Thesis and Research Data Repository Leeds Beckett University
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The Complexities of Mega Project execution in Nigeria
No full textMega-projects are large scale construction projects that involve significant financial resources. Despite increased investment in African mega-projects over recent years, several factors have resulted in a series of mega-project failures. This is often due to the complex nature of mega-projects with factors such as workforce shortages, skills gaps, and funding issues all resulting in project failure. The impact of such failures often prolong and exacerbate issues for Africa’s population such as poor access to potable water supplies, a lack of decent and affordable housing and health care, poor transportation, and worsening educational disparity. However, to date there exists a gap in research pertaining to the relationship between the complexities of mega-projects and their failure. This paper seeks to address this gap and help improve the performance of mega?project execution in Africa. A large-scale questionnaire is utilised that is completed by multiple Nigerian mega project stakeholders. Analysis of the results reveals sustainability factors such as environmental and community considerations, are often responsible for poor mega project performance. Additional factors include economic, financial, social, and cultural, and political. This supports and broadens current understanding.</p
Accelerate or Deaccelerate Innovation through emergent AI technologies: a scoping study
No full textThis paper investigates the impact of Generated Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) on education, emphasising the interplay between technology, creativity, and ethics. Previous studies have highlighted the ethical dilemmas of digitisation, noting the dual potential of technology to affect education and society both positively and negatively. The research aims to understand how GenAI can accelerate innovation strategies in education, contribute to creativity, and benefit students. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on GenAI and identify key factors and challenges associated with this emerging technology. Through a systematic search of publications from 2022 to 2024, we have gathered and analysed 36 sources, including conference papers, journals, and reports. Our findings highlight the significant impact of GenAI on creative processes and achievements, emphasising its potential to enhance learning, support creative pedagogies, and facilitate interactive and personalised educational experiences. However, the review also uncovers several critical challenges, such as the risk of generating incorrect information, issues of data privacy and ownership, and the potential for reinforcing existing biases. Furthermore, ethical concerns related to academic integrity, including plagiarism and misuse of AI, are prevalent. The review underscores the necessity for transparency, accountability, and ethical guidelines in the deployment of GenAI tools in education. By systematically identifying these factors and challenges, this scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on GenAI, offering valuable insights for future studies and practical applications in the educational sector.</p
Sustainable 3D Printing for Construction: Cement Choices, Structural Components, and Real-World Insights
No full textBy providing quicker, more affordable, and ecologically friendly ways to construct buildings than traditional construction methods, 3D printed concrete structures not only revolutionises the construction industry but also drastically lowers carbon emissions, aiding in the worldwide fight against climate change. This research focuses on the material aspects of 3D printed concrete, concentrating primarily on cement as a key component. Using the sources from the cement-focused material research, it will not only look at the selection of suitable materials but also examine the structural specifications and the components (Foundation, Wall & Roof) that are printable. Cement, being the primary source of embodied carbon and energy in the construction industry, this study includes the various types of 3D Printing cements such as Geo polymer, Limestone-Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), Calcium Sulpho Aluminate cement and Reactive magnesium oxide cement. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, this research thoroughly examines the present status and potential applications of robotic construction and 3D printing in the construction sector by fusing qualitative literature review and case studies with quantitative material inspections. After analysing embodied carbon and embodied energy in each cement the best option available in UK is suggested. The findings highlight Geo Polymer and Limestone-Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) as the preferred option for 3D Printed Concrete in this research. In addition, this research delves into real-time case studies centered around 3D Printed Concrete Structure, providing practical insights into their applications and performance in diverse construction scenarios. Also, the load-bearing capacities of the wall that are 3D printed are examined closely, acknowledging from real?world application. The combinations of these components in a small-scale design act as a test run, providing insights for a smooth transition into more sustainable 3D Printed Concrete Structure using these sustainable cements such as Geo Polymer and Limestone-Calcined Clay Cement (LC3).</p
On the Shore of the Lough: navigating sustainability in the rural context
No full textThe narrative around sustainable projects often follows considerations of acontextual best practice, standards, and inter disciplinary integration. Such formalised approaches may be appropriate for large projects often with repeat clients, however smaller independent builds may not reflect these contextual norms. In these cases localised independent suppliers, builders, architects and trades are dependent on each other for ongoing work and each is very focused on maintaining good working relationships. As actors navigate the terrain of builds which incorporate unfamiliar technologies, these sensitivities can make contractual and day-day conflict management a key determinant of how projects unfold and how sustainable practices are realised. New building techniques, updated best practice and modern methods of construction (MMC) further test team dynamics and the old legitimacy of pathways and people. This research focuses on understanding how day?day issues are experienced in practice on smaller independent builds and draws upon concepts of localised learning and embeddedness. Using ethnographic methods in a single case study of a new-build residential project in rural Northern Ireland, the research takes three episodes during the build to explore these concepts. The build uses MMC and traditional procurement centring on a local supply chain. Findings indicate that subtle informal practices around the concept of embeddedness, coupled with active strategies of conflict avoidance were mobilised to navigate uncertainties of technology inclusion and associated challenges. These informal practices centred on protecting and nurturing relationships between project actors and became major barriers to adoption of new technologies, decision making, client satisfaction and sustainable outcomes. These findings prompt further examination of the issues surrounding this particular context and open new ways to explore how harmony between old and new methods of construction and sustainability standards can be achieved.</p
Investigating Attitudes Towards the use of Electrical Prefabrication in Relation to Time, Cost, And Quality in the Electrical Industry in Ireland
No full textIn the construction sector, industry professionals and clients are trying to save costs, cut time, and produce an output with the best quality. This is no different in the electrical industry and can be impacted through the use of electrical prefabrication. This study aims to explore the use of electrical prefabrication in Ireland and the attitudes towards such in relation to time, cost, and quality, as there is little research in this area. This is achieved by conducting a thorough literature review and the generation of first-hand data through mixed research methods of surveys and semi-structured interviews. Six industry professionals were interviewed with an average experience of 25 years in the industry working for companies that generate €100-€550 million annual turnover. The data generated resulted in confirmation of some literature review findings such as the cost of implementation and the transport and storage requirements associated with electrical prefabricated assemblies. However, contradictions to previous research were also generated, such as a lack of data to show there is sufficient time benefits in the early stages of a project but proves electrical prefabrication could ultimately result in significant schedule reduction, and that experience is more favoured than training. The research has addressed the gap in knowledge on this topic in Ireland. Recommendations have been drawn from this study but is still limited and could be used in further research on this topic.</p
Unlocking brownfield project delays by leveraging on the nexus of digital technologies: A review
No full textThis research underscores the pivotal role of digital technology in addressing the obstacles and time delays that can hinder brownfield rehabilitation projects. Brownfield sites, often hampered by pollution, regulatory intricacies, and diverse socioeconomic challenges, necessitate innovative strategies for successful restoration. The research draws on evidence from current literature to identify the main barriers to brownfield project timescales, which include significant upfront expenses, intricate integration processes, data management difficulties, and hurdles related to regulatory compliance. This study explores the potential of new digital technologies, such as Laser-Scan Technology, 7-Dimensional (7D) Building Information Modelling (BIM), and blockchain, to provide effective solutions. These technologies can potentially optimise project management, facilitate stakeholder cooperation, increase data integrity, and ensure privacy and compliance. However, the study strongly advocates for a multidisciplinary approach that includes the expertise and involvement of urban planners, environmental engineers, policymakers, and academic researchers. This collaboration, in addition to digital technologies and legislative change, is crucial to fully utilise the potential of brownfield sites. This text contributes to discussing urban regeneration, sustainability, and digital innovation. It presents a framework for using digital technology to address challenges in rehabilitation, making brownfield projects more efficient, transparent, and successful.</p
Data from 'Unmasking Pain' through creativity: A phenomenological study of person centred pain exploration for people living with chronic pain.
No full textRaw list of in vivo codes, patterns, sub-themes and overarching themes demonstrating data analysis process.</p
Implementation and Impact of the Magic Table for people living with dementia in care homes and day services
No full text There are a growing number of people living with dementia in the UK and one third live in long term care settings, with a need to offer non-pharmacological interventions in these settings being essential. One means to do so is through technology, such as the Magic Table (MT), an interactive game projector. There is limited evidence regarding the implementation and impact of the MT, including that of times of heightened infection control, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this thesis is to understand the features required for successful implementation and the impact of using the MT with people living with dementia in care homes and/or attending day services. As this PhD was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the use of the MT is explored within this research. This PhD comprises two studies. Study one aimed to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the use of the MT, exploring MT usage in the UK and Netherlands during the Covid-19 pandemic and adaptations required to continue usage, using an online questionnaire (n=48) and interviews with UK participants (n=3). Study two, aimed to understand the optimal implementation and impact of the MT for people living with dementia, using an observational and interview design. This included designing a new observational tool to conduct observations (n=9) of players interactions with the MT in care homes (n=2) and day services (n=2) alongside semi-structured interviews with people living with dementia (n=6) and staff members (n=7). The findings indicate the MT is an activity, that can be used with people living with dementia at times of heightened infection control measures, with increasing planning and smaller group numbers, yet guidance of how to implement safely is required. Study two found inconsistencies in the ways the MT is being used at an organisational and staff level, including knowledge of MT features, flexibility in implementation approaches and the role of staff as facilitators, all limiting successful implementation. The role of people living with dementia in the implementation of the MT requires greater acknowledgement. Should the gaps in implementation be addressed, the MT can offer benefits including reducing time people living with dementia spend sedentary, the opportunity for social interaction and reducing behaviours that others finding challenging. Recommendations are provided to enhance guidance for use of the MT, for MT providers, organisations and staff members to enhance successful implementation and in doing so increase impact. </p
The Biomechanics of the Field Hockey Drag Flick
No full textThe drag flick is important in field hockey as it gives a greater opportunity to score a goal at penalty corners than hitting does. However, there is a lack of scientific research conducted on this technique. The purpose of this research was therefore to undertake a technique analysis of the drag flick.
Given the paucity of research 10 field hockey coaches were recruited to synthesise expert opinions using a consensus-based, modified three-stage Delphi poll, comprising initial interviews and subsequent questionnaires. 28 physical and technical attributes were agreed and informed the biomechanical analyses. The four corners of the goal were agreed as the preferential target areas along with ball accuracy as the overall performance criterion.
Twelve mixed ability field hockey players (8 male and 4 female) (age 24.25 ± 4.83 years, height 1.75 ± 0.09 m and mass 77.29 ± 17.44 kg) were then recruited to perform 60 drag flick trials at a 1 m2 target positioned in a standard field hockey goal at a distance of 14.63 m. The trials were split into three conditions: Self-selected target area, performance criterion ball accuracy; self-selected target area, ball velocity; and prescribed target area, ball accuracy. Three-dimensional kinematic data was recorded from a motion analysis system using a 15-segment model to compute performance and technique variables.
An analysis of the full time series of kinematic data was completed to determine the core movement strategy of the drag flick technique. The main findings showed that the task constraint of accuracy altered the kinematic sequencing of players from a throw like pattern to more of a push like pattern. The left and right hip and shoulder ab-/adduction and left and right elbow and wrist flex/-extension are the key joint angles which contribute to the core of the drag flick technique.
A dimensional reduction technique (PCA) was then applied to the same data to decompose the complex, but highly redundant set of postures into a comprehensible number of uncorrelated variables. Each of these variables represented multisegmented movements, which could be visualized. The main findings were that the left and right flex-/extension of the wrists are key to drag flick technique, in addition to the lowering of the thorax. Also the lower body kinematics explain greater variance compared with the shoulder and elbow joints, as they dominate the principal components, accounting for most of the variance.
Although further work is required, this research has enhanced the understanding of the technique of the field hockey drag flick, particularly with respect to the core movement strategy.</p
Do they know their rights? Exploring the healthcare duty of care owed to citizens in Nigeria, through the lens of the social contract
No full textThis study explores the Nigerian healthcare system through the theoretical framework of the social contract, examining the reciprocal relationship between citizens and the government in healthcare provision. The social contract refers to the implicit agreement in which citizens relinquish certain rights to the government to protect their remaining rights and maintain social order. The thesis explores the government's responsibility in fulfilling this duty and the people's expectations within this agreement. A constructivist-interpretivist approach formed the philosophical basis of the research, focusing on the subjective experiences and interpretations. Using a qualitative methodology, data was predominantly collected through focus group discussions with 27 diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and outpatients in Agbor, Delta State of Nigeria. Thematic analysis revealed that the Nigerian government’s failure to provide adequate healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and quality services has eroded citizens’ trust in the healthcare system, leading to a perceived breach of the social contract. The overall outcome of the study is that Nigerians generally do not know their healthcare rights and the Universal Healthcare tools aimed at fulfilling the social contract are not judiciously implemented, especially in the rural areas.
The research outcomes highlight the need for policy reforms, increased healthcare funding and community engagement to revitalize the social contract and improve healthcare delivery. The findings provide a foundation for future research and policy direction, including the development of context-specific healthcare policies and interventions that prioritize citizen needs and expectations. This study contributes to the discourse on healthcare reform in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of reconstituting the social contract to ensure a more equitable and responsive healthcare system