Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Sustainable HVAC Project Management: Strategies for Green Building Certification
No full textThe growing global focus on environmental sustainability has significantly increased the demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly building systems. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are central to a building’s energy consumption and environmental impact. This research explores sustainable HVAC project management strategies that align with green building certification standards, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and WELL. It emphasizes integrating sustainability principles into the design, installation, and operation of HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance indoor environmental quality. Through a comprehensive review of current literature, case studies, and industry best practices, this study identifies effective project management methodologies that optimize HVAC system performance while meeting green certification requirements. It explores lifecycle cost analysis, energy modelling, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the use of smart technologies, such as IoT-enabled HVAC controls, for real-time energy monitoring and efficiency optimization. The research also addresses key challenges, including budget constraints, technical complexities, and balancing energy efficiency with occupant thermal comfort. The findings present a strategic framework for project managers, engineers, and sustainability consultants to implement effective HVAC solutions that support green building certifications. This framework bridges the gap between sustainable design goals and practical execution, reinforcing HVAC project management’s vital role in promoting environmentally responsible construction practices.
Development of Quality Function Deployment Tool for Improved Customer Service in Cosmetics Manufacturing Company
No full textQuality Function Deployment (QFD) is a systematic process used to integrate customer requirements into every aspect of the production and development process. This paper examines the application of QFD in manufacturing companies, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and practical implementation strategies, using a case analysis of EBI cosmetics manufacturing firm that successfully utilized QFD to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. The study aims to develop a quality function deployment tool for improved customer service in a cosmetics manufacturing company. In line with the study objectives, a unique software application named “Cosmeticsqfd”, which is designed to receive feedback from customers of EBI Nigeria Limited was developed and used to analyze consumer responses to a set of structured survey questions in real-time, using the QFD approach which was derived from the house of quality (HOQ) matrix. The software encoding was done using JavaScript programming language, the framework for the software was developed using React Native, while Firebase Firestore, was used to carry out data synchronization of consumer responses in real-time. The results obtained from the analysis, led to a rejection of the Null hypothesis and it revealed "price" to be the main influencing factor for customer purchase, as well as consumer satisfaction. A reliability test on the survey questions and client responses, revealed a Spearman’s correlation of 0.631 and this also validated the result, as it implies the existence of a significant relationship between the factor affecting customer purchase decision, as well as their level of satisfaction. In terms of long term benefits, the developed Cosmeticsqfd software is capable of identifying technical areas of improvement in a business and is therefore recommended for use in any enterprise where quality performance is required
Optimization of Production Schedule of a Plastic Manufacturing Industry
No full textThe study focused on optimization of production schedule system an 11 litres product in a plastic manufacturing industry, a case of Millennium Industries Ltd, Awka. Optimization of plastic manufacturing scheduling is crucial in reducing cycle time, increasing efficiency, and minimizing operational costs. In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is applied to identify optimal process parameters for an injection molding line producing 11-liter plastic containers. Experimental design and multi-variable analysis are applied to identify the optimal configuration of input factors in achieving an optimized cycle time while not compromising product quality.
The input parameters that are included are Fill Time, Refill Time, Injection Unit Forward (IU FWD) Time, Gate Recycling (GAT RCY) Time, Front Close (FRT CLS) Time, Mold Parting (MLD PRT) Time, Tonnage Time, Breakaway Time, and First Open (FST OPN) Time. Experimental optimization and modeling revealed that the optimum combination of these parameters is: Fill Time is 8.072 s, Refill Time is 5.847 s, IU FWD Time is 0.245 s, GAT RCY Time is 6.457 s, FRT CLS Time is 0.790 s, MLD PRT Time is 0.551 s, Tonnage Time is 0.949 s, Breakaway Time is 0.134 s, and FST OPN Time is 1.875 s. These parameters together lowered the production cycle time to 21.721 seconds per 11-liter product an improvement of over baseline performance. The RSM model achieved strong predictive validity (R² > 0.95), thus confirming the non-linear interactions between factors. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the most critical factors affecting cycle time were Fill Time, GAT RCY Time, and Breakaway Time, followed by MLD PRT Time and FRT CLS Time as critical to avoid defects. The optimized schedule confirms that there is 22.8% reduction in cycle time from pre-optimization baselines. Resource efficiency confirms that energy consumption will reduce by −18.7% and material waste will also reduce. The present paper presents a fact-based method for plastic manufacturers to achieve leaner manufacturing, increased throughput, and improved sustainability. Future installations will add real-time IoT sensors to support dynamic schedule rearrangement in Industry 4.0 environments
UTILISATION OF TWO PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAINING IN FOSTERING ORGANISATIONAL SUCCESS AMONG SMALL SCALE BUSINESS OWNERS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA
No full textOrganisational Success (OS) is vital to the development of businesses, considered indispensable for aspiring business owners and pivotal in fostering the growth of the nation’s economy. However, literature has shown that many small-scale business owners in Ibadan have poor organisational performance. Previous studies on small-scale businesses concentrated more on areas like financial management, and operational efficiency than on intervention using psychological training. This study, therefore, was designed to determine the effects of Goal-setting Training (GST) and Relational Intelligence Training (RIT) in fostering OS among small-scale business owners in Ibadan, Nigeria. The moderating effects of Locus of Control (LoC) was examined. The Vroom’s Performance-based Expectancy theories provided the framework, while the study adopted the pretestpost-test, control group, quasi-experimental design with a 3×2 factorial matrix. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) (Akinyele, Ibadan North and Ibadan Northwest) were purposively selected based on the ample number of small-scale businesses. The cluster sampling technique was used in selecting relevant trade associations, while small business owners whose businesses were not performing optimally (adjudged by OS screening scale) were purposively sampled in the selected LGAs. The participants were randomly assigned to GST (22), RIT (21), and Control (20) groups. The instruments used were OS (α=.96) and Locus of Control (α=.83). The training lasted nine weeks. Analysis of covariance and Bonferroni Post-hoc served as analytical tools at 0.05 level of significance. There was significant main effects of training on OS (F(2; 45)=27.19; partial η2=0.55). Participants in RIT had the highest adjusted mean score (157.27), followed by those in the GST (141.45) and control (103.84) groups. There was a significant two-way interaction effect of training and LoC on OS (F(2; 45)=5.08; partial η2=0.18), in favour of participants with internal LoC in RIT group. Both training fostered organisational success of small-scale business owners in Ibadan, Nigeria. Personnel psychologists, human resource managers and entrepreneurs should utilise these interventions with consideration for locus of control. 
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND AUDITING AS PREDICTORS OF QUALITY EDUCATION DELIVERY IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNICS IN SOUTH- EAST, NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined financial accountability and auditing as predictors of quality education delivery in Federal Polytechnics in South-East Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses, which were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. The population was 216 principal officers, Deans and Heads of Departments. Simple random sampling technique was used to draw 3 states from the 5 states in South-East, Nigeria. The sample size of 170 respondents was used from the three Federal Polytechnics in the three states drawn. Data was collected using researcher-developed questionnaires: Financial Accountability and Auditing Questionnaire (FAAQ) and Quality Education Delivery Questionnaire (QEDQ). The two instruments were face validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine the internal consistencies of the instruments. The overall reliability coefficient obtained for FAAQ was 0.90 while the reliability coefficient for QEDQ was 0.95. Data collected were analyzed using linear regression to answer research questions. Null hypotheses were tested using the t-test associated with linear regression at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that financial accountability has no significant predictive power on quality education delivery. Also, financial auditing significantly predicts quality education delivery in Federal Polytechnics in SouthEast, Nigeria. Recommendations were made which include among others that financial managers of the Federal Polytechnics should evaluate and monitor all those involved in managing financial resources to foster accountability and ensuring quality education delivery in Federal Polytechnics in South-East, Nigeria.  
GENDER DIVERSITY IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN NIGERIAN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
No full textGender diversity in technical education remains a critical issue in Nigerian Colleges of Education, with female participation significantly lower than that of males. This study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with gender diversity in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes using a secondary sources, including relevant texts, journals, official publications, historical documents, and the internet. It identifies key barriers such as socio-cultural norms, economic constraints, and institutional challenges that limit female enrollment in technical disciplines. Findings reveal that traditional gender roles, financial limitations, and the absence of gender-sensitive policies continue to discourage female students from pursuing technical education. Despite these challenges, there are emerging opportunities to enhance gender diversity in technical education. Initiatives by organizations such as the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) aim to promote the inclusion of women in engineering and technical fields. APWEN advocates for the education and empowerment of women to contribute meaningfully to the economy\u27s production sector. The study also highlights other opportunities for improvement, including policy reforms, financial support, mentorship programmes, and industry collaborations to promote inclusivity. To address these challenges, the study recommends enforcing gender-sensitive policies, providing scholarships, raising awareness, recruiting more female educators, and creating mentorship programmes. It emphasizes the need for collective action from policymakers, educators, communities, and industries to bridge the gender gap in technical education. By fostering a more inclusive learning environment, Nigerian Colleges of Education can empower more women to contribute meaningfully to national development and technological advancement. 
REBRANDING NIGERIA AS A NATION THROUGH EFFECTIVE INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS.
No full textRebranding or remarketing as used in this paper is a marketing strategy in which a new name, term, symbol, design, concept or combination thereof is created for an essential brand with the intention of developing a new, differentiated identity in the minds of consumers, investors, competitors and other stakeholders. The term is used in reference to Nigeria content as a wakeup call to all the concerned on the need to do the needful. Rebranding Nigeria is a project which every Nigerian citizen should embrace because it is aimed at social change and reorientation of Nigerians through character transformation, civil education and commitment to national assignment all geared to make the country a better place. This paper takes a look at the concept of intercultural communication skills and its roles in the current rebranding program. The work also discusses on the concepts of communication, rebranding, intercultural communication skills and how these can come together to redeem and promote the good image of Nigeria in all spheres of life. The work reflects that good intercultural communication skills are vital in rebranding Nigeria. Recommendations are made on the ways by which intercultural communication skills can be used in rebranding process. 
PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF MOBILE GAMES AND AUGMENTED REALITY ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ LEARNING OUTCOMES IN BASIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA
No full textIt is a well-established fact that mobile games and augmented reality positively impact students’ learning outcomes. However, there is dearth of literature on the perceived effects of mobile games and augmented reality on secondary school students’ learning outcomes in Basic Science and Technology in Oyo State, Nigeria. Therefore, this study investigated teachers’ perceived effects of mobile games and augmented reality on secondary school students’ learning outcomes in Basic Science and Technology in Oyo State, Nigeria. Three research questions and six hypotheses guided the study, adopted a mixed methods quantitative and qualitative approaches in a concurrent triangulation design, Sampled by cluster random sampling technique 300 secondary school teachers. Data was collected using Perceived Effects of Mobile Game and Augmented Reality on Secondary school Students Learning Outcomes Questionnaire (PEMgArSLQ, R=0.81) and Interview (PEMgArSLI, IRR=0.74). Data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, thematic analysis, t-test and ANOVA. The teachers have high perception of mobile games and augmented reality on secondary school students’ learning outcomes in Basic Science and Technology in Oyo state, Nigeria which contradicted the thematic analysis results that majority of the teachers’ perception was very low. The perception was significant (Mean=103.81, SD=7.11, df=273, t=102.05, p<.05). There is a significant difference in perceived perception based on gender (t=-9.830, df=271, p<.05), age (F(3,270)=19.91, p<.05), school types (t=-3.016, p<.05), qualifications (F(3,270)=3.96, p<.05) and experience (F(2,271)=13.87, p<.05). Government should refurbish the secondary schools with ICT infrastructural facilities and arrange more Teachers Professional Development Programmes (TPDP) on ICT utilization in science education.  
Teachers\u27 Classroom Motivational Strategies and Student Academic Achievements in Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in Anambra State, Nigeria
No full textThis study investigated the relationship between teachers\u27 motivational strategies and students\u27 academic achievement in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research was guided by 3 research questions and 3 hypotheses. The research employed a correlational design, with a sample of 300 students selected through multi-stage sampling from 30 secondary schools across six Local Government Areas. Data were collected using the Teachers\u27 Motivational Strategies Questionnaire (TMSQ) for Teachers’ Classroom Motivational Strategies and Students\u27 Academic Achievement Records (SAAR) to measure the students’ academic achievements. The instruments demonstrated high reliability with a Cronbach\u27s alpha of 0.84. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Pearson\u27s correlation. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between teachers\u27 motivational strategies and students\u27 academic achievement (r = .643, p < .01). Intrinsic motivational strategies showed the strongest correlation with academic achievement (r = .704, p < .01), followed by extrinsic motivational strategies (r = .582, p < .01). The results indicate that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational strategies contribute significantly to students\u27 academic achievement, with intrinsic strategies showing stronger influence. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhanced teacher training programs focusing on effective motivational strategies, particularly those fostering intrinsic motivation. The study contributes to the understanding of the role of teacher motivational strategies in improving academic achievement in Nigerian secondary schools