Thesis and Research Data Repository Leeds Beckett University
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Under the Concrete Cloak: Exposing the Construction Mafia's Hold in South Africa's Eastern Cape Industry
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the threat posed by the construction mafia in the Eastern Cape construction industry, focusing on its unethical behaviour, impact, and effectiveness of existing regulatory measures. The research aims to provide an in?depth understanding of the construction mafia's operations, identify unethical practices, and evaluate the current regulatory framework's effectiveness. A qualitative research approach within the interpretivism paradigm was employed, utilising semi?structured interviews with construction managers in Mtata, East London, and Gqeberha, South Africa. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select participants, and the data were analysed using thematic narrative analysis. The study identified the construction mafia as a well-organised, profit-driven entity engaging in illicit practices, including resource demands, employment manipulation, and contract interference. Unethical behaviours documented include intimidation, financial misconduct, exploitation of workers, and compromised work quality, contributing to systemic corruption. Regulatory measures such as the Preferential Procurement Regulation (PPR), the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPFA), and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) regulations, while essential, are often hindered by lack of clarity, political interference, and external influences. Limitations include focusing on a single province and a specific subset of participants, which may not capture the full scope of the issue across South Africa. Future research should explore similar regional dynamics and investigate different regulatory approaches. The research highlights the necessity for proactive measures, enhanced collaboration, and robust regulatory frameworks. It calls for stricter enforcement of existing regulations, improved transparency, and stronger community engagement to mitigate the influence of the construction mafia, potentially leading to a more ethical and stable construction environment.</p
Exploring The Applications of Drones for Health and Safety Management in Malaysian Construction Projects
No full textConstruction sites, which present inherent risks to worker safety, have urged the exploration of innovative technologies to mitigate these dangers. This research investigates the level of adoption of drone applications and explores the barriers to their adoption for health and safety management in Malaysian construction projects. Previous research acknowledges the potential of drones in construction but lacks a comprehensive understanding of their specific impact on health and safety management in Malaysian contexts. Addressing this gap is crucial to revolutionise safety practices within Malaysian construction, aligning them with technological advancements. The study employs a structured questionnaire survey among construction professionals and a thorough literature review. Findings reveal a high overall adoption rate of drones, with significant correlations between project types, sizes, and drone adoption. Despite substantial adoption, barriers such as weather constraints, technology familiarity, and permit processes hinder broader utilisation. The study advocates for streamlined regulatory processes and training programmes for professionals. These findings highlight the potential for drone technology to revolutionise safety practices in Malaysian construction and provide a roadmap for stakeholders to leverage drones effectively for health and safety management.</p
Internet of Things (IoT) Implementation in the Malaysian Construction Industry
No full textThe adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the construction industry holds significant potential for improving project efficiency, safety, and management. This research investigates the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) in the Malaysian Construction Industry (MCI) by exploring the awareness, benefits and challenges. The research adopted a quantitative research strategy using a questionnaire survey to collect data from professionals in MCI. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the survey. The study revealed that despite the majority being aware of IoT in the MCI, its implementation is still lacking. Construction progress monitoring, health and Safety and security control were revealed as the key benefits of IoT by MCI professionals. Despite the benefits, Implementation costs, lack of expertise, and security issues were realised as the key challenges in implementing IoT technology in MCI. To overcome the barriers government initiatives in creating policies for IoT implementation are suggested. Additionally, investing in technological advancements and providing subsidies or tax incentives were also suggested as potential strategies to facilitate IoT adoption in the MCI. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the current state of IoT implementation in the MCI and other developing countries, it also sets a path for further research on fostering its widespread adoption. Further study is recommended to investigate the causes of MCI professionals' reluctance to adopt IoT technologies and provide mitigations on encouragement of its implementation.</p
Effects of Occupant Behaviour and Air Filtration on Indoor Air Quality in Social Housing
No full textIndoor air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, making it crucial to identify sources, assess levels, and develop strategies to enhance indoor air quality. The main objective of this paper is to assess Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the effectiveness of air purifiers and tailored behavioural interventions in improving IAQ in social housing properties in London. The methodology involved monitoring key pollutants, including Carbon Monoxide (CO), Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), and humidity levels using data loggers during three distinct phases: a) pre-intervention, b) with air purifiers, and c) after the behavioural intervention. The installation of air purifiers significantly reduced CO and PM10 levels, consistently maintaining them near or below recommended guidelines across all CSBs; however, the impact on TVOC levels was less pronounced, with levels often remaining above the recommended guideline. Subsequent behavioural interventions aimed at educating occupants on best practices for reducing pollutant generation yielded variable results across CSBs and pollutants. The study demonstrated the potential benefits of combining air purifier installation with tailored behavioural interventions, effectively reducing CO, PM10, and PM2.5 levels. However, the persistent issue of elevated TVOC levels across all case study buildings underscores the need for further research and more comprehensive strategies, including source control measures.</p
Bio-Electrochemical Evaluation of Constructed Wetland-Microbial Fuel Cells for Wastewater Treatment and Simultaneous Bioenergy Recovery
No full textAddressing the urgent need for sustainable solutions in stormwater and wastewater treatment is a global concern, this study explores innovative methods for effective wastewater management and simultaneous resource recovery from the process. Traditional "grey infrastructure" techniques often fall short, leading to flooding, pollution, and overburdened treatment facilities. Additionally, conventional water treatment methods typically focus on pollutant removal, neglecting the potential for valuable resource recovery from wastewater streams. With increasing water scarcity, there is a great need for a paradigm shift from only pollutant removal from wastewater to simultaneous resource recovery in the wastewater treatment processes. Using the positivism approach, this research investigated the integration of constructed wetlands (CWs) with microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for dual purposes: enhancing wastewater treatment and generating bioenergy. A lab-scale trial with four CW configurations used a downhill vertical flow arrangement. These configurations incorporated aggregates, graphite plates, copper wires, granulated activated carbon, and stainless steel wire meshes to function as anodes and cathodes. Stormwater samples were tested for colour, turbidity, pH, and nitrate levels before and after treatment in the CW rigs. Results showed that influent stormwater quality significantly impacted effluent parameters, with higher influent levels resulting in higher effluent values. Notably, the pH levels in the effluent were mostly alkaline, which is suspected to have hindered power production in the CW-MFC systems. However, nitrate concentrations in the effluent were significantly reduced, aligning with studies demonstrating CWs' effectiveness in removing wastewater pollutants. This study highlights the potential of CW-MFC systems in achieving sustainable wastewater management and resource recovery, contributing to global sustainable development goals.</p
Standard Forms of Contracts and the intricacies of Force Majeure in Demystifying Unexpected Events in Construction Projects
No full textThis study examined the effectiveness of standard forms of contracts in managing the consequences of unexpected events in construction projects from the UK perspective. In this study, unexpected events are restricted to those that affect the whole UK construction industry, such as COVID-19 or the war in Ukraine, which have affected supply chains. No obvious clauses and provisions exist in the standard forms of construction contracts such as JCT and to date, there has been no construction-related decision from the courts. Current contractual provisions were examined to assess if they are straightforward to implement when relief from the impact of unexpected events is required. This investigation concluded that the NEC 4 provisions appear straightforward to implement and likely to apply to various unexpected events. However, the JCT 2016 force majeure provisions have led to widespread confusion. Although the current opinion is that COVID19 is likely to fall under force majeure due to the widespread impact this event had, for other events such as war in Ukraine or supply chain difficulties, the situation remains unclear.</p
From Victims to Peacebuilders: Transforming the Role of Religious and Ethnic Minority Groups in Iraq
No full textAmidst the instability of Iraq's disputed areas, this ground-breaking research marks the first systematic investigation into the incorporation of religious and ethnic minority (REM) groups in peacebuilding efforts. While prevailing peacebuilding theories offer valuable insights, they often overlook the complex dynamics of inclusion—a pivotal facet of effective peacebuilding. The primary aim of this study is to understand the contribution of REM groups to peacebuilding efforts in Iraq's disputed areas. This research delves into the contributions of REM groups to peacebuilding processes, revealing obstacles that hinder their meaningful involvement. Qualitative interviews with experienced individuals within and outside the disputed areas, hailing from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, provided valuable insights into the multifaceted challenges and perspectives in the community, enriching the research findings. The findings underline first, the critical interplay between security considerations, effective peacebuilding strategies, and the participation of REM groups. This research challenges prevailing peacebuilding theories by emphasizing security's centrality and advocating for a comprehensive approach. Second, it presents a novel perspective on the peacebuilding landscape in disputed areas, enhancing stakeholder understanding. Third, it highlights the transformative contribution of including REM groups in peacebuilding, reshaping the narrative, and emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. Within the complex peacebuilding landscape of Iraq's disputed areas, this research highlights limitations within ongoing initiatives and advocates for a nuanced, context-sensitive approach that navigates local, national, and regional dynamics. The ultimate objective is to formulate a comprehensive framework that champions inclusivity and necessitates international cooperation to establish enduring peace. In summary, this research adeptly navigates the complexities of peacebuilding in Iraq's disputed areas. By amplifying the proactive role of REM groups and strongly advocating for their inclusion, the study significantly contributes to shaping effective and sustainable peacebuilding strategies. The paramount significance of inclusivity and the imperative of addressing security concerns converge as foundational pillars for achieving lasting peace within these challenging environments.</p
Thinking-through traces: A practice-led diffractive reading of the smartphone through the Eastern Orthodox icon
No full textThis practice-led PhD investigates how the smartphone might be read through the Eastern Orthodox icon to offer insights into contemporary experience of the online world and the smartphone. The scope of this research project is limited to consideration of the compositional framing forms and iconography of Eastern Orthodox icons and smartphones and does not extend to exploration of optical and digital technologies utilised by contemporary smartphones. The practice-based portfolio includes: three separate installations (Linz, Newcastle, and York); documentation of two live performances; and an augmented reality (AR) artwork.
This research project delineates ‘thinking-through traces’ as a practice-led derivation of Karen Barad’s agential realist diffractive methodology where understandings from different disciplines are brought into conversation to provoke dynamic relationality between subjects. Evocative of the Derridean trace and the method of tracing used within the methodology, ‘thinking-through traces’ uses drawing to draw out differences and entanglements between subjects from different fields.
Through installation, drawing, and performance the research identifies compositional framing forms as markers of visual, symbolic, and metaphoric convergence between the smartphone and the Eastern Orthodox icon. This insight was informed by Barad, Barbara Bolt, and John Berger’s understandings of how the nature of subjects emerges through material-discursive practices. By tangling together framing forms from icons and smartphones, the compositions of pictorial and sculptural elements of my installations and AR artworks manifest the relationality between subjects that this research project proposes. The two performances demonstrate how my installations might be understood as apparatuses for diffractive thinking: open to intra-actions with other subjects whose intuitive engagements with the works echo the performative world-making imperative that links the icon and the smartphone.
This research project also explores the potential of the homonym in creative practice. This thesis describes how the combination of homonymic word play and artworks constitutes material-discursive assemblages, with these assemblages offering diffraction apparatuses for creative critical practice.
Finally, this research project asserts the continuing relevance of the Eastern Orthodox icon to secular contemporary culture. Through material-discursive investigation into the significance of their framing forms I offer insight into the icon and smartphone’s respective functions within performative onto-epistemologies. Positing that the icon and smartphone’s frames might be understood as marks (or traces) that make present the presence of an absent transcendental realm, be it digital or divine.</p
The Occultural Orpheus: Exploring Creative Seekership through Analytic Autoethnography
No full textThis thesis explores the theme of ‘creative seekership’ within contemporary esotericism. Creative seekership, as presented here, deals with the ways in which artistic practices are employed in the pursuit of esoteric knowledge and experience. Such practices are often attributed magical or esoteric significance by artists, ritualising their cultural productions, and emphasising the already-blurred boundaries between art and magic. The concept of creative seekership is developed over the course of this research to construct a holistic theoretical model that demonstrates the embedding of creative practices in the subjectivities of experience, the interpretive and discursive frameworks of knowledge, and the broader horizon of ‘occulture’ and its cultural milieus.
This work is unusual in that creative seekership is studied through the application of autoethnographic research methods. This autoethnographic research concentrates on examining creative seekership through accounts of my own music-making from the late 1990s to early 2000s. While scholars engaged in ethnographic work in contemporary esotericism studies have become increasingly visible in their own research, the implications of ‘insider scholar’ or ‘complete member researcher’ identities in autoethnographic research have been under-explored – primarily as a consequence of the academic boundary work with which the field was engaged until the 2010s.
This thesis, therefore, takes the opportunity to explore the possibilities of developing a form of ‘analytic autoethnography’ in accord with the scholarly and interdisciplinary perspectives that have been established in esotericism studies over the last three decades. Here, the practice of autobiographical writing is approached from a ‘grounded’ perspective, allowing theoretical models to emerge from hybrid compositional and analytical processes. The outcome of this process presents scholars not only with a theoretical framework for analysing creative seekership in contemporary esotericism, but also demonstrates how autoethnography may contribute to the field of esotericism studies as a plausible methodology for future researchers.</p
Mapping the construction of a gothic adoption fiction and its creative use with secondary students
No full textThis thesis takes readers on a tour through the imaginative, theoretical, and practical landscape of writing and publishing a Young Adult novel – Bea’s Witch: a ghostly coming-of-age story. It maps the book’s use as a prompt for students’ creative writing during two residencies in UK secondary schools, resulting in the publication of two anthologies. This arts practice research emerges from a distinct intersection of my identities as an adoptive father, author, educator and academic. Using a storying methodology, this thesis constructs a reader-directed narrative, commented on by a fictional editor and playful footnotes, bringing the creative and critical into dialogue, exploring how each shapes the other. Readers may choose from three pathways on their tour, each exploring a different theoretical lens onto the process: the role of creativity; the representation of adoption; and responses from readers and other writers. As such, this thesis provides a map of the experience of writing, and of teaching writing, surveying a complex Deleuzian rhizome of personal experience, practical writing skill, reader responses and theoretical perspectives. It explores the relationship between an author, a text and its readers, asking how such awareness can enliven the teaching of creative writing, informing the structure of workshops, and shaping the practice of writer-educators. This thesis outlines how the novel, with its depiction of adoption, was used as a model for the residencies, framing themes such as identity, home, displacement, loss and family. This thesis shows that the identity of the writer is a core component in creative writing and its teaching. It argues that educators engaged in their own writing practice can use that experience to inform brave creative writing spaces that value agency, grow confidence and encourage empathy, facilitating a process through which both writer-educators and writer-students can transform their personal experience into expressions of consciousness, into voices that make a difference.</p