Journal of Construction Business and Management最新文献

{"title":"Sustainable Construction Transition (SCT) Policy Regime in Kenya","authors":"S. Joseph, Anthony Ralwala, Isabella Wachira-Towey, E. Mutisya","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.6.1.1257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.6.1.1257","url":null,"abstract":"The global construction industry is lagging in transitioning to sustainability, and the Kenyan construction industry is not excluded. As a result, and in response, there are Kenyan policies with specific provisions on SCT. Despite this progress, there is limited empirical research on their scope and implementation dynamics. Against this backdrop, this study examined Kenya's SCT policy regime regarding its priorities, instruments, and stakeholder orientation, including any inherent shortcomings. This aimed to make appropriate recommendations for an improved SCT policy regime to enhance and optimise industry SCT performance. Qualitative research design, specifically, qualitative content analysis technique, was used to analyse the 34 policy documents identified. The findings indicate that the regime: priorities – primarily focus on environmental sustainability targeting strategic and tactical implementation levels with minimal focus on SCT socio-economic objectives and operational level of implementation, which reduces its comprehensiveness; instruments – driven by regulations, the constitution, and Acts of Parliament, as well as codes, guidelines, and plans, from multiple sources, primarily aimed at regulation and control and not the other policy instruments functions hence not delivering on their full potential; and, stakeholder orientation – primarily targeting developers/owners/occupiers and government with less focus on the other stakeholders and thus not leveraging their specific roles in SCT supply chain. The resulting recommendations were: priorities – need for improved focus on SCT's socio-economic objectives and operational level of implementation; instruments – need for a central database and leveraging them to support economic incentives, supporting activities, liability compensation, education and information, voluntary programs, and management and planning; and, stakeholder orientation – improved targeting of contractors, suppliers/producers/manufacturers, professional consultants, non-governmental and civil society organisations, and media. Lastly, given that this study focused on SCT policy evaluation, future research can focus on other parts of the policy-making process.\u0000Keywords: Business, Construction, Content analysis, Kenya, Performance, Planning, Policy regime, South Africa, Strategy, Sustainability, Sustainable Construction Transition (SCT).","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133104882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Awareness and Barriers to the Application of Lean Construction Techniques in Kano State, Nigeria","authors":"M. M. Musa, Ibrahim Mallam Saleh, Y. Ibrahim, Mukhtar Adamu Dandajeh","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.6.1.1262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.6.1.1262","url":null,"abstract":"Generally, construction industry is notable for its poor performances in terms of cost and time overruns, as well as poor project planning. To improve efficiency and effectiveness of construction process, many countries adopt lean construction. However, in Nigerian construction practitioners do not apply most of the lean techniques in their projects. The aim of this study is to assess level of awareness and barriers to the application of lean construction techniques in Kano State, Nigeria. The study adopted quantitative approach, whereby 200 questionnaires were administered to construction professionals in the study area. A total of 159 were returned completed, representing 79.5% response rate. The data collected were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, and effect index analyses. The results reveal that, the level of awareness/ knowledge of lean techniques among construction practitioners in the study area was low. In addition, the study found that the major barriers to the application of lean techniques in construction projects were lack of awareness program to increase knowledge about LC and lack of education and training needed to apply LC techniques in construction improvement.  It can be concluded that, construction firms in the study area are still using traditional approach in project management instead of adopting innovative approach that improve project performance. The study has proposes guiding strategies that will help increase the level of application of lean techniques in Nigeria. Thus, the study can assist government and construction practitioners to understand strategies that can lead to improvement in the application of lean techniques in Nigeria. \u0000  \u0000Keywords: Awareness; Barriers; Construction projects; Lean techniques; Questionnaire survey.","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125355510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contributing Elements and Issues to Strategic Management in the Construction Industry Among Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case Study in South Africa's eThekwini Region","authors":"Amit Rambaruth, Jamilah Adam, S. Krishna","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1235","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1235","url":null,"abstract":"Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the economy and have helped it grow, but they still have a high failure rate. Many businesses fail within the first few months of operation due to a lack of strategic planning. This study aimed to identify persuading factors that contribute to strategic management to improve performance and categorise challenges faced by SMEs in implementing a strategic plan in the eThekwini region of South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, and the population of interest for the research includes small and medium construction companies, which were sourced via the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) registry. An online survey tool was used to distribute the questionnaire to 145 small and medium businesses. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The study's findings reveal that most eThekwini-based SMEs in the construction industry use strategic management practices to improve their business performance. The key factors for strategic management in SMEs, such as improving decision-making processes, increasing productivity, and gaining a competitive advantage, demonstrated high levels of agreement among participants regarding improving business performance. This study also found widespread agreement on the challenges of implementing a strategic plan in an organisation. Therefore, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must develop procedures and policies to deal with the difficulties that arise when drafting a strategic plan. This will ensure that strategic planning works in their operations. This can be accomplished by implementing strategic management into SMEs training programs offered by government and tertiary institutions that support SMEs. The government should also improve education and broaden its business skills curriculum.\u0000Keywords: Business, Construction, Performance, Planning, Strategy, South Africa.","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124569241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of compliance of concreting materials to standards in building projects in Lagos State, Nigeria","authors":"A. Opawole, Oluwaseyi Olalekan Alao, A. Yusuf, E. Adu, Michael Adeola Ofoetan","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1182","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1182","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract\u0000The incessant collapse of high-rise buildings has necessitated research into the compliance of materials — structural components and elements — to standards. This study evaluated compliance of concreting materials with standards in building project delivery. It examined the factors that influence compliance with standards of materials used for producing concrete elements. A quantitative approach was adopted in the study where structured questionnaires were administered to designers and constructors (such as architects, engineers/site supervisors and quantity surveyors) in consulting and contracting organisations in Lagos State, Nigeria. The data were analysed using frequency distribution, mean score, standard deviation, factor analysis and Kruskal Wallis test. Factors affecting compliance of materials with standards were categorised into construction site-based and procurement-based. These are technical, regulation, procurement, capacity, performance, and skill. The study provides implications for quality building production through improved compliance of concreting materials to standards. It also found the neglect of the use of structural engineers' services and limited standards observance on site. These lead to substandard components and elements production. It, therefore, recommends efficient regulatory policies, enforcement mechanisms, improved training and instilling ethical standards among project stakeholders.\u0000.  \u0000Keywords – Building projects, Compliance, Concreting materials, National standards, Project delivery","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127047061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance Barriers in relation with Professional Development of Graduate Architects in Construction Industry: A Systematic Literature Review","authors":"S. Y. Tiew, Helena Aman Binti Hashim, U. K. Zolkafli","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1253","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1253","url":null,"abstract":"Graduate architects are first mate in architectural practice when handling building construction projects. They had been authorized to run projects in construction industry due to limited architects in the country. The capability of graduate architect when manage project is critical in reducing performance barriers encountered.  The aim of this paper is to identify the most critical performance barriers faced by graduate architects during project implementation. A systematic literature review of credible sources in different databases, combining selected keywords and terms related to performance barrier, building contract administration, graduate architects etc. has been carried out. A data set of fifty articles has been analyzed by means of thematic analysis. The five most crucial performance barriers identified relate to: caused by external environment factors, poor project documentation management, lack of soft skill, inadequate knowledge of quality and assessment management and shortfall in design management. The outcome of the study is expected to facilitate graduate architects to devise proactive risk mitigation measures to reduce impact of these barriers and improve project delivery. This paper examined the performance barriers faced by graduate architects which is a timely study, as the increasing number of population and developments will provide ample opportunities for them to perform.  ","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128451304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Measure of Combustion-Generated Pollutants in University Laboratories and their Effects on the Indoor Air Quality","authors":"E. Nkeleme, I. Mbamali, Winston Shakantu","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1117","url":null,"abstract":"Combustion is one of the fundamental processes in learning and teaching in laboratories that leads to the release of gaseous pollutants that are both hazardous and a threat to the environment and health of individuals. This paper sought to measure the amount of combustion pollutants generated and their effects on the indoor air quality of a typical university laboratory using some selected laboratories in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria as a case study. The Combustion pollutants were measured using an IMR 1400C gas analyser. At the same time, its effects were assessed using a well-structured questionnaire designed and administered to hundred and twenty-seven laboratory users who were randomly selected. Data collected from the questionnaires were analysed using computer-based SPSS software. The results revealed that CO during combustion exceeded the ASHRAE 62 and NAAQS limit of 9ppm, reaching up to 45ppm at some points; also, oxygen was observed to be at a critical level of 20.9% and at some point falling below the limit to 20.4%. It was also observed that fatigue (RII: 0.81) is the most prominent symptom of poor indoor air quality during combustion, among other symptoms like coughing and sneezing, dryness and irritation of eyes and throat, sinus congestion, shortness of breath and headache, arranged in the order of intensity. The absence of functional fume hoods, laboratory congestion, and inadequate ventilation systems intensify the discomforting effect of combustion-generated pollutants in laboratories. Thus, it is recommended that fume hoods should be well maintained for functionality and installed in Laboratories where they do not exist (chemistry lab I). Finally, providing adequate ventilation systems in the laboratories would help increase safety in labs for learning and teaching purposes. \u0000Keywords: Combustion Generated Pollutants, Indoor Air Quality, Measurement of Pollutants.","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114994479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dispute resolution methods adopted by contractors during COVID-19 in Eastern Cape South Africa: A Case Study","authors":"O. Amoo, Y. Lukman, Nafiu Musa","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.5.2.1209","url":null,"abstract":"Over the past months, the socioeconomic consequences of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic reverberated through and affected all segments of life. The construction industry is not left out. The severe impacts of COVID-19 have not only witnessed tragic human losses but have also caused colossal devastating implications for construction procurement and general contract condition. The study examined the dispute resolution methods adopted by contractors in Eastern Cape, South Africa, during the COVID-19 experience to determine their appropriateness and effectiveness. The study employed a snowballing, purposive, non-probability sampling technique with a mixed research design driven by respondents' participatory action. Twelve senior personnel were interviewed, while questionnaires were administered to 30 referred employees on the sites. XLSTAT statistical software and thematic analysis were used for the aggregated questionnaire and qualitative respondents' interviews in drawing inferences. The results revealed that an interest-based rather than a right-based approach are two sides of a coin that can make or mar the wheel of progress in arriving at an amicable agreement to contract terms in construction. The need for re-negotiation in billing, which is at variance with the various construction claim, cannot be over-emphasised. At the same time, the intuitive assertions of negotiation, mediation, and conciliation were used in resolving unforeseen delays, claims, and added costs due to disruptions of COVID-19. The study's main contribution lies in mastering and deploying appropriate dispute resolution methods in project execution. The study is of utmost importance in planning, restoring, and deriving optimal societal benefits from conflict management amidst the adverse effect of Covid -19 on any construction project.\u0000Keywords: Conciliation, Construction dispute, COVID-19; Mediation, Negotiation","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132642964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the effects of positive organizational behaviour (POB) models on occupational eustress amongst construction employees","authors":"A. Ogwueleka, D. Ikediashi","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.5.1.1041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.5.1.1041","url":null,"abstract":"The general perspective of organizational behaviour (OB) has been characterized more by negativity than positively. The introduction of a positive approach into OB is known as positive organizational behaviour (POB), which focuses on employees' positive emotions and strengths to enable them to thrive and reinforce the organization. The study assesses the effects of POB constructs on eustress amongst construction employees in Nigeria. Data were collected from 326 respondents practising in the construction firms using a quantitative survey and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential surveys, including structural equation modelling (SEM). The study identified five constructs of POB models and five parameters of eustress that have a significant influenceon eustress. The study focuses on identifying the areas that can propel positive mental health among construction employees to improve their performances and increase work productivity. Therefore, it recommends that construction stakeholders should consider adopting company policies that can drive their implementations.","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131936453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Management of Theft and Vandalism on Construction Jobsites in the Southern Region of Malawi","authors":"W. Simukonda, N. Kamwela","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.5.1.1072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.5.1.1072","url":null,"abstract":"The phenomenon of theft and vandalism on construction job sites in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has not been fully explored to guarantee the implementation of evidence-based security management practices (SMPs) to minimise losses and improve projects' profitability margins. This study investigated the management of theft and vandalism by large contractors in the Southern Region of Malawi to identify implementation issues that need improvement. A quantitative approach using an empirical survey-based questionnaire was adopted. 44 SMPs identified from the literature review were tested by data collected from a sample survey of 40 large contractors in the Southern Region of Malawi. The descriptive statistical method of mean score ranking was used to analyse the data through IBM Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Among the five-point Likert scale agreement measurements used, 11 SMPs were found to be \"always used\", 12 SMPs \"often used\", 15 SMPs \"sometimes used\", and six SMPs \"rarely used\". Overall, the top three highly ranked SMPs (in descending order) were inventorying construction materials, tools and equipment, termination of employment for offenders, and reporting theft and vandalism to enforcement agencies. Contrariwise, the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV), alarm systems and access control systems (ACS) was the least ranked SMPs. The contractors’ management improvements for theft and vandalism would need to focus on implementing proactive anti-theft and anti-vandalism SMPs whose choice should be informed by comprehensive Jobsite security risk assessment. Dissemination of the results may help contractors understand their security management strategies and implement practical solutions for curbing theft and vandalism on job sites to minimise its endemic effect on contractors’ financial performance.","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133823242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnosing the Causes of Quackery in Quantity Surveying Practice in Lagos State, Nigeria","authors":"J. O. Dada, G. Bamigboye","doi":"10.15641/jcbm.5.1.950","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15641/jcbm.5.1.950","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this paper is to examine the causes of quackery in quantity surveying practice to address the menace for enhanced service delivery. Using survey research design, primary data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires on quantity surveyors in the 125 registered quantity surveying firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. The respondents were asked to rate the identified 34 causes of quackery in quantity surveying practice on a 5-point Likert scale. The elicited data were analysed using mean score analysis. Factor analysis was, after that, used to explore and detect the underlying relationship among the identified variables and categorise them into key factors. The results of the mean score statistics identified 32 important causes of quackery in quantity surveying practice, with the four most important ones being an unwillingness to seek professional advice and consultation, unwillingness to pay for professional services, lack of effective systems of punishment for quacks and inadequate monitoring by the quantity surveying professional association and regulatory body. It was concluded that the causes of quackery in quantity surveying are multidimensional and can be narrowed down to unethical practices, client engagement, job security, regulatory and corruption-related issues. The identified causes of quackery in quantity surveying practice will be useful in formulating policy and serve as future research agenda towards eradicating the menace and engendering an enhanced service delivery. \u0000Keywords: Causes of quackery; Nigeria; Quackery; Quantity surveying; Service delivery.","PeriodicalId":149221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Construction Business and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130658849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}