The Capability and Support of Structure Capital on BIM Innovation in SME

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has been changing over the years with the emergence of BIM. The small and medium sized enterprises are not left out of the change, bringing distortion to their business environment and process. Extant studies have revealed that Structure Capital (SC) is an integral part of the innovative capacity of firms, this study examines the capability of SC on Architectural SME firms in Nigeria. The research was designed in three stages, empirical enquiry, analysis, and synthesis. The empirical enquiry comprised of theory formulation and fieldwork data collection. The theory formulation was achieved by proposing an evaluation framework using a systematic literature review on three SC components; system structure, infrastructure and facilities, and process and scheme. The evaluation framework constituted a set of independent variables comprising thirteen indicators categorised under these three components. The evaluation framework was used to collect data from the fieldwork. It involved a questionnaire survey and case study interviews with a sample of SME architectural firms in Nigeria. The survey involved administering questionnaires to 334 firms which yielded 217 completed questionnaires. Six case study interviews were also conducted within the same period.  The survey data enabled the evaluation of the framework using a multiple regression analysis. To examine the relationship between these components and the BIM Business Value Capital (BBVC), a multiple linear regression and correlation analysis was conducted to assess whether the independent variables predict the dependent variable. The result indicated that all the three components of the SC have a significant correlation with BBVC. However, some indicators were not found to be useful in predicting BBVC, which include: flexible administrative systems and knowledge management system structures. In comparison, the availability of specific office infrastructures for BIM and the availability of in-house training were found to be useful. The research concluded that the development of the SC of SME firms in the AEC industry is essential for the business process of BIM adoption. Keywords: BIM, Structure Capital (SC), SME, Architect, BBVC. DOI: 10.7176/IKM/9-2-0

Access to digital materials on research output: Experience of Federal University Libraries users in northern states of Nigeria

This study examined access to digital materials on research output in some selected federal university libraries users in northern Nigeria. To achieve the goals, three objectives guided the study. Quantitative method and survey design were adopted to elicit data from lecturers and ICT librarians using close-ended questionnaire. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting respondents from each institution. The data collected were analysed descriptively and the results were presented using frequency counts, mean and aggregate mean scores in tables. The findings revealed that access to digital materials influenced research output of library users with particularly to number of journal articles, conference papers presented, books, and chapters in books published. The choice of metadata type is determined by the number of modules such as administrative, technical, and preservation so as to resolve militating technical factors, promote information availability, interactive nature of technology, and portability of digital content. It could be concluded that access to digital materials and use immensely contributed to research output and metadata types, technical factors moderate access, adoption, use and research output in the selected federal universities in northern Nigeria. It is recommended that access and use of digital materials be prioritised for service effectiveness and efficiency on digital platforms supported by the libraries in the zone. Choice of metadata types should be based on possessing modules that support administrative, structural, technical, transformative procedures and preservation. Keywords: Access; Digital materials; Research output; Experience; Federal University ; Library users; Northern Nigeri

GPT Models in Construction Industry: Opportunities, Limitations, and a Use Case Validation

Large Language Models(LLMs) trained on large data sets came into prominence in 2018 after Google introduced BERT. Subsequently, different LLMs such as GPT models from OpenAI have been released. These models perform well on diverse tasks and have been gaining widespread applications in fields such as business and education. However, little is known about the opportunities and challenges of using LLMs in the construction industry. Thus, this study aims to assess GPT models in the construction industry. A critical review, expert discussion and case study validation are employed to achieve the study objectives. The findings revealed opportunities for GPT models throughout the project lifecycle. The challenges of leveraging GPT models are highlighted and a use case prototype is developed for materials selection and optimization. The findings of the study would be of benefit to researchers, practitioners and stakeholders, as it presents research vistas for LLMs in the construction industry.Comment: 58 pages, 20 figure

Influence of Preservation Techniques and Access to Digital Resources on Research Outputs of Academic Staff in Federal University Libraries in Northern Nigeria

The study investigated influence of preservation techniques and access to digital resources on the research output of Liberians and lecturers in Federal university libraries in Northern Nigeria. Three research questions and research objectives respectively guide the study to capture types of digital resources and preservation techniques utilized as well as access tools that facilitated the use of digital resources to enhance research output of librarians and lecturers. Descriptive survey research design was used and the target population consisted of 12,691 academic staff with breakdown of 161 librarians working in ICT unit of university libraries as well as 12,539 lecturers in various faculties in the 22 universities in Northern Nigerians. Multi-stage sampling techniques viz-a-viz proportionate stratifies sampling techniques was used to select 377 lecturers and 79 Liberians in nine universities. Two set of four point rating scale questionnaire was design and administered on 386 respondents. Mean and standard deviation was used to analysed data. Result showed that e-journal article, digitization and library catalogue top the list in terms of digital resource, preservation techniques and access tools used in research output of academic staff in federal university libraries in Northern Nigeria. Digital resources were used to disseminate research output. The conclusion was that e-journal article serve as plat form for convening current research findings and that digitization is the modern method of preserving paper- based materials in libraries. Easy access to information resources is made possible through library catalogue. The study recommended that management to universities in northern Nigeria should motivate academic staff to make scholarly contribution to other resources (text book, technical report etc) were among others

Post-contract material management and waste minimization: An analysis of the roles of quantity surveyors

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the level of awareness of quantity surveyors in material management and their key roles in waste minimization during the post-contract stage of the project with a view of achieving value for money in their roles.Design/methodology/approachThis involves administering a questionnaire survey to registered members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the only recognized professional body of quantity surveyors in Nigeria, within Lagos state. The empirical questionnaire survey succeeds a literature review that isolates the key strategies used by quantity surveyors in material management and waste minimization at the post-contract stage. The validity of the questionnaire was carried out by two experienced construction industry researchers and three experienced professional quantity surveyors to ensure that the questionnaire was not ambiguous and that it consists of the right questions in tandem with the research. The respondents were grouped into consultant’s QS and contractor’s QS.FindingsKey roles of quantity surveyors during the material management process are proper material storage, and material inventory and accounting are the most important material management and waste minimization practices during the institute stage. It revealed that there is a lack of material waste documentation practices during the construction stage. In addition, there is no statistically significant difference in the responses of the two groups. This may be because there is no clear compartmentalization between the practices of the two groups. In addition, these two groups had the same education training, as there is no difference between the educational training of the consultant’s QS and contractor’s QS.Originality/valueThis study assessed the quantity surveyors’ roles with regard to material management and waste minimization. It would add to the scanty research work in this area. The study has also successfully revealed the strategies that are to be adopted by the quantity surveyors to achieve value for money during the post-contract stage

Circular economy research on building construction and demolition waste: A review of current trends and future research directions

The circular economy (CE) paradigm has piqued public interests worldwide as a significant innovative attempt to conserve finite resources, reduce waste, and shift away from the linear economy. An emerging shift to a CE model is unavoidable for resource conservation and efficient use of materials. Although CE is still at its early stage of managing building construction and demolition waste (BCDW), the scientific contribution of the CE agenda is significantly growing and augmenting in the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to present the state-of-the-art research on CE adoption in BCDW management using a mixed review approach (quantitative and qualitative analysis). In addition to the existing trends and considerations, the main research themes and CE strategies adopted in BCDW management, are presented and discussed. Furthermore, CE indicators for BCDW and effective management operations for BCDW in a CE environment are put forward. Future research directions, including lifecycle assessment indicators for BCDW minimisation in a CE, application of advanced technologies for CE, and intelligent decision support tools for CE adoption in the BCDW management, are highlighted. It is believed that the analysed critical issues for CE adoption in BCDW management and identified future research directions would further help the development of CE research and help stakeholders and policymakers in advancing and adopting CE in the construction industry at large

Comparative analysis of the barriers to smart sustainable practices adoption in the construction industry between Hong Kong and Nigeria

The deployment of digital systems has facilitated process improvement in building construction, including for green practices implementation. However, it has encountered several challenges that have limited its use and hindered the diffusion of sustainable practices. Hence, this study aims to identify and assess the major barriers to smart-sustainable practices (SSP) adoption and evaluate its likely impact. A quantitative research method using empirical questionnaire surveys to solicit stakeholders' perceptions in Hong Kong and Nigeria to understand whether there is a commonality in the identified barriers between the two contexts. The collated data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean and inferential statistics (factor analysis), while fuzzy synthetic evaluation was used to develop the predictive models. Using non-probability sampling techniques, 97 and 69 responses were gotten from respondents in Hong Kong and Nigeria, respectively. The results revealed that workforce expertise, hesitancy to change from working practices, technical know-how, and inadequate understanding of the SSP process as the most critical barriers to SSP diffusion in Hong Kong and Nigeria. Also, impact evaluation models were developed as a predictive tool to evaluate and respond to the impact of these barriers. It is recommended for industry practitioners and policymakers to collaborate to create local context-based guidelines for facilitating SSP diffusion and monitor its implementation

Are there any gains in green-tech adoption? Unearthing the beneficial outcomes of smart-sustainable practices in Nigeria and Hong Kong built environment

Implementing Smart-sustainable practices (SSP) is crucial to achieving environmentally-friendly buildings and cities. Adequate awareness and understanding of its benefits and impacts are essential for maximizing its implementation. Hence, this study explores and establishes the key SSP benefits in the built environment of Hong Kong and Nigeria. Factors were identified through literature survey, then data was collected using questionnaires and analysed with various methods. The common key beneficial outcomes (BT) in both contexts relate to better design products with low environmental impact and enhancement of project quality and productivity. Three main clusters were established: sustainable design and resource management, innovation and business performance, and green initiatives and productivity. Based on the rank agreement analysis, there is high consensus between Hong Kong and Nigeria experts on two clustered BTs of green initiatives and sustainable products (57%) and project productivity and efficiency (100%). It is important to be cautious when applying these findings beyond the specific contexts of Nigeria and Hong Kong. The study findings have provided practical and objective means to predict and assess the probable impacts of SSP implementation while providing clients, contractors, policymakers, and practitioners with pragmatic tools and effective recommendations to promote the delivery of smart, sustainable projects worldwide

Conversational artificial intelligence in the AEC industry: A review of present status, challenges and opportunities

The idea of developing a system that can converse and understand human languages has been around since the 1200 s. With the advancement in artificial intelligence (AI), Conversational AI came of age in 2010 with the launch of Apple’s Siri. Conversational AI systems leveraged Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand and converse with humans via speech and text. These systems have been deployed in sectors such as aviation, tourism, and healthcare. However, the application of Conversational AI in the architecture engineering and construction (AEC) industry is lagging, and little is known about the state of research on Conversational AI. Thus, this study presents a systematic review of Conversational AI in the AEC industry to provide insights into the current development and conducted a Focus Group Discussion to highlight challenges and validate areas of opportunities. The findings reveal that Conversational AI applications hold immense benefits for the AEC industry, but it is currently underexplored. The major challenges for the under exploration were highlighted and discusses for intervention. Lastly, opportunities and future research directions of Conversational AI are projected and validated which would improve the productivity and efficiency of the industry. This study presents the status quo of a fast-emerging research area and serves as the first attempt in the AEC field. Its findings would provide insights into the new field which be of benefit to researchers and stakeholders in the AEC industry