Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation
The Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation (JCPMI), published bi-annually by the University of Johannesburg, is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal that serves as a forum for the dissemination of original research related to construction project management and innovation. With an emphasis on innovation and the development of the built environment, JCPMI covers a wide array of topics, including project management methodologies, infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, and the socioeconomic impacts of construction projects. With a commitment to open-access dissemination, JCPMI ensures global reach and impact, offering a platform for rigorous peer-reviewed research in a wide array of critical areas. The journal's scope encapsulates the multifaceted nature of construction project management, covering essential topics such as innovative management processes, effective project planning, and impactful stakeholder engagement. It serves as a critical resource for those seeking to influence and enact meaningful change within the field, enhancing the impact and reach of research in construction project management and innovation globally. Online ISSN 2959-9652 Print ISSN 2223-7852
The Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation (JCPMI) is committed to the principles of Open Access publishing and upholds the ethos of freely disseminating research findings to enhance knowledge and understanding within the field of construction project management and innovation. In accordance with our commitment to open scholarly communication, all articles published by JCPMI are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC). This licensing agreement allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the original author and source are credited. The license also ensures that authors retain copyright over their work while allowing the wider community to access, use, and build upon the content. The terms of the CC BY-NC license are designed to facilitate the following: Attribution: Users must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. This can be done in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses the user or their use. Non-Commercial: Users may not use the material for commercial purposes. No Additional Restrictions: Users may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits. By publishing with JCPMI, authors agree to these terms and ensure that their work is accessible and reusable under the conditions of the CC BY-NC license, thereby contributing to the ongoing exchange of knowledge and information in an Open Access environment. Creative Commons CC Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License
Exploring the Impact of Religious Beliefs on Job Performance in Nigeria's Construction Sector
Religious beliefs are widely recognised as shaping individuals' ethical orientations, behavioural tendencies, and interpersonal interactions. However, their specific influence on job performance within labour-intensive sectors such as construction remains insufficiently examined. This study explores the relationship between religiosity and job performance among construction site workers in selected states of Southwest Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 396 construction site managers and supervisors, resulting in 289 completed surveys (73.0% response rate). Following data cleaning, 263 valid responses (66.4%) were subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Key performance indicators assessed included punctuality, quality of workmanship, safety compliance, and teamwork. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was employed to examine differences in performance outcomes across religious affiliations. Results indicated no statistically significant differences in any of the 27 performance variables across religious groups (p > 0.05), suggesting that religiosity does not serve as a determinant of job performance in this context. These findings imply that worker effectiveness in the construction sector is more closely associated with individual competencies and professional practices than with religious identity. The study underscores the value of merit-based workforce evaluation and advocates for inclusive policies that accommodate religious diversity without bias. Implications are offered for industry practitioners, policymakers, and human resource managers seeking to enhance workforce productivity and cohesion in multi-religious construction environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr Olukolajo Michael Ayodele, Dr Oyetunji Abiodun Kolawole https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploring the Barriers of Implementing Technology Transfer Practices in Construction Firms in a Developing Economy
Technology Transfer (TT) remains a critical component for enhancing productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in developing economies. However, in Nigeria's construction sector, its full implementation is hindered by a complex mix of institutional, financial, and structural challenges. This study investigates the barriers to implementing technology transfer practices among construction firms in a developing economy, with a focus on professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria. A quantitative approach was adopted using structured questionnaires administered to professionals in consulting and contracting firms. Data from 258 valid responses were analysed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal that barriers to implementing TT practices include the high cost of technologies, inadequate training programmes, maintenance challenges, and a shortage of skilled labour. The findings categorise these challenges into three broad factors: Cost barrier, inadequate resources, and technology gap. The study recommends that government policy should focus on financial incentives, structured training initiatives, and institutional collaborations to promote more effective technology transfer in the construction industry.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oluwasemilore Gbemisola Kilaso, Taiwo Fadeke Adegbembo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploring the Barriers Facing the Adoption of Building Automation Systems for Energy Efficiency in a Developing Economy
Building automation systems (BAS) play a crucial role in the operations and management of modern buildings, affecting energy efficiency for a better living. Despite the numerous benefits that BAS technology can contribute to the economic landscape of society, its adoption is still significantly low. This study explores the barriers facing the adoption of BAS for energy efficiency in a developing economy such as South Africa (SA). The study adopted a quantitative research approach with data gathered from the respondents saddled in the affairs of sustainable construction practices, such as construction managers, building energy managers, facility managers, contractors, etc. Mean item score (MIS) and factor analysis (FA) served as the method of data analysis. The findings revealed the most significant barriers facing the adoption of BAS for energy efficiency to be power supply issues, high initial costs, resistance to change, and regulation challenges; also revealed from the factor analysis that three significant constructs that serve as the major barriers facing the adoption of BAS technologies are digital divide barriers, access barriers, and compliance barriers. Conclusively, the study outlined the weight and strength of the barriers facing BAS adoption and a viable approach to mitigate such limitations in favour of socio-economic development. This guarantees energy optimisation in developing economies such as SA and contributes to the sustainable construction practices domain.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emmanuel Ayorinde, Lerato Ichabod Kekana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
An Examination of Unethical Practices in the Construction Sector: The Case of Government Projects in the Wa Metropolis, Ghana
Although several studies have been conducted on unethical practices in the construction industry worldwide, little has been done in Ghana's Wa Metropolis, especially regarding government contracts. As a result, it is necessary to look into how unethical actions affect government construction projects in Wa Metropolis. The study used a mixed-methods approach. The survey included 212 respondents, while the interviews were conducted with 16 participants. Data were gathered using questionnaires and interviewing guides and then analysed using thematic analysis, factor analysis, Spearman's rank correlation, and descriptive statistics. The results revealed that unethical practices in the construction industry are driven by contractors' competition, bribery, profit maximisation, illegal contract awards, a lack of transparency, job insecurity, and excessive love of money. The effects of unethical practices in the construction industry were also found to include poor craftsmanship, short project lifespans, inexperienced contractors, safety concerns, fatalities, misallocation of resources, inflated project costs, and project abandonment. Overall, projects were negatively impacted by unethical behaviour in the construction industry. To enhance ethical conduct in the construction sector, the Association of Contractors should adopt and enforce a comprehensive code of ethics as a foundation for its operations, supported by robust regulatory oversight, strict adherence to public procurement laws, transparent bidding processes, and ongoing ethical awareness initiatives. The originality of this study lies in its focus on ethical issues within the construction industry, specifically in the Wa Metropolis. Unlike most prior studies in Ghana, which tend to address ethical concerns more broadly, this research uniquely concentrates on government projects.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rauf Siita, Micheal Korblah Tsorgali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Assessment of Factors Affecting Building Construction Workers When Working at Height
Falls from heights are the leading cause of fatal incidents in the global construction industry. Despite several efforts to mitigate this risk, falls from heights remain the most frequent type of accident in the construction sector. Given this impact, researchers find it critical to assess the factors influencing construction workers when working at height. To validate the study's objectives, 97 employees with expertise in working at height were sampled. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect responses from the participants. The study employed both simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data analyses were conducted using Excel and SPSS. The study identified four key factors affecting construction workers when working at height: personnel factors, safety checks and safety signs factors, personal protective equipment factors, and overloading factors. The findings suggest that, to protect employees' health and safety, contractors should implement programmes tailored to height-related work at construction sites to raise awareness of the associated risks. Additionally, employers must ensure that workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in compliance with workplace health and safety policies for working at height. This research is limited to the building construction industry in the Akuapem South Municipality and Ga South Municipality, located in Ghana's Eastern and Greater Accra Regions. The findings are relevant to the building construction industry, particularly in Ghana, where studies on working at height are limited. This paper contributes to the existing body of literature on working at height in the Ghanaian building construction sector.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Timothy Adu Gyamfi, Dr. Edward John Cobbina , Dr. Millicent Owusu-Kumi, Dr. Emmanuel Yaw Frempong – Jnr https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Procurement Planning Improvement Strategies and Challenges in Construction Project Delivery within the Public Tertiary Education Sector
The tertiary education sector projects are increasingly plagued by delay and budget blow-out, resulting in persistent cost and time overruns. The study investigates the influence of procurement planning improvement strategies and challenges in construction project delivery in the public tertiary sector. Data was collected from a random sample of 517 stakeholders in Rivers and Akwa Ibom State and analyzed using Mean Item Scores (MIS) and structural equation modeling (SEM). The research findings reveal that the procurement planning strategies with the most critical effect are improving the institutional framework, incorporating sustainability into procurement planning, and monitoring and evaluating procurement performance. The factors with high effect inhibiting procurement planning were identified as inadequate institutional framework/policy/regulation, poor supplier relationship management, and ineffective procurement regulation. The results of the path diagram indicate that implementing the procurement planning improvement strategies policy produces a perfect correlation (r = 1.00; very high) with challenges inhibiting effective procurement planning. This implies that the validated strategies could comprehensively and holistically mitigate the archetypes of challenges inhibiting procurement planning in the tertiary education sector in Akwa Ibom and Rivers State. The study concludes that non-compliance with procurement procedures can lead to delays, cost overruns, and poor project outcomes, therefore, procurement laws and procedures should be enforced. Therefore, this provides practical implications for policymakers on the need for institutional reforms and compliance within tertiary institutions. The study recommends that stakeholders develop risk management plans, conduct long-term dialed needs assessments, and embrace digital technologies such as e-procurement to improve procurement planning.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jima Bassey Offiong, Amaka OGWUELEKA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Challenges Related to Housing Finance in Developing Nations
Housing is a crucial component of developmental activities and usually necessitates funding over an extended period of time. The lack of long-term financial instruments is a significant challenge for the bulk of the population towards property acquisition. Nevertheless, in developing nations like Nigeria, the utilization of long-term loans is limited, especially among the middle class and people with lower incomes. The majority of individual in Nigeria construct their houses gradually over a period of time without long-term loans. The limited utilization of long-term loan is an indication of market deficiency and regulatory inefficiency. Against this background, the research examines the limitations that effect housing finance for real estate investors in Imo state, Nigeria. The study utilizes a questionnaire survey to collect primary data and a literature review to acquire secondary data. The primary data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The core findings indicate that the requirements are prohibitively high for the average investor. The majority of investor's primarily rely on loans for real estate finance, and there is a huge issue with bureaucratic bottlenecks in loan administration, among other factors. The study suggest that the government should enhance the capabilities of primary mortgage institutions (PMIs). Financial institutions should lower certain lending criteria such as interest rates and application procedures, and standardize repayment periods to enhance accesibility and affordability. In addition, short-term loan arrangement of commercial banks should be discouraged to pave way for long-term arrangement so that more investors can have access to housing finance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chikezirim Okorafor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluating Security Expenses in Construction Projects: Insights from Key Stakeholders
The construction industry in South Africa faces significant challenges concerning security, particularly in combating crime on construction sites. This study explores the role of the quantity surveyor in mitigating security costs to achieve cost efficiency. During this qualitative study, eleven interviews were conducted with quantity surveyors, construction contractors, and private security professionals to gain insight into the challenges faced when accounting for security expenses in the South African construction industry. The data was thematically analysed to identify trends and themes. The findings highlight that quantity surveyors play a crucial role in managing security costs by integrating various security technologies with strategic planning. Their skill in incorporating security measures early into the budget and evaluating cost-benefit trade-offs ensures projects stay within financial limits while upholding strong security. This approach not only provides immediate and long-term cost savings but also enhances the overall success and safety of construction projects.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nishani Harinarain, Lambrechts Zandré https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Environmental Conservation Attributes Influencing the Adoption of Sustainable Energy Delivery: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach
The concept of meeting the present needs without impeding future generations' needs is called sustainable development. Therefore, sustainable energy development is the pathway for every nation's economic growth and development. The purpose of this article is assessing the influence of environmental conservation attributes in the delivery of sustainable energy delivery (SED) in the South African (SA) Power sector. A quantitative research approach was adopted for this study, with data gathered through a questionnaire survey instrument from participants using a purposive sampling technique. Collected data were analysed in four stages: data reliability and validity, descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and model testing and fit statistics. The top picks environmental conservation attributes influencing the adoption of SED in the SA power sector: reduction of fossil fuel consumption, adoption of clean, environmentally friendly technology, use of cleaner energy facilities, efficient energy usage for less consumption, building institutional framework that supports sustainable energy delivery and the decrease of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Therefore, to address the complex environmental challenges that have put the lives of billions of people at risk, society requires a viable investment and the political will, vision, and determination to embrace viable institutional policy change in the sustainable energy sector and the change necessary to secure our collective future. conclusively, it is important to note that renewable energy sources, low carbon emissions, resource conservation, biodiversity and reduced environmental degradation are the pathway to mitigating this existential problem facing humanity. This study contributes to secured energy development in South Africa and by extension the entire emerging economies globally. This study will directly improve the reduction of global warming, better public health, secure energy supply, poverty eradication, wealth creation and better educational system.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emmanuel Ayorinde https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Impact of Leadership and Rewards on Project Management Success, Mediated by Employee Perception and Team Cohesion
The increasing competition in companies necessitates an emphasis on project management to accomplish success. Leaders must possess both technical and social skills, as their management and perception significantly influence decision-making and team cohesion. The usage of diverse leadership rewards, and styles, both non-financial and financial, by project management leaders, nurtures team cohesion, promotes team essence, and motivates necessary project decisions. This study investigates the impacts of directive and supportive leadership, mediated by work team cohesion and non-financial, and financial rewards, on project success. A research model was established based on a literature review, analyzing the relationship between the causes and effects of the research variables. A questionnaire was collected from 237 individuals in project management teams over the last 6 months from the Munich Bavaria region of Germany. From the results obtained, it appears that directive leadership and supportive leadership positively influence the cohesion of work teams. In this work, it was also found that directive leadership has a positive impact on the success of project management for the client and that financial rewards have an opposite effect. It is concluded that organizations must value the importance that adjusted leadership, on the part of the manager, has in team cohesion and that the financial rewards system used by companies is something to take into account when they set out to achieve success. The importance of this research lies in the fact that with its empirical findings, it provides information on how the various types of leadership and reward systems impact team cohesion and project success, which has been a substantial gap in project management literature and is of great symbolic help to the developing organization with the effective leadership and motivational strategies, which can impact the project outcome results.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shah Mehmood Wagan, Sidra Sidra, Atif Ali Wagan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploring Critical Measures for Developing Market Intelligence Culture in Construction Companies
In today's highly competitive environment, integrating market intelligence (MI) is paramount to enhancing organisational decision-making processes. Despite its significance, measures for improving MI culture remain underexplored in the construction marketing literature. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify critical measures for improving MI culture within construction companies. Employing a sequential exploratory mixed-method approach, twelve key measures were initially derived from exploratory interviews and subsequently validated through an extensive review of relevant literature. The 215 construction companies that assessed these measures classified them as either 'very critical' or 'critical.' Factor analysis identified 'top management commitment' and 'active internal marketing' as the principal measures. It is recommended that construction companies allocate sufficient financial, technological, and human resources to nurture and sustain a strong MI culture. Furthermore, companies should view employees as internal customers, recognising their crucial role in improving MI culture. By fostering a robust MI culture, construction companies can strengthen decision-making capabilities and secure a competitive advantage through more accurate forecasting of market trends, customer preferences, and optimised pricing strategies. This study is the first to explore this subject within the construction industry, laying a foundation for future research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Joseph Asante, David Obour Gyau, Williams Gyadu-Asiedu, Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah , Ernest Kissi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prioritization of the barriers to integrated modular buildings (IMBs) in developing countries: Nigerian construction professionals’ perspectives
Integrated modular building (IMBs) enhance construction performance, quality, and productivity. However, in developing economies, adoption is impeded by challenges that hinder efficiency and sustainability. The study investigated and prioritized the barriers associated with IMBs through purposive sampling of experienced construction professionals in IMBs. Of the various statistical analyses, the fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) indicated that perception-related barriers are the most significant barrier to IMBs, among other barriers, namely skill-related, cost-related, technical-related, and regulation-related. The study holds significant implications for construction stakeholders to intensify efforts in addressing the identified barriers and raising awareness to facilitate more IMBs adoption. The study underscores the importance of tailored strategies aligned with these priorities to effectively address these barriers. Furthermore, enhancing awareness and implementing targeted interventions are crucial steps towards promoting IMBs and advancing sustainability in the construction sector. Additionally, the prioritization of the barriers gives a logical order of required actions for construction stakeholders.
Copyright (c) 2024 Akinsanmi Akindeinde, Joseph Akinola, Lekan Ojo, Augustine Okechukwu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Estimation of pavement layer moduli of thin-sealed roads for use in pavement management systems
Condition assessment and maintenance of vast road networks is a challenge both technically and financially in many low and middle-income countries (LMICs). It often requires rapid data collection techniques, quick analysis of the data, accurate defect identification, and appropriate allocation of scarce funds. The Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) equipment can be used for rapid non-destructive techniques of assessing the condition of road pavement layers. Many road agencies in LMICs are acquiring FWDs and Pavement Management Systems (PMS) for data collection and maintenance planning. The analysis of FWD data requires rigorous back-calculation techniques that cannot be easily integrated into PMS. Surface deflection bowl parameters (DBP) have since been used for classification of pavement conditions. However, DBP do not yield values of layer elastic moduli, that are increasingly being used in rehabilitation design. Moreover, the DBP that are currently in use are applicable to roads with at least 50 mm asphalt concrete surfacing and have not been checked for validity on roads incorporating thin bituminous seals such as chip seal, and cape seal. Thus, a system that rapidly estimates layer elastic moduli from DBP and that can be easily integrated into PMS is required now and in the near future, for LMICs. Defective sections or pavement layers identified through this approach can then undergo more rigorous analysis using FWD specialist back-calculation software. This study developed equations that reliably estimate the layer moduli from DBP of pavements surfaced with thin bituminous seals. This was done through conducting FWD tests on selected road sections, conducting back-calculation using specialist software, and testing which DBP best correlates with the back-calculated elastic moduli. These equations are used to rapidly identify pavement layers and sections that are deteriorating season by season, and hence, target and plan appropriate maintenance interventions.
Copyright (c) 2024 Christopher Ngwira, Andrew Otto, Presley Chilonda, Nathan Chilukwa, Andrew Mwale https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A participatory data-driven approach for unpaved road condition monitoring
Unpaved roads, usually found in rural and sparsely populated areas, are prone to dust, potholes, corrugations, rutting and loose gravel and deteriorate faster than paved roads. Thus, they require regular condition monitoring to keep them at the required level of service. However, the cost of condition assessment could be huge, considering how vast and far away they are from the cities. Currently, subjective visual surveys and manual methods for monitoring and assessing the condition of unpaved roads dominate, while data-driven objective methods are not commonly applied for maintenance planning and decision-making. The paper proposes a participatory data-driven approach for unpaved road condition monitoring based on the literature and an exploratory case study of road maintenance practices in Sweden and Zambia. Participatory data collection empowers regular unpaved road users to collect road condition data, for instance, by equipping their vehicles with the relevant data acquisition devices embedded with a global positioning system (GPS) as they drive on unpaved roads on a typical day. By integrating open data collection aligned with sustainable practices, regular unpaved road users (garbage collectors, postal service providers, and road owners) share the collected condition data with the road governing bodies and process it for Nowcasting and Forecasting the unpaved road condition, thus providing valuable information for condition monitoring of unpaved roads. Thus, road users can support long-term maintenance planning and decision-making, potentially improving unpaved road management and minimising the cost of collecting and evaluating unpaved road condition data. However, the participating road users require training in data acquisition, and the vehicles must be calibrated according to the sensor properties, vehicle vibration response and speed to ensure quality data collection. Based on the literature and the case study findings, participatory data collection for unpaved roads can provide an efficient and effective alternative for collecting road condition data, accomplishing broad coverage.
Copyright (c) 2024 Keegan Mbiyana, Mirka Kans https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Road traffic crashes trends of severity and injuries in Osun state, Nigeria
Road traffic accidents (RTA) have been of concern both in developed and developing nations of the world. This study examined the road accident trends in Osun State, Nigeria, over 7 years (2015 to 2021). The dataset used is secondary data obtained from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Osun State, Nigeria. This includes the number of cases (fatal, serious, and minor), the number of people dead, and the number of people injured. Multivariate Time Series analysis shows that an average of 243 and 44 people were injured and killed, respectively, quarterly. For the total of 1859 reported cases, 6809 and 1232 people were injured and killed, respectively, for the 7 years. The Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model was applied to study the underlying patterns and forecast future values for the number of deaths and injuries for the year 2022. Based on the value of Akaike's Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian's Information Criteria (BIC), the model with the constant was the best of all. The result of the forecast indicates that 245 people are predicted to be injured in the first quarter of 2022 and 243 people in the second, third, and fourth quarters. 44 people are predicted to be killed in the first quarter of 2022 and 45 people in the second, third, and fourth quarters, accident occurrence for the 7 years has a low severity index. According to the findings, it was discovered that the number of people injured and killed in traffic accidents has been rising over time. This is the outcome of several variables, including environmental, human, and road-related factors. Therefore, to decrease traffic-related deaths and injuries, the government and concerned non-governmental organizations must embark on educating drivers about defensive driving, enforcing road traffic laws, and traffic education to the populace.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abayomi Afolayan, Adewole Oladele, Samson Olopade, Taiwo Adeoye https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Safe schools Africa: Ensuring the provision of safe infrastructure for school children on donor-financed road projects
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the world’s highest road traffic injury rates, and rates are increasing as the continent develops and mobilises. However, roads are a cornerstone of economic development, and so governments across the continent – supported by development partners – invest heavily in developing their road networks. No government or lending institution wants people – above all children, who are among the most vulnerable road users – to be injured or killed on the roads they finance and build. Making roads safe is not a controversial proposition. The challenge lies in changing the existing practices that allow high-risk roads to be built. This paper looks at a program, ‘Safe Schools Africa’, which seeks to address the challenge of ensuring that the existing road procurement, design, and construction systems and practices consider the specific road safety requirements of school children. The program ensures that provision is made to safeguard school children and other vulnerable road users in the design and construction of new and rehabilitated roads used by this group. Safe Schools Africa is operated and administered by the FIA Foundation and Amend. The FIA Foundation and Amend work together on advocacy and project identification, while Amend carries out the community engagement and technical engineering services and manages the logistics of project delivery. The paper will examine examples of the ongoing application of ‘Safe Schools Africa’ on donor-financed projects in Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia and share some lessons learnt to date.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ayikai Poswayo, George Malekele, Jeffrey Witte, Emmanuel Adanu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Re-use of COVID-19 waste facemasks for modification of Nigeria’s naturally occurring bitumen for road construction
Nigeria currently imports bitumen for road construction despite the presence of a significant amount of naturally occurring bitumen (NOB) in Ondo state. The use of facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to environmental challenges due to their non-biodegradable and harmful nature. This study explores the potential of utilising waste facemasks in modifying NOB for road paving in Nigeria. The physiochemical properties of NOB were determined, and tests were conducted to assess its suitability for road construction. The results showed that the neat NOB had high penetration, low softening point, and high viscosity, making it unsuitable for road construction in Nigeria’s tropical region. However, the modified NOB, when blended with waste facemasks, exhibited reduced penetration and increased softening point, aligning with the AC-10 grade bitumen requirements. Further testing using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) is recommended to determine the rheological properties of the modified NOB. This study is the first of its kind to explore the use of waste facemasks in modifying naturally occurring bitumen for road construction. It proposes a novel solution that not only addresses the environmental issues associated with waste facemasks but also offers a sustainable alternative to imported bitumen. Future works include long-term performance studies, comparative evaluations, environmental impact assessments, and scaling-up studies to assess the feasibility and practicality of implementing this approach on a larger scale.
Copyright (c) 2024 Bala Musa, Kenneth Tutu, Yaw Tuffour https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The influence of the built environment on drug misuse and abuse
Drug misuse and overdoses (DMO) continue to rise in the United States and around the world. As the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown brought America to a standstill, the drug overdose epidemic took a sharp turn for the worse. Poorly built environments have been said to pose greater risks for substance use. The inequitable race and socioeconomic status distribution of the built environment might be tipping drug overdose and deaths toward minority populations. This review examined the contribution of the built environment to drug misuse and overdose to identify further research and policy needs. Databases like PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed empirical studies in the English language published from 2010 to March 2021. MeSH search terms were built environment, overdose, drug, and drug overdose. Using the PRISMA flow diagram of article selection, title, and abstract screening plus text narrative synthesis of included articles were done. The built environment features making it more conducive to initiating and maintaining DMO included disinvestment, geographical context (urban versus rural), spatial characteristics of the built environment, easy access to drugs, low access to interventions, and built-environment-associated environmental and social stressors. Built environment features play some roles in drug misuse problems. Policies and programs are needed that place the built environment at the centre of health, drug overdose prevention, and harm reduction, provide increased treatment facilities for addicted persons, ensure stricter opioid prescription measures, and address poverty as well as hopelessness due to disinvestment.
Copyright (c) 2024 Adewumi Oladele, Edward Onyango, Kyle Esdaille https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Development of a public road works contract management framework for the Zambian construction industry
It is critical that the funds allocated towards public road infrastructure are utilized prudently to achieve value for money whilst meeting project objectives. Therefore, contracts which facilitate the attainment of significant value are utilized. However, these contracts are seldom reviewed. Furthermore, ineffective Contract Management is a frequent occurrence in Zambia. In view of the foregoing, the aim of this study was to develop a Public Road Contract Management framework for the Zambian Construction Industry (ZCI). The study adopted a sequential exploratory research design to identify and determine the associated challenges and critical success factors (CSFs), respectively, throughout the Contract Management cycle in the ZCI. This was achieved by ranking the challenges and CSFs based on the data collected through questionnaire surveys from 92 respondents. The major challenges in each phase of the cycle viz. Initiation, Planning/Procurement, Implementation/Administration, Monitoring & Control and Closure were that viability of strategic plans is affected by political regime changes, failure to allocate the contract with the required budget, lengthy payment processes, delay in payments for satisfactory performance and lack of reviews to document lessons learnt and best practices, respectively. The top CSFs in each phase were preparation of comprehensive feasibility studies; allocating the contract with the required budget; adequate funding during implementation; monitoring being carried out by qualified, competent, and experienced personnel; and enhanced record keeping, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data using the Spearman correlation coefficient showed that there was a strong positive relation between Contract Administration/ Implementation, and Monitoring and Control. The developed framework is expected to facilitate timely completion of roadworks that are executed to the desired quality at the budgeted cost and thereby achieve successful Public Road Works Contract Management.
Copyright (c) 2024 Lutangu Munga, Balimu Mwiya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Premature pavement failure of a Superpave asphalt mix – a unique failure mechanism
Research outputs undertaken in temperate climates require adaptation and customisation before they can be applied to tropical conditions. This often requires the use of research trial sections with a revised technology. The construction and performance monitoring of trial sections takes time, often spanning several years. However, the demands of road agencies can mean that there is insufficient time to undertake the necessary trials. In such cases, large scale projects are often undertaken with inflated factors of safety. This frequently results in higher execution costs and no guarantees of adequate performance. This paper examines the circumstances under which the application of Superpave asphalt mix design technology in a major road project in Uganda (a tropical country) resulted in premature pavement failure, which started within two years of completion. The Superpave asphalt mix design method was developed under the Strategic Highways Research Programme in the United States of America (a temperature region), funded by AASHTO. Defects were first observed on the project road (Mbarara to Katuna) during the works execution and within the one-year defects liability period. To assess the performance of the sections, detailed visual condition surveys were undertaken; asphalt cores were used to test for strength, water sensitivity, and volumetric characteristics in the laboratory. Deflection measurements and analysis were also carried out. The results showed that the pavement failure was confined to the asphalt surfacing. The Superpave asphalt mix did not perform as expected, due to the difference in climatic, traffic, and construction characteristics Adjustments should have been made, based on findings from trial sections, to make the surfacing suitable for tropical conditions. Ultimately, tropical countries should engage in coordinated and targeted applied research that places emphasis on the adaptation of technologies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Andrew Otto, Denis Kakoto, Angella Lekea https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
An overview of the angular geomorphic lock – an anti-rutting model for sustainable road infrastructure
Sustainable road infrastructure is largely dependent on the resilience of the road foundation to withstand dynamic stresses. From Empirical to Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guidelines (MEPDG), the use of unbound granular materials (UGMs) has been specified for road foundation bases for flexible roads. Rutting is a common road failure from these designs. MEPDG includes climate change factors that essentially invalidate the empirical approach. However, both design approaches still rely on the anisotropic particle interlock of UGM upon compaction, notwithstanding traditional or intelligent compaction technology. The anisotropic character of compacted UGM only exhibits vertical stiffness with the highest shear stress located in the mid layer. This makes the interface between the surface of the compacted subgrade and the bottom of the compacted subbase incompatible. Consequently, the stiffness of the UGM is satisfactory for static loads, but when these become dynamic, the inter-granular transmission of these stresses creates a new challenge, non-linearity of stress and the ensuing propensity for stress rotation. A model subbase of a road foundation was modified acknowledging the natural angle of repose of UGM. The ribbed saw tooth structure with an inherent composite anisotropic character seemed to offer significant stiffness. A three-point shear stress localisation (3-PSSL) was experimentally created with three stress levels identified within the subbase and a fourth stress level in the base. This geomorphic lock is possible by the use of an angular geo-lock compactor (AGL). Added stiffness in the road foundation should avert rutting, thereby increasing resilience and sustainability of road infrastructure, and ultimately stimulating socio-economic development. World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has documented this ongoing research as patent No. WO 2021/048590 A1 awaiting entry into The National Phase. This is Work in Progress, where particle intra-lock may invalidate particle interlock.
Copyright (c) 2024 Christopher Nondo, Chewe Kambole, Yohane Tembo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
International research collaboration – how powerful is it really?
Countries that do participate in International Research Collaboration (IRC) are placed in advantageous positions to promote scientific and technological advancements. This advantage is known to be particularly high for countries outside of Europe or North America. Subsequently, international organisations do actively promote and support the emergence of collaborative research platforms, in particular in these countries. But how can the success of such a platform be measured? Do the benefits always outweigh the costs? This paper seeks to define a framework for assessing the success of a research collaborative platform. As a case study, a bilateral research platform implemented by the authors will be critically assessed.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sascha Duerkop, Jakob Grubmuller, Rana Badran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Building resilience: quantity surveyors in the face of future pandemics
This paper investigates the transformative impact of the global pandemic in the field of quantity surveying, specifically focusing on the challenges encountered by quantity surveyors and the resultant modifications in their professional activities. The study aims to equip quantity surveyors with valuable insights, fostering resilience to enable them to adapt and thrive amidst adversities. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study utilises interviews to delve into the challenges faced by quantity surveyors and identifies the essential traits necessary for future resilience. Six experienced quantity surveyors were purposively selected for in-depth interviews, and the collected data were subjected to thematic analysis to uncover prevailing trends and themes. The study reveals a spectrum of direct and indirect effects induced by the pandemic within the quantity surveying profession. Noteworthy impacts include alterations in work dynamics, modifications in site evaluations, increased instances of cost overruns, shifts in contract interpretation, and changes in the preparation of monthly payment certificates. As uncovered by the findings, resilience is not synonymous with avoiding challenges; instead, it involves the ability to adapt, learn, and grow stronger through adversity. Adopting resilient practices and mindset is crucial for quantity surveyors to navigate uncertainties and challenges effectively. This research not only enhances the resilience of quantity surveying as a profession but also imparts valuable lessons for mitigating the impact of future pandemics. By understanding the challenges and adaptations brought about by the pandemic, quantity surveyors can proactively shape their practices, ensuring a robust and resilient future for the profession.
Copyright (c) 2024 Matshete Modiba, Nishani Harinarain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A scientometric analysis of quantity surveying research: trends and future direction
The development of people, organisations and professions is driven by several factors including research. As such, evaluating research trends within a given field of study is necessary to understand current issues and identify gaps to make meaningful contributions to the body of knowledge. The scientometric analysis offers the opportunity to understand these research trends while identifying leading contributors (authors, countries, institutions), impactful contributions and areas of focus in existing studies. Using the scientometric analysis, this paper presents a visualisation of quantity surveying (QS) research published from 2003 to 2023 and indexed in the Scopus database. Using an interpretivist philosophical stance, the study found that QS studies have emanated from diverse countries, including the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Nigeria, South Africa and Australia. Journal outlets are the major sources of disseminating QS research findings, while the lack of proper indexing of many QS conference proceedings is responsible for fewer conference publications. Past QS studies have focused on six major areas, which are (1) QS professional service and management, (2) QS and BIM in design and cost estimating, (3) QS competencies, (4) QS education and training, (5) QS in the construction industry, (6) QS and project planning. These identified areas create room for future studies to research less explored areas such as human resource management, higher education, information theory, QS and climate change adaptation, green/circular/bio-economy, digitalisation, and innovative construction.
Copyright (c) 2023 Taiwo Adegbembo, Douglas Aghimien https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
An assessment of the impact of discounted Fees on the quality of services rendered by Quantity Surveying firms
The quantity surveying (QS) profession has faced a lot of challenges that threaten its existence, growth, and success over the years. The most common being, the adequate compensation for quality of services rendered. The QS council in South Africa is instituted by law and has a mandate to publish a Guideline Tariff of Professional Fees to determine the professional fees to charge for the deployment of skills, expertise, and knowledge towards addressing clients’ needs. However, the excessive discounting of fees to secure work for most firms is a challenge, as guidelines remain rigid leaving no room for error. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the current structure of the fee guidelines affects the quality of the service outputs of QS firms and by extension their competitiveness. The study adopted a positivist stance, and deductive reasoning that culminated in the use of the quantitative approach. To ascertain 100% response rate, self-administered questionnaires were used to a sample size of 35 firms, selected using non-probability sampling to choose firms within the Gauteng Province to participate in the survey. The findings indicated the preponderance of discounted fees among QS firms for various reasons and identified 4 themes: (1) the prevalence of discounted fee (2) the impact of discounted fees on quality of QS services (3) the factors influencing the prevalence of discounted fees and (4) the survival and eventually the growth of the firm. The themes show how the lack of enforceability on the fee tariffs has provided clients with a leverage to negotiate fee discounts that often exceed 40% and how these have affected profits for the firms. This study highlights a need for the recommended tariff of professional fees to be published to provide a basis for QS fees which is determined by the council for the profession, and which cannot be disputed by clients.
Copyright (c) 2023 Lungie Maseko, Siminaye Duma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Revolutionising high-rise building construction: the role of robotics in South Africa's construction industry
With the increased demand for high-rise buildings in urban areas, the construction industry is experiencing more accidents caused by workers carrying out construction at heights. Robotic technology has been adopted in the manufacturing industry over the years, which has reduced factory accidents. Therefore, this study explores the impact of robotics in constructing high-rise buildings in South Africa, focusing on productivity, safety, efficiency, and project management. The research investigates how robotics can revolutionise the industry by employing a quantitative research methodology, which involves surveys from professionals in the construction sector. The findings reveal significant benefits of robotics in enhancing productivity, reducing accidents, and improving construction quality. The study also identifies challenges such as high costs and lack of skilled labour for robotics operations. The exploration extends to robotics' influence on project timelines, cost management, and environmental sustainability. The implications of these findings are significant for stakeholders in the construction industry, suggesting a need for investment in research and development, training, and policy formulation to support the adoption of robotics. This research contributes to understanding the potential of robotics in transforming high-rise construction, particularly in emerging economies.
Copyright (c) 2023 Opeoluwa Akinradewo, Dr Ntebo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Promoting the digital transformation of the South African quantity surveying profession through the implementation of change management theories
The construction industry is lagging behind in the digital race, thus not living up to its potential to drive the knowledge economy of the Built Environment (BE). This paper explores the motivations for change: why the 4+5IR is worth not resisting and what 4IR technologies could benefit the Quantity Surveying Profession (QSP). The introduction to the new concept of change management is used to illustrate how the QS workplace can go about embracing digital transformation (4IR), concentrating on human-centric, sustainable and resilient nuances (5IR). A form of documentary research, namely a literature review study, has been undertaken to review pertinent research and extract relevant information though content analysis about the digitalisation relevant to the Built Environment, the construction industry and its value chain, and the Quantity Surveying Profession specifically; knowledge innovation and creativity economy, as well as how change management strategies assist the implementation of digital transformation. The QSP, as part of the BE, appears to have compelling reasons to adopt 4IR to improve and enhance their service offering to the construction industry value-chain, thereby contributing to the BE’s attainment of the SDGs. To accept the challenge of digital transformation, the application of change management theories in the QS workplace offer the opportunity to learn new concepts as well as adopt 4IR technology, through a scientific approach for QS practices to accept the challenge of digital transformation. The paper offers a roadmap toward achieving digital transformation by the QS community based on a literature review study, however, it is suggested these be tested through empirical data collected among QS practices who have determinedly set about adopting 4IR technology. The QSP risks becoming inexorable, if it continues to ignore the 4+5IR. The ‘science’ of change management offers a forensic approach to efficiently manage a transformative process and should be an approach which QSs’ respect and value, given they apply it in their every-day activities.
Copyright (c) 2023 Karen Le Jeune, Dr. Krystle Ontong, Dr. Alireza Moghayedi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Fostering quantity surveying student success through academic engagement: an interactive qualitative analysis
This research paper delves into the multifaceted aspects influencing student engagement in higher education, specifically focusing on Bachelor of Science (Quantity Surveying) Honours (QS) students at Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. This study aims to develop a group systems influence diagram (SID) for factors influencing student engagement according to QS students since it enhances student success and persistence. The objectives are to identify the key factors that drive student engagement and understand their interrelationships. This study used an interpretivist paradigm, which emphasises participants' subjective experiences, to navigate this complex landscape. Methodologically, a blend of inductive and deductive approaches was employed for theory building. The interactive qualitative analysis (IQA) strategy anchored this multi-method qualitative design. Central to this approach was creating a student SID, a visual tool designed to map out and represent the myriad factors influencing student engagement. Data collection was a two-pronged process, encompassing focus group discussions and subsequent individual interviews with students. This strategy ensured a rich tapestry of insights, capturing both collective sentiments and individual narratives. In response to the question, "Tell me about what influences your academic engagement at Nelson Mandela University?" the QS students produced 41 items in the focus group through inductive coding. These items were grouped into seven themes by means of axial coding: physical environment, external realities, lecturer attributes, subject matter, teaching methods, personal factors, and student interaction. Subsequently, a composite SID identified the physical environment and external realities themes as the primary drivers, while the lecturer attributes and subject matter themes were secondary drivers. During phase two, the themes were verified through individual semi-structured interviews. It was established that these interviews substantiated the focus group findings. The findings underscore the need for educational institutions to consider a holistic approach to student engagement, which includes creating conducive physical learning environments, understanding and addressing external challenges students face, and ensuring that teaching methods are engaging and adaptable. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of lecturer attributes in shaping student engagement, suggesting targeted professional development and support for educators. By tackling the drivers of student engagement, the Department of Quantity Surveying at Nelson Mandela University can foster an environment where students are more attentive, motivated, and actively involved in their learning experiences, ultimately leading to improved academic success.
Copyright (c) 2023 Gerrit Crafford, Liezel Frick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The dynamics of learning styles and adaptive flexibility in quantity surveying education: implications for academic performance
This scholarly paper delves into the interplay between learning styles and academic performance within the specific context of quantity surveying (QS) education, thereby addressing an identified research gap. Its central objective is to scrutinise the impact of adaptive learning flexibility, a crucial element of experiential learning theories, on educational outcomes in QS. The study adopts a positivist paradigm, employing a deductive research approach and a survey methodology. It utilises Pearson’s correlation analysis to ascertain the relationship between QS students’ adaptive flexibility and their academic performance, with the study population comprising second, third, and fourth-year students at Nelson Mandela University. The research findings reveal a predominance of the assimilating learning style among QS students, characterised by a proclivity for abstract conceptualisation and theoretical model development. Notably, the study did not identify any statistically significant differences in academic performance across various learning styles. This suggests that learning style preferences may not be reliable indicators of academic success within QS education. Further, the research observed a minor negative correlation between adaptive flexibility and academic performance, challenging the notion that increased learning style flexibility invariably leads to better academic results. These outcomes imply that while QS students may exhibit substantial adaptive flexibility, this attribute does not necessarily correlate with enhanced academic achievement. The distinctiveness of this research lies in its exploration of the dynamic nature of learning styles and their influence on academic performance in the specialised field of QS. It significantly contributes to the wider educational discourse, underscoring the importance of personal experience in the learning process and advocating for pedagogical approaches that recognise and nurture individual learning preferences. In practical terms, the study recommends that QS students and educators engage in introspective practices to comprehend and utilise learning styles and adaptive flexibility effectively. It endorses the adoption of educational frameworks that embrace diverse learning modalities, thereby augmenting students’ adaptability to various learning situations and deepening their academic comprehension. The paper also advises that QS educators receive professional development to incorporate experiential learning cycles into their teaching methodologies effectively. Overall, this research illuminates the complexities inherent in the learning processes of specialised educational fields. It calls for a nuanced appreciation of the interplay between individual learning styles and adaptive flexibility concerning academic performance. The findings establish a foundation for future investigations into these dynamics in other specialised educational settings and propose innovative instructional strategies for QS education.
Copyright (c) 2023 Mylan Jonas, Gerrit Crafford, Sibulelokuhle Xulaba, David Edwards https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Digital leadership in quantity surveying: unveiling key characteristics and their role in driving digital transformation
This study delves into the critical role of digital leadership in driving digital transformation within the quantity surveying profession, which is increasingly influenced by technological advancements and the 4th Industrial Revolution imperatives. The aim is to identify essential digital leadership characteristics that facilitate this transformation and assess digital leadership’s role in the process. The research is grounded in qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with directors of South African quantity surveying firms, using an interpretivist approach and an inductive methodology. This method, chosen for its depth and nuance, used thematic narrative analysis to uncover the core characteristics of digital leadership in these companies. The study’s findings are eye-opening, revealing four critical digital leadership characteristics required for navigating the digital age’s complexities: adaptability, motivational visionary, innovation, and urgency. These characteristics are consistent with the broader principles of transformational leadership and are essential for remaining relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Leaders in quantity surveying firms have a positive attitude toward digital technologies, emphasising an urgent, innovative, and adaptable leadership style. However, the study acknowledges some limitations, most notably its focus on South African firms, which may limit the generalisability of its findings. Future studies with a broader geographic and sectoral scope are needed to validate and improve on these findings. Practically, the study provides valuable insights for quantity surveying firms. It emphasises the importance of developing digital leadership capabilities centred on the identified traits. Adaptability, visionary motivation, innovation, and urgency form a framework that guides leaders in managing digital transformation initiatives effectively. The study suggests fostering a learning culture, encouraging innovation, and instilling a sense of urgency in embracing digital changes. This paper adds new perspectives to the relatively unexplored field of digital leadership in the quantity surveying profession. It fills a significant gap in academic literature and professional practice by highlighting specific leadership traits required for digital transformation in this field. The findings and recommendations presented are useful to practitioners and academics, providing a more nuanced understanding of digital leadership dynamics in today’s business environment. In essence, this study emphasises the critical importance of digital leadership in the quantity surveying profession, offering a nuanced perspective on the leadership characteristics required to guide these firms through the digital transformation journey. It highlights adaptability, a visionary approach, innovation, and a sense of urgency as key traits for effective digital leadership. It provides a road map for quantity surveying firms to navigate the digital era successfully.
Copyright (c) 2023 Darren Vermaak, Gerrit Crafford https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0