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THE FACTORS THAT CAUSE DISPUTES, VARIATIONS AND DELAY WITHIN THE UAE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
No full textDisputes and differences are prevalent in the UAE construction industry, delaying the completion of building projects. The study concludes that it is unusual, rather than expected, for there to be a clear and systematic method for identifying the fundamental causes of things such as conflicts and delays-causing modifications.
This study aims to categorize and rank the most important reasons of disputes and various delays in construction in order to identify the root causes of delays; and to suggest solutions to minimize the delays and their impact on the parties involved in the construction project.
Following a comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire for a detailed survey and interviews was developed to identify the root causes of the factors of controversies, disputes, and variations that lead to delays in order to rank the factors influencing such delays according to their severity, probability, and impact. In addition, after identifying and categorizing the causes of disputes, variations, and delays, the causes were divided into nine major groups: Consultant Allied Factors (FACONS), Contractor Allied Factors (FACONT), Design Allied Factors (FADG), Equipment Allied Factors (FAEQ), External Allied Factors (FAEX), Labor Allied Factors (FALB), Materials Allied Factors (FAMT), and Client/Owner Allied Factors (FAPT).
The general result of the research is that financial concerns, as well as the failure of joint venture and subcontract management, play a key part in the UAE construction industry's project delays. The customer will monitor how the general contractor pays his subcontractors and suppliers, as well as any other issues that delay the project's completion.
The Client must evaluate the Contractor's technical and financial capabilities to ensure that the collaborative project is completed on time so that they can start to realize the benefits of their investment, they must plan the project's schedule in light of their financial resources and create an effective financial plan for the prompt payment of qualified and deserving vendors and other stakeholders
An investigation into the impact of COVID-19 on school leadership in Dubai
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic was a historic global event, which impacted the education sector at all levels and directly affected more than 90% of students around the world (Al Darayseh 2020; UNESCO 2020 in Flack et al. 2021). Within the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the 8th of March 2020, every single school in Dubai was mandated to close by the government, and all pedagogical practices transitioned to an online, virtual environment (Abdelaziz & Elsheikh 2022). School leaders were caught in these chaotic circumstances and their leadership roles were increased exponentially as they were required to adapt school policies, protocols, and procedures in order to provide a safe, compliant, and satisfactory educational experience for their students (Harris & Jones 2020; Masoud & Bohra 2020 in Moussa 2021). In an attempt to gain an insight into their experiences, the aim of this small-scale research project was to explore the challenges that principals have encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic and the solutions they made to overcome these challenges. This was deemed significant because authors such as Alfalasi et al (2021) highlight the fact that very little research has been conducted specifically about this topic in Dubai, UAE; and the findings could be informative for future educational leaders in the region. In order to collect meaningful data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with school principals (Cohen, Manion & Morrison 2017); their responses were transcribed, and a thematic analysis of their comments led to several key findings, which are presented and discussed in this paper
Investigation of Indoor Particulate Matter (PM) Level in Office Buildings in the UAE
No full textThe air around us is a mixture of many elements from different states. The particulate matters are suspended particles in the air, which are in liquid or solid state. These particulate matters have a major impact on human health. Due to their size, they can be inhaled and penetrate through the respiratory system, causing allergies, diseases or in extreme cases, it can cause death.
This study focuses on investigating the concentration of indoor particulate matter in office buildings in the United Arab Emirates. Two offices in Dubai, the heart of the industrial hub, had been selected for the study. An online questionnaire had been distributed to the office workers, to collect information about the space. Participants from office A had shown some symptoms of difficulty in concentration, running nose, burning of eyes, dizziness, and difficulty in sleeping. Whereas in office B, the results of the questionnaire had indicated a rise in the symptoms experienced than in office A. The PM concentration had been measured at morning, noon and afternoon for each office, for two consecutive days. These results were compared with the international standard levels set by the World Health Organization. In office A, the PM2.5 concentration were 4.292 µg/m3 (morning), 4.690 µg/m3 (noon) and 3.735 µg/m3 (evening). Whereas in office B, the PM2.5 concentration were 82.619 µg/m3 (morning), 75.634 µg/m3 (noon) and 56.851 µg/m3 (evening). Unlike office B, office A were within the recommended 24-hour air quality guideline (AQG) level stated by the WHO for PM2.5 which is 15 µg/m3. For PM10 concentration in office A, it was 32.78 µg/m3 (morning), 19.71 µg/m3 (noon) and 8.63 µg/m3 (evening). While in office B, the PM10 concentration were 133.083 µg/m3 (morning), 100.661 µg/m3 (noon) and 59.490 µg/m3 (evening). Based on the results, PM10 concentration in office A were within the recommended 24-hour AQG level for PM10 which is 45 µg/m3. There were many factors that had led the PM concentration in office B to be high, including the office building being located in an industrial district and the use of split system air conditioning which cools only the air without exhausting the air pollutants in the space. The author had further investigated the particle count emitted by the common sources of air pollutants in an office space, which are the human and the computer. Based on the measurements and calculations, the PM2.5 particle count emitted by the human is 35 particles per minute as an approximate. While for the computer, a total of 10 particles of PM2.5 is emitted per minute. For particles which are larger in size (PM10) they were emitted by the human with a total of 1 particle per 2 minutes and 18 seconds
فعالية تعديل المناهج وتقديمها باستخدام المنصات الالكترونيه
No full textIn the past two years, since the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual classes have been one of the primarily used methods in curriculum delivery. Consequently, educators had to make the necessary changes to the curriculum to suit the new dominant method of delivery. With this rise of online learning, more investigated questions arise about the pedagogical efficiency and practicality of educational online platforms and applications. Therefore, this paper aims to focus on the challenges educators and learners face in curriculum modification in virtual classes and its effectiveness in improving the standard of education and enhancing learners’ interaction. To collect contextualized and relevant data the researcher conducted a questionnaire and interviews with teachers and students who use online platforms such as Teams, Zoom, Nearpod, Kahoot, etc in their teaching and learning to investigate the area of study. The results serve to inform stakeholders and educators about the challenges faced when modifying curriculum to suit virtual classes as the main method of delivery. Hence update, modify and reconstruct these platforms about best practices and online teaching and learning theories. The challenges will be described, examples will be given, and potential solutions will be suggested. Although numerous researches have commonly investigated the benefits and challenges of virtual learning, fewer researchers have addressed the connection between virtual classes and curriculum modification and delivery. Nevertheless, the next decade is likely to witness a considerable rise in research on how to modify the curriculum for virtual classes. The author starts this paper with an overview, then a discussion of literary theories that can be correlated to the present curriculum modification in virtual classes. The next section highlights the implication of modifying the curriculum for virtual classes and how it affects the teaching and learning experience. It will also outline some examples of curriculum modification for virtual classes. Finally, it will present the data collection method, participants, research limitations, and findings.
Keywords: Virtual Classes, distance learning, e-learning platforms, curriculum modification, curricula deliver
Numerical Evaluation of Pre-Damaged Beam Using Recycled Concrete Aggregate Strengthened by FRP Sheets
No full textFiber reinforced polymer (FRP) has been increasingly used nowadays as an effective rehabilitation method in buildings due to structural flaws and aging of building structures, therefore it is an effective method to repair beams, columns, slabs.
The research is conducting numerical evaluation to know the behavior of recycled reinforced concrete (RCA) beam samples, in addition to normal weigh aggregate (NWA) beam as control sample with no shear reinforcement, when strengthened by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The purpose of having this kind of research is trying to predict the effect of strengthening RCA reinforced beam samples with CFRP without shear reinforcement on deflection and damage mode types (Shear- Moment). As a result, four numerical models will be investigated, two models of RCA and two models as NWA (Control Samples) beams un-strengthened and strengthened with CFRP-U wrapping. The behaviour of strengthening the reinforced concrete beam with RCA without shear reinforcement, has been studied using three main parameters. The first parameter is type of loading, loads ranges from 81.7-130.9 KN for static and dynamic load. The second parameter is type of FRP carbon fiber, which has been used “Master Brace FIB 600/50 CFS” types. The third parameter is the concrete strength with different strengths varies from 64.5-77.00 MPa. All parameters mentioned above have been considered carefully in the numerical analysis of FRP strengthened the RCA beam samples.
The (RCA) beam type has been modelled in two models, one with 0.75% (5D) steel fibers in self consolidating concrete matrix (SCC) and the other without it, but both models using with 100 % coarse recycled aggregate (RCA), while (NWA) beam types has been modelled without steel fibers with compressive strength 70.50 MPa and loads ranges from 120.1-130.1 KN. The advantages of using SCC and steel fibers are to enhance shear capacity by achieving the best performance of structure integrity. Moreover, ductility and post-cracking of RCA beam will be improved. The analytical model cross section of the beam is 200mm depth, 150mm width and 1600mm length with three 12mm bars diameters as bottom reinforcement and for more additional checking, it has been added two 12mm as top reinforcement for the cross section, all rebars having length of 1540mm. On other hand, the longitudinal percentage of reinforcement ρ(As/bd)=1.4% , which has been selected to warranty the shear failure. In other words, along beam no shear steel rebars has been used; although, three closed stirrups rebars with 10mm diameter used at locations along 300mm distances from supports to prevent the concertation of stress and to be steel rebars hangers as well.
The research demonstrates the load path with distribution of stress/strain and defection through both models under different values and types of loads using FE software which represents in (ANSYS Workbench). The results illustrate that the 3D modelling shows some differences in deflection values between RCA by and NWA samples when strengthened or strengthened by CFRP laminates and when used compression rebars as well, while no differences have been found in shear loads values under different types of experimental loadings. In addition, 3D-FE model (ANSYS Workbench) illustrates type and location of failure which confirms that where retrofitting is needed. The normal numerical analysis and strengthening calculations has been done as per ACI 318-19& ACI 440-17 standards by using (MIDAS Gen and MIDAS design plus) and compared to experimental results. All in all, numerical evaluations using FE software illustrated good prediction of stress, load path and failures specially shear failure of recycled concrete aggregate reinforced beam strengthened by external bonded CFRP laminates, in addition to identical strengthening calculations as per ACI 318-19 and ACI 440-17R
Investigating High School Science Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices of Science Virtual Laboratories in American Schools in Ajman, UAE
No full textDespite the positive impact of the virtual lab experimentation, the teachers are not using labs for scientific experiments and investigations effectively in quality and quantity. Even the virtual labs applications are not used regularly or effectively. Thus, this research study aimed at investigating high school science teachers’ perceptions and practices of science virtual laboratories in private schools following US curriculum in the emirate of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates. A mixed method approach was employed to collect qualitative and quantitative data via valid and reliable questionnaire. The study targeted a group of high school science teachers of grades 9-12, teaching biology, chemistry and physics in three American curriculum schools based in Ajman-UAE. Four research questions were crafted to guide the study and achieve the purpose of the study. The research problem stemmed from the acknowledgement of insufficient practical integration of virtual lab in science instruction. The results of the study found out that teachers had adequate knowledge of virtual laboratories; teachers agreed on what they needed to improve their own practices and assured the success of using virtual laboratories in high school science lessons, and schools are required to provide students with sufficient resources. Besides teachers stated that they did not receive appropriate training on how to use and conduct virtual laboratories. Despite the limitations of the current study, its significance lies in being a stepping-stone to start conversations on the matter at hand and motivate further investigation into the effectiveness and methods of integrating virtual laboratories in science classes as a whole.
Keywords: virtual lab, Science teachers, perception, practice
ASSESMENT OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS DETERIORATED IN SEMI ARID ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
No full textDeterioration of concrete is a prominent occurrence that happens due to several factors surrounding a structure making the place inhabitable with a risk to life and property. These factors and the impact of deterioration depend upon the surrounding environmental conditions of the structure and vary for different geographical locations. The deterioration of concrete in a structure if assessed properly can be stopped from propagating further and economical solutions can be proposed to rehabilitate the structure. This dissertation aims to find the most prominent type of deterioration using different testing methods in semi-arid environmental conditions like the United Arab Emirates. It further aims to assess the data retrieved by statistical analysis to find its effect on the structural elements, such as the slabs, column and beams. The statistical assessment of the data provides significant information about the deterioration and its effect on the structural elements. Furthermore, the dissertation progresses by investigating the effect of deterioration on the design forces by modelling a structure with the acquired data from the site and comparing it with a non-deteriorated structural model of the same. Analysing the design forces helps to assess the effect of deterioration on various structural elements. Moreover, the dissertation also portrays the effect of deterioration on the most effected structural element which are the columns and asses the loss in capacity due to deterioration. The assessment and the interpretation using statistical analysis and modelling of the structure along with design helps to understand the effect of deterioration on structural elements in semi-arid environmental conditions
Envisioning Workforce Agility Through Embracing A Dynamic Capabilities Model
No full textThis empirical research study investigates how dynamic talent management capabilities as a strategic asset contribute to employee agility as a necessary organizational outcome. Through the mediating effects of absorptive capacity and strategic agility as robust dynamic capabilities, under the moderation effect of adaptive organizational culture. The research context is knowledge workers, which has not been a very popular research context in relation to the examined constructs compared to information technology companies, including Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (Ajgaonkar, Neelam & Wieman, 2022) and manufacturing (Gunasekaran, 1999). The finding is based on a deductive quantitative research design using a positivist approach and a cross-sectional survey collected from knowledge workers holding managerial roles working within the UAE with a sample size of 406 at a 95% confidence interval. The data was analyzed through a covariance-based approach to structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) using IBM SPSS-AMOS version 26. The finding indicates a statistically significant positive relationship between dynamic talent management capabilities and employee agility, both direct and sequential, through the mediating effect of absorptive capacity and strategic agility. Unlike the traditional human resources practices that were widely accepted, it hardly leads to a direct impact on organizational performance
Arbitral Awards
No full textThe Objective of this dissertation is to provide further understanding of arbitral awards in general, to analyze when and why such awards are rendered and the possible consequences of rendering such awards, this study will also assist in avoidance of pitfalls by providing actual previous cases and court judgments, it will also provide guidance on matters to be considered prior issuance of the different categories of awards such as awards’ enforceability and annulment under the New York Convention of 1958 (NYC), United Arab Emirates Arbitration Law and the view of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration of 1985. In this Dissertation I have followed the doctrinal research mythology and found out that the Arbitrator task to issue an arbitral award of any type shall be carefully analyzed, whether it is a partial award or a settlement award or others, a considerable effort shall be put to examine thoroughly case-by-case parameters including but not limited to the well of the parties, the seat law and case precedent
Exploring Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure in the UAE Islamic Banks: A Comparative Study
No full textAbstract
This study aims to explore the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of Islamic banks in the United Arab Emirates. Many researches have been conducted in the area of CSR disclosure of Islamic banks all over the world with varying findings. Some studies targeted the Islamic banks in the GCC region but not many have addressed the UAE Islamic banks in particular. This gap is what this study is aiming to fill. A benchmark based on AAOIFI disclosure standards is used to gather CSR disclosure data from the annual reports and sustainability reports of sample UAE Islamic banks for 2020. This data is then compared with CSR disclosure of a best practices Islamic bank in the Middle East, also gathered from its 2020 annual and sustainability reports and entered into the same benchmark. It became evident that there are discrepancies between the best practices bank and the UAE banks in both the extent and depth of CSR disclosure including major AAOIFI standards.
تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى استكشاف حدود المسؤولية الاجتماعية للشركات (CSR) عندالمصارف الإسلامية في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. لقد تم في الماضي إجراء العديد من الأبحاث في مجال الإفصاح عن المسؤولية الاجتماعية للشركات للبنوك الإسلامية في جميع أنحاء العالم مع نتائج متباينة. وقد استهدفت بعض الدراسات البنوك الإسلامية في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي ، لكن لم يخاطب الكثير منها البنوك الإسلامية الإماراتية على وجه الخصوص. هذه الدراسة تهدف سدهذه الفجوة بالتحديد.في هذه الدراسة يتم استخدام مقاييس تستند إلى معايير الافصاح لدى هيئة المحاسبة والمراجعة للمؤسسات الماليةالإسلامي(AAOIFI) لقد تم جمع بيانات الإفصاح عن المسؤولية الاجتماعية للشركات من التقارير السنوية وتقارير الاستدامة لعينة من البنوك الإسلامية الإماراتية لعام 2020. ثم تتم مقارنة هذه البيانات بالإفصاح عن المسؤولية الاجتماعية للشركات لأفضل بنك إسلامي في الممارسات في الشرق الأوسط ، والتي تم جمعها أيضًا من التقارير السنوية والاستدامة لعام 2020 وإدخالها في نفس المعيار. كشفت هذه الدراسة انه من الواضح أن هناك تناقضات بين أفضل الممارسات المصرفية لدى البنوك الإماراتية الأسلامية في كل من مدى وعمق الإفصاح عن المسؤولية الاجتماعية بما في ذلك معايير هيئة المحاسبة والمراجعة للمؤسسات المالية الإسلامية الرئيسية