Problem-based learning: enhancing students learning of building information modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an innovative collaborative process underpinned by digital technologies introduced to improve project performance in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Growth in industry demands has necessitated BIM inclusion into the Higher Education (HE) curricula as both a pedagogic and practical objective to prepare and develop aspiring Built Environment (BE) professionals with the required competence for contemporary practice. However, comprehension of BIM concepts and developing the skill set required for its application can be overwhelming for students and crucial to mitigating this challenge is the adoption of appropriate learner-centred strategies. Problem-based Learning (PBL) is becoming a widespread strategy to address such concern. This paper evaluates the impact of PBL strategy on students accelerated learning of BIM based on a case study of an undergraduate BIM module. Findings from the study show PBL benefits on students’ knowledge acquisition (cognitive and affective) of BIM concept and development of transferable skills (academic and disciplinary) equipping them with capabilities to become BIM competent and workplace ready for the AEC industry

Implementing 5D BIM on construction projects: Contractor perspectives from the UK construction sector

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology on 09/05/2020: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-01-2020-0007 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on primary research findings that sought to investigate and analyse salient issues on the implementation of 5D building information modelling (BIM) from the UK contractors’ perspective. Previous research and efforts have predominantly focussed on the use of technologies for cost estimation and quantity takeoff within a more traditional-led procurement, with a paucity of research focussing on how 5D BIM could facilitate costing within contractor-led procurement. This study fills this current knowledge gap and enhances the understanding of the specific costing challenges faced by contractors in contractor-led projects, leading to the development of 5D framework for use in future projects. Design/methodology/approach To develop a fully detailed understanding of the challenges and issues being faced in this regard, a phenomenological, qualitative-based study was undertaken through interviews involving 21 participants from UK-wide construction organisations. A thematic data analytical process was applied to the data to derive key issues, and this was then used to inform the development of a 5D-BIM costing framework. Findings Multi-disciplinary findings reveal a range of issues faced by contractors when implementing 5D BIM. These exist at strategic, operational and technological levels which require addressing successful implementation of 5D BIM on contractor-led projects adhering to Level 2 BIM standards. These findings cut across the range of stakeholders on contractor-led projects. Ultimately, the findings suggest strong commitment and leadership from organisational management are required to facilitate cost savings and generate accurate cost information. Practical implications This study highlights key issues for any party seeking to effectively deploy 5D BIM on a contractor-led construction project. A considerable cultural shift towards automating and digitising cost functions virtually, stronger collaborative working relationship relative to costing in design development, construction practice, maintenance and operation is required. Originality/value By analysing findings from primary research data, the work concludes with the development of a 5D BIM costing framework to support contractor-led projects which can be implemented to ensure that 5D BIM is successfully implemented

The development of 5D BIM framework to facilitate costing in contractor-led projects

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.Building Information Modelling (BIM) as an ambitious Government Construction Strategy (GCS) on all publicly procured sector projects, is leading to a significant shift and changing the dynamics of cost professional functions. This therefore requires the current fragmented construction industry to urgently review approaches to existing cost estimating and cost planning processes leading to a reliable project budget. This drive, along with 2025 construction strategy is key to achieving the requirement of GCS for 25 percent cost reduction. To successfully implement Level 2 BIM, relevant costing framework, enabling 5D BIM cost protocol or standard significant to changing dynamics of cost functions within BIM environment is required to be embedded within design development stages. Using phenomenological qualitative research method and thematic data analytical process, interviews involving 21 participants from seven construction organisations with design, construction and cost management practices were conducted. Scope was intentionally provided for extensive discussion to identify issues beyond the literature findings. Findings suggest strong commitment and leadership from organisational management will facilitate cost savings, generate accurate cost information in a Level 2 BIM project. A considerable cultural shift towards automating and digitising cost functions virtually; stronger collaborative working relationship relative to costing in design development, construction practice, maintenance and operation is required across the built environment. The 5D BIM Costing Framework (5B-CF) which informed the creation of 5D BIM Cost Protocol (5B-CP) as developed would allow contractors fully utilise BIM facilitating more effective 5D costing in a contractor-led project

New Working Practices: A Scientometric Review

Study on New Working Practices (NWPs), which is the subject of this review paper, has created a large body of literature. Studies in this research area are progressing quickly, and it is important to stay abreast of new trends and essential factors in the growth of mutual awareness. This study evaluates the global scientific output of New Working Practices (NWPs) research and explores their hotspots and frontiers from 1980 to 2018 (pre-COVID-19), using bibliometric methods. 850 relevant articles were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and analysed. Scientometric method and Citespace VI were used to analyse the bibliometric data. Reference citation and cocitation networks were plotted, while keywords were used to analyse the research hotspots and trends. There is a significant increase in the number of annual publications with time. The United Kingdom (UK) ranked highest in the countries with most publications, and the leading author is Friedhelm Nachreiner based on publication counts. The most cited author/organisation is the UK Department of Health. Performance, work, and flexible working are the research hotspots, while flexible working arrangement represents the prominent research domain. The study offers valuable references for researchers, industry practitioners and policymakers

New working practices: a scientometric review

© 2021 Published by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.11113/intrest.v15n1.8Study on New Working Practices (NWPs), which is the subject of this review paper, has created a large body of literature. Studies in this research area are progressing quickly and it is important to stay abreast of new trends and essential factors in the growth of mutual awareness. This study aims at evaluating the global scientific output of New Working Practices (NWPs) research and exploring their hotspots and frontiers from 1980 to 2018 (pre-COVID-19), using bibliometric methods. 850 relevant articles were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and were used for the analysis. Scientometric method and Citespace VI were used to analyse the bibliometric data. Reference citation and co-citation networks were plotted, while keywords were used to analyse the research hotspots and trends. There is a significant increase in the number of annual publications with time. The United Kingdom (UK) ranked highest in the countries with most publications, and the leading author is Friedhelm Nachreiner based on publication counts. The most cited author/organization is the UK Department of Health. Performance, work, and flexible working are the research hotspots, while flexible working arrangement represents the prominent research domain. The study offers valuable references for researchers, industry practitioners and policymakers

Towards a sustainable framework for road infrastructure management and maintenance scheme in south East Nigeria

This is a paper that has been accepted for the 22nd World Building Congress, 27th-30th June 2022.The construction sector is critical in the economic growth of any country. Nigeria is faced with the need to provide adequate road infrastructure. Regardless of Nigeria’s enormous human and natural endowments, the road infrastructure within the country is in a poor state, especially in South-East Nigeria. This research aims to identify Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a panacea for inadequate road infrastructure development schemes in South-East Nigeria. An in-depth literature review was carried out to explore the benefits of PPPs in the delivery of road infrastructure in South-East Nigeria. Findings from the literature review showed that PPP allows the government to concentrate on policy making while the private sector carries out the role of infrastructure maintenance and operation. It also allows the private sector to generate income through user levy or contract sums. The review identifies high cost and complexity as challenges facing PPP implementation. It further showed that PPP has been successful in countries like Sri Lanka, South Africa, India, the United Kingdom and even South-West Nigeria. The key recommendations of the research is that the existing PPP regulatory framework be reviewed, a transparent procurement process be put in place, and proven PPP models such as Build-Own Operate-Transfer (BOOT) and Build-Own-Transfer (BOT) be explored for road infrastructure delivery in South-East Nigeria

Spatial Pattern of Air Pollutant Concentrations and Their Relationship with Meteorological Parameters in Coastal Slum Settlements of Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria

This study assessed the spatial disposition of air pollutants and their relationship with meteorological parameters in urban slum settlements of Lagos city. The gaseous pollutants were quantified using a gas analyzer, and the PM2.5 concentration and meteorological parameters were determined using an Air Metric Sampler and Wind Mate, respectively. SPSS for Windows and ArcGIS were used for data analysis. The results revealed that the seasonal variations in SO2, NO2, CO2, and PM2.5 showed a higher level of air pollutant concentration during the dry season than during the wet season. During the wet season, a significant correlation was observed between PM2.5 and temperature at the 1% level (0.957 **), and VOC and SO2 (0.907 *) at the 5% level; during the dry season, significant correlations were observed between NO2 and SO2 at the 1% level (0.9477 **), and PM2.5 and relative humidity (0.832 *) at the 5% level. Atmospheric pressure (72%), temperature (60%), and relative humidity (98.4) were the primary meteorological factors affecting air pollutants such as VOC, CO2, and SO2. The spatial dispersal of air pollutants revealed a high Z score and a moderate p-value, indicating hot spot locations throughout the five selected slum settlements. It is recommended that regular monitoring based on quantifiable economic costs that are beneficial to the well-being of the populace be investigated, and policy-based initiatives for air pollution control based on scientific evidence be advocated for