American Journal of Civil Engineering, Jan 17, 2024
Sustainable measures for effectively maintaining buildings have become essential to sustainable b... more Sustainable measures for effectively maintaining buildings have become essential to sustainable building development with the growing influx of building portfolios worldwide. This is so, considering building maintenance problems have become a global menace. It has been ascertained that improving building maintenance operations for sustainable considerations will benefit university facilities in terms of profitability, user well-being, and increased lifespan. Although studies abound on the maintenance of university buildings in Nigeria, its barriers, and the factors affecting it, very few studies have touched on the solutions to maintenance problems and the measures to improve the maintenance management of these buildings. Therefore, this paper presents the findings from assessing the measures to improve the maintenance of buildings in six selected higher education institutions in the country. The study embraced a quantitative approach, and data were gathered from maintenance managers, supervisors, and technicians working in the Works Departments of the selected public institutions. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentile and factor analysis. Findings revealed that human, materials resources, and policy improvement measures, computerized approach to management, assessment, and feedback mechanism measures, less sabotage and quick response measures, and improved funding, design, and construction measures are the most viable measures to improve building maintenance in these universities.
Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction
A critical factor in the economic growth of any nation is its infrastructural development. For mo... more A critical factor in the economic growth of any nation is its infrastructural development. For most developing countries, such as South Africa, the infrastructural deficit has been experienced over the years mainly due to low gross domestic savings. A viable tool in shoring up for the shortfalls of infrastructural investment is the private finance initiative (PFI), as it makes provision for private sector financing of construction projects. On this basis, this study seeks to assess the drivers of PFIs in the South African construction industry. Using a quantitative approach, the study elicited data from relevant stakeholders in the built environment. Retrieved data were subjected to data analysis methods such as mean item score, Kruskal Wallis h-test, and SNK post-hoc test. The analysis findings show that the most significant propelling measure for PFIs in the South African construction industry is overcoming public sector budget constraints, timely project completion, and improved ...
Purpose The importance of robotics and automation (R&A) in delivering a safe built environment ca... more Purpose The importance of robotics and automation (R&A) in delivering a safe built environment cannot be overemphasised. This is because R&A systems can execute a hazardous job function that the construction workforce may not execute. Based on this knowledge, this study aims to present the result of an assessment of the impediments to the deployment of R&A for a safe and healthy construction environment. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a post-positivist philosophical stance, using a quantitative research approach and a questionnaire administered to construction professionals in South Africa. The data gathered were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean item score, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, exploratory factor analysis and partial least square structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings This study revealed that the impediments to the deployment of R&A could be grouped into: industry, technology, human and cost-related factors. However, SEM assessment showed that only...
2021 International Conference on Advanced Enterprise Information System (AEIS), 2021
The construction industry carries out the delivery of sustainable buildings in every nation. The ... more The construction industry carries out the delivery of sustainable buildings in every nation. The adoption of industrialized building systems (IBS) has contributed to high quality, efficient buildings and improved health and safety practices in the construction industry. This study investigates the benefits of adopting IBS in the South African construction industry (SACI). The data for the study was acquired from respondents in the SACI using a quantitative research approach. Data was analyzed using mean item score, standard deviation, and factor analysis. The findings revealed that the most significant benefits of IBS adoption are waste reduction, optimized usage of materials, less labour and fewer disputes on site, saving in labor costs, and environmentally friendly. Due to the high cost of construction projects and shortage of skilled personnel to carry out construction works, there is a need to adopt IBS as a tool that will reduce the cost of production, promote efficiency and reduce the over-reliance on skilled personnel for the delivery of construction projects. This study contributes to the knowledge of construction delivery in South Africa through IBS. This use of IBSI encourage speedy delivery of quality construction projects and add value to the economic landscape of the region
Collaboration and Integration in Construction, Engineering, Management and Technology, 2020
Infrastructure plays a dominant role in structuring and positioning every nation's economy and so... more Infrastructure plays a dominant role in structuring and positioning every nation's economy and social development. Infrastructure financing is the blueprint in achieving infrastructure development in developing and developed countries. This research project determines the current sources of financing infrastructure in developing countries. The study adopted a quantitative research approach with data gathered from the respondents within power infrastructure development in the region. The findings revealed current sources of financing power infrastructure in developing countries to be commercial bank loans, public finance, private finance, power utility fees, publicprivate partnership, and foreign direct investment. These were seen as current sources of financing power infrastructure in developing countries. Having established that no society can develop without adequate investment in the power infrastructure sector, there is a call for adequate investment in the power infrastructure to foster and re-integrate developing countries in the path of economic development and global relevance. If the central government can direct adequate finance and harness the current sources available to develop power infrastructure in their society, it will ultimately lead to enormous economic growth and social development in the region. This research project will contribute to the development of public infrastructure in developing countries, which will directly influence the development of power infrastructure in the region for the purpose of economic relevance and improvement of lives in the society.
In a quest for the safe and sustainable delivery of built environment projects in South Africa, t... more In a quest for the safe and sustainable delivery of built environment projects in South Africa, this study explored intelligent wearable technologies (IWTs). A post-positivism philosophical stance was adopted by surveying 165 built environment experts. The technology-organisation-environment (T-O-E) framework was also employed in understanding the critical factors influencing the use of IWTs in the study area. Data analyses used mean scores, the Kruskal-Wallis H-test, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM) with appropriate model fit indices. It was found that, albeit at a slow pace, IWTs such as smart safety vests embedded with indoor GPS/sensors, smartwatches, and smart safety helmets are gradually gaining popularity within the South African built environment. SEM revealed that while all the assessed T-O-E factors are important to the increased use of IWTs within the study area, the environment-and technology-related factors will significantly impact how individuals and organisations use these beneficial wearable technologies. This study contributes to the existing discourse on intelligent technologies for the safety of the built environment workforce from the South African perspective, where such studies have received less attention.
2021 The 11th International Conference on Information Communication and Management
The construction industry (CI) is the main driver of sustainable development (SD) and economic ex... more The construction industry (CI) is the main driver of sustainable development (SD) and economic expansion in society. Industrialized building systems (IBS) promote productivity and improves quality on construction sites. The purpose of this study is to investigate ways of improving the use of IBS in the SACI. For this study, data was collected using primary and secondary sources of data collection. The study adopted a quantitative research approach with data gathered from the respondents within SACI. The findings revealed that the most significant ways of improving IBS use in SACI are government incentives towards IBS supporting projects, specialized training for IBS contractors, and improving the educational curriculum to include IBS methods. Construction waste is a by-product of construction demolition and renovation and has caused adverse effects on the environment. Therefore, one of the way to mitigate such environmental hazards is to use IBS. This study will contribute greatly to sustainable construction delivery in South Africa, socioeconomic growth and will aid fast delivery of construction projects in terms of cost, time, and quality. Also, construction waste hazards causing harm to the environment can be reduced with the correct implementation of IBS in society. CCS CONCEPTS •Applied engineering •medium relevance
American Journal of Civil Engineering, Jan 17, 2024
Sustainable measures for effectively maintaining buildings have become essential to sustainable b... more Sustainable measures for effectively maintaining buildings have become essential to sustainable building development with the growing influx of building portfolios worldwide. This is so, considering building maintenance problems have become a global menace. It has been ascertained that improving building maintenance operations for sustainable considerations will benefit university facilities in terms of profitability, user well-being, and increased lifespan. Although studies abound on the maintenance of university buildings in Nigeria, its barriers, and the factors affecting it, very few studies have touched on the solutions to maintenance problems and the measures to improve the maintenance management of these buildings. Therefore, this paper presents the findings from assessing the measures to improve the maintenance of buildings in six selected higher education institutions in the country. The study embraced a quantitative approach, and data were gathered from maintenance managers, supervisors, and technicians working in the Works Departments of the selected public institutions. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentile and factor analysis. Findings revealed that human, materials resources, and policy improvement measures, computerized approach to management, assessment, and feedback mechanism measures, less sabotage and quick response measures, and improved funding, design, and construction measures are the most viable measures to improve building maintenance in these universities.
Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction
A critical factor in the economic growth of any nation is its infrastructural development. For mo... more A critical factor in the economic growth of any nation is its infrastructural development. For most developing countries, such as South Africa, the infrastructural deficit has been experienced over the years mainly due to low gross domestic savings. A viable tool in shoring up for the shortfalls of infrastructural investment is the private finance initiative (PFI), as it makes provision for private sector financing of construction projects. On this basis, this study seeks to assess the drivers of PFIs in the South African construction industry. Using a quantitative approach, the study elicited data from relevant stakeholders in the built environment. Retrieved data were subjected to data analysis methods such as mean item score, Kruskal Wallis h-test, and SNK post-hoc test. The analysis findings show that the most significant propelling measure for PFIs in the South African construction industry is overcoming public sector budget constraints, timely project completion, and improved ...
Purpose The importance of robotics and automation (R&A) in delivering a safe built environment ca... more Purpose The importance of robotics and automation (R&A) in delivering a safe built environment cannot be overemphasised. This is because R&A systems can execute a hazardous job function that the construction workforce may not execute. Based on this knowledge, this study aims to present the result of an assessment of the impediments to the deployment of R&A for a safe and healthy construction environment. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a post-positivist philosophical stance, using a quantitative research approach and a questionnaire administered to construction professionals in South Africa. The data gathered were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean item score, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, exploratory factor analysis and partial least square structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings This study revealed that the impediments to the deployment of R&A could be grouped into: industry, technology, human and cost-related factors. However, SEM assessment showed that only...
2021 International Conference on Advanced Enterprise Information System (AEIS), 2021
The construction industry carries out the delivery of sustainable buildings in every nation. The ... more The construction industry carries out the delivery of sustainable buildings in every nation. The adoption of industrialized building systems (IBS) has contributed to high quality, efficient buildings and improved health and safety practices in the construction industry. This study investigates the benefits of adopting IBS in the South African construction industry (SACI). The data for the study was acquired from respondents in the SACI using a quantitative research approach. Data was analyzed using mean item score, standard deviation, and factor analysis. The findings revealed that the most significant benefits of IBS adoption are waste reduction, optimized usage of materials, less labour and fewer disputes on site, saving in labor costs, and environmentally friendly. Due to the high cost of construction projects and shortage of skilled personnel to carry out construction works, there is a need to adopt IBS as a tool that will reduce the cost of production, promote efficiency and reduce the over-reliance on skilled personnel for the delivery of construction projects. This study contributes to the knowledge of construction delivery in South Africa through IBS. This use of IBSI encourage speedy delivery of quality construction projects and add value to the economic landscape of the region
Collaboration and Integration in Construction, Engineering, Management and Technology, 2020
Infrastructure plays a dominant role in structuring and positioning every nation's economy and so... more Infrastructure plays a dominant role in structuring and positioning every nation's economy and social development. Infrastructure financing is the blueprint in achieving infrastructure development in developing and developed countries. This research project determines the current sources of financing infrastructure in developing countries. The study adopted a quantitative research approach with data gathered from the respondents within power infrastructure development in the region. The findings revealed current sources of financing power infrastructure in developing countries to be commercial bank loans, public finance, private finance, power utility fees, publicprivate partnership, and foreign direct investment. These were seen as current sources of financing power infrastructure in developing countries. Having established that no society can develop without adequate investment in the power infrastructure sector, there is a call for adequate investment in the power infrastructure to foster and re-integrate developing countries in the path of economic development and global relevance. If the central government can direct adequate finance and harness the current sources available to develop power infrastructure in their society, it will ultimately lead to enormous economic growth and social development in the region. This research project will contribute to the development of public infrastructure in developing countries, which will directly influence the development of power infrastructure in the region for the purpose of economic relevance and improvement of lives in the society.
In a quest for the safe and sustainable delivery of built environment projects in South Africa, t... more In a quest for the safe and sustainable delivery of built environment projects in South Africa, this study explored intelligent wearable technologies (IWTs). A post-positivism philosophical stance was adopted by surveying 165 built environment experts. The technology-organisation-environment (T-O-E) framework was also employed in understanding the critical factors influencing the use of IWTs in the study area. Data analyses used mean scores, the Kruskal-Wallis H-test, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM) with appropriate model fit indices. It was found that, albeit at a slow pace, IWTs such as smart safety vests embedded with indoor GPS/sensors, smartwatches, and smart safety helmets are gradually gaining popularity within the South African built environment. SEM revealed that while all the assessed T-O-E factors are important to the increased use of IWTs within the study area, the environment-and technology-related factors will significantly impact how individuals and organisations use these beneficial wearable technologies. This study contributes to the existing discourse on intelligent technologies for the safety of the built environment workforce from the South African perspective, where such studies have received less attention.
2021 The 11th International Conference on Information Communication and Management
The construction industry (CI) is the main driver of sustainable development (SD) and economic ex... more The construction industry (CI) is the main driver of sustainable development (SD) and economic expansion in society. Industrialized building systems (IBS) promote productivity and improves quality on construction sites. The purpose of this study is to investigate ways of improving the use of IBS in the SACI. For this study, data was collected using primary and secondary sources of data collection. The study adopted a quantitative research approach with data gathered from the respondents within SACI. The findings revealed that the most significant ways of improving IBS use in SACI are government incentives towards IBS supporting projects, specialized training for IBS contractors, and improving the educational curriculum to include IBS methods. Construction waste is a by-product of construction demolition and renovation and has caused adverse effects on the environment. Therefore, one of the way to mitigate such environmental hazards is to use IBS. This study will contribute greatly to sustainable construction delivery in South Africa, socioeconomic growth and will aid fast delivery of construction projects in terms of cost, time, and quality. Also, construction waste hazards causing harm to the environment can be reduced with the correct implementation of IBS in society. CCS CONCEPTS •Applied engineering •medium relevance
Uploads
Papers by Ntebo Ngcobo