Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology, 2017
This paper investigated construction materials-batching behaviour of artisans in the informal con... more This paper investigated construction materials-batching behaviour of artisans in the informal construction sector in Ghana. The research was conducted in three major towns across three regions namely the Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana. A quantitative data collection approach was adopted as the primary methodology for gathering the data from the target population using cluster-sampling technique to select the sample population. The results showed that the informal construction sector in Ghana paid little attention to the standard practices and procedures in constructing residential buildings. This is due to inadequate levels of apprenticeship training to develop the skills and competence of artisans. Low-quality training duped apprentices into thinking that they were fully qualified when they were not. Furthermore, apprenticeship varied widely across construction trades and master artisans. Batching was eyeballed instead of being measured scientifically resulting in insufficient cement to the aggregate ratio in cement blocks, concrete and mortar works. Moreover, weak cement blocks often lead to poor construction and weak buildings with rising moisture content in walls, leaking roofs, cracks and structural failures.
International Journal of Construction Supply Chain Management, 2016
Effective and efficient management of suppliers within a supply chainis an essential requirement ... more Effective and efficient management of suppliers within a supply chainis an essential requirement for improving organisational performance within construction companies. However, factors inherent within the supply chain of supplier-buyer exchanges such as culture, politics, dependence and trust may influence supplier relationship quality (SRQ). This research therefore seeks to identify the influence that these factors have upon SRQ in the Ghanaian construction industry and develop a conceptual framework that explains the interconnectivity between them. A literature review isused to develop a conceptual framework of the antecedents influencing supplier relationship quality. Primary ‘perception’ data obtained from 152 building material suppliers is used to test the proposed model using Partial Least Squares (PLS). Findings reveal that culture, politics, dependence and trust have a significant influence on relationship quality in supply chain collaborations amongst purchasers and suppli...
This study, which was part of a large study, empirically examinesthe importance students attach t... more This study, which was part of a large study, empirically examinesthe importance students attach to different dimensions of Student Accommodation Quality (SAQ) delivered by Student Accommodation Providers (SAP) in two tertiary (higher education) institutions in Ghana. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that used a structured questionnaire administered to 700 tertiary students in residential and non-residential accommodation. The survey yielded a usable 66.6% response rate for analysis. The findings indicate that utility facility quality is the most important SAQ dimension to the students, followed by the overall impression of hostel, security, physical environment, toilet, distance to lecture, bedroom, bath room, accommodation fee, among others. Moreover, it was found that kitchen facility, access to transport and entertainment facility are less important SAQ items while the least important is garage facility. Few differences were found in the priority for SAQ items between COLTEK and K-Poly respondents and between residential and non-residential respondents. Implications for theory and recommendations to management of the two higher education institutions and SAP have been discussed. The study contributes to the body of knowledge in student affairs and managing student accommodation quality in higher education.
This paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining student accommodation quality (S... more This paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining student accommodation quality (SAQ) in two public tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional survey that involved a convenient sample of 700 tertiary students from College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba, and Kumasi Polytechnic (K-Poly). A self administered structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents in a survey that resulted in a 66.6% response rate for analysis. The findings indicate that SAQ items that received unfavourable rating include: bath room, access to transport, toilet, security, kitchen, entertainment, reading room, accommodation fees and searching cost. Moreover, it was found that students at COLTEK seem to be better in terms of SAQ in core facility, while those at K-Poly seem to be better in terms of accommodation cost, and some facilitating and support facilities. The results show that residential SAQ seems to be bett...
International Journal of Business and Economics Research, 2014
The paper empirically assesses the impact of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling ... more The paper empirically assesses the impact of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) training on academic staff's intentions to adopt PLS-SEM software in their future research work. Our original contribution to knowledge is the application of the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) to study faculty intention to adopt SEM data analysis software in an under-researched context of developing country Higher Institution of Learning (HIL). Building upon the TAM, we developed a research model that conceptualises PLS-SEM training as an external variable that affects the technology adoption process. The research model was tested using data from 34 faculty members who fully participated in a PLS-SEM training workshop at the
The researchers developed an instrument for measuring student housing quality (SHQ) in Higher Ins... more The researchers developed an instrument for measuring student housing quality (SHQ) in Higher Institutions of Learning (HIL) in Ghana. The paper sought to validate the student housing quality scale (SHOQUAL) through factor analysis approach. 700 respondents were sampled from two public HIL in Ghana in a cross-sectional survey that used a self-administered structured questionnaire for data collection. Confirmatory factor fnalysis (CFA) was conducted to detect the underlying latent variables that significantly determine SHQ in Ghanaian HIL. The findings indicate that four emerged SHQ dimensions relevant to the research context were labelled as follows: core facility quality, enabling facility quality, support facility quality, and cost of housing. The constructs in the derived model possess high reliability and validity. Student housing service providers could conveniently use the derived instrument items for measuring SHQ in HIL. Implications are discussed and limitations are noted. ...
This study sought to explore the challenges and barriers facing Small and Medium Construction Fir... more This study sought to explore the challenges and barriers facing Small and Medium Construction Firms (SMCFs) in Ghana in their quest to access finance from financial institutions for their business purposes. This study was a cross-sectional survey that used semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from the sample. 50 questionnaires were distributed to construction firms in Kumasi and Accra Metropolis through a convenience sampling technique. The findings are that the key challenges that make it difficult for SMCFs to access finance include policy regulation, inadequate financial infrastructure, stringent collateral security requirement, and lack of institutional capacity of SMCF sector. The key barriers identified include informational barriers, lack of managerial skills with SMCFs. Limitations of the study have been noted and recommendations for developing innovative approaches to making finance accessible to SMCFs in Ghana have been discussed. The study contributes to the body...
This study explores and assesses the concept and practice of construction audits in Ghana. Many c... more This study explores and assesses the concept and practice of construction audits in Ghana. Many construction and engineering projects, either publicly or privately funded in both developed and developing countries are faced with an increase in bad procurement practices, financial fraud and corruption, design inadequacies, poor quality of work, lack of value for money, poor project inception and delivery challenges resulting in client dissatisfaction in the construction industry. The above is as a result of lack of recognition for the importance of construction audits and its practices as part of construction project management function, particularly in Ghana's construction industry. The paper adopts a broader review of extant literature on the different concepts and views on construction audits in the in the context of a developing country. These concepts are unified into a framework that enhances our understanding of the perceived sophisticated construction audits with a focus on Ghana. The paper identified lack of knowledge, political and financial constraints, lack of commitment on the part of construction professionals towards construction audits practices, lack of skilled and professional technical auditors, lack of public awareness and institutional acceptance, lack of government and legislative support as the emerging precincts affecting construction audits and its practice. It concludes that construction audits functions as an essential construction project control tool and its practice require a broader understanding among stakeholders in the industry. Ghana's construction industry is one of the few industries that need to embrace value for money principles in construction project delivery. By summarising and analysing construction audits and its practice, the paper present a set of factors militating against the practice. These are useful to government, professional bodies and practitioners within the construction industry.
Estimation of biogas and methane yields in an UASB treating potato starch processing wastewater w... more Estimation of biogas and methane yields in an UASB treating potato starch processing wastewater with backpropagation artificial neural network, Bioresource Technology (2016), doi: http://dx.
Housing Microfinance (HMF) is becoming an increasingly attractive and innovative source of low-in... more Housing Microfinance (HMF) is becoming an increasingly attractive and innovative source of low-income housing finance for Low-income households (LIHs) in developing countries to meet their housing needs. Many countries in the developing world such as India, Bangladesh among others are developing housing finance policies that recognised the role and importance of such innovative mechanisms. However, in the case of Ghana, despite the over 2,234 Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) spread over the country, few are into lending for housing activities. This paper assessed the role of HMF in the low-income housing market. The paper relied on extant literature and realised that HMF could play a fundamental role in solving the low-income housing challenge faced by many LIHs in Ghana. The paper concludes that HMF could help LIHs to regularise land tenure, acquire building materials and tools, acquire building designs and skills development, housing infrastructure delivery, finance new and home improvements, improve low-income housing governance and encourage community partnerships and development. The paper made some valuable suggestions to overcome the barriers and challenges associated with HMF delivery in Ghana.
This paper explored the antecedents and the role of local artisans in Spatial Planning (SP) activ... more This paper explored the antecedents and the role of local artisans in Spatial Planning (SP) activities in Ghana. The paper was based on the results of an inspection of 5896 already built houses at Mepe in the Volta Region of Ghana. A mixed method research approach was used to gather the data through snowball non-probability sampling technique. It enabled the researchers to identify 100 local artisans. Survey questionnaires were used, which was followed by structured interviews with five (5) elders who lived in the town for over 65 years. The results showed that the early houses were built on community lands with mud and thatch clustered with narrow and un-named alleys. Property owners heavily depended on local artisans for professional guidance, although some artisans were ill-trained and unaware of existing government SP regulations. The study was limited to artisans who practiced at the local community level. The findings showed that many local artisans were poorly trained, resulting in poor workmanship and non-compliance with local planning regulations. The paper recommends the integration of SP into the artisanal curricula at both local and national levels to improve their skills.
Effective and efficient management of suppliers within a supply chain is an essential requirement... more Effective and efficient management of suppliers within a supply chain is an essential requirement for improving organisational performance within construction companies. However, factors inherent within the supply chain of supplier-buyer exchanges such as culture, politics, dependence and trust may influence supplier relationship quality (SRQ). This research therefore seeks to identify the influence that these factors have upon SRQ in the Ghanaian construction industry and develop a conceptual framework that explains the interconnectivity between them. A literature review is used to develop a conceptual framework of the antecedents influencing supplier relationship quality. Primary 'perception' data obtained from 152 building material suppliers is used to test the proposed model using Partial Least Squares (PLS). Findings reveal that culture, politics, dependence and trust have a significant influence on relationship quality in supply chain collaborations amongst purchasers and suppliers of building materials. While politics has a strong influence on dependence, it also generates a negative influence on SRQ and trust. The research confirms the positive effect of trust and dependence in SRQ management and extends understanding of the influence of culture and politics. Practical implications suggest that managers of building material suppliers should focus upon building trust and dependence and be discouraged from over-reliance upon politics and political affiliations as a basis for long-term relationship building.
A huge numbers of recently-built residential buildings in Libya provide a poor quality indoor env... more A huge numbers of recently-built residential buildings in Libya provide a poor quality indoor environment which requires a large amount of energy to provide not only comfortable indoor environment but run the air conditioning. Also, the use of energy in buildings is becoming a major contributor to both air pollution and climate change. Improving the energy efficiency, reducing the energy consumption, securing thermal comfort in residential buildings through the application of bioclimatic design principles is a very critical factor. A domestic building in Libya was studied with a view of reducing its energy consumption. The study included detailed monitoring which was followed by a computer simulation with a wider range of intervention strategies. The use of appropriate orientation, materials and building configuration which would offer suitable solutions to the energy and environmental problems in hot arid countries are recommended.
ABSTRACT
his paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining
student accommodation qu... more ABSTRACT his paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining student accommodation quality (SAQ) in two public tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional survey that involved a convenient sample of 700 tertiary students from College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba, and Kumasi Polytechnic (K-Poly). A selfadministered structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents in a survey that resulted in a 66.6% response rate for analysis. The findings indicate that SAQ items that received unfavourable rating include: bath room, access to transport, toilet, security, kitchen, entertainment, reading room, accommodation fees and searching cost. Moreover, it was found that students at COLTEK seem to be better in terms of SAQ in core facility, while those at K-Poly seem to be better in terms of accommodation cost, and some facilitating and support facilities. The results show that residential SAQ seems to be better than non-residential in terms of the distance to lecture and entertainment, while non-residential SAQ appears to better n areas such as overall quality, enjoying accommodation and core facilities. Recommendations and implications for management of higher education and student accommodation developers have been discussed. The paper contributes to the literature in the area of management of student accommodation and housing in tertiary education.
The researchers developed an instrument for measuring student housing quality (SHQ) in Higher Ins... more The researchers developed an instrument for measuring student housing quality (SHQ) in Higher Institutions of Learning (HIL) in Ghana. The paper sought to validate the student housing quality scale (SHOQUAL) through factor analysis approach. 700 respondents were sampled from two public HIL in Ghana in a cross-sectional survey that used a self-administered structured questionnaire for data collection. Confirmatory factor fnalysis (CFA) was conducted to detect the underlying latent variables that significantly determine SHQ in Ghanaian HIL. The findings indicate that four emerged SHQ dimensions relevant to the research context were labelled as follows: core facility quality, enabling facility quality, support facility quality, and cost of housing. The constructs in the derived model possess high reliability and validity. Student housing service providers could conveniently use the derived instrument items for measuring SHQ in HIL. Implications are discussed and limitations are noted. The paper contributes to the literature in the areas of models of service quality in student housing management in HIL.
It is onerous for low-and middle-income earners in most developing economies to satisfy the five ... more It is onerous for low-and middle-income earners in most developing economies to satisfy the five (5) Cs lending criteria: character, capacity, capital, collateral and conditions. Consequently, about 80% -90% of Ghanaians cannot afford a mortgage to purchase the cheapest developer-built unit. Key to the affordability problem is inadequate sources of long-term funds and the high cost of the available formal housing financing sources; i.e. mortgage. The concept of pension housing financing in South Africa provides evidence as a potential innovative solution to the above challenges in Ghana. Hence, through a review of extant literature based on axiological philosophy argues for the similar use of pension assets for 'direct' mortgage and micro housing financing in Ghana. In theory, pension loans and pension-secured loans could provide a better asset-liability matching for housing financing based on the Preferred Habitats Hypothesis; a potential solution to the long-term scarcity of mortgage funds, maturity gap problem and liquidity risk, which currently accounts partly for the substantial risk premiums on mortgage loans. Thus, eighty-five (85%) of SSNIT members have about 25-30 years to retirement. The paper starts a debate for the implementation of section 103 (2) of the National Pensions Act of Ghana, 2008 (Act 776), which provides the legal impetus for the collateralization of pension benefits as security in replacement of the adverse traditional brick and mortar collateral regime in accessing mortgage finance. Future studies could identify ways by which section 103 (2) could be implemented. Prior to that, testing the proposed hypotheses is vital.
Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology, 2017
This paper investigated construction materials-batching behaviour of artisans in the informal con... more This paper investigated construction materials-batching behaviour of artisans in the informal construction sector in Ghana. The research was conducted in three major towns across three regions namely the Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana. A quantitative data collection approach was adopted as the primary methodology for gathering the data from the target population using cluster-sampling technique to select the sample population. The results showed that the informal construction sector in Ghana paid little attention to the standard practices and procedures in constructing residential buildings. This is due to inadequate levels of apprenticeship training to develop the skills and competence of artisans. Low-quality training duped apprentices into thinking that they were fully qualified when they were not. Furthermore, apprenticeship varied widely across construction trades and master artisans. Batching was eyeballed instead of being measured scientifically resulting in insufficient cement to the aggregate ratio in cement blocks, concrete and mortar works. Moreover, weak cement blocks often lead to poor construction and weak buildings with rising moisture content in walls, leaking roofs, cracks and structural failures.
International Journal of Construction Supply Chain Management, 2016
Effective and efficient management of suppliers within a supply chainis an essential requirement ... more Effective and efficient management of suppliers within a supply chainis an essential requirement for improving organisational performance within construction companies. However, factors inherent within the supply chain of supplier-buyer exchanges such as culture, politics, dependence and trust may influence supplier relationship quality (SRQ). This research therefore seeks to identify the influence that these factors have upon SRQ in the Ghanaian construction industry and develop a conceptual framework that explains the interconnectivity between them. A literature review isused to develop a conceptual framework of the antecedents influencing supplier relationship quality. Primary ‘perception’ data obtained from 152 building material suppliers is used to test the proposed model using Partial Least Squares (PLS). Findings reveal that culture, politics, dependence and trust have a significant influence on relationship quality in supply chain collaborations amongst purchasers and suppli...
This study, which was part of a large study, empirically examinesthe importance students attach t... more This study, which was part of a large study, empirically examinesthe importance students attach to different dimensions of Student Accommodation Quality (SAQ) delivered by Student Accommodation Providers (SAP) in two tertiary (higher education) institutions in Ghana. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that used a structured questionnaire administered to 700 tertiary students in residential and non-residential accommodation. The survey yielded a usable 66.6% response rate for analysis. The findings indicate that utility facility quality is the most important SAQ dimension to the students, followed by the overall impression of hostel, security, physical environment, toilet, distance to lecture, bedroom, bath room, accommodation fee, among others. Moreover, it was found that kitchen facility, access to transport and entertainment facility are less important SAQ items while the least important is garage facility. Few differences were found in the priority for SAQ items between COLTEK and K-Poly respondents and between residential and non-residential respondents. Implications for theory and recommendations to management of the two higher education institutions and SAP have been discussed. The study contributes to the body of knowledge in student affairs and managing student accommodation quality in higher education.
This paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining student accommodation quality (S... more This paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining student accommodation quality (SAQ) in two public tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional survey that involved a convenient sample of 700 tertiary students from College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba, and Kumasi Polytechnic (K-Poly). A self administered structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents in a survey that resulted in a 66.6% response rate for analysis. The findings indicate that SAQ items that received unfavourable rating include: bath room, access to transport, toilet, security, kitchen, entertainment, reading room, accommodation fees and searching cost. Moreover, it was found that students at COLTEK seem to be better in terms of SAQ in core facility, while those at K-Poly seem to be better in terms of accommodation cost, and some facilitating and support facilities. The results show that residential SAQ seems to be bett...
International Journal of Business and Economics Research, 2014
The paper empirically assesses the impact of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling ... more The paper empirically assesses the impact of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) training on academic staff's intentions to adopt PLS-SEM software in their future research work. Our original contribution to knowledge is the application of the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) to study faculty intention to adopt SEM data analysis software in an under-researched context of developing country Higher Institution of Learning (HIL). Building upon the TAM, we developed a research model that conceptualises PLS-SEM training as an external variable that affects the technology adoption process. The research model was tested using data from 34 faculty members who fully participated in a PLS-SEM training workshop at the
The researchers developed an instrument for measuring student housing quality (SHQ) in Higher Ins... more The researchers developed an instrument for measuring student housing quality (SHQ) in Higher Institutions of Learning (HIL) in Ghana. The paper sought to validate the student housing quality scale (SHOQUAL) through factor analysis approach. 700 respondents were sampled from two public HIL in Ghana in a cross-sectional survey that used a self-administered structured questionnaire for data collection. Confirmatory factor fnalysis (CFA) was conducted to detect the underlying latent variables that significantly determine SHQ in Ghanaian HIL. The findings indicate that four emerged SHQ dimensions relevant to the research context were labelled as follows: core facility quality, enabling facility quality, support facility quality, and cost of housing. The constructs in the derived model possess high reliability and validity. Student housing service providers could conveniently use the derived instrument items for measuring SHQ in HIL. Implications are discussed and limitations are noted. ...
This study sought to explore the challenges and barriers facing Small and Medium Construction Fir... more This study sought to explore the challenges and barriers facing Small and Medium Construction Firms (SMCFs) in Ghana in their quest to access finance from financial institutions for their business purposes. This study was a cross-sectional survey that used semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from the sample. 50 questionnaires were distributed to construction firms in Kumasi and Accra Metropolis through a convenience sampling technique. The findings are that the key challenges that make it difficult for SMCFs to access finance include policy regulation, inadequate financial infrastructure, stringent collateral security requirement, and lack of institutional capacity of SMCF sector. The key barriers identified include informational barriers, lack of managerial skills with SMCFs. Limitations of the study have been noted and recommendations for developing innovative approaches to making finance accessible to SMCFs in Ghana have been discussed. The study contributes to the body...
This study explores and assesses the concept and practice of construction audits in Ghana. Many c... more This study explores and assesses the concept and practice of construction audits in Ghana. Many construction and engineering projects, either publicly or privately funded in both developed and developing countries are faced with an increase in bad procurement practices, financial fraud and corruption, design inadequacies, poor quality of work, lack of value for money, poor project inception and delivery challenges resulting in client dissatisfaction in the construction industry. The above is as a result of lack of recognition for the importance of construction audits and its practices as part of construction project management function, particularly in Ghana's construction industry. The paper adopts a broader review of extant literature on the different concepts and views on construction audits in the in the context of a developing country. These concepts are unified into a framework that enhances our understanding of the perceived sophisticated construction audits with a focus on Ghana. The paper identified lack of knowledge, political and financial constraints, lack of commitment on the part of construction professionals towards construction audits practices, lack of skilled and professional technical auditors, lack of public awareness and institutional acceptance, lack of government and legislative support as the emerging precincts affecting construction audits and its practice. It concludes that construction audits functions as an essential construction project control tool and its practice require a broader understanding among stakeholders in the industry. Ghana's construction industry is one of the few industries that need to embrace value for money principles in construction project delivery. By summarising and analysing construction audits and its practice, the paper present a set of factors militating against the practice. These are useful to government, professional bodies and practitioners within the construction industry.
Estimation of biogas and methane yields in an UASB treating potato starch processing wastewater w... more Estimation of biogas and methane yields in an UASB treating potato starch processing wastewater with backpropagation artificial neural network, Bioresource Technology (2016), doi: http://dx.
Housing Microfinance (HMF) is becoming an increasingly attractive and innovative source of low-in... more Housing Microfinance (HMF) is becoming an increasingly attractive and innovative source of low-income housing finance for Low-income households (LIHs) in developing countries to meet their housing needs. Many countries in the developing world such as India, Bangladesh among others are developing housing finance policies that recognised the role and importance of such innovative mechanisms. However, in the case of Ghana, despite the over 2,234 Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) spread over the country, few are into lending for housing activities. This paper assessed the role of HMF in the low-income housing market. The paper relied on extant literature and realised that HMF could play a fundamental role in solving the low-income housing challenge faced by many LIHs in Ghana. The paper concludes that HMF could help LIHs to regularise land tenure, acquire building materials and tools, acquire building designs and skills development, housing infrastructure delivery, finance new and home improvements, improve low-income housing governance and encourage community partnerships and development. The paper made some valuable suggestions to overcome the barriers and challenges associated with HMF delivery in Ghana.
This paper explored the antecedents and the role of local artisans in Spatial Planning (SP) activ... more This paper explored the antecedents and the role of local artisans in Spatial Planning (SP) activities in Ghana. The paper was based on the results of an inspection of 5896 already built houses at Mepe in the Volta Region of Ghana. A mixed method research approach was used to gather the data through snowball non-probability sampling technique. It enabled the researchers to identify 100 local artisans. Survey questionnaires were used, which was followed by structured interviews with five (5) elders who lived in the town for over 65 years. The results showed that the early houses were built on community lands with mud and thatch clustered with narrow and un-named alleys. Property owners heavily depended on local artisans for professional guidance, although some artisans were ill-trained and unaware of existing government SP regulations. The study was limited to artisans who practiced at the local community level. The findings showed that many local artisans were poorly trained, resulting in poor workmanship and non-compliance with local planning regulations. The paper recommends the integration of SP into the artisanal curricula at both local and national levels to improve their skills.
Effective and efficient management of suppliers within a supply chain is an essential requirement... more Effective and efficient management of suppliers within a supply chain is an essential requirement for improving organisational performance within construction companies. However, factors inherent within the supply chain of supplier-buyer exchanges such as culture, politics, dependence and trust may influence supplier relationship quality (SRQ). This research therefore seeks to identify the influence that these factors have upon SRQ in the Ghanaian construction industry and develop a conceptual framework that explains the interconnectivity between them. A literature review is used to develop a conceptual framework of the antecedents influencing supplier relationship quality. Primary 'perception' data obtained from 152 building material suppliers is used to test the proposed model using Partial Least Squares (PLS). Findings reveal that culture, politics, dependence and trust have a significant influence on relationship quality in supply chain collaborations amongst purchasers and suppliers of building materials. While politics has a strong influence on dependence, it also generates a negative influence on SRQ and trust. The research confirms the positive effect of trust and dependence in SRQ management and extends understanding of the influence of culture and politics. Practical implications suggest that managers of building material suppliers should focus upon building trust and dependence and be discouraged from over-reliance upon politics and political affiliations as a basis for long-term relationship building.
A huge numbers of recently-built residential buildings in Libya provide a poor quality indoor env... more A huge numbers of recently-built residential buildings in Libya provide a poor quality indoor environment which requires a large amount of energy to provide not only comfortable indoor environment but run the air conditioning. Also, the use of energy in buildings is becoming a major contributor to both air pollution and climate change. Improving the energy efficiency, reducing the energy consumption, securing thermal comfort in residential buildings through the application of bioclimatic design principles is a very critical factor. A domestic building in Libya was studied with a view of reducing its energy consumption. The study included detailed monitoring which was followed by a computer simulation with a wider range of intervention strategies. The use of appropriate orientation, materials and building configuration which would offer suitable solutions to the energy and environmental problems in hot arid countries are recommended.
ABSTRACT
his paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining
student accommodation qu... more ABSTRACT his paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining student accommodation quality (SAQ) in two public tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional survey that involved a convenient sample of 700 tertiary students from College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba, and Kumasi Polytechnic (K-Poly). A selfadministered structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents in a survey that resulted in a 66.6% response rate for analysis. The findings indicate that SAQ items that received unfavourable rating include: bath room, access to transport, toilet, security, kitchen, entertainment, reading room, accommodation fees and searching cost. Moreover, it was found that students at COLTEK seem to be better in terms of SAQ in core facility, while those at K-Poly seem to be better in terms of accommodation cost, and some facilitating and support facilities. The results show that residential SAQ seems to be better than non-residential in terms of the distance to lecture and entertainment, while non-residential SAQ appears to better n areas such as overall quality, enjoying accommodation and core facilities. Recommendations and implications for management of higher education and student accommodation developers have been discussed. The paper contributes to the literature in the area of management of student accommodation and housing in tertiary education.
The researchers developed an instrument for measuring student housing quality (SHQ) in Higher Ins... more The researchers developed an instrument for measuring student housing quality (SHQ) in Higher Institutions of Learning (HIL) in Ghana. The paper sought to validate the student housing quality scale (SHOQUAL) through factor analysis approach. 700 respondents were sampled from two public HIL in Ghana in a cross-sectional survey that used a self-administered structured questionnaire for data collection. Confirmatory factor fnalysis (CFA) was conducted to detect the underlying latent variables that significantly determine SHQ in Ghanaian HIL. The findings indicate that four emerged SHQ dimensions relevant to the research context were labelled as follows: core facility quality, enabling facility quality, support facility quality, and cost of housing. The constructs in the derived model possess high reliability and validity. Student housing service providers could conveniently use the derived instrument items for measuring SHQ in HIL. Implications are discussed and limitations are noted. The paper contributes to the literature in the areas of models of service quality in student housing management in HIL.
It is onerous for low-and middle-income earners in most developing economies to satisfy the five ... more It is onerous for low-and middle-income earners in most developing economies to satisfy the five (5) Cs lending criteria: character, capacity, capital, collateral and conditions. Consequently, about 80% -90% of Ghanaians cannot afford a mortgage to purchase the cheapest developer-built unit. Key to the affordability problem is inadequate sources of long-term funds and the high cost of the available formal housing financing sources; i.e. mortgage. The concept of pension housing financing in South Africa provides evidence as a potential innovative solution to the above challenges in Ghana. Hence, through a review of extant literature based on axiological philosophy argues for the similar use of pension assets for 'direct' mortgage and micro housing financing in Ghana. In theory, pension loans and pension-secured loans could provide a better asset-liability matching for housing financing based on the Preferred Habitats Hypothesis; a potential solution to the long-term scarcity of mortgage funds, maturity gap problem and liquidity risk, which currently accounts partly for the substantial risk premiums on mortgage loans. Thus, eighty-five (85%) of SSNIT members have about 25-30 years to retirement. The paper starts a debate for the implementation of section 103 (2) of the National Pensions Act of Ghana, 2008 (Act 776), which provides the legal impetus for the collateralization of pension benefits as security in replacement of the adverse traditional brick and mortar collateral regime in accessing mortgage finance. Future studies could identify ways by which section 103 (2) could be implemented. Prior to that, testing the proposed hypotheses is vital.
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Papers by F.K Bondinuba
Also, the use of energy in buildings is becoming a major contributor to both air pollution and climate change. Improving
the energy efficiency, reducing the energy consumption, securing thermal comfort in residential buildings through the application of bioclimatic design principles is a very critical factor. A domestic building in Libya was studied with a view of reducing its energy consumption. The study included detailed monitoring which was followed by a computer simulation with a wider range of intervention strategies. The use of appropriate orientation, materials and building configuration which would offer suitable solutions to the energy and environmental problems in hot arid countries are recommended.
his paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining
student accommodation quality (SAQ) in two public tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional survey that involved a convenient sample of 700 tertiary students from College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba, and Kumasi Polytechnic (K-Poly). A selfadministered structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents in a survey that resulted in a 66.6% response rate for analysis. The findings indicate that SAQ items that received unfavourable rating include: bath room, access to transport, toilet, security, kitchen, entertainment, reading room, accommodation fees and searching cost. Moreover, it was found that students at COLTEK
seem to be better in terms of SAQ in core facility, while those at K-Poly seem to be better in terms of accommodation cost, and some facilitating and support facilities. The results show that residential SAQ seems to be better than non-residential in terms of the distance to lecture and entertainment, while non-residential SAQ appears to better n areas such as overall quality, enjoying accommodation and core facilities. Recommendations and implications for management of higher
education and student accommodation developers have been discussed. The paper contributes to the literature in the area of management of student accommodation and housing in tertiary education.
Also, the use of energy in buildings is becoming a major contributor to both air pollution and climate change. Improving
the energy efficiency, reducing the energy consumption, securing thermal comfort in residential buildings through the application of bioclimatic design principles is a very critical factor. A domestic building in Libya was studied with a view of reducing its energy consumption. The study included detailed monitoring which was followed by a computer simulation with a wider range of intervention strategies. The use of appropriate orientation, materials and building configuration which would offer suitable solutions to the energy and environmental problems in hot arid countries are recommended.
his paper, which was part of a larger study, aimed at examining
student accommodation quality (SAQ) in two public tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional survey that involved a convenient sample of 700 tertiary students from College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba, and Kumasi Polytechnic (K-Poly). A selfadministered structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents in a survey that resulted in a 66.6% response rate for analysis. The findings indicate that SAQ items that received unfavourable rating include: bath room, access to transport, toilet, security, kitchen, entertainment, reading room, accommodation fees and searching cost. Moreover, it was found that students at COLTEK
seem to be better in terms of SAQ in core facility, while those at K-Poly seem to be better in terms of accommodation cost, and some facilitating and support facilities. The results show that residential SAQ seems to be better than non-residential in terms of the distance to lecture and entertainment, while non-residential SAQ appears to better n areas such as overall quality, enjoying accommodation and core facilities. Recommendations and implications for management of higher
education and student accommodation developers have been discussed. The paper contributes to the literature in the area of management of student accommodation and housing in tertiary education.