Selected Construction Firms Research Articles

Effects of Construction Contracts on Performance: The Case of Construction Firms in Kampala, Uganda

The study aimed to investigate the influence of construction contracts on the overall performance of selected construction firms in Kampala district. Specifically, it sought to assess the impact of formally contracting personnel, evaluate the effect of special contract conditions, and examine the role of surety bonds on firm performance within the construction industry. A descriptive design utilizing quantitative methods was utilized. The study utilized purposive and random sampling techniques to select relevant respondents from various positions within construction firms, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter. A sample size of 76 respondents was involved in the study. Data collection was facilitated through a structured questionnaire comprising Likert scale type questions, piloted to ensure relevance and logical flow. The study achieved an 88.3% response rate, with 80 questionnaires returned and analyzed. The study found that there exist a significant controlling effect on the relationship between (i) contracted (temporary) personnel and performance of construction firms (r=0.778, p=0.000), (ii) special conditions of contract and performance of construction firms (r=892, p=0.000) and (iii) surety bonds and performance of construction firms (r=0.830, p=0.000). Analysis of performance indicators highlighted the importance of factors such as adherence to construction codes, client satisfaction, and innovative practices in determining firm success. In conclusion, the study underscored the critical role of construction contracts in shaping the performance of construction firms in Kampala district. To optimize firm performance, it is recommended that firms prioritize the recruitment and retention of skilled personnel, adhere meticulously to construction contracts, and leverage surety bonds for risk mitigation. These findings provide valuable insights for construction industry stakeholders, guiding strategic decision-making to enhance operational efficiency and project outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Operational Performance of Construction Firms in Rivers State, Nigeria

This paper investigates the impact of stakeholder engagement and operational performance of construction firms in Rivers State, Nigeria. To further understand operational performance, three measures including on-time delivery, project quality and cost minimization where used. This study was conducted in a non-contrived setting and the quasi-experimental research design method was adopted. A questionnaire was distributed to 121 study elements made up of managers and supervisors of eight selected construction firms with operational/regional offices in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The retrieved and valid copies of the questionnaire were analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicated that operational performance of construction companies in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria as measured by on-time delivery, project quality and cost minimization is highly dependent on how engaged stakeholders of such a project are. Such engagement leads to high project quality, timely delivery of projects as well as cost reduction as stakeholders would have better understanding of the firm’s operations. It is then concluded that stakeholder engagement is key to project success for construction companies operating in the Niger Delta, specifically Rivers State. Hence, managers and supervisors must deliberately ensure that project stakeholders properly engaged all through the various stages of the project.

Does Transformational Leadership Spur Organizational Performance? An Econometrical Human Resources Research

This study investigated the impact of transformational leadership on organizational performance of selected construction firms in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja-Nigeria. This study proxed transformational leadership with inspirational communication and supportive leadership. The sample size used for this study was 212 based on the 450 population identified in the five (5) constructions companies in Abuja metropolis. Primary data was gathered through the mean of questionnaires that were administered to the employees of these organizations. Linear Regression Model (LRM) was used to analyze the data through SPSS Software. This study found that transformational leadership has direct and significant impact on the organizational performance. The study recommended therefore that firms in the construction industry should effectively apply the transformational leadership in their management process for them to be able to achieve a greater performance. JEL classification: M1, H11 Keywords: transformational leadership, supportive leadership, inspirational communication, organizational performance.

STRATEGIC INFLUENCE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated the effect of project management on organizational performance of selected construction companies in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of this study were to provide evidence on the effects of monitoring and evaluation (M & E) on organizational performance and to ascertain the influence of risk management on organizational performance. Three construction firms located in Asaba metropolis of Delta State were selected. The study relied on primary data which were obtained using structured questionnaire administered to 169 purposively selected respondents of the construction firms. The data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis in pursuance of the stated specific objectives of the study. The result showed that monitoring and evaluation and risk management have significant effects on organizational performance of the selected construction firms. The study concluded that M&E in particular has a good and significant impact on organizational performance (OP). As a result, construction firms should keep up with and grow strategic channels of project delivery to ramp up on performance. The study recommended that project management practices should be applied systematically to the project cycle from initiation to the close out stage of projects among others
 Keywords: Business Intelligence, Profitability, Operational Performance, Level of Competition, Project Performance.

Compliance to Health and Safety Measures in Selected Construction Firms in Lagos, Nigeria

Non-compliance to safety measures remains one of the factors that endanger construction sites. As one of its contributions to work on enhancing the safety and health of workers and improving project quality delivery, this study examined the level of compliance to health and safety among construction firms in Lagos State, from the perspective of workers. The study adopted a survey research design. The sample size for the study was one hundred and twenty (120) skilled artisans who were randomly selected from among foreign and indigenous construction firms in the state. The research instrument was a questionnaire that collected relevant data, with descriptive and inferential statistics being used for the data analysis. It was found that only 22% of the firms made provision for PPE, in the light of legislative requirements on standards. Moreover, out of three workers, one was afraid to report incidents/accidents while the fraction of workers that wished to report were unaware of the officials to report such matters to. Consequently, a similar percentage of workers was worried that there would be a penalty for reporting safety issues. Regarding contractors' safety policy review, while one out of every three contractors bore their responsibilities under the safety policy, one out of every four contractors was requested to make some amendments. It was thus concluded that workers are not encouraged to report any incident or accident confirming a low level of compliance between the two firms. It is therefore suggested that there should be strict enforcement of measures for improving safety and health practices on construction sites, in addition to motivating workers on incident/accident reporting and specifying the right line of safety actions. Furthermore, risk assessment for work operations should be enhanced to minimise the percentage of work that is halted or executed unsafely.

Impact of Organisational Change Performance of Selected Construction Firms

Impact of Organisational Change Performance of Selected Construction Firms

A Comparative Study on Risk Allocation for Different Procurement Type in Malaysian Industry

Risk allocation is one of the important aspects in risk management. However, there is a tendency that risks in construction are being allocated to parties that are least able to resist taking on the risk rather than parties that are more capable to manage the risks. There are different types of procurement that led to different approaches in settling risk allocation between contracting parties. This paper aims to identify risk allocation for different procurement types in construction projects focusing on traditional, design-build and public-private partnership procurement. For this research, a quantitative method was used, where 354 sets of questionnaires were distributed to selected construction firms in Klang Valley. Ninety-two (92) sets of questionnaires were returned and analyzed and the respondents were asked to rate the probability of risk occurrence. The result indicated that the top ranked risk factors are ‘unstable government’, ‘delay in project approvals and permits’, ‘fluctuation of material cost’, ‘poorly written contract’ and ‘inadequate specification in contract’. The recommended risk allocation by respondent for each procurement is presented and found that client and contractor in Traditional procurement, the risks are allocate based on its nature of work. In Design-build, risk factors are mainly allocated to contractor. While in PPP, both contracting parties prefer the majority of the risk factors to be shared. The results of this research will assist practitioners in allocating risks to the party that most qualified to analyze, control, and manage these risks.

Impact of Craftsmen’s Mode of Employment on Performance in Selected Construction Firms in Lagos State, Nigeria

The quest to improve productivity of workers and overall performance of construction projects has necessitated the need to examine various categories of workforce and their overall effect on project success. The study investigated construction employment with a view to evaluating their impact on the performance of craftsmen in selected construction firms. The categories of employed craftsmen considered were the permanent, casual, hiring and firing, short-term and part-time. Performance parameters considered were technical experience; workmanship quality; time; and accidents recorded on sites. The craftsmen were drawn from three main trades: bricklayers (blocklaying/bricklaying, concreting, plastering, flooring); carpentry (roofing, timber formworking and scaffolding) and iron fixing (steel work and iron bending). A pilot survey was conducted to determine performance variables through questionnaire administered on thirty (30) experts drawn from selected firms. The experts were: human resources managers; construction managers; site engineers; supervisors and foremen who are directly involved with the employment and work activities of the craftsmen. The study revealed an employment composition of 48% permanent craftsmen, 35% casual while 17% were other staff of the companies studied. The results of employment practices indicated that 55% of the companies used primary six with trade test and 21% used senior secondary school as qualifications for the employment of craftsmen while the remaining companies used other qualifications. With p values of .001 and .047 respectively, the crosstab analysis of the impact of employment categories on craftsmen’s performance revealed that there were substantial correlations between casual employment and the frequency of accident and technical performance.

Exploratory Approach to Issues and Strategy Involved in Creating Industrial Revolution Time Environmental Sustainability by Construction Firms on Sites

Research outcomes all over the world have indicated that the building production sector of the construction industry relates more to the environment than other sectors of the economy and is directly involved with its sustainable activities in terms of waste generation and balancing the outcome has further been enhanced through industrial revolution time. The main aim of the study, therefore, was to carry out research on issues and challenges that revolve around contractors’ attitudes towards maintaining a controlled environment on construction sites. A mixed research design method that involved the quantitative and qualitative analysis was used for the study, while the samples were picked with a random sampling method. The total sample size of respondents is 100 questionnaires which were randomly selected for questionnaire administration to selected construction firms in Lagos state. The questionnaires were administered to professionals from different firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed in this review while 92 questionnaires were duly returned by the respondents, which constitute 92% of the total questionnaires distributed. The categorical regression method was used in the analysis. ANOVA, Chi-square, and factor analysis were used for the analysis. The study discovered among other things that the following components of environmental sustainability are important to sustain on sites: environmental impact assessment, antiquities on-site, erodible surface, soil erosion monitoring, environmental ecosystem, and environmental biomass, rock mass found on-site, soil contamination monitoring and ecosystem services valuation, soil salinity monitoring, and water resources conservation. The study concludes by recommending that the design of an effective way of disposing of waste on-site and continually improving construction methods and procedures to enhance performance in achieving a sustainable environment are vital to sustaining a viable construction environment among other factors.

Culture Profile-Structure-Strategy Fit for Digital Transformation in Lagos, Nigeria

Numerous shreds of evidence show the advantage of digital transformation at individual, firm, and industry levels across all business sectors. However, the construction industry remains challenged in adopting an optimal model for digital transformation. This study assesses the organisational culture, structure, and strategy of selected construction firms in Lagos, from the perspective of the nature of the change required for digitalisation. With a hypothesis on the relationship between organisational culture and organisational design in the firms, the objectives of this study are to evaluate the organisational culture and designs that are suitable for construction firms in the digital age. An empirical study was conducted among selected construction firms in Lagos State. Construction firms with a minimum of five years of operations were purposively selected. Adopting the Organisational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) and the Miles and Snows' Strategy Typology, 49 structured questionnaires were administered to managers within the firms. The statistical tools used for the analysis include mean score and Spearman's Rho correlation. The results show that the firms adopt a prevalent clan culture, a highly formalised structure and defender strategy in their present transformation bid. The study concludes that the firms' culture is people-rather than process-oriented. An open culture (curious and innovative); a flexible structure (experimentation-friendly) and a strategy that supports gradual but incremental digitalisation are recommended for the firms' leadership as these will make the workplace mobile, and digitally interactive.

COVID-19 recovery for the Nigerian construction sites: The role of the fourth industrial revolution technologies

Fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies have been proved as successful platforms to communicate and visualise construction projects within team meetings. These techniques possibly can enhance compliance with Covid-19 rules on sites. How far concerning Nigerian construction contractors in the use of 4IR technologies are yet to receive in-depth studies. Therefore, this paper offers a collective insight into the issues affecting construction firms from Covid-19 regarding lockdown rules and the role of 4IR technologies. Given the unexplored nature of the problem, a virtual face-to-face type of qualitative research method was employed. Twelve semi-structured interviews from selected construction firms and consultant experts were engaged and collated data analysed via a thematic approach. Findings group the 4IR technologies into smart construction site, simulation and modelling, and digitisation and virtualisation in Nigeria’s context, and majority of the 4IR technologies can be useful to enhance Covid-19 compliance. Reluctant to adopt, high implementation cost, inadequate knowledge management, resistance to change, among others emerged as the factors hindering 4IR technologies usage. Findings will strengthen and provide a rich insight into the impact of Covid-19 on construction sites and contribute towards informing key stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the implementation of 4IR technologies on site.

A Analysis of the relationship between the working environment and employee performance in selected construction firms in Karachi city

A healthy working environment is important for the performance of workers to prevent undue burden on employees, thus impacting their job efficiency. Numerous working environment factors contributed to job satisfaction. The goal of this analysis was, therefore, to explore the correlation between working environment and the employee performance on the basis of five working environment dimensions. This study utilized the quantitative approach and collected data through questionnaires. The respondents of this study were employees of all positions, which include the manager, senior to junior executives in selected construction firms of Karachi city. By using Pearson's Correlation Analysis, the data were analyzed to measure the relationship among variables. The results indicate that the workplace environment and employee performance have a significant relationship. The support of supervisors was thus identified as the main element in maintaining a positive workplace environment.

Assessing the relationships between underlying strategies for effective building information modeling (BIM) implementation in Nigeria construction industry

ABSTRACT Effective communication among construction stakeholders has been a serious challenge in the global industry. Implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been established as a useful approach to overcome the challenge. However, lack of a single strategy for effective implementation of BIM tool during construction activities has made its application in a developing nation such as Nigeria to be very slow. Therefore, this paper aims to identify a single strategy that can be used to effectively implement BIM in Nigeria construction industry. This was achieved by conducting a mixed methods research in some selected construction firms located in Abuja the capital city of Nigeria in the year 2019. Interview and questionnaires were the main instruments used for data collection in the mixed methods research design. The findings of the study showed that BIM has not been maximally tapped by construction firms in Nigeria. The finding of the study also revealed that establishment of enforcement bodies that will ensure BIM application in every project is a significant strategy for BIM implementation in Nigeria construction industry. Such finding streamlined several strategies that can be used by project actors to understand the concept of BIM adoption in the study context. This could lead to affordable BIM projects delivery in Nigeria and consequently improve the performance of global construction industry. The study recommends that the underlying strategies that can be used to overcome the challenges of BIM enforcement in Nigeria construction industry should be investigated by prospective BIM researchers.

Critical motivational factors for enhancing employee performance in construction firms based on correlation and principal component analyses

Over the years, construction firms have often hinged their success on the effective motivation of their employees so as to ensure productivity and improved performance. Previous studies noted that various factors affect the motivational level of employees with regards to work performance. However, due to the difference in employee needs, not all motivational factors have influence on employees’ performance. This study sets out to assess the influence of motivational factors on the performance of employees in construction firms. The study aim was achieved through the identification and assessment of critical motivational factors (intrinsic and extrinsic) in the Nigerian construction firms. Perceptual data was collected from employees of selected construction firms using a structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Motivational factors were ranked based on respective mean scores from the most to the least influential. Extrinsic motivational factors such as promotion when due, availability of resources and provision of transportation for employees were found to be the most influential factors on performance. Whereas, constant supervision was found to have the least influence on performance. Findings of the study provides construction firms with empirical data on factors that influence the motivation level of employees with a view to optimizing employee productivity. It is recommended that construction firms should pay close attention to the peculiar needs of respective employees which aids in optimizing organizational performance.
 Keywords: Motivation, Employee performance, construction firms, critical factors

Stakeholders compliance level on Insurance of buildings under construction in Abuja-Nigeria

Compulsory insurance of buildings under construction revolve around poor compliance structure, ineffective implementation strategy by the insurance regulator and lack of awareness on the part of the Nigerian public. To this extent, the compliance level of the stakeholders with the insurance of building under construction was evaluated in relation to Insurance Act number 37 of 2003 using mixed methods to elicit data. Structured questionnaires were self-administered on 95 randomly selected construction firms and 10 purposively sampled insurance companies. In addition to this, interview was conducted with an official of National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and proforma document was prepared to obtain historical data from both the insurance companies and NAICOM. Findings indicated that low enforcement level of the Act by NAICOM with a mean score of 4.46 was ranked 1st; improper collaboration with the stakeholders involved in compliance was ranked 2nd with a mean score of 4.22 and poor or ineffective compliance structure was ranked 3rd with a mean score of 3.99. The compliance of the notable section in Insurance Act of 2003 with regards to insurance of property had not been satisfactory due to low enforcement of the punitive measures for non-compliance. Offenders should be punished to serve as deterrent to others who may want to flout the Act.Keywords: Abuja-Nigeria; Compliance level; Insurance Act; Insurance premium; Property

Issues and Challenges Involved In Green Building Concept Innovations Adoption In Construction Practice

Green concept is globally creating impact with diverse application at various facet of human endeavour. The concept involved the practice whereby energy is utilized in a way that it would not jeopardise continuity of energy usage in the environment. The aim of this study is to explore the issues and challenges that surround the adoption of green concept in Nigeria focusing on built environment with a view to enhancing the rate of adoption of the concept for an increased healthy environment. The study adopted convenience sampling method to pick the population for the study, which comprised of picking construction companies that engaged on a project that involved green building features. Population frame of 250 professionals that are registered with professional bodies that cut across 20 selected construction firms was used for the study. A structured questionnaire designed in Likert scale of 1 to 5 was distributed among 50 respondents for data collation. The data was later processed using content analysis, descriptive statistics and relative agreement index. Data was collated on parameters that include evaluation of existing issues and challenges involved in green building concept innovations adoption in construction practice, current green concept practice in construction, challenges involved in adoption of green concept in construction, critical issues involved in green concept adoption, drivers for success in the adoption of green concepts in construction, challenges involved in adoption of green concept in construction. Innovative illustrations of integration of green concepts in buildings. Mean Item Score was used with relative agreement index, this was used to rate the perception of respondents on parameters calibrated for respondents to answer. Categorical regression analysis was used to carry out comparative analysis of respondents’ submission on success factors that influences the adoption of green building concept and challenges involved in the adoption of green building. Some other parameters were further explored, they include, innovative approach to sustainable construction practice and perspectives to green building practice. The analysis of the study brought to fore factors to be taken into consideration for effective adoption of green building concept. The challenges such as thought reengineering and philosophical and cultural adjustment need to be further harnessed for people to leave the built environment better than it was met.

Organisational Commitment of Construction Skilled Workers in Selected Construction Firms in Nigeria

Skilled construction workers are crucial to the successful delivery of construction projects. However, there have been reports of their shortage within the Nigerian construction industry. Ensuring commitment of the few available ones to their organisation is important as this is bound to influence the service delivery of these organisations. This paper presents the result of the assessment of the organisational commitment of skilled construction workers in Abuja, Nigeria. A quantitative survey design was adopted, and data were gathered from selected skilled construction workers in 31 construction companies registered with Nigeria's Federation of Construction Industry. Organisational Commitment Scale was adopted in assessing the commitment of these set of workers, and data were harnessed through the use of a questionnaire. Percentage, mean item score and Kruskal-Wallis H-Test were used in analysing the data gathered. Cronbach Alpha test was also conducted to test the reliability of the research instrument. The study revealed that the common type of commitment exhibited by skilled construction workers is the continuance commitment. Factors such as getting feedback from supervisors, payment received being equal to work done, and the availability of opportunities to grow, play a major role in the commitment type being exhibited. The practical implication of this result is that construction companies within the country need to improve in the aspect of human resource management to attain better commitment and at the same time improve their productivity. It is believed that the findings of this study will assist construction organisations in adopting the right method that will help enhance the organisational commitment of their skilled workers. Keywords: Construction workers, Nigeria, Organisational commitment, Skilled workers, Workers satisfaction.

Organisational Commitment of Construction Skilled Workers in Selected Construction Firms in Nigeria

Skilled construction workers are crucial to the successful delivery of construction projects. However, there have been reports of their shortage within the Nigerian construction industry. Ensuring commitment of the few available ones to their organisation is important as this is bound to influence the service delivery of these organisations. This paper presents the result of the assessment of the organisational commitment of skilled construction workers in Abuja, Nigeria. A quantitative survey design was adopted, and data were gathered from selected skilled construction workers in 31 construction companies registered with Nigeria's Federation of Construction Industry. Organisational Commitment Scale was adopted in assessing the commitment of these set of workers, and data were harnessed through the use of a questionnaire. Percentage, mean item score and Kruskal-Wallis H-Test were used in analysing the data gathered. Cronbach Alpha test was also conducted to test the reliability of the research instrument. The study revealed that the common type of commitment exhibited by skilled construction workers is the continuance commitment. Factors such as getting feedback from supervisors, payment received being equal to work done, and the availability of opportunities to grow, play a major role in the commitment type being exhibited. The practical implication of this result is that construction companies within the country need to improve in the aspect of human resource management to attain better commitment and at the same time improve their productivity. It is believed that the findings of this study will assist construction organisations in adopting the right method that will help enhance the organisational commitment of their skilled workers.
 Keywords: Construction workers, Nigeria, Organisational commitment, Skilled workers, Workers satisfaction.

Assessment of Electronic Procurement Practices on Project Delivery, Case Study of Selected Construction Companies in Oyo State

This study investigated the use of e-Procurement in selected construction firms in Oyo state, Nigeria. The data were derived using a well-structured questionnaire survey involving 104 respondents. Descriptive statistical and correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings show that the use of electronic procurement in the selected construction firms for carrying out procurement function is high with majority of the professionals affirming the use of the system, the four categories of e-Procurement used were e-mail, static websites, web.2.0 technologies and portals that have capabilities of supporting the execution of functions limited to intra and inter firm communication and exchange of project information and data. Consequently, between 84 percent and 76 percent of the respondents used these e-Procurement technologies for communication of information, exchange of bill of quantities, project reports, CAD drawings and project specifications. Consequently, factors with the highest positive impacts on the use of these technologies in the firms were the speed of transactions, lower transaction cost and ease of use. The study implies that the selected construction firms in Oyo state Nigeria predominantly use e-mails and websites to support the execution of pre-award phase of construction procurement. Finding also shows that there is positive relationship between e-Procurement (e-Notifying, e-Exchange, and e-Submission of bid) and Project delivery. The study suggests that to accelerate the rate of uptake of e-Procurement and maximize its benefits in the Nigerian construction industry, there is a need to improve the quality and quantity of ICT infrastructure across the country; and to embark on aggressive enlightenment campaigns, training and skill development programs in the use of e-Procurement in the construction industry in this country.

SWOT analysis of indigenous and foreign contractors in a developing economy

PurposeThe call for more engagement of local contractors has been gaining support by construction stakeholders especially as a result of the recent economy recession in Nigeria. However, due to the increasing complexity of the construction industry and technological advancement, the influx and engagement of foreign contractors has been on the increase and their contribution is also germane to the economy development of the country. In view of this, the purpose of this paper is to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of indigenous and foreign contractors in the country with a view to understanding their differences in the quest of improving their service delivery.Design/methodology/approachA case study research was carried out through the use of interview and questionnaire administered on management staff and professionals in selected construction firms, respectively. In order to obtain a balance view of the subject, professionals from construction consultancy firms selected through Delphi method were also included in the study and sampled accordingly. Appropriate statistical tools were employed in analysing the data gathered and result was presented with the aid of a SWOT template.FindingsFindings of the research show that foreign contractors have better strengths than their indigenous counterparts, and this has made them gain better expertise. Also, they enjoyed more opportunities than the threats they are faced with, but the reverse is the case for indigenous contractors.Originality/valueThere is a need for the two categories of contractors to identify their SWOT as indicated in this study and leverage their strengths, correct their weaknesses, capitalise on golden opportunities and avoid potentially devastating threats to enhance their effectiveness and success in the industry.