Words: Sustainability, Strategy, Infrastructure and Maintenance

Post Consolidation Effects of Banking Sector Recapitalization on Nigeria Construction Industry (Lagos and Ogun State Case Study)

Abstract: Construction project involves huge capital flow (materials, machines, manpower, management, finance) from inception to completion and handover. Bank consolidation will enhance synergy; improve efficiency through cost reduction revenue in the long- run, reduction in the industry‟s risk by eliminating weak bank and acquiring of smaller ones by the bigger and stronger bankers as well as creating opportunities for greater diversification and financial intermediation. This paper aimed at assessing post consolidation effect of the banking sector recapitalization on construction industry and the major objectives of the study are: assessing the volume of credit facilities given to building contractors by commercial banks the trend in the interest rates charged by commercial banks on credit facilities allocated to building and civil engineering contractors and to evaluate whether building and civil engineering contractors now have better access to credit facilities. This research is purposive and 120 structured questionnaire were distributed to the construction professionals, developer, financial institution houses, and registered building and civil engineering contractors in some selected firm in Lagos State and Ogun state out of which 92 questionnaire were retrieved and analyzed. The result of the hypothesis showed that the level of construction activities financed by banks has not increased during post-consolidation. The paper found out the following as effects of banking sector recapitalization on construction industry which resulted into the inability of the contractors to meet up the outrageous demands for high value collateral to commemorate loan applied for, limited payback period on the loan applied for, because the longer the payback period; the higher the interest rate and finally high interest rate charged on the loan obtained by the contractors which are geometrically increased from 3-30 percentage. The research work thereby recommend Commercial banks need to pay more attention in financing medium and small size firm and their projects as they constitute larger percentage of the Nigeria construction industry, so as to increase their financial activities and expand their assets and recoupin