13 research outputs found
Interorganizational Collaboration and Systemic Change Framework for Building Information Modeling (BIM) Adoption
No full textIt was found that an integrated framework needs to be developed for the construction industry that allows optimized interorganizational collaboration and systemic change while using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies. The framework needs to be effective so the industry can adopt BIM through a set of interdependent activities beyond their organizational boundaries. The adoption has been proven difficult because of industry competitiveness and a fragmented work environment. Meanwhile, existing frameworks vary between studies. This research developed an integrated framework, identified critical factors, and provided an evaluation guide for interorganizational collaboration and set of coordinated changes necessary to adopt BIM. This was accomplished by incorporating the Collaborative Systemic Changes (CSC) framework that extends the classic Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) theory. It provided a way to adequately categorize the critical factors interrelated beyond organizational boundaries. An inductive case research used Formal Grounded Theory (FGT) to determine collaborative (social, interoperability, legal) factors that link the basic TOE factors in an integrated framework structure. Comparative analysis revealed collaborative sub-factors varied between studies and was more numerous than anticipated…too numerous to embrace and use. To establish a clear consensus, an online survey was conducted. A representative sample of 165 US contractors participated in the survey. Statistical analysis identified six factors - organizational variety, team BIM capability, scope of work, duty of care, risk and liability, and data preservation, as being distinct measures critical to the interorganizational BIM adoption. These six factors provided a guide for evaluating interorganizational BIM adoptability (I_BIMA). Utilization of the I_BIMA guide was demonstrated using quantitative data from three most recent BIM projects
Urban Public Toilets Management in Tanzania: Understanding Cost-effective Approaches
No full textCost recovery and user satisfaction are among the core objectives of any public or quas-public good provision. Public toilet service provision has been the domain of local government until when liberalisation policies struck the developing south. With stringent condition to reduce the fiscal burden, local government authorities have sought to offload some of its core functions including the management of public toilets to contracted firms. Based on regression and comparative quadrant analysis, this study evaluates cost recovery and user satisfaction in relation to public toilet condition based on a total of 729 user responses and 31 public toilet operators. The observations point to misguided decision to place public toilet management under contracted firms instead of placing then under Public Private Partnership (PPP). The decision to place public toilets management under private contract or individual contract is only secondary to PPP if the focus is to achieve both cost recovery and user satisfaction. However, if the focus was to achieve only cost recovery regardless of the need to protect users, then the decision would have been well founded but can be conspired inappropriate in as long as public toilets remain the domain of public good
Integrating Sustainability and Resilience Objectives for Energy Decisions: A Systematic Review
No full textThere is a need for simultaneous attention to sustainability and resilience objectives while making energy decisions because of the need to address disruptions or shocks that can result from system-wide changes due to transitioning and existing threats to system performance. Owing to this emerging research area, this systematic review used the Scopus database to address the central question: What are the trends and practices that can enhance the integration of sustainability and resilience for energy decisions? The articles used are peer-reviewed, empirical research in the energy field and written in English. Articles that did not explicitly address energy systems (or any of the value chains) and gray literature were excluded from the study. The final screening of records resulted in the selection of 75 articles that effectively addressed the decision objective, context, and implementation (D-OCI), a classification scheme that supports 18 specific questions to identify practices for integrating the sustainability and resilience objectives. The highlighted practices are advantageous for decision evaluation and can provide valuable insights for formulating energy policies. This is particularly relevant because energy-related decisions affect households, organizations, and both national and international development. The study proposes ideas for future research based on the highlighted practices
Assessment of building information modeling adoption in building material scheduling in Tanzania’s construction industry
No full textThe building construction industry continues to face challenges that affect project delivery, one of which is the traditional practices used for building material scheduling (BMS). Studies indicate that these practices are often inefficient and prone to errors, leading to delays, cost overruns, and low-quality work, affecting the project objectives. Building Information Modeling (BIM) presents a promising solution for addressing these challenges, proven through existing integrations. However, its adoption in BMS practices in construction is still relatively low. Therefore, this study aimed to assess BIM use in BMS in Tanzania’s building construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, and the study population of 153 registered quantity surveying firms was purposively selected. The study data was collected using online questionnaires and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study findings indicate that traditional practices are still favored over BIM when scheduling building materials in Tanzania, with the most predominant practices being spreadsheets and paper-based methods. Additionally, findings suggest that BIM is not a new concept in Tanzania. However, its adoption in the current practices is relatively low, mainly due to insufficient expertise, training resources, and limited access to BIM software/tools. Moreover, findings indicate a significant belief that BIM can improve BMS practices. These insights can inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions on the necessary steps to promote BIM integration. Therefore, it is recommended that BIM adoption be prioritized by addressing these barriers to enhance project outcomes. Shifting from traditional methods to BIM will lead to more efficient and effective construction processes, making BIM's broader adoption essential for the industry's future success
Barriers to the Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Modular Construction in Sub-Saharan Africa
No full textThe construction industry is constantly evolving through government policies, technologies, and innovative processes. BIM and modular construction are innovative concepts aimed at achieving sustainable smart cities by enhancing cost performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Despite growing global interest in their integration, there is a notable knowledge gap in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, this research aims to explore the barriers to integrating BIM into modular construction in sub-Saharan Africa. The study adopted a non-experimental design, using a four-stage methodological framework. Initially, a literature review was carried out to conceptualize the study. Stage two involves a pilot survey to create an adequate data collection instrument. In the third stage, 81 registered companies were purposely selected, and data was collected through an online survey. Finally, the fourth stage uses descriptive and inferential techniques to make logical and informed conclusions. The top-ranked barriers are high initial costs, insufficient cross-field expertise, stakeholder collaboration problems, limited software interoperability, and skills shortages. Recommendations include early stakeholder collaboration, BIM execution plan development by modular companies, improved staff training, and increasing financial support from the government. Future research should explore country-specific barriers and case studies to aid the integration of the two innovative solutions in the region
The road map for sustainable development using solar energy electricity generation in Tanzania
No full textTanzania is keen in sustainable development via broad use of renewable energy. Tanzania has adopted renewable energy sources as an essential element of its development programme, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to combating climate change and guaranteeing a better future. Recognising the critical need to decrease its carbon footprint and achieve energy independence. This dynamic transition toward renewables also not only improved Tanzania's energy security but it has also stimulated long-term economic development by creating jobs and increasing rural electrification rates. A wealth of solar resources and great sunlight annually, create a great climate for solar energy generation. Using these diverse resources, Tanzania may minimise its dependency on fossil fuels, reduce environmental damage and attain energy security. Embracing renewable energy also not only meet current energy demands, but will also support long-term development, benefiting the country and its citizens. The aim of the paper was to identify and review the environmental consequences of solar energy, government regulations, solar energy projects, improving energy access, challenges and future possibilities for solar energy and to examine the road map for fully harnessing solar energy to facilitate sustainable development to meet the United Nation's sustainable development goals. The findings showed that solar energy use has expanded moderately but the benefits are not fully utilised yet. Nevertheless, greater efforts should be made to mitigate some challenges like grid connectivity, fully implementing policies and putting structures, resources and technologies in place to fully harness solar energy for green and eco-friendly electricity production and sustainable development in Tanzania
Assessing the contribution of DONET to environmental conservation and to livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Mvumi Makulu ward, Dodoma Rural District
No full textThis study on "assessing the contribution of DONET to environmental conservation and livelihoods of smallholder farmers" was conducted in Mvumi Makulu ward of the Dodoma Rural District. The study involved a participatory community needs assessment in the study area. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of DONET in reducing environmental degradation among smallholder farmers, by focusing on livelihood activities support for improved crop and livestock productivity. By using a sample of 120 respondents and 7 key informants, it was found that the demographic and socio-economic factors such as age, gender, income source, farming methods and type of energy used were important predictors of land degradation in the study area.
It was recommended that DONET should direct more efforts to improving the activities upon which the smallholder farmers earn their living and whose the intervention efforts are felt within a short time- farming methods, off-farm activities, energy sources and management skills. Based on recommendations of the study and the community needs assessment, a project on "Capacity Enhancement of Smallholder Farmers for Environmental Conservation and Improved Productivity" was proposed. The implementation of the project is at its early stage. (Author abstract)Mdendemi, R.T. (2007). Assessing the contribution of DONET to environmental conservation and to livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Mvumi Makulu ward, Dodoma Rural District. Retrieved from http://academicarchive.snhu.eduMaster of Science (M.S.)School of Community Economic Developmen
The Sustainable Development Goal 5 can be achieved by 2030? A Review study on Intervention to Eliminate Female Genital Mutilation in African Countries
No full textFemale genital mutilation is gender-based violence performed to a female that involve partial or total removal of the female genital organs. The practice globally recognized as a public health problem that affects women and Children’s lives. The United Nations, through the Sustainable Development Goal 5, calls for the Worldwide action on the elimination of all harmful traditional practices affecting women and children by 2030. The current study aimed at examining and proposing the most effective approaches for the intervention for the elimination of female genital mutilation to supports attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 5.3. The study employed document analysis method in collecting its data. The author uses the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the United Nations Population Fund reports and published documents, other relevant literature and theoretical justification for examining the most useful interventions for the elimination of female genital mutilation in Africa. Study finding revealed that Inclusive programs, formal and informal education, economic empowerment of women, the use of alternative rites of passage and revision of female genital mutilation laws are potential approaches in the fight against female genital mutilation. The study concluded that fight against female genital mutilation needs collaboration of multiple strategies and multiple actors. The active and serious cooperation of actors will accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 5 by 2030
Undersöker avtalsenliga utmaningar av utföra kostnadskontroll i byggnaden byggnadsprojekt : En kvantitetbesiktningsmans perspektiv
No full textQuantity Surveyors are considered as the most qualified cost specialists in the construction industry, with their experiences and skills in cost management and control as well as contract management. However, this role is not well recognized in Sweden compared to other countries such as the UK where it’s originated from. And so, the construction industry in Sweden uses other professions for the roles that were supposed to be done by quantity surveyors or cost managers. As a result, the quantity surveyors that have penetrated the Swedish construction industry, face challenges to perform their duties specifically in this case, cost control due to several circumstances. This study has looked into different contractual challenges that face quantity surveyors while performing cost control in building projects. Also, recommendations have been made to help mitigate these challenges and improve cost control in projects. In this master thesis, qualitative study has been performed where quantity surveyors were interviewed regarding cost control and the contractual challenges, they face in building construction projects. The findings were analysed with a theoretical framework and discussed together with previous research and knowledge and in this study principal – agent theory was used. The results of the study showed that poor planning, late involvement of the quantity surveyors in projects, lack of effective communication and poor contract management are the main challenges that face quantity surveyor in performing cost control in building projects. To overcome these challenges, the author suggests that there is a need of increasing awareness on the importance of having quantity surveyors and clearly establish their roles in projects, have proper communication plan, proper contract management and improve skills on quantity surveying software.Kvantitetbesiktningsman anses vara de mest kvalificerade kostnadsspecialisterna inom byggbranschen, med sina erfarenheter och färdigheter inom kostnadsstyrning och kontroll samt kontrakthantering. Denna roll är dock inte välkänd i Sverige jämfört med andra länder som Storbritannien där den härstammar från. Och så använder byggbranschen i Sverige andra yrken för de roller som skulle göras av kvantitetsmätare eller kostnadsansvariga. Som ett resultat står de kvantitetsmätare som har trängt igenom den svenska byggbranschen inför utmaningar att utföra sina uppgifter specifikt i detta fall, kostnadskontroll på grund av flera omständigheter. Denna studie har undersökt olika avtalsmässiga utmaningar som möter kvantitetsmätare när de utför kostnadskontroll i byggprojekt. Dessutom har rekommendationer gjorts för att mildra dessa utmaningar och förbättra kostnadskontrollen i projekt. I detta examensarbete har en kvalitativ studie utförts där kvantitetbesiktningsman intervjuades angående kostnadskontroll och de kontraktsmässiga utmaningar som de står inför i byggprojekt. Resultaten analyserades med en teoretisk ram och diskuterades tillsammans med tidigare forskning och kunskap och i denna studie användes princip - agentteori. Resultaten av studien visade att dålig planering, sen involvering av kvantitetsmätarna i projekt, brist på effektiv kommunikation och dålig kontrakthantering är de viktigaste utmaningarna för kvantitetsmätaren när det gäller att utföra kostnadskontroll i byggprojekt. För att övervinna dessa utmaningar föreslår författaren att det finns ett behov av att öka medvetenheten om vikten av att ha kvantitetsmätare och tydligt fastställa sina roller i projekt, ha korrekt kommunikationsplan, korrekt kontrakthantering och förbättra färdigheterna i kvantitetsmätningsprogramvara
Professional newsletter production : the case of community economic development newsletter
No full textThe Community Economic Development Newsletter is one of the projects undertaken by students of the MSc CED Programme. It involves collecting articles, looking for printers, producing the newsletter, and carrying out a survey to get information for improving the newsletter and finally writing a final report. This final report of the Community Economic Development Newsletter covers the period from September 2003 to March 2005.
The report is divided into five chapters. Chapter one deals with, among others, the background to the study, vision, mission and objectives of the CED Newsletter, activities in the Newsletter project, various challenges and the assignment. Chapter two is concerned with literature review. It discusses an overview of the evolution of newsletters including newsletter production process concentrating on best practices. The chapter also discusses how to write an editorial column and also includes a section on empirical review that highlights various experiences from people who have been dealing with newsletter production. This chapter ends with a review of CED newsletter related policies with a view of finding what they say about community economic development.
Chapter three is a discussion of research methodology used in this study, sampling techniques, data collection and analysis. Chapter four focuses on research findings and recommendations. The major findings of the study generally indicate that the CED Newsletter is a useful tool for promoting Community Economic Development and it is good in educating people about community economic development. Another finding is that, students would like to be associated with the newsletter even after graduating by contributing articles and receiving copies of the newsletter. Major recommendations include; the need of involving students, NGOs and government institutions in contributing articles, which discuss issues related to their projects. This chapter also discusses findings and recommendations on various issues of the Newsletter such as sale of the Newsletter, impression of readers on the Newsletter, relevance of the articles, reader friendliness, shortcomings in the Newsletter and interest in contributing articles and receiving the newsletter. There are also recommendations to facilitate continuity of the newsletter by the next Newsletter group.
Chapter five contains highlights on the implementation of the recommendations. These include, taking on board all the possible recommendations and professional guidance, improving the design of the front page, having more articles from students and alumni that are up to date and well selected. (Author abstract)Hassan, S. S., Mnzava, R. A. D., Muthoni, C. W., Mvugalo, R., Sangana, G. P. (2005). Professional newsletter production: the case of community economic development newsletter. Retrieved from http://academicarchive.snhu.eduMaster of Science (M.S.)School of Community Economic Developmen
