Dr. Napoleon Usman

The building industry continues to occupy an important position in the nation’s economy even though it contributes less than the manufacturing industries. It has continued to be a major player in the socio-economic development of many countries globally. However, recently, issues of quality, costs, reliability and human and environmental safety have emerged posing a challenge to the growth of industry. This is as a result poor completion phase principles in the building industry. However, poor project completion in the Nigerian Building Industry (NBI) was linked to its inability to deliver service effectively and efficiently; and these are barriers on the Nigerian economy. This study therefore sought to ascertain whether completion phase principles can improve project performance within the building industry in Abuja, Nigeria. Explanatory and descriptive approaches were used to obtain data from completed projects files (three from both public and private sectors respectively) and pr...

The building industries in the developed and some emerging economies were able to effectively contribute to socio-economic development through the creation of employments, provisionof shelter to millions as well as the provision of basic infrastructure, through a sound policy framework compliance. However, poor policy compliance in the Nigerian Building Industry has been linked amongst other things to the industry’s inability to deliver services effectively and efficiently and this has been detrimental to Nigeria’s economy. This study therefore sought to investigate how policy/procedural framework influences the performance of projects in the Nigerian buildingindustry.Explanatory and descriptive design approaches were used to obtaindata from completed projects files and interviewsin Abuja respectively. Stratified random sampling was used to select three projects from both public and private sectors.The study established that policy and procedural frameworks guide in achieving projec...

The building industry is a key player of the Nigerian socio-economic development is saddled with the challenges of project management. The Nigerian Building Industry has adopted the traditional project management system in which projects are hardly delivered on time, within budget and quality standards. This has affected the growth of the industry as a result of its inability to deliver projects and services effectively and efficiently. This study therefore sought to determine the adoption of Life Cycle Management (LCM) and how initial phase principle influence project performance within the building industry in Abuja, Nigeria. LCM is a series of activities used in enhancing project performance. It is a valuable tool that helps the project manager to better understand the various steps of a project and the resources required. It reflects every management requirement for successful project delivery and communication between participants. LCM principles have been used successfully in ...

The building industry continues to occupy an important position in the nation’s economy even though it contributes less than the manufacturing industries. It has continued to be a major player in the socio-economic development of many countries globally. However, recently, issues of quality, costs, reliability and human and environmental safety have emerged posing a challenge to the growth of industry. This is as a result of poor planning phase principles in the building industry. However, poor planning in the Nigerian Building Industry (NBI) was linked to its inability to deliver service effectively and efficiently; and these are impediment on the Nigerian economy. This study therefore sought to examine how planning phase principles influence project performance within the building industry in Abuja, Nigeria. Explanatory and descriptive approaches were used to obtain data from completed projects files (three from both public and private sectors respectively) and professionals from ...

The production of cement contributes to climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere which causes global warming. In recent years, geopolymer binders were proposed to find a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to Portland cement. However, geopolymerization were carried out at high temperatures and for it to find novel applications within the construction industry, attempts were made to produce structural geopolymer at ambient conditions. In that effect, this study investigates the use of local kaolin in producing geopolymer mortar with varied Si/Al ratio at ambient condition. Indigenous kaolin obtained from Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi state and calcined at 700°C for 3 hours was used as the main geopolymer precursor. Physical and chemical properties of the metakaolin were assessed to establish its suitability for geopolymerization. The alkaline activating agents used were Sodium hydroxide of 12M concentration and Sodium silicate to induce the ...

The rate of migration into urban cities especially in Africa is a clear indication for increase in shelter and sustainable environment. To create a sustainable built environment, is to improve the use of local construction materials to meet the need of the growing population. In construction, certain admixtures are added to soil to improve its properties depending on the performances desired. This study seeks to determine the engineering properties of locust bean waste and wild vine as stabilizers used for construction. This can be achieved through the following objectives to resist the high rate of wear and tear of buildings caused by rain and to determine the suitability of the admixture with less water absorption capacity and hydration process. Lack of proper stabilization is responsible for low strength of laterite in building and roads construction. Engineering performance of soil is enhanced by the addition stabilizers. The wild vine and the locust bean waste were obtained fro...

The building industry is a key player in the transformation of socio-economic development globally. It creates employment and provides shelter and other infrastructural developments. However, issues of quality cost and time overrun are contending factors that leads to building failures, poor infrastructural developments, and insufficient service delivery amongst others. This study is aimed to investigate the adoption of Life Cycle Management (LCM) in transforming building industry in Nigeria. Data were collected from a population of 350 Architects, 352 Builders, 354 Engineers, 354 Quantity Surveyors, 350 Urban and Regional Planners and 350 Contractors. From each of these populations, a stratified random sampling of 10% was obtained and a formula was used to provide a sample of n = 210. Data was collected by use of standardized questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistic was used to analyse in establishing whether there is a statistical significant difference between LCM ado...

Professionals are expected to exhibit high level of professionalism by adhering to their professional ethics when discharging their duties. Nonetheless, consequences of unethical professional practices are evident in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Thus affecting the performance of construction projects and the role of the industry in enhancing the economic growth of the country. Hence, the study sought to identify the effects of unethical professional practices on construction projects performance in Nigeria and to identify remedies for curbing it. Explorative and questionnaire survey methods were used to obtained data from literatures, interviews and construction professionals. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and SPSS was used for: reliability, correlation tests and significance test. Result revealed vulnerability to frequent maintenance work, delays and cost overruns as the extremely severe effects of unethical practices on projects performance ...

The building industry is a key player in the transformation of socio-economic development globally. It creates employment and provides shelter and other infrastructural developments. However, issues of quality cost and time overrun are contending factors that leads to building failures, poor infrastructural developments, and insufficient service delivery amongst others. The aim of this study is examine the application ofLife Cycle Management (LCM) in transforming building industry in Nigeria. This can be achieved by investigating the factors influencing LCM in project delivery in the building industry in Nigeria. Data were collected from a population of 350 Architects, 352 Builders, 354 Engineers, 354 Quantity Surveyors, 350 Urban and Regional Planners and 350 Contractors. From each of these populations, a stratified random sampling of 10% was obtained and a formula was used to provide a sample of n = 210. Data was collected by use of standardized questionnaires and interviews. Desc...

Professionals are expected to exhibit high level of professionalism by adhering to their professional ethics when discharging their duties. Nonetheless, consequences of unethical professional practices are evident in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Consequently affecting the performance of construction projects and the role of the industry in enhancing the economic growth of the country. Hence, the study sought to identify the effects of unethical professional practices on construction projects performance in Nigeria and to identify remedies for curbing it. Explorative and questionnaire survey methods were used to obtained data from literatures, interviews and construction professionals. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS for: reliability and correlation tests, significance test, as well as descriptive statistics. Result revealed vulnerability to frequent maintenance work, delays and cost overruns as the extremely severe effects of unethical practices on projects performance and adherence to professional ethics, transparency and accountability in contract administration, the use of approved construction designs from certified professionals as highly effective remedies for curbing unethical professional practices. The research recommend construction professional and regulatory bodies, and the government to adopt the research finding on the remedies and these organizations should be synergize in implementing the remedies for curbing unethical professional practices in Nigeria. The research result will assist in curbing unethical practices and improves projects performance thus, facilitates professionalism in the NCI to meet international best practice. Keywords: Construction industry, Nigeria, Professional ethics, Project performance.

Professionals are expected to exhibit high level of professionalism by adhering to their professional ethics when discharging their duties. Nonetheless, consequences of unethical professional practices are evident in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Consequently affecting the performance of construction projects and the role of the industry in enhancing the economic growth of the country. Hence, the study sought to identify the effects of unethical professional practices on construction projects performance in Nigeria and to identify remedies for curbing it. Explorative and questionnaire survey methods were used to obtained data from literatures, interviews and construction professionals. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS for: reliability and correlation tests, significance test, as well as descriptive statistics. Result revealed vulnerability to frequent maintenance work, delays and cost overruns as the extremely severe effects of unethical practices on projects performance and adherence to professional ethics, transparency and accountability in contract administration, the use of approved construction designs from certified professionals as highly effective remedies for curbing unethical professional practices. The research recommend construction professional and regulatory bodies, and the government to adopt the research finding on the remedies and these organizations should be synergize in implementing the remedies for curbing unethical professional practices in Nigeria. The research result will assist in curbing unethical practices and improves projects performance thus, facilitates professionalism in the NCI to meet international best practice. Keywords: Construction industry, Nigeria, Professional ethics, Project performance.

Professionals are expected to exhibit high level of professionalism by adhering to their professional ethics when discharging their duties. Nonetheless, consequences of unethical professional practices are evident in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Consequently affecting the performance of construction projects and the role of the industry in enhancing the economic growth of the country. Hence, the study sought to identify the effects of unethical professional practices on construction projects performance in Nigeria and to identify remedies for curbing it. Explorative and questionnaire survey methods were used to obtained data from literatures, interviews and construction professionals. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS for: reliability and correlation tests, significance test, as well as descriptive statistics. Result revealed vulnerability to frequent maintenance work, delays and cost overruns as the extremely severe effects of unethical practices on projects performance and adherence to professional ethics, transparency and accountability in contract administration, the use of approved construction designs from certified professionals as highly effective remedies for curbing unethical professional practices. The research recommend construction professional and regulatory bodies, and the government to adopt the research finding on the remedies and these organizations should be synergize in implementing the remedies for curbing unethical professional practices in Nigeria. The research result will assist in curbing unethical practices and improves projects performance thus, facilitates professionalism in the NCI to meet international best practice. Keywords: Construction industry, Nigeria, Professional ethics, Project performance.

The building industry is a key player of the Nigerian socioeconomic development is saddled with the challenges of project management. The Nigerian Building Industry has adopted the traditional project management system in which projects are hardly delivered on time, within budget and quality standards. This has affected the growth of the industry as a result of its inability to deliver projects and services effectively and efficiently. This study therefore sought to determine the adoption of Life Cycle Management (LCM) and how initial phase principle influence project performance within the building industry in Abuja, Nigeria. LCM is a series of activities used in enhancing project performance. It is a valuable tool that helps the project manager to better understand the various steps of a project and the resources required. It reflects every management requirement for successful project delivery and communication between participants. LCM principles have been used successfully in managing many projects and improving services. Explanatory and descriptive approaches were used to obtain data from completed projects files (three from both public and private sectors respectively) and professionals from the building industry. Stratified and purposive random samplings were used to select completed projects and qualitative data for the purpose of analysis. The results revealed that projects were not delivered on time, within cost and quality due to poor management of projects, inadequate planning and budgetary provisions, costly project execution. The current traditional project management system is not achieving the desired results, however, if initial phase principle is adopted, it could improve project performance and reduce cost and time overruns.

The study investigates the impact of project performance on housing delivery within the building industry in Nigeria. Project Performance is attained through efficiency and effectiveness of cost, time and quality standards. This study intends to evaluate the influence of project performance on housing delivery within the building industry in Nigeria. This was in view of the fact that housing delivery was seen to be futile in terms of services, poor management of projects, the rush in project implementation, corruption, inadequate planning and budgetary provisions, costly project execution, untimely completion of projects and abandoned or non-functional facilities and collapsed of buildings. In spite of these, no study has shown that this menace has been husk out of the pipeline. The study was conducted through literature and documentary survey. Data was collected in August 2012 using questionnaire and documentary techniques from professionals in the built environment. Purposive sampling was used to sample 210 out of a population of 300 professionals. The data was analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square to test the Null hypothesis that project performance does not influence housing delivery within the building industry in Nigeria. The study established that project performance enhances housing delivery; but in Nigeria project performance is far from expectation due to the industry's inability to provide services efficiently and effectively, most projects are not delivered on time, within budget and quality standards. The research recommends that capacity building should be mandatory for all professionals within the built environment. This will improve their competencies; so also monitoring and supervision mechanisms should be intensified, as well as law enforcement within the building industry in Nigeria.

The building industry is a key player in the transformation of socio-economic development globally. It creates
employment and provides shelter and other infrastructural developments. However, issues of quality cost and time
overrun are contending factors that leads to building failures, poor infrastructural developments, and insufficient
service delivery amongst others. The aim of this study is examine the application ofLife Cycle Management (LCM)
in transforming building industry in Nigeria. This can be achieved by investigating the factors influencing  LCM in
project delivery in the building industry in Nigeria. Data were collected from a population of 350 Architects, 352
Builders, 354 Engineers, 354 Quantity Surveyors, 350 Urban and Regional Planners and 350 Contractors. From each
of these populations, a stratified random sampling of 10% was obtained and a formula was used to provide  a sample
of n = 210. Data was collected by use of standardized questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistic was used
to analyse  the data and  in establishing whether there is a statistical significant difference between LCM adoption
and how it can influence project performance in transforming the building industry in Nigeria. Chi-Square statistics
was used to test for significance difference between LCM and the factors influencing project delivery at 95%
confidence level. The results indicated a significant difference meaning that the higher the LCM the adoption, the
better the project performance in the building industry in Nigeria. Hence, the possibilities and realities of the state of
construction in Nigeria, LCM if fully adopted; can transform the building i ndustry in terms of best practices and
better project performance.
Keywords: Building, LCM, Possibilities, Realities, Transformation

The building industry is a key player in the transformation of socio-economic development
globally. It  creates employment and provides shelter and other infrastructural developments.
However, issues of quality cost and time overrun are contending factors that leads to building
failures, poor infrastructural developments, and insufficient service delivery amongst others.
This study is aimed to investigate the adoption of Life Cycle Management (LCM) in
transforming building industry in Nigeria. Data were collected from a population of 350
Architects, 352 Builders, 354 Engineers, 354 Quantity Surveyors, 350 Urban and Regional
Planners and 350 Contractors. From each of these populations, a stratified random sampling of
10% was obtained and a formula was used to provide a sample of n = 210. Data was collected by
use of standardized questionnaires and interviews.  Descriptive statistic was used to analyse in
establishing whether there is a statistical significant difference between LCM adoption and how
it can influence project performance in transforming the building industry in Nigeria. Chi -Square
statistics was used test the hypothesis at 95% confidence level. The results indicated a significant
difference meaning that the higher the LCM the adoption, the higher the project performance.
Hence, the possibilities and realities of the state of construction in Nigeria, LCM if fully adopted;
can transform the building industry in terms of better project performances.
Keywords: Building, LCM, Possibilities, Realities, Transformation

Professionals are expected to exhibit high level of professionalism by adhering to their professional ethics when discharging their duties. Nonetheless, consequences of unethical professional practices are evident in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI).  Consequently
affecting the performance of construction projects and the role of the industry in enhancing the economic growth of the country. Hence, the study sought to identify the effects of unethical professional practices on construction projects  performance  in Nigeria and to identify remedies for curbing it. Explorative and questionnaire survey methods were used to obtained data from literatures, interviews  and construction professionals. Data obtained were  analysed  using  SPSS
for: reliability and correlation tests, significance test, as well as descriptive statistics. Result revealed  vulnerability to frequent maintenance work, delays and cost overruns as  the extremely
severe effects  of unethical practices on projects performance and adherence to professional ethics, transparency and accountability in contract administration,  the use of approved construction designs from certified professionals  as highly effective remedies for curbing
unethical professional practices. The research recommend construction professional and regulatory bodies, and the government to adopt the research finding on the remedies and these organizations should be synergize in implementing the remedies for curbing unethical
professional practices in Nigeria. The research result will assist in curbing unethical practices and improves projects performance thus, facilitates  professionalism in the NCI to meet international best practice.
Keywords: Construction industry, Nigeria, Professional ethics, Project performance.

The building industry is a key player of the Nigerian socio-economic development is saddled with the challenges of project management. The Nigerian Building Industry has adopted the traditional project management system in which projects are hardly delivered on time, within budget and quality standards. This has affected the growth of the industry as a result of its inability to deliver projects and services effectively and efficiently. This study therefore sought to determine the adoption of Life Cycle Management (LCM) and how initial phase principle influence project performance within the building industry in Abuja, Nigeria. LCM is a series of activities used in enhancing project performance. It is a valuable tool that helps the project manager to better understand the various steps of a project and the resources required. It reflects every management requirement for successful project delivery and communication between participants. LCM principles have been used successfully in managing many projects and improving services. Explanatory and descriptive approaches were used to obtain data from completed projects files (three from both public and private sectors respectively) and professionals from the building industry.  Stratified and purposive random samplings were used to select completed projects and qualitative data for the purpose of analysis.  The results revealed that projects were not delivered on time, within cost and quality due to poor management of projects, inadequate planning and budgetary provisions, costly project execution. The current traditional project management system is not achieving the desired results, however, if initial phase principle is adopted, it could improve project performance and reduce cost and time overruns.

Keywords: Building Industry, Cost, Impact, Initial Phase Principles, Project Performance, Quality, Time

The  building  industry  contributes  immensely  to  the  development  of  any
nation  even  though  its  contribution  is  less  than  the  manufacturing
industries; it is a major player in the socio-economic development of many
countries globally. However, recently, issues of quality, costs,  reliability and
human and environmental safety have emerged posing a challenge to the
growth  of  the  industry.  This  is  as  a  result  of  poor  implementation  phase
principles  in  the  industry.  Yet,  poor  implementation  in  the  Nigerian
Building  Industry  (NBI)  was  linked  to  its  inability  to  deliver  service
effectively  and  efficiently;  and  these  are  obstacles  on  the  Nigerian
economy.  This  study therefore  sought  to  determine how  implementation
phase  principles  may  influence  project  performance  within  the  building
industry  in  Abuja,  Nigeria.  Explanatory and  descriptive  approaches  were
used  to  obtain  data  from  completed  project  files (three  from both  public
and  private  sectors  respectively)  and  professionals  from  the  building
industry.    Stratified  and purposive random  samplings  were used  to  select
completed  projects  and  qualitative  data  for  the  purpose  of  analysis.    The
results  revealed  that  implementation  phase  principles  were  not  adopted
due  to  poor  management  of  projects,  unnecessary  rush  in  project
implementation,  inadequate  planning  and  budgetary  provisions,  costly
project execution. Still, the  current traditional system is not  working, but  if
implementation  phase  principle  is  employed,  it  could  improve  project
performance and will reduce cost and time overruns.
Keywords:
Building Industry, Implementation Phase Principles, Influence, Project
Performance.

The study investigates the impact of project performance on housing delivery within the building industry in Nigeria. Project Performance is attained through efficiency and effectiveness of cost, time and quality standards. This study intends to evaluate the influence of project performance on housing delivery within the building industry in Nigeria. This was in view of the fact that housing delivery was seen to be futile in terms of services, poor management of projects, the rush in project implementation, corruption, inadequate planning and budgetary provisions, costly project execution, untimely completion of projects and abandoned or non- functional facilities and collapsed of buildings. In spite of these, no study has shown that this menace has been husk out of the pipeline. The study was conducted through literature and documentary survey. Data was collected in August 2012 using questionnaire and documentary techniques from professionals in the built environment. Purposive sampling was used to sample 210 out of a population of 300 professionals. The data was analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square to test the Null hypothesis that project performance does not influence housing delivery within the building industry in Nigeria. The study established that project performance enhances housing delivery; but in Nigeria project performance is far from expectation due to the industry’s inability to provide services efficiently and effectively, most projects are not delivered on time, within budget and quality standards. The research recommends that capacity building should be mandatory for all professionals within the built environment. This will improve their competencies; so also monitoring and supervision mechanisms should be intensified, as well as law enforcement within the building industry in Nigeria.
Keywords: Building industry, Cost, Housing Delivery, Project Performance, Quality Standards, Time

Construction SMEs does contribute immensely to the economic development globally. GDP determines the growth of any economy. Studies express concern over the non-performance of construction SMEs. This is evident by poor management, high rate of inflation, high rate of unemployment, and increase in poverty and as well as lack of infrastructure for economic development. Exploratory design was used to collect data through literature review. The study is aimed at examining the role of construction SMEs on economic development. This was achieved through the following objectives: to determine the impact of policy on construction SMEs, to ascertain the need of construction SMEs, examine how food and insecurity affect construction SMEs in economic development, to examine technology on construction SMEs and evaluate the challenges of construction SMEs on economic development. Despite the significant contribution of construction SMEs globally, it is still a myriad in Nigeria. Based on these, recommendations were made that Construction SMEs operators should develop skills and innovations in enhancing economic development as well as monitoring and supervision mechanisms should be intensified by government and professional bodies.

A viable national development plan which is adequately synchronised with the national budget, fully implemented and monitored is a catalyst for sustainable developments in all its ramifications. This study aims at examining the influence of national development plan and national budget on personal development and utilisation of builder " s practical skills with a view to promoting individual development planning for sustainable national development. An exploratory survey research design approach was adopted. Purposive sampling of 120 builders across four categories namely, builders in academics, builders in civil service, consulting builders and contracting builders was conducted. Data for the study were collected through structured questionnaire. Mean Score, Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman correlation were the statistical tools used for data analysis. The result shows that there is significant variation of the influence of national development plan and national budget on personal development of Professional Builder " s practical skills across selected categories of builders (p-value < 0.05). There is no significant variation of the influence of national development plan and national budget on the utilisation of Professional Builder " s practical skills across the categories of builders (p-value > 0.05). It is concluded that the national development plan and budget has not significantly influenced the utilisation of professional builder " s practical skills. The study recommends that for sustainable development of the built environment, the government of the federal republic of Nigeria should take practical steps in synchronising the development plan with the budget and ensure its full implementation.

A viable national development plan which is adequately synchronised with the national budget, fully implemented and monitored is a catalyst for sustainable developments in all its ramifications. This study aims at examining the influence of national development plan and national budget on personal development and utilisation of builder " s practical skills with a view to promoting individual development planning for sustainable national development. An exploratory survey research design approach was adopted. Purposive sampling of 120 builders across four categories namely, builders in academics, builders in civil service, consulting builders and contracting builders was conducted. Data for the study were collected through structured questionnaire. Mean Score, Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman correlation were the statistical tools used for data analysis. The result shows that there is significant variation of the influence of national development plan and national budget on personal development of Professional Builder " s practical skills across selected categories of builders (p-value < 0.05). There is no significant variation of the influence of national development plan and national budget on the utilisation of Professional Builder " s practical skills across the categories of builders (p-value > 0.05). It is concluded that the national development plan and budget has not significantly influenced the utilisation of professional builder " s practical skills. The study recommends that for sustainable development of the built environment, the government of the federal republic of Nigeria should take practical steps in synchronising the development plan with the budget and ensure its full implementation.