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1 – 8 of 8Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Godpower Chinyeru Amadi, Marvelous Aigbedion and Iliye Faith Ogbaini
The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review on encumbrances facing the implementation of GBP in selected African countries. Green building practices (GBP…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review on encumbrances facing the implementation of GBP in selected African countries. Green building practices (GBP) implementation is germane and promotes the development of a green environment and buildings. Many studies have been conducted on the encumbrances faced with GBP implementation, especially in developing countries. But evidence of a comprehensive study that investigates and analyses these hindrances from different developing countries is missing. Therefore, a systematic review is conducted systematically reviewing the current literature on encumbrances facing the implementation of GBP in selected African countries. Also, the study proffers possible drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP in African countries.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 38 published papers were identified from the Web of Science, Scopus database and supported with materials from Google Scholar related to Africa’s GBP. The continent was divided into five regions, and each region covered three countries.
Findings
Two themes emerged from the analysed review – encumbrances facing GBP implementation and possible drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP in African countries. A total of 18 encumbrances and 18 drivers were identified from the analysed literature and grouped into 6 sub-themes.
Research limitations/implications
Current empirical articles were reviewed to suggest the drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP that emerged from this paper. Thus, to enrich the results from this paper, primary source data of regional studies of GBP in Africa’s context should be carried out via the mixed-methods design.
Practical implications
A total of 18 drivers were identified for stakeholders to promote GBP in Africa and form part of the paper’s implications. Also, the paper findings would serve as a treasured suggestion for the stakeholders (policymakers, construction practitioners, clients and academics) who are fascinated by the promotion of GBP across African nations.
Originality/value
This is possibly the foremost analysed systematic review study on GBP implementation in Africa. Therefore, it fills the theoretical gap and proffers possible drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP in the African context.
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Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Marvelous Aigbedion, Iliye Faith Ogbaini and Ibeabuchi Lawrence Aginah
Over the past years, high waste and inefficiencies in the construction industry may have contributed to many projects failing to meet clients’ expectations. Among the new project…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past years, high waste and inefficiencies in the construction industry may have contributed to many projects failing to meet clients’ expectations. Among the new project delivery mechanisms to tackle this problem is integrated project delivery (IPD). IPD has been proved as a mechanism that increases stakeholders’ collaboration at the early stage and delivers the highest value-for-money projects. In Nigeria, research regarding practitioners in the application of IPD in construction delivery is scarce. Thus, this study aims to investigate the level of awareness, issues hindering the implementation of IPD and proffer solutions to promote the use of IPD in project delivery.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative research was adopted. Twenty virtual interviews via Zoom and Whatsapp Videos were used to collect data from the selected participants and analysed via a thematic method. This is because of the unexplored dimension of the issues.
Findings
Results show that practitioners are aware of IPD but lax in the application. The emerged issues hindering the adoption and implementation of IPD were grouped into technological, legal, financial and cultural in Nigeria’s context.
Research limitations/implications
This study is restricted to the relevance and hindrances facing the usage of IPD in the Nigerian built environment. The study proffers solutions to promote the use of IPD in the built environment via a qualitative approach.
Practical implications
This paper will contribute towards stirring Nigeria’s stakeholders to create an enabling environment within the industry via IPD friendly policies and promote the use of IPD on construction projects.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the few papers that attempted to uncover issues that hinder the use of IPD on construction projects in Nigeria via a qualitative approach.
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Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Didibhuku Thwala, Marvelous Isibor Aigbedion and Iliye Faith Ogbaini
Research shows that employers are demanding generic skills from employees to complement disciplinary expertise. Evidence shows that majority of the higher institutions are…
Abstract
Purpose
Research shows that employers are demanding generic skills from employees to complement disciplinary expertise. Evidence shows that majority of the higher institutions are struggling to meet this demand, especially in developing nations. Hence, these skills may be acquired while in the workplace through training and retraining. Studies concerning the Nigerian built environment professionals (BEP) generic skills in the workplace are scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate Nigeria’s BEP generic skills in the workplace via an unexplored mechanism and proffer feasible policy solutions that can improve BEP generic skills development.
Design/methodology/approach
The views of BEP were collated via a phenomenology type of qualitative research design across two major Nigerian cities where construction activities are soaring. Virtual interviews were conducted for 20 selected BEP. Data saturation was accomplished and the emerged three themes were analysed through a thematic analysis.
Findings
Findings show that generic skills enhance value for money in construction project delivery. But many of these professionals do not possess these skills in their daily operations. This has raised concerns about the present curriculum for preparing the built environment graduates in today’s profession. Findings categorised the hindrances into employers related-hindrances and employees related-hindrances in Nigeria’s BEP context.
Research limitations/implications
This study is confined to the relevance and hindrances of the generic skills for Nigerian BEP, and proffer feasible policies to promote generic skills in the workplace via a qualitative approach. Future study is needed to investigate the role of the various professional Institutes within Nigeria’s built environment in promoting generic skills.
Practical implications
The paper advanced key stakeholders including BEP Institutes and regulatory bodies to redirect their continuing professional development towards developing professional values and identities as a trajectory to promote the growth of BEP generic skills in the workplace.
Originality/value
The proposed framework can be used to promote the implementation of generic skills for BEP across all levels. This would assist and stir up policymakers and other stakeholders in connection with the implementation of generic skills within the BEP.
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Andrew Ebekozien, Marvelous Aigbedion, Okechukwu Saviour Dominic Duru, Oguike Hyginus Udeagwu and Ibeabuchi Lawrence Aginah
Studies have proved that wood sawmill workers are exposed to high occupational risks if not well managed. In developing countries, many wood sawmills are found in urban and…
Abstract
Purpose
Studies have proved that wood sawmill workers are exposed to high occupational risks if not well managed. In developing countries, many wood sawmills are found in urban and semi-urban areas. Studies exploring how residents near these wood sawmills perceive and react to these risks is scarce in Nigeria. The application of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology is possibly one of the ways to manage the likely hazards. This study aims to investigate the possible hazards associated with timber sawmills in residential areas and the role of 4IR technologies in proffering feasible solutions to mitigate them in Nigeria’s cities.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were sourced from three cities and nine sawmills across Nigeria. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with authoritative participants (residents, environmentalists, government agencies, sawmill owners, 4IR technology experts and medical experts) who have been championing the regulation and safety of timber sawmill locations within the cities (Lagos, Benin City and Owerri) via a phenomenology type of qualitative research and supplemented by secondary sources.
Findings
Findings show that timber sawmills are located across the three cities in Nigeria and may have contributed to the health and environmental challenges of the people living in the neighbourhood. The identified hazards were grouped into three sub-themes (physical, health and environmental hazards). Findings identify robots, modularisation, cyber-physical systems, the internet of things and services and human-computer interaction as the digitalised technology that can be used in sawmills to mitigate hazards for the benefit of mankind.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is limited to hazards that residents in timber sawmills locations may face in Nigeria’s cities and data collected via face-to-face 23 interviews. The paper’s referral to past publications in the findings and discussion section compensated for the small sample size.
Practical implications
As part of this paper’s implications, the emerged recommendations will strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders regarding control measures via the use of 4IR technologies in timber sawmills. This will stir up policymakers to develop possible policies that will promote and create the platform for the implementation of 4IR technologies in city sawmills.
Originality/value
Apart from probably being the first paper to explore the hazards of residents in timber sawmill locations and proffer solutions via the usage of the 4IR technology, this paper’s contribution emphasis the need for in-depth future studies regarding the risk perceptions of Nigeria’s residents living in timber sawmill area.
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Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Marvelous Aigbedion, Iliye Faith Ogbaini and Emmanuel Omoniyi Awe
The Nigerian Government’s initiatives to provide housing loans to low-income pensioners (LIPs) have been futile. This paper aims to examine the root cause of housing loan…
Abstract
Purpose
The Nigerian Government’s initiatives to provide housing loans to low-income pensioners (LIPs) have been futile. This paper aims to examine the root cause of housing loan inaccessibility for the Nigerian LIPs and proffer some possible policy options. This is because inaccessibility to housing finance is one of the impediments facing the LIPs homeownership.
Design/methodology/approach
The phenomenology type of qualitative research was employed to collate data. The study supports MAXQDA 2020 with thematic analysis to analyse the data and achieve saturation with 30 knowledgeable participants.
Findings
Findings show that housing loan rejection is extremely high among LIPs. Some of the impediments facing the LIPs in accessing housing loans include delayed gratuity, insufficient income for housing loan repayments, failed mortgage finance, incapacitated National Housing Fund (NHF), a corrupt system and lack of collateral.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is limited to the housing loan inaccessibility for the Nigerian LIPs and data collected via semi-structured face-to-face interviews in Lagos, Nigeria. Other developing cities may adopt the suggestions that will emerge from this paper with similar housing loan inaccessibility issues.
Practical implications
This study would stir policymakers and mortgage institutions to consider the suggestions from this paper. Examples are the review of the Pension Reform Act 2014 to allow for 50% part withdrawal from the Retirement Savings Account, 10% upward review contribution to NHF and create special Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme (FISH-P) for LIPs. These form part of the practical implications and will be helpful to policymakers.
Originality/value
Research regarding LIPs’ housing loan accessibility is limited, making this paper one of the pioneering attempts to investigate the root cause of housing loan inaccessibility for the Nigerian LIPs, and proffers some possible policy options.
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Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Faith Ebekozien Emuchay, Marvelous Aigbedion, Iliye Faith Ogbaini and Andrew Igiebor Awo-Osagie
In less than a decade to Sustainable Development Goals, the urban solid waste (USW) emanating from households, especially in developing countries, calls for concern. Several…
Abstract
Purpose
In less than a decade to Sustainable Development Goals, the urban solid waste (USW) emanating from households, especially in developing countries, calls for concern. Several policies have been suggested and some implemented, but the challenges facing USW management remain, especially in developing nations. Past studies demonstrated that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies can be used to improve urban public services. The role of 4IR in mitigating the challenges of USW is yet to receive in-depth research in Nigeria. Thus, the study investigated 4IR role regarding mitigating the challenges facing USW.
Design/methodology/approach
Seven cities across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, were used as the study area to achieve the research objectives via a qualitative research design. Thirty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted from selected regulators, households, legislators, ICT experts, NGOs and waste managers. A thematic approach was adopted to analyse the collated data.
Findings
Findings group the USW challenges into five categories. The 4IR technologies can be used to manage USW; thus, they create an opportunity to integrate and promote sustainable clean cities.
Research limitations/implications
This study is confined to the 4IR role concerning mitigating the encumbrances facing USW in Nigeria and proffered feasible policies to enhance a sustainable healthy environment.
Practical implications
Proffered policy solutions will stir policymakers and construction practitioners to think outside the box and offer and better understand how 4IR technologies can be utilised to mitigate those challenges. The outcome will create sustainable clean cities as part of the implication contribution to the body of knowledge.
Originality/value
Evidence from the reviewed literature shows a paucity of literature focussed on 4IR roles in mitigating the encumbrances facing USW in Nigeria. Therefore, this study contributes to the existing research work on 4IR concerning its role in enhancing USW in Nigeria and, by extension, to other developing countries.
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Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Angeline Ngozika Chibuike Nwaole, Ibeabuchi Lawrence Aginah and Marvelous Aigbedion
In less than a decade to sustainable development goals (SDGs) there is a threat of household waste emanating from sub-urban sprawl especially in developing countries. Private…
Abstract
Purpose
In less than a decade to sustainable development goals (SDGs) there is a threat of household waste emanating from sub-urban sprawl especially in developing countries. Private approaches with government-enabling environments have been proved a successful platform for urban services such as housing provision and telecommunication in developing cities. Still private solid waste management (PSWM) seems different in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the possible perceived hindrances facing PSWM organisations and proffer feasible policies to enhance sustainable clean and healthy cities.
Design/methodology/approach
Seven communities within Benin City sub-urban environs were adopted as the study area to accomplish the research’s objectives via a phenomenology type of qualitative research design. The study analysed the collated data from the knowledgeable participants via a thematic approach.
Findings
Lax legislative, absence of institutional framework, inadequate economic motivation, inadequate technical operations, among others, emerged as the encumbrances faced by PSWM firms. Wastes dumped along unethical locations such as streets, roads, uncompleted buildings, culverts and drainage channels, and undeveloped plots emerged as the encumbrance outcomes. Findings show that proffering feasible policy solutions to tackle identified hindrances can promote the achievement of SDGs across semi-urban locations in Nigeria.
Research limitations/implications
This research is restricted to urban household waste management by PSWM within Nigeria. Also, the study identified the challenges and proffer policy solutions to enhance improved clean environment within the sub-urban and urban cities.
Practical implications
As part of this study’s implications, results from this research intend to guide government policymakers and PSWM firms to encourage collaboration in designing appropriate strategic and educational programmes for the householders (customers) in sub-cities. It will be achieved via feasible policies that are tailored towards achieving sustainable health and environment-friendly sub-urban locations.
Originality/value
This paper intends to enhance proper PSWM and create sustainable cities via collaboration. Also, the paper engaged key stakeholders via a qualitative research design to proffer possible solutions to the menace of sub-urban and urban household waste management.
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Farah Salwati Binti Ibrahim, Andrew Ebekozien, Puteri Ameera Mentaza Khan, Marvelous Aigbedion, Iliye Faith Ogbaini and Godpower C. Amadi
In the past, the construction sector faced a low technological development level. Recently, studies have shown that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies play a…
Abstract
Purpose
In the past, the construction sector faced a low technological development level. Recently, studies have shown that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies play a significant role in construction project performance. But how prepared are the developing countries’ construction consultants, a focus in Nigeria, in embracing the 4IR technologies in construction administration is yet to receive in-depth research. Thus, this paper aims to examine how Nigerian construction consultants are prepared to embrace 4IR technologies in pre- and post-construction activities.
Design/methodology/approach
To evaluate the perceptions of construction consultants, the study conducted a virtual interview. The participants were asked the following key questions: What technologies that are currently linked with the 4IR and used by construction consultants in the industry? What factors may hinder the strategic application of 4IR by the construction consultants? What initiatives may be necessary to overcome the perceived encumbrances faced by the construction consultants? Twelve semi-structured interviews from selected construction consultants were engaged and collated data analysed via a thematic approach.
Findings
The paper identifies digital software used by construction consultants that have a link with 4IR technologies. From the ten emerged hindrances, cost of adopting the technologies, unwillingness on the part of stakeholders to adopt, inadequate standards and reference architectures and absence of awareness were ranked high as the factors hindering construction consultants from using 4IR technologies. Initiatives that can overcome the perceived encumbrances are examined in detail.
Research limitations/implications
This study is restricted to construction consultants in Nigeria, and only 12 participants were engaged, but these do not affect the strength of the results. Thus, this study recommends a mixed-methods approach for future research with broader coverage.
Practical implications
The Government should intervene via subsidy regime and overhaul the academic curriculum to reflect the current trend of practices regarding technologies. Also, there should be vigorous enlightenment and pragmatic sensitisation of construction stakeholders and knowledge training of practitioners, among others, were suggested. As part of this paper’s implications, a perception-based model was developed to promote 4IR technologies for construction consultants in the Nigerian construction sector. This model encourages the construction consultants to embrace 4IR technologies for better service delivery, project performance and client satisfaction.
Originality/value
This paper appraised 4IR technologies’ role in the construction sector, focusing on the preparedness of the construction consultants in Nigeria. Also, the study identified the issues and proffer initiatives to improve 4IR usage by construction consultants.
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