Construction Industry In Nigeria Research Articles

THE PROSPECT OF MINIMISING PRODUCTION FLOW WASTE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN NIGERIA THROUGH THE LAST PLANNER® SYSTEM

Poor performance of construction projects is a re-occurring problem in Nigeria. Production flow waste (ranging from waiting time, material handling and over- production, among others) may be partly responsible for this problem. Meanwhile, very little is known about the role of the Last Planner System (LPS) in minimising production flow waste in Nigeria. The current study examines the manifestation of production flow wastes on Nigerian construction sites, identifies current construction practices that bear resemblance to the LPS, and finally, examines the prospects of the LPS concepts in minimising production flow waste in the corresponding construction projects. A mixed research design that uses a quantitative cross-sectional survey and qualitative-exploratory approach was used in collecting data from construction professionals based in Nigeria. Fifty-one survey responses were received and 10 interviews were conducted. The study reveals various incidences and contributory factors to production flow waste, with the long approval process being the most prevalent. It also identifies current practices that are similar to the LPS practices. The prospect of the LPS in production flow waste management for improved productivity is also explored. The study concludes that the LPS concept has the potential for minimising production flow waste in the construction process and improving productivity in the Nigeria construction industry.

Project Leadership and Quality Performance of Construction Projects

Background: The construction industry in Nigeria, is pigeonholed by poor quality of construction products as a result of the inherent corruption in the country. Lack of purposeful leadership and inappropriate choice of leadership styles in the industry have been attributed to project failure. Abandoned and failed projects are more predominant in the public sector which litters every corner of the country. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of leadership styles on quality performance criteria of public projects in Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 43 questionnaires were distributed to 3 key groups of respondents (Quantity Surveyors, Builders, and Architects) who are project managers in Nigeria. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were used to analyse the data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Likert Scale was used to measure the independent variables (leadership style): facilitative, coaching, delegating and directing; and the level of achievement of projects based on the dependent variables (quality and function performance criteria) which are: achieving highest aesthetic quality; and functional building that fits its purpose. Findings: The study revealed that Directing is the major leadership style used by project managers in Nigeria. Amongst the leadership styles which has the most impact on quality performance indicators is also directing which has the most relative influence on achieving highest aesthetic quality and functional building that fits its purpose. Conclusion/Recommendation/Way forward: The underlying relationship between Directing leadership styles and the performance criteria of achieving highest aesthetic quality and functional building that fits its purpose will be beneficial to the Nigerian construction environment.

Multilevel Safety Intervention Implementation Strategies for Nigeria Construction Industry

This study was aimed at examining the relationships between the effectiveness of safety intervention programmes and implementation strategies in the Nigeria construction industry. Structured questionnaires were distributed to construction stakeholders across some selected states in Nigeria and the data generated were analysed using Pearson’s product moment correlation. The study found that the effectiveness of safety intervention programmes for construction site accidents prevention is significantly related to the communication implementation strategies. Based on the principles of social ecological theory and UNICEF’s communication for development strategies, this study developed a multilevel safety intervention implementation strategy for construction industries in Nigeria. Four communication strategies, namely, advocacy, social mobilisation, social change communication, and behaviour change communication, which are central to the effectiveness of safety intervention implementation programmes for construction site accidents prevention, were identified. It further revealed that these communication strategies could be individually and collectively applied at different intervention levels but that the greatest effect would be felt when all strategies are systematically combined with more efficient use of resources. The study recommended systematic actions by policy makers, construction organisations, and various community groups towards construction safety interventions, since maximum effect could only be felt when safety interventions are implemented across all levels.

Impact of Contractors’ Bidding Strategies on Bid Success in the Nigeria Construction Industry

Several types of researches have been carried out prior to the new millennium on the subject of bidding strategies in the construction industry. Today, organizations are faced with a very complex decision of bid/no-bid because it requires the assessment of large number of highly inter-related variables. The study aims at examining different types of Contractors’ Bidding Strategies (CBS) with a view to determining their impact on bid success. In line with the aim, the study objectives include; evaluation of different types of CBS and; assessment of the success rate of contractors’ bid. The method of approach elicits information on the number of projects bided and successes recorded over a period of time. A total of one hundred and seventy-one useable responses were retrieved from questionnaire administration. Descriptive statistics, tables and percentages as well as mean item score (MIS) were used for data analysis. The study showed that lowest bid, public relations and joint venture bidding strategies have great impact on contractors’ bid success especially on residential, educational and administrative projects in the Nigeria Construction Industry (NCI). Therefore, the study concluded that relationship exists between contractors’ bidding strategies and equivalent successes recorded over a period of time. It is important to also know that lowest bid strategy still remains the most effective bidding strategy for public works contracting in the NCI.

Digital Transformation in the Nigeria Construction Industry: The Professionals' View

This study examined the perception of construction professionals and the extent of digital transformation in the Nigeria construction industry. A questionnaire survey was carried out where 84 copies of questionnaires containing information relating to digital technologies trends and transformation were randomly administered to the selected construction professionals in Anambra State Nigeria. 80 were completed, returned and found useful, thus, giving a response rate of 95.24%. Data collected were analysed and presented using mean, percentages, charts and relative importance index (RII). The study revealed that 69% and 12% of the professionals viewed digital transformation as opportunity and threat respectively, whereas; 19% viewed it as both threat and opportunity. It further revealed that 63% were satisfied with their firms' readiness to transform digitally. The study then observed that application of digital technologies among construction firms in the study area was still at infancy due to lack capacity, critical knowledge and digital transformation enthusiasm among managerial teams. It was therefore, evident that digital transformation would help the industry to better its data storage and management capacity, increase employee productivity and gain competitive advantage. The study recommended collaboration between government and relevant regulatory bodies in Nigeria construction industry to workout appropriate roadmap that would position the industry in the right track towards transforming digitally.

Influence of Portland Cement Brands and Aggregates Sizes on the Compressive Strength of Normal Concrete

A good number of building failures have occurred in Nigeria which resulted in the loss of lives and a lot of these failures are attributed to the poor concrete practices used for the execution of these constructions. These have shown that the concrete technology adopted in Nigeria has some issues and requires urgent attention for development and improvement. This study explored methods of improving concrete practices so as to obtain better qualities structures. The research replicated some of the common concrete practices adopted by the construction industry in Nigeria to obtain the compressive strength of normal concrete. Two types of Portland cement brand, Type A and Type and three aggregate sizes (12.5mm, 19mm and 30mm) together with a mixed-size aggregate were utilized for the research. The concrete produced were tested for compressive strength and compared with test results from sites in Lagos Nigeria. The results showed how cement brands and aggregate sizes influence the compressive strength of normal concrete. The results also proved that the common poor quality concrete verified in Nigeria are not properly prepared.

Optimizing Properties of Sandcrete Blocks Produced In the Warm-Humid Climatic Zone Of Nigeria

In the Nigeria construction industry, non compliance to existing standards has been one of the major causes of substandard material production and to an extent poor housing development. It has therefore degenerated to the inability of dictating standards with the performances of building materials in the industry. The threat of this ugly situation grows higher when materials of composite natures are involved. In this era of innovation in the construction technology generally, the study focuses on providing a more reliable and faster mean to producing sancrete blocks of desired properties starting with Warm Humid Climatic (WHC) zone of Nigeria. In the beginning, field survey method was adopted to obtain information on the apriori knowledge of the common nominal mix ratio used in producing sandcrete blocks in the area. The information was used as a basis for designing the sandcrete mixes using Box-Wilson symmetric Composite Plan Bm. Laboratory experimental tests were carried out on the blocks produced with the various mix designs to obtain values on their density and compressive strength properties. Polynomial regression models were therefore developed, and subsequently tested to certify their fitness considering only the independent variables (cement, water, and sand aggregates) that are significant for the respective properties. Mono-factorial effects of the variables were investigated on the properties to ascertain the degree of their influences on the respective properties. Progressively, optimal equations of the final regression models were therefore developed having optimized the respective significant variables in the models, using the quadratic equation for blocks of optimum and desired performances. To this end, nomograms were therefore constructed with the optimal values derived from the optimal equations to reflect various optimum compositions of the constituent ingredients (variables) for certain desired properties of the blocks, depending on the functional requirements or purposes of use. In the light of this rare development, speedy decisions productions of the blocks of desired properties will be possible and accurate. Production of the targeted properties of the blocks would therefore, not be hindered by the limited quantity of any of the ingredients, since there are possibilities of other optimum compositions that would accommodate the limitation in quantity of the said ingredient.

Barriers to Partnering Implementation in Nigeria Construction Industry: Perceptions of the Stakeholders

Objectives: This paper examined critical barriers to partnering implementation in Nigeria, as perceived by practitioners. Methods/Analysis: the respondents were randomly selected from the lists of registered professionals with FCDA, Abuja and LSDPC, Lagos, in Nigeria who have handled partnering projects before. Questionnaire survey was adopted; data collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The stakeholders considered were clients, contractors and consultants. Analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, Spearman rank correlation, and t-test. Findings: Finding reveals that lack of commitment, lack of trust, and lack of partnering knowledge and procurement acts behind adopted are the significant barriers to partnering implementation in Nigeria. The analysis shows that project administration responses were consistent as revealed by t-test analysis (ttab <tcal and p< 0.5) and Spearman rank correlation showed that no significant disagreement on the barriers rankings between contractors, consultant, and client. It concluded that identified barriers are culture related, and one of the ways to mitigate these barriers is through proper education and awareness campaign. There should be effective communication and open channels to improve the trust among the project teams. Cultural change is necessary for flagging up partnering, and these will take care of other issues and problems. Novelty/ Improvements: Partnering implementation barriers have not empirically studied in Nigeria context, this paper created that awareness, and if recommendations of this paper implemented, future partnering project would perform better. Keywords: Barrier, Commitment, Partnering, Perception, Procurement, Stakeholders

Revitalising Safety Practices in Construction Projects: The Case of Nigeria and United Kingdom

The construction industry plays a vital role in boosting the global economy. From the reviewed literature, studies indicate that the industry is also hazardous and frequently accident prone. This study examined safety practices of construction industry in Nigeria and the United Kingdom with a view to revitalise current practice. To achieve this, semi-structured interviews were conducted among fifteen senior managers in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The emerging key issues indicated that knowledge and skills, national legislations and policies, influx of migrant workers, the fragmented nature of the construction were among the major challenges and barriers for safety in the construction industry. Based on the findings, it was further suggested that strategies such as the use of informal trainings which provide additional learning options for construction workers and lean construction techniques which support safety should be adopted by the construction industry to revitalise future safety practices.

Influence of Builders Execution and Control Tools on Building Production Performance in Nigeria: Part Two

This part two evaluates the influence of three least used builders' execution and control tools on performance of building production, with a view to enlightening stakeholders for enhanced sustainable development of the construction industry in Nigeria. The objectives are to assess the factors militating against the use of the least significant control documents observed in part one, evaluate the performance of projects with the present use of the documents and relationship between documents' usage and projects performance. A survey of 142 purposively sampled professionals resulted in 120 valid structured questionnaire used for analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis, severity index, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests. It was concluded that some factors significantly hinder the preparation and use of the production documents. The low extent of use has resulted in moderate cost, time quality and satisfaction performance of the projects. The perception of factor influencing documents and the performance of projects managed with the production tools do not vary significantly (p-values range=0.862-0.986>0.05). Quality management plan and information requirement schedule have weak influence on cost, quality and satisfaction of projects, the low usage level of early warning system plan has no significant influence on the cost and time performance, but promotes low quality work and stakeholders dissatisfaction. The study therefore recommends the prioritization and harmonization of the factors aecting each production document during their preparation and use. All the documents should be made mandatory by development control organs, adequate retraining of personnel on the preparation and use of the documents, government should pass the bill to enforce the building code.

Modelling building construction durations

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a multivariate model that will be applicable to the Nigeria construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – A self-administered questionnaire survey was used to source information on project scope factors and qualitative factors considered in the study. Principal component regression was used for data analysis and model development, using SPSS 16.0 for windows, while T-test was used for model testing and validation. Findings – The study found that delay in progress payment by owner, lateness in revising and approving design document by owner, delay in delivering the site to the contractor by the owner, change order by owner during construction, complexity of project design, poor site management and supervision by contractors, and rain effect on construction activities are qualitative/non-project scope factors with good predictive abilities. Research limitations/implications – Cost, gross floor area and number of floors were the only quantitative/project scope factors considered in the study. The developed models therefore do not account for any variation in duration which may arise from other project scope factors, such as location, procurement route and type of contract. Originality/value – The qualitative factors which emerged as predictors in the derived models increased the accuracy of the models. The models developed therefore serve as useful construction time prediction tools for both consultancy firms and contractor organizations in the Nigerian construction industry.

Appraising knowledge management perceptions among construction practitioners

Contemporary studies have identified knowledge and its management as strategic resources within organisations. Lessons learned from the construction industry have also proved that effective generation, reusing and sharing of knowledge can enhance the outcomes of construction projects by reducing the associated costs, time of completion and improving the overall competitiveness within organisations. However, the fragmented project-based and task-oriented nature of most construction activities has often made knowledge management (KM) implementation unfeasible within the construction industry. One major challenge to KM implementation in construction organisations is the lack of systematic procedures that support the development and application of KM. Utilising semi-structured interviews, this paper examines the perceptions of KM among practitioners within the Nigerian construction industry. The key findings indicate that, even though practitioners in the Nigerian construction industry may be aware of KM and its benefits, in practice its systematic application still remains largely uncommon. The paper also highlights the need for shifts in organisational culture as a means of facilitating a more KM-conscious construction industry in Nigeria.

Critical Issues in Reforming the Nigerian Construction Industry

It is the consensus of scholars that the productivity of the construction industry in Nigeria is very low compared with other industries. This situation has been attributed to the fragmented approach commonly adopted in the delivery of construction projects and does not effectively encourage the integration, coordination and communication between participants in the construction industry [1]. Many studies have enunciated this fact and suggested various ways to improve the performance, including the adoption of new construction delivery concepts from other more successful industries. This work therefore seeks to identify the critical elements that will be influential in diffusing these new delivery concepts into the Nigerian construction industry in order to improve their productivity. A detailed literature search and preliminary questionnaire survey were conducted and identified 63 variables that will influence the adoption of new construction delivery concepts in the Nigerian construction industry. The Kendall coefficient of concordance was applied to the responses from 25 experienced construction professionals who ranked the variables in their order of importance and Original Research Article

The Effect Of Job Enrichment Schemes On Selected Construction Workers In Nigeria

o. o. a i n a · t h e e f f e c t o f j o b e n r i ch m e n t s ch e m e s o n s e l e c t e d c o n s t r u c t i o n w o r ke r s i n n i g e r i a · pp 933 941 There is a need to ascertain the effect of job enrichment schemes on workers in construction industry in Nigeria in order to justify its continuous use as tools for motivation. This study was designed to determine the relative performance of job enrichment schemes used by selected construction firms in Lagos, Nigeria and the effects of the schemes on the workers in these firms. The study was conducted with data from questionnaire retrieved from forty two project sites. The project managers and craftsmen on these sites were required to evaluate the performance of the job enrichment schemes they had used previously and the effect of those schemes on the workers. Ranking of the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) vectors used for performance evaluation revealed that high performing job enrichment schemes were increased decision making ability, total quality management and training programmes. Factor analysis was further used to extract the following factors as the major effects of the job enrichment schemes on the construction workers; core job enrichment effects, workers self actualization effects, peer surveillance effects, workers dissatisfaction effects, workers behavioural effects and positive time effects. The ascertained effects justify continuous use of job enrichment schemes. The Effect Of Job Enrichment Schemes On Selected Construction Workers In Nigeria

Investigation of the Strength Properties of Palm Kernel Shell Ash Concrete

Many researchers have studied the use of agro-waste ashes as constituents in concrete. These agro-waste ashes are siliceous or aluminosiliceous materials that, in finely divided form and in the presence of moisture, chemically react with the calcium hydroxide released by the hydration of Portland cement to form calcium silicate hydrate and other cementitious compounds. Palm kernel shell ash (PKSA) is a by-product in palm oil mills. This ash has pozzolanic properties that enables it as a partial replacement for cement but also plays an important role in the strength and durability of concrete. The use of palm kernel shell ash (PKSA) as a partial replacement for cement in concrete is investigated. The objective of this paper is to alleviate the increasing challenges of scarcity and high cost of construction materials used by the construction industry in Nigeria and Africa in general, by reducing the volume of cement usage in concrete works. Collected PKSA was dried and sieved through a 45um sieve. The fineness of the PKSA was checked by sieving through 45um sieve. The chemical properties of the ash are examined whereas physical and mechanical properties of varying percentage of PKSA cement concrete and 100% cement concrete of mix 1:2:4 and 0.5 water-cement ratios are examined and compared. A total of 72 concrete cubes of size 150 × 150 × 150 mm³ with different volume percentages of PKSA to Portland cement in the order 0:100, 10:90 and 30:70 and mix ratio of 1:2:4 were cast and their physical and mechanical properties were tested at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days time. Although the compressive strength of PKSA concrete did not exceed that of OPC, compressive strength tests showed that 10% of the PKSA in replacement for cement was 22.8 N/mm2 at 28 days; which was quite satisfactory with no compromise in compressive strength requirements for concrete mix ratios 1:2:4. This research showed that the use of PKSA as a partial replacement for cement in concrete, at lower volume of replacement, will enhance the reduction of cement usage in concretes, thereby reducing the production cost. This research was carried out at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Withholding tax and corporate financial performance: evidence from the construction industry in Nigeria

Withholding tax and corporate financial performance: evidence from the construction industry in Nigeria

Work Stress among Professionals in Building Construction Industry in Nigeria

This study was undertaken to identify key stress factors among professionals in building construction industry in Nigeria. This is in view of the fact that to date, very little is known about work stress among professionals in building construction industry in this country. The study involved the administration of questionnaire to 107 professionals including architects, builders, civil/structural engineers and quantity surveyors randomly selected from 60 ongoing building projects in Anambra, Ogun and Kaduna States, Nigeria. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and findings show that the principal sources of stress were high volume of work, uncomfortable site office environment, lack of feedback on previous and ongoing building projects, and variations in the scope of work in ongoing building projects. The paper suggests that taking responsibility for work which one has adequate capacity to handle, establishing realistic budgets and time frame for project delivery, provision of spatially adequate, visually and thermally comfortable site offices, adoption of appropriate job design practice and education of professionals on stress management strategies will reduce the incidence of stress among professionals in building industry in Nigeria.

An evaluation of waste control measures in construction industry in Nigeria

Improper control of materials during different stages of construction has caused waste and associated environmental problems. Hence, this research assesses the forms, causes and factors incidental to waste and measures to effectively control construction waste. It is shown that among the factors incidental to waste, last minute client requirement was ranked highest as the factor that leads to design variation with relative importance index value of 3.97; cost of construction materials was ranked highest as a factor that affects selection of construction materials with relative importance index value of 4.05, and construction cost was ranked highest as the factor that leads to construction method with relative importance index value of 3.86. The research also showed that most of the firms do not calculate waste indices which could assist them to determine the amount of waste that could be generated on sites. Sorting exercise that could help firms to identify economy advantage associated with the waste streams is not adequately carried out. It was also discovered that most firms do not incorporate “waste management plan” into the collection of documents that are required of contracting firms during tendering process. To control waste, designers should be able to co-ordinate dimensions between materials specified during design and those procured for use at sites. There is need to allow proper control in the handling, storage and use of materials on site. Also, “waste management plan” should be incorporated as one of the documents dearly expected to be submitted by contracting firms during tendering process. Key words: Construction processes, waste, factors, effects, control measures.

Globalisation and Labour Utilisation in Nigeria: Evidence from the Construction Industry

This study examines the influence of globalisation on labour utilisation in Nigeria using the construction industry as a case study. It reveals that the era of globalisation has given rise to profound changes in the way labour is utilised, specifically in terms of employment patterns as well as the related issues of earnings, job security, unionisation etc. In effect, the way the worker is used by the firms in the industry is determined solely by the dictates of capitalism, i.e. the profit motive. The conclusion is that the consequences of globalisation havebeen unfavourable to the workers in the so-called ‘semi-skilled’ category. Thus, neo-liberal globalisation, contrary to the often-benevolent impacts attributed to it, has worsened rather than improved the situation of workers in the construction industry in Nigeria. This then calls attention to the need for inter alia a more focused regulation of the activities of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) andthe enforcement of minimum ILO standards in member countries, especially in the developing world where the need to attract the all important foreign investment may override any other consideration.

The impact of contractors' management capability on cost and time performance of construction projects in Nigeria

PurposeManagement capability is one of the major criteria for evaluating construction contractors during prequalification and tender evaluation This paper aims to investigate the impact of contractors' management capability as a prequalification criterion on cost and time performance of selected building projects.Design/methodology/approachPrequalification assessments of management capability of wining contractors as well as cost data relating to 77 completed building projects executed between 2004 and 2007 are obtained. The data obtained from a questionnaire and archival data are analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and multiple regression.FindingsThe results reveal that contractors' management capability has significant impact on cost and time performance of building projects as evidenced by p‐values of 0.042 and 0.039, respectively.Practical implicationsThe research could be of significant benefit at the research implementation stage of public procurement practice especially in relation to the construction industry in Nigeria. Construction practitioners involved in prequalification and tender evaluation should continue to seek relevant information relating to management capability from the candidate contractors during prequalification and tender evaluation.Originality/valueModels capable of predicting the final cost and duration of building projects are eventually derived based on prequalification assessment of contractors on management capability, proposed contract duration and the initial contract figure. The goodness of fit of the models as defined by the value of R2 is found to be 96.2 percent and 90.01 percent for cost and time, respectively; thus signifying high predictive efficacy of the models.