Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation - Volume 4, Issue 1, May 2014

Volume 4 Number 1 May 2014 - full journal articles

Every employment has deposit of activities to be performed by her employees. These activities vary with industries and who performs each of these activities is determined by how significance they are to the employment operation. Construction is one of such industries whose activities necessitate the growth and development of infrastructure needs of the societies. The activities in the construction industry are performed by different trades' artisans refer to as informal workers/artisans in this paper. Hence, this paper examines the activities of informal construction workers/artisans in Nigeria with a view to classify these activities according to various trades in the industry. A comprehensive list of construction activities was made and informal workers/artisans were asked to rank these activities based on the frequency of how they are being performed on construction projects. Data collected were analyzed using factor analysis which classified these activities into principal components that described construction trades. The result of the study shows that the most frequent activities are associated with demolition & reconstruction and woodwork while the least frequent activities associated with electrical works. The result also classifies activities in the industry into various trades including plumbing installations, masonry & blockwork, steelworks, woodworks, electrical installations, painting & decoration; and demolition & reconstruction. The finding of this study provides information on the activities of the informal workers/artisans in the construction industry for the professionals, employers and policy makers to provide enabling and friendly environment for efficient service delivery in the construction industry.

Retention bond guarantees that the contractor will carry out all necessary work to correct structural and/or other defects discovered immediately after completion of the contract, even if full payment has been made to the contractor. This research work assesses the effects of retention bond on construction project performance in Nigerian construction industry. Cost data were collected through the distribution of sixty (60) questionnaires of which fifty-seven administered questionnaires were retrieved. Data were analysed using correlation and regression methods of analysis. The findings from the study indicated that there is a significant relationship between retention bond and construction project performance in terms of cost and time. The study recommends that professional bodies should encourage the use of retention bond in the Nigerian construction industry by sensitizing professionals of its importance which is to enable effective delivery of projects within its initial cost and time. Also, contractors should encourage their clients to always include sum to cover up for retention bond in their contract sum.

Self-regard, emotional self-awareness, flexibility, problem solving, and stress tolerance, inter alia, constitute attributes that affect how well activities are carried out by individuals. Thus, construction activities that are people intensive require a measure of emotional quotient (EQ) to enhance project performance, especially with regard to health and safety (H&S). EQ is important due to: intrapersonal EQ; relationship with one self; interpersonal EQ; stress management; adaptability, and general mood of employees. The aforesaid in due course impact on performance related to the project parameters in the sector, inter alia, cost, H&S, time, quality, and productivity. The purpose of the paper is to present the findings of an exploratory study that was conducted to determine the perceived importance of EQ in terms of managing construction H&S and the extent to which EQ contributes to optimising H&S performance on projects in South Africa. This is aimed at contributing to the enhancement of H&S performance in construction.

Within the Nigerian and Sub-Saharan African construction industries generally there has been a lack of research profiling the constructability practices of contractors and possible barriers to the use of appropriate methods. The aim of this study was to assess constructability practices of contractors in construction projects in this context. The objectives were to identify current constructability practices, and to examine the barriers typically affecting constructability practices. Convenience sampling was used to select 19 contractors in Lagos state, Nigeria, who were interviewed using a structured interview protocol. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results indicated that constructability practices common to contractors include checking M & E drawings for clashes and errors; site-layout planning; and preparation of schedule/construction programmes. In-situ constructions, crane/lifting equipment, formwork technologies and external scaffolding systems were used during site operations. Barriers affecting constructability practices stem from contractors' internal conditions, external factors, and project-related factors including design, lack of knowledge in construction methods, and project size and complexity. The findings have important implications for policy and practice. We recommend public laws making it mandatory for projects to implement constructability reviews and analyses. We also recommend that practice-experienced constructors be employed on projects, and that professional bodies train and educate members on constructability principles and practice for the better management of projects.

Right-first-time is a principle that evaluates the competence of firms, quality of product and the expertise of a professional. Rework is doing something at least one extra time due to non-conformance to requirements, could suggest the abovementioned parameter negatively either on organisation or individual. Human beings are not perfect, based on this, errors occur that may lead to rework on site and should be accommodated adequately for an uninterrupted flow of construction activities and non-delay of delivery of projects. The south western part of Nigeria was the area of study. The quantitative and descriptive research approaches were used. The questionnaire survey and historical data were the two method used for the collection of data for the study. Simple statistical means were used for data analysis. The research findings indicate that incorrect lying of forming course, poor quality of concrete, poor plastering, and construction errors during excavation dominate relative to areas of rework. Therefore, the study suggests that in order to eliminate or reduced drastically the occurrence of rework on future projects, consideration should be given to the following: the setting aside of a sum of money equal to the value of 0.6 - 5.0% of initial contract sum, engagement of knowledgeable foremen or having regular training of foremen, the correct construction processes should be followed in the execution of construction activities, and materials that are of good quality only should be used for constructional purposes.

The realisation of the expected minimum client quality requirements in both the products and processes in the construction industry remains challenging. The effects have been increased wastage and value loss through rework in both public and private sector initiatives providing social services in developing countries. The purpose of the research was to compare the impact of construction related rework on project budgets and schedule in public building construction in both Uganda and Mozambique, being examples of developing countries. The objective of such comparison is to document where focus should probably be placed in ensuring that quality requirements in construction are achieved. Case study approach was adopted and separate case study protocols prepared. The scope of study in the Ugandan project involved construction of classroom blocks, health centres and staff housing between 2008 and 2011. The scope of study in the Mozambique project involved the construction of 209 public housing units in Mozambique. The units of study were rework-related project budget and schedule overruns with further comparison of rework-related impacts on both project budgets and schedules under study. In Uganda, the mean percentage rework range was 12.45% - 15.58% of the construction contract scope. It was determined that the mean percentage of rework-related impact on project budget and schedule was 4.53% and 8.42% respectively. In Mozambique, the mean percentage rework range was 3.35% - 4.40% of the construction contract scope. It was determined that the mean percentage of rework-related impact on project budget and schedule was 0.56% and 12.0% respectively. Acknowledging the differing cultural contexts of both countries where the study was conducted, these findings could improve governance and strengthen the regulatory framework on quality management in both Uganda and Mozambique.

Evidence of Professional Project Management Practices in the Ghanaian Construction Industry (GCI) dates back to the 1980s. However, to date not much has been achieved in its advancement and deployment especially in an era where project management is considered as an important management philosophy in achieving project success. This paper reports on a study to determine the constraints that exist in the advancement of project management practices in the GCI. The paper adopted a two-stage data-gathering approach involving qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative approach helped in identifying eighteen (18) Project Management (PM) variables that stakeholders believe are posing challenges to effective PM practices in Ghana. Out of the eighteen variables, nine supported existing literature while the remaining nine appear to be peculiar to the Ghanaian context. Subsequently, questionnaire containing the eighteen (18) variables were administered to 183 professionals who are involved in PM practices and then subjected to factor analysis. The paper highlights five (5) major underlying constraints namely: weak project management knowledge base, lack of clearly defined role for project managers, poor understanding of procurement practices, weak institutional framework and poor communication practices. The paper therefore recommends that, it is important for these underlying factors to be addressed conscientiously as they provide firm basis for advancing professional project management practices in the GCI.

BOT is a scheme or private finance initiative (PFI) or alternative procurement method in which a government contractually grants to a private sector entity a concession requiring the entity to obtain financing for design, build and operate a public facility or infrastructure for a fixed period of time, during which the private entity can recover its costs of construction, plus profit, by charging fees or tools for its use and at the end of the concession period, transfer ownership and operation of the facility back to the government. This paper examines stakeholders' perception in Nigeria on the effectiveness of BOT as a private finance initiative (PFI) for student housing provision and compares it with traditional procurement method (TPM). It also determines the association between the respondents' years of experience in BOT procurement and the outcome of assessment based on the identified factor frameworks. To achieve these objectives, questionnaires were administered on a sample of the core professionals and experts who are staff in Physical Planning and Development Units (PPDU), Housing unit, Works and Maintenance sections of the selected tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and t-test. The result indicates higher level of effectiveness in favour of BOT than TPM. It also found that, except for cost/funding, there is a significant relationship between the respondents' years of experience and other factors. It also found that there is significant difference in the respondents' assessment of BOT and TPM.

The nature of the construction industry necessities dangerous activities and the proper implementation of safety and quality management is essential to control hazards and wastes, and also to improve project success. This paper aims at adopting failure mode, effect and criticality analysis on an on-going project to investigate on how to improve safety and quality management in construction projects. In order to achieve this, the study evaluates the most critical factors influencing safety and quality management. Normative and empirical approaches are used for data collection. The possible failure mode of structural components and accident occurrence rate are analysed using the failure mode, effect and critically analysis sheets. Research findings reveal the possible causes and effects of failures and accidents. From the decision rule, the risk priority number is less than decision index number, which implies that risks/hazards can be accepted and mitigated through the safety and quality policy designed to resolve the identified possible causes. The most critical safety and quality factors are identified as parameters for policy implementation.

Project management as an application is utilised increasingly by municipalities in South Africa to render services on time, within budget, and according to quality and performance specifications. But the translation of integrated development planning (IDP), top-layer service delivery and budget implementation plans (SDBIPs) into successful projects often do not yield the desired results. This is especially true for capital-intensive infrastructure projects. Typical municipal infrastructure projects entail the construction of roads, pavements and bridges and storm water systems. It also include the provision of electricity (generation, transmission and reticulation e.g. street lighting), water (e.g. dams, reservoirs, and water purification), and sanitation (e.g. reticulation and sewerage purification). This article reports on empirical findings of research conducted at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (henceforth referred to as Dr KKDM), North-West Province, which include four local category B) municipalities, namely Maquassi Hills, Matlosana, Tlokwe, and Ventersdorp local municipalities. The aim of the study was to explore practices and challenges associated with the design and execution of infrastructure (capital) projects and to uncover best practice for innovative project governance. Case study methodology was utilised in the research.

The study assessed the compliance of construction professionals to ethical standards in the Nigerian construction industry. The study area was Lagos State and the target respondents were the registered professionals including architects, quantity surveyors, builders and engineers. A total of one hundred and seventy (170) questionnaire were randomly administered on the professionals and one hundred and thirty eight (138) were retrieved representing 81.18% response rate. Findings revealed that professionals displayed high level of compliance to clients service delivery with Mean Item Score (MIS) ranged between 3.22 to 3.79, educational and professional qualification with Mean Item Score (MIS) ranged 3.18 to 3.71 and standards of practice with Mean Item Score (MIS) ranged between 3.16 to 3.63. The overall rating revealed that professionals have highest level of compliance to standards of practice with 54.76%, while the least ranked ethical standards was fair compensation with 49.31%. ANOVA test established a statistical significant difference among the professionals view about compliance of the professionals to clients service delivery (F value=2.447, P value=0.020) and professional development (F value=3.774, P value = 0.001). The overall level of compliance of construction professionals to ethical standards was 52.37%. It was concluded that clients service delivery; educational training and professional qualification and standards of practices are the most significant ethical standards among construction professionals in Nigeria. Therefore, the study concluded that professionals satisfactorily complied with the ethical standards.