Analyzing Variables in Wheel of Participation a Synergy in Facilities Management for Enhancing Academic Performance

This study analyzed variables in the wheel of participation advocated by Davidson (1998); in this study, wheel of participation is adopted as synergy in facilities management for the maintenance of university community infrastructure and facilities, to examine the effects of synergy by the local community and the university authority in facilities management for enhancing academic performance in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (ATBU). 100 questionnaires composed on 5 level-Linkert scales were randomly distributed, Reliability analysis was conducted to check the level of internal consistency among the measuring items, while Multiple Regression Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling with AMOS simultaneously analyzed the effects of the exogenous variables (information, consultation, participation & empowerment) on the endogenous variable (academic excellence) in ATBU. Estimates of the structural model revealed that information sharing, consultation with stakeholders, participation by local community members and empowering stakeholders do not influence academic excellence. While the regression analysis indicated a weak relationship between all the four predictor variables and the academic excellence; and with R2 of 0.029 meant that the predictor variables accounted for only 2.9 % of the variance on academic excellence, thus, 97.1 % is accounted for by other variables not covered in this study. Further studies are recommended to supplement more predictor variables like students´ talent, intuition, flair, willingness to learn (zeal), finance and so on; using the inductive approach

Impact of Global Economic Meltdown on Property Development in Bauchi, Nigeria

The global economic meltdown is a situation in which the economy of a country experiences a sudden downturn brought on by a financial crisis. This global recession was caused by so many factors, thus, inflation rate, exchange rate, interest rate, unemployment rate, etc. This paper examined the impact of the global economic meltdown on property development in Bauchi, Nigeria. Data for the study are mainly primary in the form of questionnaires administered. The study had property development as an endogenous variable while a high-interest rate and unemployment rate as exogenous variables to measure the constructs. Multiple Regression were used to analyze the data. Among the study, findings are that high relationship exists between the two predictor variables (High-Interest Rate & Unemployment Rate) and dependent variable (property Development) where ‘R’ of 0.724 means the correlation is about 72 %; with R2 of 0.052 indicate that 5.2 % correlation, the analysis also depict in coefficient table that high-interest rate has more influence on dependent variable (PD) than unemployment rate. The analysis signified that the impact of the global economic meltdown has a positive effect on the dependent variable. Based on the findings, the study recommended governments and financial institutions intervention to curb the impediment of property development in Bauchi, Nigeria

An assessment of corporate social responsibility of property developers in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Purpose: The study aims to assess the corporate social responsibility of property developers in Bauchi metropolis with a view to examine the importance and effects of corporate social responsibility on property development in the study area. This study is limited to Bauchi metropolis. Research Methodology:The study uses descriptive and exploratory research design using quantitative research approach. Questionnaires were administered to 20 property developers within Bauchi metropolis using purposive sampling techniques. Reliability was investigated by an overall average Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.81, the data obtained was analyzed using percentage computation, weighted mean, relative importance index (RII) and severity index (SI) were also used. Findings: The most important corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the property developers is environmental sustainability followed by a qualitative environment, the less important is the safety of houses. Furthermore, the highest CSR provided by the developers is environmental sustainability. Among the highest effects of neglecting corporate social responsibility is causing damage to the environment while the least is developing poor neighborhoods. Limitations: This study explored on only 20 property development firms within Bauchi metropolis, results might not necessarily apply to other firms within the metropolis. Contribution: This study will be of significant importance to the government and professional bodies in the built environment in terms of policy formulation, these can help checkmate the property development companies in carrying out corporate social responsibilities to the immediate environment they operate thereby becoming socially responsible and allowing the general public/community to enjoy projects that will enhance their lives. Keywords:Corporate social responsibility, Sustainable development, property developer

Impact of Facilities and Service Quality on Patient Relatives Satisfaction and Patronage in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, Nigeria

The study aimed at evaluating the impact of facilities and service quality in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The study assesses the level of service quality and facilities provided to the patient's relative satisfaction and patronage. The study adopted a quantitative approach, and data were collected through a questionnaire survey from 225 patients relative to the UMTH proportionately selected from the target population in the Borno metropolis. The data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics with mean ranking, frequency distribution and Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) to achieve the research aim. The study indicated that service quality has the most potent effect on patronage, followed by satisfaction with a significant effect and facilities provided with a small size effect. The study also indicated hypothesised path relationship between service quality and patronage is statistically significant. The study reported that hypothesised path relationship between satisfaction and patronage is statistically significant. The study demonstrated that hypothesised path relationship between facilities provision and patronage is not statistically significant. It can be depicted that service quality and satisfaction are both moderately strong predictors of patronage, but facilities provision does not predict patronage directly. The study finally recommended that management intervenes through the provision of maintenance culture, enhancing the quality of services and facilities for satisfaction and patronage

Problems Associated with Elevators in High-Rise Commercial Buildings in North-Western State Capitals of Nigeria

The development of high-rise buildings in Nigeria has been experiencing drawbacks. The retarding growth translates to the very fewness of high-rise buildings in existence in Nigerian cities just as even most of the few in existence are poorly utilized due to some persistent factors. A current trend in modern cities all over the world is the development of high-rise buildings mainly to overcome the challenges of urban over population, for optimal use of scarce land resources, as status symbol, as tourist attractions and for beautiful skylines. From the existing literature, only few research were conducted in this very important aspect of real estate profession. The data used in this research was obtained through physical inspection and careful observations of the elevators (lifts) in some selected high-rise commercial buildings within the area of study.  Samples of 2500 tenants, 25 Property Management Companies and 70 visitors or clients were selected. The sampling procedure used includes; purposive sampling method in the selection of the experienced property managers, and random sampling technique in selecting the tenants. Part of the result shows that about 63% of the elevators studied have one problem or the other which rendered it not convenient for the passenger’s use. It was recommended that all elevators’ problems should be properly and effectively attended to as soon as the sign of failure is notice before it causes further damages that will increase costs. There is need for the property managers to consider periodic inspection and system diagnosis of the elevators by professionals to verify it conditions and advice on the way forward. It was concluded that,  with adequate maintenance policy, adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions, use of skilled and highly trained manpower in the maintenance of elevators and by ensuring only standard and approved spare parts are used, majority of the problems hindering effective use of elevators in high-rise commercial buildings in Nigeria will be overcome. Keywords: Commercial Buildings, Elevator, High-rise Buildings, Lift and Multi-tenanted Properties

Non-implementation of property rating practice, any impact on community healthcare in Bauchi Metropolis Nigeria?

The practice of rating real estate is essentially an internal revenue source, synonymous to tenement tax levied on the owner/occupier. Property rating in Nigeria is bedevilled by many factors that impeded its smooth implementation and operation, thus, this form of taxation yields zero revenue in Bauchi, due to failure of implementation. This study is aimed at measuring the impact of non-implementation of property rating on community healthcare in Bauchi metropolis of Nigeria. Two hundred and fifty (250) closed-ended questionnaires composed in five-level Likert scale were distributed to professionals in the field of real estate and facilities management, in the academia and estate firms, and two hundred and twenty one questionnaires (221) were mailed back for analysis. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in IBM version of SPSS with AMOS was used to establish relationship between the variables. Findings from this study reveals that PRP does not command direct impact on community healthcare services, however, the services financed by property rating in the area of sanitation and sewage cleaning has the tendencies to curb the occurrence of diseases like cholera and malaria. Thus, it can be understood that a fully institutionalized practice of property rating could avert the outbreak of diseases

Measuring Residents Satisfaction Levels of Public Housing in Maiduguri Metropolis of Borno State, Nigeria

This study aims to evaluate the residents’ satisfaction with public housing in the Maiduguri metropolis. The study assessed the levels of quality of housing components, occupants' preference and satisfaction. The study adopted a quantitative approach and data were collected through a questionnaire survey from 265 household heads of the housing estate proportionately selected from the target population in Maiduguri metropolis. The data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics with mean ranking, frequency distribution and multiple regression analysis to achieve the research aim. The study showed that quality of building component, Condition of a bedroom, condition of living room, condition of the roof, condition of finishing and condition of the kitchen were ranked as very good and condition of the store, condition of the dining area, condition of garage and condition of toilets were good in the study area, while public housing quality and preference significantly influence occupants' satisfaction in Maiduguri metropolis. The research recommended that occupant peculiarities should be integrated into the design and development of housing estate. This will ensure that the satisfaction of the occupants is well co-opted in the development and therefore lead to higher satisfaction and functionality of the estates. The provision of facilities and amenities in public housing estates should be based on the occupant requirements and peculiarities. This will lead to the optimal utilization of the estate after development

Management Problems Associated with Multi-Tenanted High-Rise Commercial Buildings in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

It is globally established that, where high-rise buildings are put in to multiple occupations, certain problems arise which eventually affect the building structure, occupants and the surrounding natural environment either directly or indirectly. This paper is aimed at investigating and presenting research findings on the management problems of multi-tenanted high-rise commercial buildings in Kaduna metropolis as compared to the system practised in other countries. Field survey was carried out and eventually structured questionnaire was employed as the data collection instrument. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered to the tenants, managers and owners of the buildings in the study area. Data obtained from the study were analyzed in tabular forms, simple percentage distribution tables and narrative description. Part of the results showed that 74% of the buildings were constructed 30 years ago which turned them old for the existing demands due to lack of upgrading the facilities therein. It was further uncovered that 66% of the facilities in the high-rise buildings such as lifts, generators, water supply were not properly maintained by the managing firms due to lack of planning and also due to lack of enough fund budgeted to take good care of  maintenance activities. It was concluded that, old facilities are responsible for the void and vacant spaces in 44% of the high-rise buildings studied. It was deduced that facilities in the high-rise buildings failed to function regularly due to poor maintenance planning and ignorance of some managers to respond to repairs and maintenance request on time. Finally, part of the recommendations proffered include; property management rules of service should be adhered to, where only competent skilled workers will be employed to take care of different services provided in the multi-tenanted high-rise buildings. These competent hands should be adequately employed for effective management of the buildings.  There should be good planning in respect of assessing and responding to sudden breakdown of services so as to achieve service delivery promptly. Keywords: Commercial Buildings, High-rise Buildings, Management Problems, Multi- tenanted Buildings and Property Management

An Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility of Property Developers in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Purpose: The study aims to assess the corporate social responsibility of property developers in Bauchi metropolis with a view to examine the importance and effects of corporate social responsibility on property development in the study area. This study is limited to Bauchi metropolis. Research Methodology:The study uses descriptive and exploratory research design using quantitative research approach. Questionnaires were administered to 20 property developers within Bauchi metropolis using purposive sampling techniques. Reliability was investigated by an overall average Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.81, the data obtained was analyzed using percentage computation, weighted mean, relative importance index (RII) and severity index (SI) were also used. Findings: The most important corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the property developers is environmental sustainability followed by a qualitative environment, the less important is the safety of houses. Furthermore, the highest CSR provided by the developers is environmental sustainability. Among the highest effects of neglecting corporate social responsibility is causing damage to the environment while the least is developing poor neighborhoods. Limitations: This study explored on only 20 property development firms within Bauchi metropolis, results might not necessarily apply to other firms within the metropolis. Contribution: This study will be of significant importance to the government and professional bodies in the built environment in terms of policy formulation, these can help checkmate the property development companies in carrying out corporate social responsibilities to the immediate environment they operate thereby becoming socially responsible and allowing the general public/community to enjoy projects that will enhance their lives. Keywords:Corporate social responsibility, Sustainable development, property developer