scholarly journals Challenges Facing Graduate Structural Engineers in the Building Construction Industry in Kenya

Author(s):  
Bett Barnabas ◽  
Simiyu John ◽  
Dimo Herbert

Despite a number of challenges, training institution Kenya has produced structural engineers in the building and construction field. As a result, there have been problems facing these apprentices that have led to questions concerning their competencies in the Kenyan building and construction industry. Mitigating such foreseeable problems, require proper policy planning, which can only be enacted after findings of facts have been adduced. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the challenges facing university trained structural engineers in the construction industry in Kenya. The research design in the study was cross-sectional survey research design. Purposive sampling was employed in collecting the data. The study population comprised practicing structural engineers trained at the universities offering building construction, civil engineering and structural engineering. Questionnaires were used to collected data from the sampled respondents in the building industry. Proportional analysis techniques and statistical chi-square test was used to analyze the data. Information on problems facing the engineers and perception of the engineering graduates concerning university training were collected from 89 Kenyan university trained practicing Structural engineers. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 23.0) presented inform of descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, frequency distribution, cross-tabulation and Chi-square (c2) tests. The results obtained revealed that, graduates had problems related to initial choice of the course, for which they did not have interest in and hence poor content coverage. These results demonstrate the need for establishment of a clear policy aimed at regulating the learning resources for structural engineers at the universities appropriately. Moreover, there is need for standard resources for the teaching of the programme and the need for higher educational funding scheme for research in the universities.

Author(s):  
A. Thirupathy ◽  
C. Dhayalan

This research looked at the extent to which identified intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables influenced the retention and reduction of employee turnover in both public and private sector organizations. The research was aimed at achieving the following objectives: identify and establish the key intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables being used by selected public and private sector organizations in retaining their employees; determine the extent to which the identified intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables are influencing employees’ retention and turnover in the selected organizations; and make recommendations to management of the selected organizations on how to effectively retain employees and reduce turnover. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design, investigating the extent to which selected motivational variables influence employees’ decision to either remain or quit an organization. Quantitative research design was used and this design was chosen because its findings are generalizable and the data objective. The study examined two public and two private sector organizations in India. The total population of the research comprised 1800 employees of the surveyed organizations with a sample size of 145 respondents. A self-developed questionnaire, measured on a Likert Scale was used to collect data from respondents. The questionnaire had a Cornbrash alpha coefficient of α = 0.85 suggesting that the instrument was reliable. The Chi-square test of association was used in testing the hypothesis of the study. The result showed that employees in both public and private sector organizations were, to a very large extent, influenced to stay in their respective organizations by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. The following motivational variables were found to have significantly influenced employee retention in both the public and private sector organizations: training and development, challenging/interesting work, freedom for innovative thinking, and job security.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Innocent Chigozie Osuizugbo ◽  
Raphael Abiodun Ojelabi

AbstractGrowing demands for building projects result from economic development. The building industry is dynamic and multifaceted. Efficient and effective practice of building production management (BPM) is required to successfully execute projects and achieve project goals upon completion as well as functionality aims for the lifespan of a building. This research aims to determine factors that influence the BPM practice in the Nigerian construction industry, particularly; during the project execution phase. A cross-sectional survey used; a questionnaire to identify 73 factors, which were grouped into 12 categories and assessed. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify 20 construction organisations specialising in building production management in Lagos, Nigeria. 114 questionnaires were distributed to the pool of stakeholders, which included 31 clients, 34 consultants and 49 contractors of current and past building production projects carried out by the selected firms in Lagos. The research used a selection of statistical tools for SPSS v.23, including the chi-square test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The obtained result revealed the factors that mostly influence the BPM practice namely, architectural drawings, the construction programme document, the work breakdown structure, the adequacy of communication and coordination between the parties, the adequacy of raw materials and equipment, the availability of the competent team, the implementation of the safety management system, regular maintenance of project equipment, clear and timely inspections, the availability of funds as planned throughout the project duration, the availability of skilled personnel, and the aesthetics of the completed work. The research resulted in the development of the BPM implementation framework and recommendations for the improvement of the BPM practice in Nigeria.


Author(s):  
Sandrine Roussel ◽  
Alain Deccache ◽  
Mariane Frenay

Introduction: The implementation of Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) remains a challenge. An exploratory study highlighted two tendencies among practitioners of TPE, which could hamper this implementation: an oscillation between identities (as caregivers versus as educators) and an inclination towards subjective psychological health objectives. Objectives: To verify whether these tendencies can be observed among an informed audience in TPE. Next, to explore the variables associated with one or other of these tendencies. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey by a self-administered questionnaire was carried out among 90 French-speaking healthcare professionals. Statistical analyses (chi-square, logistic regression) were then conducted. Results: Sixty percent of respondents displayed identity oscillation, which was found to be linked to task oscillation, patient curability, scepticism towards medicine and practising in France. Fifty-six percent pursued subjective psychological health objectives, which was found to be associated with health behaviour objectives and a locus of power in the healthcare relationship distinct from those seen in the pre-existing health models (biomedical, global). This tendency seems to constitute an alternative model of TPE. Discussion & conclusion: Identity oscillation and subjective psychological health objectives can be both observed. This study stresses the need to deliberate on the form(s) of TPE that is/are desired.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 772
Author(s):  
Yi-Man Teng ◽  
Kun-Shan Wu ◽  
Wen-Cheng Wang ◽  
Dan Xu

During the pandemic, quarantine hotel workers face a higher risk of infection while they host quarantine guests from overseas. This study’s aim is to gain an understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of quarantine hotel workers in China. A total of 170 participants took part in a cross-sectional survey to assess the KAP of quarantine hotel workers in China, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chi-square test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with KAP levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that 62.41% have good knowledge, 94.7% have a positive attitude towards COVID-19, but only 78.2% have good practices. Most quarantine hotel workers (95.3%) are confident that COVID-19 will be successfully controlled and that China is handling the COVID-19 crisis well (98.8%). Most quarantine hotel workers are also taking personal precautions, such as avoiding crowds (80.6%) and wearing facemasks (97.6%). The results evidence that quarantine hotel workers in China have acquired the necessary knowledge, positive attitudes and proactive practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study can provide a reference for quarantine hotel workers and their targeted education and intervention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam John Munyogwa ◽  
Kaloli Sayi Ntalima ◽  
Secilia Ng’weshemi Kapalata

Abstract Background Obesity at the workplace has been associated with symptoms of lower self-esteem, increased individual and employer healthcare costs, increased absenteeism and presenteeism and reduced productivity. Therefore, this study was designed to study the prevalence and correlates of central obesity among formal sector employees in Dodoma City. Methods Study design was a cross-sectional survey conducted from March to June, 2019. Participants were employees from formal sector employment defined as those paid regular monthly wage and with either a secured permanent or temporary contract. Simple random sampling was used to select four out of fifteen large buildings hosting various establishments. Respondents were obtained conveniently and interviewed face to face. Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference greater than 102 cm for males and greater than 88 cm for females. Chi-square test was conducted to assess the differences among the groups. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify the correlates of central obesity. Results A total of 392 respondents (98% response rate) agreed and participated in the study. The overall prevalence of central obesity was found to be 41.8% (164/392). The prevalence of central obesity was significantly higher among females (67.4% p < 0.001), respondents aged ≥51 years (60%, p = < 0.001), administrators (55.1% p = < 0.05), respondents with salary of > 1,000,000 Tanzanian Shilling (TSh.) per month (54.4%, p = < 0.05), respondents who eat homemade meals at the workplace (64.2%, p = < 0.05) and respondents with hypertension (62.5%, p = < 0.05). Correlates of central obesity were found to be female sex (AOR = 9.53; 95% CI: 5.49, 16.78), increased age, eating homemade meals at the workplace (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.04, 4.19) and hypertension (AOR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.41, 6.91). Conclusions The present study revealed high prevalence of central obesity among formal sector employees in Dodoma City. Scholars and stakeholders are urged to generate more evidences and design appropriate interventions to curb the situation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1745-1748
Author(s):  
Zaid Bin Sohail ◽  
Muhammad Salman Chishty ◽  
M. Shairaz Sadiq ◽  
Farhan Riaz ◽  
Mehwish Munawar ◽  
...  

Objective: To assess the knowledge about different mandibular nerve block techniques of fresh dental graduates, dental surgeons and specialists to attain mandibular nerve block for dental treatment in Multan. Design of the Study: It was a cross-sectional survey. Study Settings: This study was carried out at Department of Dentistry at Multan Medical & Dental College, Nishtar Institute of dentistry (Nishtar Medical University) and Bakhtawer Amin Dental College from August 2019 to August 2020. Material and Methods: The study involved 220 respondents. The questionnaire was administered to fresh dental graduates (house officers) and dental surgeons in 3 dental colleges of Multan, and was collected on the same day. House officers who did not return the forms were reminded personally and contacted on the phone thrice over the following week. Results of the Study: The frequency of respondants who could administer Gow-Gates without supervison was 20.9% (n=46). Participants from NID, Multan had the highest frequency (35.3%) with the lowest in BIMDC (16.6%)and MMDC(20.6%). The differences were non-significant (p=0.19). Significantly higher frequency of male respondants (10%, n=22) claimed they could administer Gow-Gates without supervison compared to female respondants (5.4%, n=12, p=0.012, Chi-Square). Training for Gow-Gates had been received by 12.7% (n=28) of the House Officers and dental surgeons. The Highest frequency of training was in NID, Multan (5.4%, n= 12, p= 0.016, chi-square). Conclusion: The majority of the dental practitioners of Multan used IANB as their primary LA technique and intraligamental injections as a supplemental LA technique in their clinics to attain mandibular molars anesthesia for general dental procedures like fillings, root canals and extractions. Keywords: Mandibular local anesthesia, Inferior alveolar nerve block, Gow-Gates technique


2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 45-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eziyi Offia Ibem ◽  
Michael Nwabueze Anosike ◽  
Dominic Ezenwa Azuh ◽  
Tim O. Mosaku

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. 


Author(s):  
Cokorda Istri Ariwidyastuti ◽  
P.P. Januraga ◽  
Dyah Pradnyaparamita Duarsa

Background and purpose: Patient satisfaction, including on radiography services, is an important component of health care provision. Surveys on patient satisfaction have been carried out particularly in government hospitals, but a more detailed study to determine the relationship between patient satisfaction with the responsiveness of service providers has yet to be carried out. This study aims to determine the relationship between the six domains of responsiveness of service providers and outpatient satisfaction at three conventional radiography facilities in Denpasar.Methods: Study was conducted by cross-sectional survey of 158 respondents selected consecutively in three conventional radiography services, namely a government hospital, a private hospital and a private radiology clinic. Data were collected through interviews using modified questionnaires on responsiveness from WHO. Data were analyzed by univariate, bivariate (chi-square test) and multivariate logistic regression method.Results: Univariate analysis indicated that patient satisfaction was 69% but still below the minimum service standards (>80,0%). Multivariate analysis showed that factors associated with satisfaction were the domain of attention (AOR= 3.77; 95%CI: 1.62-8.76), the quality of infrastructure (AOR=4.57; 95%CI: 1.61-12.93) and communication (AOR=6.30; 95%CI: 1.75-22.64).Conclusion: Patient satisfaction was generally still below the standard. Domains of responsiveness associated with patient satisfaction were the quality of infrastructure, level of attention and communication skills of service providers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (Issue 4) ◽  
pp. 66-74
Author(s):  
Simion Kaminyoge Ambakisye

This study investigated on classroom attentiveness of children from home with inter parental violence in Chamwino, Dodoma, Tanzania. The study employed the cross-sectional survey design whereby 312 out of 652 children from five secondary schools were randomly selected to participate by filling the questionnaire. Chi square test was employed to determine the relationship between violence against mothers and children’s attentiveness at the 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated a significant relationship between parental conflicts and lack of pupils’ adequate concentration in learning. The findings further showed that female children whose mothers are accustomed to violence are more inattentive than male children during the teaching and learning processes. The study recommends that effective intervention strategies such as developing training through psycho education within families, schools and the community be in place.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur-E- Alam ◽  
Md Shariful Islam ◽  
Umme Suriea ◽  
Ramisa Binti Mohiuddin ◽  
Md. Muzahidul Islam ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Thalassemia is one of the most common life-threatening yet preventable congenital hemoglobin disorders especially in South Asian regions like Bangladesh. It has become a rising public health concern for Bangladesh as 6-12% of the population are carriers and many of them are unaware of it. The purpose of the study is to inspect the knowledge and attitude towards thalassemia among the general people of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight administrative regions of Bangladesh between January and October of 2020. A self-administrative close-ended questionnaire was designed to collect information about thalassemia and socio-demographic characteristics. Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) test and One-way ANOVA were performed to assess the association between the demographic variables with knowledge and practice regarding thalassemia. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Of the 1623 participants, only 44.7% (726/1623) had heard of thalassemia. The mean knowledge of thalassemia was scored 4.75 ± 2.05 out of a total possible score of 10. Half of the participants had no idea that thalassemia was not a transfusion transmitted disease. About 73.1% knew that blood tests are a diagnosis process to determine thalassemia. The urban residing participants had the highest (5.10 ± 1.99) and participants with primary education had the lowest (3.38 ± 1.37) mean score of knowledge. Participants' knowledge score varied significantly by marital status, living pace, literacy and occupation (p< 0.05). However, about 68.2% and 85.5% of the participants showed a positive attitude towards premarital screening of themselves or their family members and donating blood to thalassemia patients, respectively. Conclusion: The study shows that there is a need to disseminate the information on thalassemia since the knowledge gap is huge among people. These findings will assist the implementation of significant steps such as educational programs, health counseling, premarital screening, campaigning, etc. to increase the awareness of thalassemia.


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