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The feasibility of achieving sustainable building development, an eco-friendly environment, and building investment conservation by integrating technological intelligence in buildings is highly viable. Intelligence features are, therefore, increasingly being incorporated in new designs and existing buildings to enhance the useful life, productivity and satisfaction of occupants, and a greener environment. This article evaluates the use of intelligent building systems in Nigeria. Primary data were obtained with the use of structured questionnaires that were self-administered to construction professionals in the private and public sectors in Lagos State. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings established that 90.24% of the respondents were aware of intelligent building systems, while practitioners who have worked or were working on buildings with intelligent features were limited to 51.2%. Approximately 64.60% of the respondents have used intelligent buildings previously, but only thirteen (13) notable buildings were identified to have employed intelligent building systems to a reasonable extent in the study area. The features of intelligent buildings with top level of awareness were CCTV system; access control and locks (mean = 3.96); alarms and alerts (mean = 3.92); HVAC system (mean = 3.90), and fire alarm system (mean = 3.89). Features with high level of utilisation include lighting system, which was the most utilised feature (mean = 3.57); fire alarm system (mean = 3.48); access control and lock; CCTV system (mean = 3.45), and HVAC system (mean = 3.43). The results showed that most of the features with a high level of awareness were also those with a high level of utilisation. The study established that the level of awareness and utilisation of intelligent building systems in the study area is high, but full adoption of the system is still low.  

Organisations are required to possess certain capabilities in order to implement Building Information Modelling (BIM), one of the emerging technologies for overcoming the problem of fragmentation in the construction industry. This study examines the organisational capability attributes required for the implementation of BIM in construction projects, with a view to enhancing the performance of public sector projects. The study adopted a quantitative descriptive analysis based on primary data obtained from public sector organisations in Lagos State, Southwestern Nigeria. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) valid questionnaires, obtained from construction professionals within the organisations, provided quantitative data for the assessment. Data collected were analysed, using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that public sector organisations possess the capability attributes for BIM implementation in building projects at different levels of availability (LAv) and adequacy (LAq), with adequate power supply rated at (LAv = 76.00%; LAq = 75.80%); speedy internet connection (LAv = 70.20%; LAq = 69.80%); change from traditional workflow (LAv = 69.80%; LAq = 64.60%); adequate work environment for workers (LAv = 69.60%; LAq = 64.40%); standardised process (LAv = 66.00%; LAq = 63.40%); sufficient number of workers (LAv = 65.60%) and data-sharing skills (LAv = 65.00%); standardised process (LAq = 63.40%), and collaborative team culture (LAq = 63.00%). The study established that the organisational capability attributes with high availability rating also have high adequacy rating. The research concludes that the general organisational capability attributes of the public sector for BIM on construction projects are not yet sufficiently developed and thus suggests the need to strengthen specific capability attributes that are required to implement BIM.

This study examines the capability improvement measures of the public sector client for enhancing the implementation of building information modeling (BIM) in construction project delivery. The study adopted a quantitative descriptive analysis based on primary data obtained through a structured questionnaire. A total of 198 valid questionnaires obtained from construction professionals within public sector organizations in Lagos State, Nigeria, provided primary quantitative data for the assessment. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated the measures to enhance the capacity of the public sector for BIM implementation including the following: team-based structure and recruitment of adequate number of staff (with mean score [MS] = 3.66), government support and involvement (MS = 3.64), government policies, adoption of process open to innovation, and investment in equipment and technology (MS = 3.60) had been considerably entrenched. However, measures that resulted in improved efficiency were limited to the following: reward system for performance (MS = 3.81), government policies, and education and training of staff (MS = 3.74), government support and involvement (MS = 3.73), and clear job description (MS = 3.71). Most of the measures with high level of impact were not necessarily those that are frequently used. On this basis, the public sector needs to differ from the status quo by adopting improvement measures that are appropriate for enhancing its capabilities for BIM in project delivery. The findings indicate implications that could enable the public sector to adjust and make necessary policies in a bid to improve BIM implementation in project delivery.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop penalty measures against concessionaires’ defaults as a mechanism for protecting the interests of parties (public and private) in public–private partnership (PPP) contracts for enhancing project delivery.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology is a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach. This study commenced with an in-depth literature review, which provided the basis for identification of penalty measures in construction contract management. The qualitative assessment was based on semi-structured face-to-face interviews, which were aimed at identifying the underlying pattern of the penalty measures, and the quantitative assessment was based on a structured questionnaire. In both cases, respondents were stakeholders’ organizations that had been involved in PPP contracts in the southwestern region of Nigeria. These include industrial practitioners from government-based organizations (ministries, agencies, corporations/parastatals, etc.), private developers/concessionaires, law firms, banks, etc. The sample size was selected using a respondent-driven sampling approach, as the comprehensive lists of the participants in PPP contracts are not readily available in the Nigerian construction industry. Responses from the interview were analysed using interpretative phenomenal analysis via ATLAS.ti7. The quantitative data were analysed using percentile for flexibility between “most” and “more” preferred mechanisms.FindingsThis study developed mechanisms that defined the rights of the public party to redress underperformance of PPP contracts consequent to the defaults of the private party. “Step-in-right” and “termination of the contracts” were preferred against specific cases of “delayed execution”, “abandonment of the project”, “bankruptcy of the concessionaire” and “non-compliance with design and specifications”. With respect to “shortfall in performance against established dates”, the results converged on “monetary fine” and diverged on “step-in-right” and “termination of the contracts”.Practical implicationsThe study contributes to literature on mechanisms for enforcing PPP project performance. Besides, defining rights and obligations of the parties in specific events of underperformance of the concessionaires in PPP contracts is a significant step towards the development of standard conditions of contract for managing PPP projects in which the model is being newly adopted.Originality/valueProject management studies on PPP were extended by defining the liabilities that are consequent to the defaults of the private party and the mechanisms for their enforcement.

PurposeGreen building is a relatively new concept with limited applications in property development in South Africa. The objectives of this study are therefore threefold: identify key green building principles considered by property developers, establish the benefits of implementing the principles and determine the barriers to its applications.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a case study of two Green Star South Africa (SA)-certified buildings in Sandton, Johannesburg. These are Alexander Forbes building, and Ernst & Young Eris Towers. The two certified buildings were purposefully selected because of the insightful information they provide regarding application of green building principles. The main themes investigated in the cases are environmental awareness, green building principles applications, as well as benefits and barriers of green building. A total of six interviewees from the contractors', property developers', environmental/green building consultants' and sustainability consultants' organizations who were involved in the implementation of green building principles in the two cases provided the qualitative data for the study. The qualitative data were supplemented with data relating to the two case studies obtained from the ‘Earth Works for a Sustainable Built Environment’. The interviews were arranged over a period of two months, and each interview took between 20 and 30 minutes. Analysis of the data was done through a phenomenological interpretation of the qualitative opinions expressed by the interviewees.FindingsKey green building principles comprising energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency, occupants' health and well-being and sustainable site development were implemented in the two cases. The fact that the buildings were rated 4-star enabled inference to be drawn that the implementation of the principles was less than 60 per cent. Energy efficiency of 35 per cent indicated in Case I suggests that the level is consistent with the South African green building standard of 25 per cent to 50 per cent. However, the energy and water efficiency assessment of the building were based on projections rather than on ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the buildings' performance. Moreover, perceived saving in operational cost was identified as dominant driver to green building principles implementation. Conversely, lack of government incentives and absence of reliable benchmarking data regarding performance of green buildings were major barriers to its full implementation.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide important implications to the developers and government on the application of green building principles. In the first place, the evidence that initial high cost premium could be off settled by long- term saving on operational costs as a result of use of local materials, energy and water savings as well as use of recycled material, as implemented in the two case projects, would improve investment decision in green building by developers. The understanding of the drivers and barriers to implementation of green building principles also has implications for guiding government policies and programmes towards green building.Originality/valueThe significance of this study stems from the fact that limited studies, especially in the South African context, have indicated the drivers and barriers to the implementation of green building principles. The case study approach adopted gave a novelty to the study by providing hands-on information from the stakeholders who were known to have played specific roles in the application of green building. The findings indicated that initial high cost premium was not a consideration in developers' choice of green building which justifies the possibility of a costlier product when factors such as environmental sustainability benefit is considered to be ultimate. The study thus suggests further research involving larger cases on energy efficiency, water efficiency and costs of green buildings compared to the conventional type to bring the findings to a broader perspective and assist to benchmark data for green building assessment.

The performance of small and medium sized construction firms has attracted research attention in recent times because of the impact on sustainable economic growth. This study examined this category of firms as their performances in building project delivery are impacted by specific risk factors. The purpose is to provide empirical evidence that could enhance the choice of appropriate risk management approaches and improve the performance metrics of the projects executed by the firms. Primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire targeted at 100 firms which is about 40% proportional sample of 245 registered small and medium contractors in Lagos state, Nigeria, as at 2016. A total of 53 questionnaires completed by; 17 engineers, 12 quantity surveyors, 10 architect, eight 8 builders and 2 project managers provided valid responses for the analysis. Quantitative data collected were analysed using mean ranking, factor analysis, and t-test. While the results show; mistakes, changes in scope of project, price fluctuation, importing and customs and security risk factors, as the most frequently occurring variables, they nonetheless indicate no significant difference in the ranking of the occurrence of the factors by the operators of both small and medium sized contracting firms. Although findings are limited to occurrence indices of the factors, risk impact models based on severity indices of the individual variables on project performance executed by this category of contractors can be developed based on the empirical findings. The study also highlights implications for risk assessment and choice of appropriate management techniques that could help in improving the performance metrics of the projects executed by small and medium sized category of contracting firms.

PurposeThe South African construction industry appears to be lagging behind other industries in the country in terms of implementation and adoption of innovative technologies. Moreover, sufficient empirical data on the adoption of innovative technologies, especially, in developing countries are not readily available. The aim of this study is therefore to assess the adoption and implementation of innovative technologies in the South African construction industry with a view to improving the industry's performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey was undertaken using a questionnaire, administered to construction professionals primarily in project management, quantity surveying and architectural firms.FindingsThe key findings show that there are some innovative technologies such as building information modelling, 3-dimensional mapping, drones, 3-dimensional printing and virtual reality that have been deployed. However, limited adoption of innovative technologies within the industry and low levels of knowledge of its benefits among the respondents were reported. This low implementation of innovative technologies was due to critical barriers such as high cost, limited knowledge, time requirement, fear of change, lack of interest, nature of construction processes and lack of team dynamics. Key drivers of innovation were found to include globalization and competition.Practical implicationsThe current level of implementation of innovative technologies indicated that they are not yet optimized in the South African construction industry and suggests implications for change, adaptation and growth. The study recommends that firms should consider investing in research and development in order to exploit the potential of innovation for organizations and the industry at large.Originality/valueThe drivers and barriers indicated will help to prioritize the direction of adoption and growth which could help to improve the industry.

PurposeEffort towards improving project performance has necessitated the need for effective teamwork among the stakeholders in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to identify the major attributes of effective teamwork and the challenges encountered by the team during construction with a view to improving performance of projects.Design/methodology/approachData for the study were obtained through 420 structured questionnaires, which were administered to a sample of project participants including clients’, contractors’ and consultants’ organizations’ representatives in South-Southern region of Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean item score and Kruskal–Wallis rank test.FindingsThe findings revealed leadership skills, top management support and interpersonal dynamics of the team among the critical attributes for effective teamwork. The prevailing challenges of effective teamwork were identified as essentially; poor leadership, poor rapport among team members and lack of effective communication.Practical implicationsThe study ultimately provides implication for effective team building among clients’, consultants’ and contractors’ organizations towards efficient delivery of construction projects. Moreover, the stakeholders in the industry would find the results of this research useful in managing human and non-human components of construction projects through the understanding of the attributes and challenges of teamwork with ultimate aim of achieving effective project performance.Originality/valueThe findings reveal that all the key stakeholders’ organizations; clients, consultants and contractors’ organizations exhibit similar perceptions of the attributes and challenges confronting teamwork in construction project delivery. The empirical evidence provided on the attributes and challenges would therefore offer robust information in building effective project team by stakeholders during the planning and implementation stages, which is a right step towards enhancing construction project performance.

PurposeThis study examined factors influencing the organisational capabilities of the public sector for building information modelling (BIM) implementation in construction projects with a view to enhancing the performance of public sector projects.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative descriptive analysis that was based on primary data. In total, 198 valid questionnaires obtained from construction professionals within the public sector provided primary quantitative data for the assessment. The respondents provided the responses on the factors which were identified through an in-depth synthesis of literature relating to organisational capabilities of the public sector. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe findings established that the potential of the public sector to deploy BIM in construction projects is greatly influenced by varying degree of organisational capability attributes with bureaucratic culture (mean score, MS = 3.37), structural complexity (MS = 3.17), lack of skilled and trained staff (MS = 3.12), personnel stability (MS = 3.11), staff cooperation (MS = 3.09) and political constraint (MS = 3.07) ranked highest. Through factor analysis, these and other highly influential factors were grouped into eight components, namely management-related, policy-related, technical-related, attitude-related, work structure-related, work ethic-related, decision-related and feedback-related factors. This grouping reflects the various components of organisational capability attributes which the public sector needs to efficiently develop to benefit from project management paradigm introduced by BIM.Practical implicationsThis study provided information for improving specific capability attributes with respect to human and technical resources as well as other soft infrastructure to support BIM implementation on building projects by the public sector client. The study also serves as a guide for understanding BIM implementation by the public sector in similar socio-political and economic contexts.Originality/valueThis assessment indicates various degrees by which the organisational attributes of public sector have influenced the attributes' capability to implement BIM on construction projects. Thus, findings provide information on areas of improvement for better implementation of BIM by the public sector in project delivery.

PurposeNotwithstanding the remarkable market potential of the Nigerian economy for private investment, the current sociopolitical characteristics had necessitated a careful assessment to inform decisions in long-term investments. The purpose of this paper is therefore to evaluate the success factors that have a specific influence on private party’s performance in concession contracts in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachRespondents involved in the study were participants in concession-based contracts in Southwestern Nigeria that included architects, estate surveyors, quantity surveyors, engineers and builders, accountants/bankers/economists and lawyers. These were selected using random and respondent-driven sampling (RDS) approaches. The research instrument adopted was a questionnaire that enlisted questions which were structured to ensure that the respondents have appropriate experience in concession-based projects and hold appropriate positions as decision-makers so as to give credence to collected data. The highest significant factors were identified through the relative significance index (RSI). By exploring factor analysis, the factors were condensed for discussion under appropriate component headings. The value of Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO, 0.755) measure of sampling adequacy tests carried out showed that the data collected were adequate for the factor analysis, and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity (χ2 = 1,799.339; df = 630; p < 0.001) was highly significant.FindingsFactors influencing private party performance clustered under eight components, namely, technical, market maturity, political, legal, finance, procurement, incentive and regulation. However, component items including level of understanding of public–private alliance transactions, stability of exchange rate and provisions for reversion of policies were found to be highly significant. On the other hand, status of domestication and implementation of international laws/codes, predictability in legal regime and enforcement and extent of jurisdictional definition of land usage were least significant.Originality/valueFindings would guide private investors in the preparation of robust investment packages that reduce risks and seemingly unavoidable opportunistic tendencies associated with public–private partnership projects in developing economies.