3D House Printing: A sustainable housing solution for Nigeria’s housing needs

In a country that has between 17 to 20 million housing deficit with an uncontrolled growing population, there is need for innovative and sustainable solutions to reduce the rate of homelessness and sub-standard living conditions. The study presented the prospects in the use of three-dimensional printing (3DP) as a sustainable housing solution to cater for the housing needs of Nigerians. Nigeria is at the centre of this study due to its population and housing challenges. The study utilized content analysis based on previous studies on 3DP in developed and developing countries. The study identified critical areas that 3DP of houses can solve Nigeria‘s housing needs which are mainly in reducing housing deficit, provide permanent housing solution for IDPs, reduction of construction waste, increased construction safety, achievement of sustainability goals, reduction in construction errors and labour cost

Construction Waste Prevention as a Sustainable tool in Building Mega Cities: A Theoretical Framework

In building of mega cities, the construction industry is contributing to alarming volumes of construction materials waste being generated causing an imbalance in the world’s ecosystem. The study developed a framework for construction waste prevention strategies as a sustainable tool in building mega cities. Using content analysis of various literatures reviewed,the study developed a framework for preventing waste generation in construction projects in mega cities. In the building of present and future mega cities, there is need to submit mandatory construction waste prevention strategies as part of the contract documentation to the client, client representatives and the town planning authorities in order to build liveable and sustainable cities

E-MATURITY OF CONSTRUCTION STAKEHOLDERS FOR A WEB-BASED E-PROCUREMENT PLATFORM IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

It is been over 40 years since the introduction of ICT tools and systems into the construction industry, yet construction organizations are still unable to obtain the many potential benefits of ICT investment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the e-maturity of construction stakeholders for a web-based e-procurement platform in the construction industry. The study utilized an attitudinal survey research design and the design of a web-based e-procurement platform. Using a system block design and a use case diagram in relation with PHP programming language, MySQL, CSS and HTML a web-based e-procurement platform for tendering purposes in the construction process was developed. The study was conducted within a private tertiary institution in South-Western Nigeria that has the desire to exploit the potentials of a web-based e-procurement system. The sample size of one hundred (100) respondents were selected through a non-probabilistic sampling method, while a questionnaire instrument was administered. Statistical tools such as Stacked Bar chart, percentage, Wilcoxon signed rank test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were used to analyze the data obtained. The study revealed that there is no significant difference in the e-maturity between client and contractor for a web-based e-procurement platform for tendering purposes within the institution. The study showed that the tertiary institution and its registered contractors have the same positive perspective on the benefits of utilizing a web-based e-procurement solution for tendering purposes. In conclusion, the study developed a prototype web-based e-procurement platform for tendering purposes that can be utilized for construction works within the tertiary institution. The study recommended the use of web-based e-procurement platforms due to the many benefits that can be acquired from its use. In addition, the construction industry should readily embrace ICT solutions in order to solve diverse challenges pervading the industry

IMPACT OF LOGISTICS FACTORS ON MATERIAL PROCUREMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

The study assessed the impact of logistics factors on material procurement for construction projects. The research was based on a quantitative research design with the use of questionnaire. Convenience sampling technique was used to distribute 85 questionnaires to contractors in Abuja, Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics such as bar charts and inferential statics like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Categorical Regression Analysis. Vendor qualities and competence of procurement officer were found to be the two most critical components required for successful material procurement on construction sites. Moreover, certain factors were found to affect material procurement on site. These factors include: late delivery of materials, inability to forecast activity period with accuracy, delivery inaccuracies, transportation challenges, increased waiting time and supply of poor quality materials. The study recommends that competent procurement officers having good pricing and negotiation skills be appointed for material procurement on construction sites

The Socio-Economics of Women Inclusion in Green Construction

The female population represents one of the greatest untapped resources for economic growth and revitalization in most sectors. The purpose of the study was to examine the socio-economics of women’s inclusion in green construction. The study utilized the use of questionnaires which were distributed to female professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. A total of 120 female construction professionals were used for this study. The data gathered was analysed using SPSS v17.0 with tests such as Frequencies, Percentages, Mean Score, ANOVA, and Factor Analysis. The result revealed a low level of participation by women in green construction. Women in construction exhibited moderate participation in Solar panel manufacturing, installation, and maintenance and in the enforcement of environmentally friendly practices on-site. The study revealed that the stressful nature of works, low interest from women, low career growth/progression and low investments in green works are significant barriers affecting women’s inclusion in green construction. In conclusion, the study identified three (3) socio-economic benefits of women’s inclusion in green construction. These are family/women related benefits, environment related benefits, and green energy market related benefits. The study suggested measures to increase women’s participation in green construction

FACTORS AFFECTING PERSISTENCE OF FRESHMEN: A CASE OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME

Progressing from secondary school to the university can be a difficult transitioning period for most secondary school leavers. The higher institution presents new sets of experiences for first year students. Adapting to the new environment could be so challenging a task for most freshmen as to affect their performance, leading to eventual drop out. This research presents the results of a preliminary study on the persistence of first year students in a Nigerian University. The study adopted Astin’s Model of persistence to provide insight into factors influencing first year students’ persistence. Survey research design was used in the study with the aid of questionnaires distributed to sixty five first year students of building technology in a Nigerian university. Data obtained were analyzed by means of frequencies, cross tabs and categorical regression. The significant factors influencing first year students’ persistence included clinic, cafeteria, library and hostel. Gender and classroom had no significant effect on the persistence of freshmen surveyed. Majority of the students describe their classmates, roommates and teachers as very supportive. In addition, 75% of the students surveyed, prefer to remain in the course till the point of graduation. Universities can experience greater retention of freshmen by improving on the quality of facilities identified in this study particularly, clinic, cafeteria, library and hoste

SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL CAPITAL OF CRAFTSMEN IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The construction industry is one of the largest employers of labour with the ability to generate jobs for local people resulting in a multiplier effect on the national and local economy. However, intense competition from migrant craftsmen has reduced the volume of work available to indigenous craftsmen which negatively affects their income. Social capital has been found to provide a good platform for enhancing the human capital of households, thereby improving their financial status. This study assessed the social and financial capital of 50 construction craftsmen in Lagos, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey research design with the use of structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the respondents based on a purposive sampling technique. The study indicated that social capital of the craftsmen surveyed was poor. Majority of the craftsmen did not belong to any crafts association. Lack of trust was found to be the most significant factor discouraging craftsmen from joining crafts association. From the study, the average daily wage of the craftsmen was between $6 and$15 while average savings was between $150 and$300. Leaders of crafts associations should be selfless, empathic and transparent. This will encourage more craftsmen to join crafts associations so as to benefit from skills development and more job opportunities

Balancing the Female Identity in the Construction Industry

The fundamental rights of equity and justice call for a balance in the identity of both males and females in every sector. In spite of several strategies aimed at increasing women engagement, the female identity is still blurred in the construction workplace scenery. The study evaluated measures to balancing the female identity in the construction industry. The dataset was obtained through a questionnaire instrument of 105 women in the construction industry. The data were presented using stacked bars, cross tabulation/mean score, principal component analysis (PCA) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that anti-feminine characteristics exist in the industry in form of work growth gap, position/pay gap and symbolic intimidation. The study showed that there is the need for attitudinal changes in the bullying culture and the sexual orientation towards co-workers. Strategies to balance the female identity can be achieved at the national level, construction organisation level, union level and client level. In conclusion, the female identity can be balanced in the construction industry by encouraging adequately funded female mentors/role model programmes. The study recommended that beyond legislation, the onus is on women to inspire women. In order to attract, retain women and reduce the anti-feminine characteristics in the construction sector, there is a need for female mentors/role models to be actively engaged. Strategies and approaches that can alter a female-biased attitude need to be engaged in the minds of construction professionals

HUMAN AND PHYSICAL CAPITAL OF CRAFTSMEN IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Construction craftsmen are one of the most vulnerable groups of workers. Hazardous working environment, temporal nature of work and poor wages characterize construction work. The study assessed the livelihood pattern of craftsmen with a view to improving their socioeconomic conditions. The study adopted a descriptive case study research design. Human and physical capitals of craftsmen were assessed. The most common livelihood activity of the craftsmen surveyed was bricklaying. The livelihood outcome of the craftsmen can be described as fair since they were able to meet their basic needs; however, the craftsmen desire to have a more steady flow of income and a better neighbourhood to live in

Data exploration of social client relationship management (CRM2.0) adoption in the Nigerian construction business

Integrating social client relationship management(CRM2.0)in the built environment can enhance the relationship between construction organizations and client towards sustaining a long and lasting collaboration. The data exploration analyzed thee-readiness of contracting and consulting construction firms in the up take of CRM2.0 and the barriers encountered in the adoption of the modern business tool.The targeted organizations consist of seventy five (75)construction businesses operating in Lagos State which were selected from a pool of registered contracting and consulting construction firms using random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics of thee-readiness of contracting and consulting construction firms for CRM 2.0 adoption and barriers limiting its up take were analyzed.Also,inferential analysis using Mann–Whitney U statistical and independent sample t-test was performed on the data set obtained. The data generated will support construction firms on the necessity to engage in client social relationship management in ensuring sustainable client relationship management in the built environment