Microscoping the challenges of sustainable construction in developing countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1110-1128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Omoregie Aghimien ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Surface Finishing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Survey Approach

Purpose This paper aims to present the result of an assessment of the challenges of sustainable construction (SC) in two developing countries (Nigeria and South Africa). This was done with a view to improving sustainable project delivery, which is a problem among most developing countries. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative survey approach with questionnaire used as the instrument for data collection from quantity surveyors, construction and project managers from both countries. Data analysis was done using a four-step analysis approach and relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted. Findings The study revealed a considerable level of awareness of SC and involvement in the use of the same among the assessed professionals. Also, it was discovered that SC materials are mostly used in the aspect of surface finishing and masonry construction. Further findings revealed that resistance to change, client’s preference, fear of the increased cost of investment and inadequate knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability are some of the major challenges of SC in these countries. Originality/value The strength of this study lies in the assessment of happenings from two developing countries and its recommendation can to a large extent promote improved SC in developing countries particularly in Africa were construction activities are similar.

Systems approach to cloud computing adoption in an emerging economy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahak Sharma ◽  
Ruchita Gupta ◽  
Padmanav Acharya ◽  
Karuna Jain
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cloud Computing Adoption

PurposeCloud computing (CC) services have given a tremendous boost to the creation of efficient and effective solutions. With developing countries at a slow pace of adoption, this research aims to identify factors and their interrelationships influencing the adoption of CC in a developing country context. The developing countries are enjoying numerous benefits from CC services; however, its low adoption is still a question in developing economies; hence, the authors have selected the context of information and communication technology (ICT) firms in India.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative research method is used where experts from thirteen ICT firms in India are interviewed.FindingsSixteen factors, twenty-eight subfactors, and 25 interrelationships are revealed through content analysis. Further, causal loop diagrams are proposed to display the behavior of cause and effect of these factors from a system's perspective. This will help to understand the relationships among the factors in order to enhance the speed of CC adoption. Possible financial loss and resistance to change are found as the key barriers to adoption. The proposed interrelationships can guide both policymakers and service providers for designing effective CC policies.Originality/valueThis is the first scholarly work that identifies interrelationships among factors and subfactors, thereby providing a holistic picture to decision-makers while making a choice on whether to adopt cloud services or continue with on premise data centers and servers.

Essential factors towards optimal utilisation of construction resources

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julius Ayodeji Fapohunda ◽  
Nicholas Chileshe
Keyword(s):  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Communication Effectiveness ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficient Performance ◽  
Waste Minimisation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Site Managers

Purpose – This paper aims to evaluate and present the essential factors that will enhance site managers’ efficient performance which will perpetuate optimal construction resources utilisation. The capability of controlling and monitoring construction resources and the application of production information to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality and clients’ satisfaction are the primary functions of site managers. However, the effective implementation of this production information is usually hindered by some factors, often resulting in conscious, unconscious or unavoidable resource wastage. Design/methodology/approach – The research is triangulated. The investigations are based on an action survey, comprising structured quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interview surveys conducted with a few project managers in the UK construction industry. Findings – The research evaluates problems associated with the site managers’ project delivery and establishes essential factors towards efficient resources utilisation. Among the identified predicaments are the design team’ attitudes towards site managers’ corrections, modification and alterations; communication gap between the design and construction teams; and production information inadequacy. Thus, the factors identified which will enhance the efficiencies of the site managers are communication effectiveness and effective information dissemination, conducive environment, production information simplicity and explicitness, in addition to skilled workers’ participation in knowledge transfer and sharing, to mention but a few. Originality/value – The facts presented in this study will significantly enhance site managers’ optimal resources utilisation, and provide the opportunity for construction resources waste minimisation. Thus, the adequate implementation of the innovative measures presented in this study will not only enhance the performance of site managers on resources utilisation, but will also augment client satisfaction.

Thought works for ThoughtWorks

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
Atul Arun Pathak
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Application Development ◽  
Recruitment Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Goals ◽  
Software Application ◽  
New Recruits

Purpose – This paper aims to describe an innovative recruitment process at ThoughtWorks, a software-application development company in India. Design/methodology/approach – It details the skills and qualities that ThoughtWorks looks for in its software developers and how recruitment is aligned to project and organizational goals. Findings – It reveals that despite high growth pressures, ThoughtWorks recruits very selectively to ensure that the quality of its programmers and the culture of the organization are maintained. Practical implications – It shows that the recruitment practices of ThoughtWorks can be emulated by other companies in the software-development industry. This will ensure that new recruits are compatible with the organization’s culture and suitable for the chosen project-delivery approach. Social implications – It concedes that the high rejection rates because of the difficult recruitment process put a strain on the recruitment team as well as on project managers and others involved in the interviewing process. Originality/value – It considers an unusual recruitment process in a software-development company in India that follows agile project practices.

The challenges of access to local finance for PPP infrastructure project delivery in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammed Temitayo Bolomope ◽  
Kwasi Gyau Baffour Awuah ◽  
Abdul-Rasheed Amidu ◽  
Olga Filippova
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Access To Finance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Finance ◽  
Infrastructure Project

Purpose This study explores the challenges of access to finance from local financial institutions (LFIs), i.e. local banks, for public–private partnership (PPP) infrastructure project delivery in Nigeria. The aim is to provide useful insights that could inform policy solutions to ease the local funding of PPP infrastructure projects in Nigeria and, by extension, other developing economies. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a qualitative research methodology, the study engaged PPP stakeholders involved in securing funds for PPP infrastructure projects in Nigeria. A total of 15 PPP stakeholders, drawn from the public and private sectors, were purposively selected and their views on the research problem obtained through recorded telephone interviews. The opinions of the research participants were subsequently analyzed and the results discussed with the outcome of the examination of relevant literature. Findings The study found that the significant factors affecting access to local finance for PPP infrastructure projects in Nigeria include low capital base by LFIs, weak project viability, lack of capacity to manage PPP-related activities, inconsistent government policy, poor legal framework and public perception of PPP. Research limitations/implications Insights from this study are useful for PPP stakeholders in mitigating the barriers that influence access to local finance for PPP infrastructure projects in Nigeria and other developing economies. This study is also useful in enhancing the current policy structure in developing countries as a way of revamping the existing infrastructure framework through LFIs. Originality/value This study provides clarity on the peculiar challenges impeding access to finance from LFIs for PPP infrastructure projects in Nigeria and will be useful for debt providers and policymakers in evaluating the bankability of PPP infrastructure projects in Nigeria and other developing countries.

scholarly journals Exploration of latent barriers inhibiting project management processes in adopting smart building technologies (SBTs) in the developing countries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Ato Ghansah ◽  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu ◽  
Joshua Ayarkwa ◽  
David John Edwards ◽  
M. Reza Hosseini
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Smart Building ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Sustainable Materials ◽  
Project Management Processes ◽  
Analytical Tools

Purpose While smart building technologies (SBTs) implementation ensures sustainability, their adoption is hampered by latent barriers, especially in project management processes. These latent barriers must be addressed to facilitate the successful and widespread adoption of SBTs. Therefore, this study aims to explore the significant latent barriers inhibiting the project management processes in adopting SBTs in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach A positivist research philosophy couched within a deductive approach was adopted to undertake a quantitative questionnaire survey of 227 project management and design team participants. Descriptive and inferential analytical tools (including a one sample T-test and exploratory factor analysis) were then adopted to interpret data collected. Findings The results reveal that the “high cost of smart sustainable materials and equipment” is the major significant barrier hindering the adoption of SBTs in developing countries. Latent barriers were: “structure and time-related barriers,” “construction-related barriers” and “human, policy and cost-related barriers”. Originality/value The study contributes novel insights into the prevailing nascent discourse on SBTs from the perspectives of construction project managers and design teams in developing countries, particularly. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that ascertains the significant barriers inhibiting project management processes in adopting SBTs in developing countries.

scholarly journals Feasibility of implementing IPD approach for infrastructure projects in developing countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 902-921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manas Khanna ◽  
Faris Faris Elghaish ◽  
Stephen McIlwaine ◽  
Tara Tara Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
The Body ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Integrated Project Delivery ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Integrated Project ◽  
Alternative Project Delivery

Alternative project delivery approaches have been proposed to overcome the inefficiencies of conventional delivery methods such as design-bid-build. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) has recently emerged as a feasible substitute to traditional project delivery approaches. Despite widespread awareness of the benefits of IPD in integration with information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance the delivery of construction projects, IPD implementation has so far been sluggish in developing countries such as India. The feasibility of implementing IPD approach and applying its principles is investigated in this study. It assesses the maturity of delivery techniques, and the potential benefits and limitations of using IPD for infrastructure projects in developing countries, using India as a case study. This study has been carried out using an in-depth investigation of the literature in combination with a qualitative method involving interviews with ten highly experienced BIM professionals from the Indian AEC sector. The findings of this study have revealed that adopting integrated project delivery while leveraging the BIM process in conjunction with ICT has the potential to effectively deliver mega infrastructure projects in developing countries. The resistance to change, lack of experience and skills, and lack of awareness among project owners are recognized as the primary obstacles to IPD adoption. The main benefits for practice following adoption could include enhanced project delivery, more effective coordination among stakeholders, and greater transparency with cost and time savings through all stages of the project. It is recommended that the regulatory bodies establish governing standards and frameworks, amend regulations to accept IPD concepts, and upskill the workforce through training and knowledge transfer for its successful adoption. One novel aspect of this study may be recognized since most previous research has focused on limitations, benefits, and adoption frameworks for IPD whereas there has been no definitive study on the practicality of IPD combined with BIM and the use of ICT for successful infrastructure project delivery in developing countries. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by serving as an exemplary paper for future studies on the adoption of BIM and ICT approaches such as cloud computing, blockchain, IoT, and mixed realities to deliver projects with integrated project delivery. Furthermore, it provides a deeper understanding of the future of this delivery approach in developing nations.

Curbing PPP construction projects’ failure using enhanced stakeholder management success in developing countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-63
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Eyiah-Botwe ◽  
Clinton O. Aigbavboa ◽  
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Stakeholder Management ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Satisfaction ◽  
Stakeholder Identification

Purpose Globally, inadequate resources, skills deficiency and poor infrastructure have necessitated public-private partnerships (PPPs) as investment initiative for public sector projects. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the key constructs for improved stakeholder management (SM) success in curbing PPP projects’ failure in developing countries to fill the research gap. Pre-stakeholder identification (PSI); implementation, monitoring and feedback (IMF) factors impact on PPP projects’ success in Ghana were examined. Design/methodology/approach In total, 16 models were studied as part of literature review followed by a qualitative three-round Delphi survey for SM key factors and validated using a quantitative questionnaire survey. The findings were analysed using structural equation modelling and a model fit test. Findings PSI, IMF factors directly influence PPP SM success model hence are key constructs. Furthermore, stakeholder consideration, a clear statement of objectives, adopting design and build are variables established as influencing PPP projects failures. Stakeholder identification, engagement, communication and analysis are generic factors. Practical implications Project managers can achieve stakeholder satisfaction and improve PPP projects delivery by considering the innovative PPP SM model. Furthermore, considering the identified factors and variables in holistic models will enhance stakeholder involvement thereby curbing PPP projects failure. Social implications Reducing PPP projects’ failure will enhance socio-economic growth. Originality/value PSI; IMF factors have never been included in holistic PPP SM model. They are proposed to curb PPP projects’ failure.

Policy barriers to sustainable construction practice in the Nigerian construction industry: an exploratory factor analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayotunde Babalola ◽  
Nishani Harinarain
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Policy Barriers ◽  
Construction Practice

Purpose Sustainable construction practice is structured on regulatory and non-regulatory policies in developed and most developing countries. With the gradual uptake of sustainability concerns in the construction industry, this paper aims to identify the strategic need for clear-cut policies to improve sustainable construction practice. Previous studies have harped on the need for regulatory and industrial/organisational policies on improving sustainable construction practice within the Nigerian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the perspectives of construction professionals on the policy barriers for sustainable construction practice in Nigeria, and 46 policy barriers were identified. A total of 249 questionnaires were returned and useable for analysis. Findings Factor analysis revealed four clusters in the policy barriers to sustainable construction practice in the following order of significance: implementation strategies for sustainable construction practice, owners/client inputs for sustainable construction practice, stakeholder’s policy barriers and governmental and regulatory policy barriers. Practical implications Mitigating the identified barriers through effective policies will require adequate inputs from all relevant policymaking stakeholders and ensure improved sustainable construction practice among stakeholders and policymakers in the industry. This will in turn set a high standard and promote the practice of sustainable construction. Originality/value This study goes a step further in identifying the policy issues needed to ensure a smooth implementation of sustainable construction practice. The research findings will serve as a guide for policymakers in developing countries that through mitigation of the identified barriers, sustainable construction practice will be promoted.

Moderated effect of value co-creation on project performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 854-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Heredia Rojas ◽  
Li Liu ◽  
Duanfang Lu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creation Process ◽  
Delivery Models ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Value co-creation amongst project stakeholders is often necessary for situations where the expertises or resources required are beyond a single stakeholder. Certain project delivery models (PDMs) with strong emphasis on relationships and trust are especially suited to value co-creation approach by encouraging collaborations amongst stakeholders and innovations. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that value co-creation impacts positively on particular types of projects but not on others. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of value co-creation on project performance (PP) and how the effect is moderated by requirements uncertainty (RU). Design/methodology/approach Based on the data from a cross-sectional survey of 120 Chilean construction project managers, the study validated a conceptual framework on the moderated effects of value co-creation process. Findings Value co-creation process underpinned through relational engagement, collaboration and innovativeness positively impacts on PP, and project’s RU moderates this relationship. Practical implications The findings empirically show that collaborative PDMs are best suited to projects where requirements are uncertain. Identifying the most suitable delivery model for a given context can reduce the project’s risk of failure and help maximise project value. When RU is low, the co-creating value is less critical to PP; whereas, when RU is high, choosing a collaborative PDM is fundamental to superior PP. Originality/value This study provides much-needed evidence on the effects of value co-creation process on PP. Additionally, it contributes to the literature by conceptualising and validating the moderated impact on PP by RU.

GREEN OPEN ACCESS IN KENYA: A REVIEW OF THE CONTENT, POLICIES AND USAGE OF INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORIES

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 25-54
Author(s):  
Wanyenda Leonard Chilimo
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Research Institutions ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Current State ◽  
Theses And Dissertations

 There is scant research-based evidence on the development and adoption of open access (OA) and institutional repositories (IRs) in Africa, and in Kenya in particular. This article reports on a study that attempted to fill that gap and provide feedback on the various OA projects and advocacy work currently underway in universities and research institutions in Kenya and in other developing countries. The article presents the findings of a descriptive study that set out to evaluate the current state of IRs in Kenya. Webometric approaches and interviews with IR managers were used to collect the data for the study. The findings showed that Kenya has made some progress in adopting OA with a total of 12 IRs currently listed in the Directory of Open Access Repositories (OpenDOAR) and five mandatory self-archiving policies listed in the Registry of Open Access Repositories Mandatory Archiving Policies (ROARMAP). Most of the IRs are owned by universities where theses and dissertations constitute the majority of the content type followed by journal articles. The results on the usage and impact of materials deposited in Kenyan IRs indicated that the most viewed publications in the repositories also received citations in Google Scholar, thereby signifying their impact and importance. The results also showed that there was a considerable interest in Swahili language publications among users of the repositories in Kenya.

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