Faculty of Built Environment

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Adaptability capacity framework for sustainable practices in the Ghanaian construction industry.
(Built Environment Project and Asset Managemen, 2022) Pim-Wusu, M.; Aigbavboa, C.; Thwala, W. D.
Purpose The urgent need to preserve the ecosystem, which faces a threat from non-environmentally-friendly anthropogenic activities, has led to the study of adaptive capacity implementation. There is an indication that the construction industries in developed countries are relatively better equipped to pursue sustainable construction than those in the developing world. Despite this, sustainable construction is yet to be established in developing countries. This research aims to develop a framework to drive and enable small and medium-sized (SME) firms in Ghana to implement adaptive capacity. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative approach, and 400 responses were retrieved as a sample size for which a six-factor adaptive capacity implementation framework was arrived at for SMEs in the Ghanaian construction industry. The data gathered from the respondents were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 24, and a structural equation modelling was also used to determine the work's validity based on the AMOS software. Findings The findings revealed that education and training, government support and a centralised information hub significantly influence adaptive capacity outcomes in Ghana. Practical implications It is recommended that the government, corporate and professional institutions that desire to preserve the country's ecosystem be guided by this study's adaptive capacity implementation framework. Originality/value This study's novelty also lies in the integrated framework for adaptive capacity implementation developed to aid small- and medium- sized enterprises in Ghana's construction industry to ensure environmentally-friendly construction activities.
Assessment of Refuse Shute Practices in Medium-Rise Buildings Within the Greater Accra Region, Ghana.
(Springer, 2023) Pim-Wusu, M.; Gyamfi, T. A.; Arthur-Aidoo, B. M.; Nunoo, P. R.
Purpose: This study explores how waste can be effectively managed and controlled in medium-rise buildings in Ghana. This was to ease the struggle, pain, and inconveniences and safely accumulate in one discreet location that people do not inhabit. Hence the study aims to assess refuse chute practices in medium-rise buildings within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative approach methodology technique was adopted for the study covering Accra Central, where people mostly live in medium-rise buildings. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire survey. The study employed a random sampling technique. A sample size of 150 was used, while data obtained from the study were analysed and presented in a frequency distribution, percentages, and inferential statistics with SPSS. Findings: The study found that respondents have limited access to refuse chutes in their medium-rise buildings. The study reveals the benefits of using garbage chutes as convenient disposal, a hygienic environment, waste segregation for recycling, prevention of gem development, and no physical contact with refuse. The study further discovered that strategies to overcome the challenges of not using refuse chutes include checking chute design in permit approval, monitoring chute construction, and developing policies on chute construction. Implications/Research Limitations: The revelation of this research means it is essential for an agency or authority mandated to regulate building construction activities to enforce the law regarding incorporating refuse chutes in medium-rise buildings. The present study was limited to the Greater Accra Region; however, the study could have been broadened further to cover the entire country due to the population increase where people live in medium-rise buildings. Practical Implications: The Study’s discovery is significant to building approval institutions that medium-rise building plans must incorporate refuse chutes before approval is issued. Originality/Value: literature in Ghana indicates little or no studies on refuse chute practice in medium-rise buildings in Ghana. The outcomes of the research have proven that a refuse chute is not popular in the country, so it is imperative to incorporate one to ease the struggle, pain, and inconveniences for the occupants of the medium-rise building. Founded on previous empirical and theoretical studies, the results of this research contribute to knowledge and understanding of the refuse chute practises in medium-rise buildings in Ghana.
Bibliometric study on particle emissions of natural and alternative building materials
(Springer Link, 2020) Ansah, N. B.; Adinyira, E.; Agyekum, K.; Aidoo, I.
Numerous care and procedures have been declared to address the problem of global warming and building construction emissions, all to minimise the health negativities that arise due to high pollution levels. Construction markets are now more awake to sustainability accomplishments; thus, it is vital to educate construction stakeholders on preferred natural or alternative materials for construction purposes based on their significance to sustainable development. This paper is aimed at conducting a structured literature review on the subject of particle emissions of natural and alternative building materials and to provide an overview of the associated health challenge. Documentary data on particulate matter emissions of these materials were collected through desk research. The study showed that the problem of selecting good quality material with emission-free health challenges stems from the fact that the built environment professional has little clue of knowing about the toxicity of building materials. Throughout the review, literature has been quiet on the emissions of PM10 and PM2.5 released from the use of both natural and alternative materials, thus calling for concern and a more significant research direction towards the study of this phenomenon to yield the required results.
The Effect of Building Collapse in Ghanaian Building Industry: The Stakeholders’ Perspectives.
(Springer, 2023) Pim-Wusu, M.; Gyamfi, T. A.; Akorli, K. S.
Purpose: The construction industry in Ghana has experienced a rampant collapse of building over the years, and there have been various reportage in both electronic and print media. The consequences of these incidents have a detrimental effect on stakeholders’ lives and properties. Hence, the study will ascertain the effect of a building collapse on the Ghanaian building industry and the stakeholders’ perspectives. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research utilised a quantitative technique by administering questionnaires to assist in attaining the aim of the study. The respondents were selected using random and purposive sampling techniques and consisted of contractors, building owners, architects, occupants, and building inspectors. A sample size of 150 was employed for the survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data gathered from the study. Again, the study achieved a reliability test with Cronbach’s Alpha value of (0.870) an indication of reliable data. Findings: The study discovered the effect of building collapse in the building industry in Ghana as leading to psychological trauma, stress and shock, loss of property, loss of valuable resources to occupants, loss of job, causes of disability, increase in the number of homeless people, injuries, and loss of trust of contractors. Implications/Research Limitations: The present study implies that it is critical and paramount for building owners to award building contracts to qualified contractors who are tried and tested in the building industry. Also, the building industry inspection directorate should regularly inspect and monitor building projects in their jurisdictions. The study is limited to Grater Accra and the Eastern region of Ghana; therefore, a similar study can be carryout in other regions in Ghana. Practical Implications: The outcomes of this paper would be significant to building industry stakeholders such as architects, consultants, structure engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, clients, and MMDAs. This would strengthen the need to monitor and supervise building project delivery to avoid unexpected eventualities that may cause human lives and properties of building users. Originality/Value: Existing literature shows no scientific inquiries into the effect of building collapse in the building industry in Ghana from stakeholders’ perspectives. Grounded on previous empirical and theoretical studies, the results of this enquiry contribute to knowledge and comprehension of the effect of building collapse on building users in Ghana.
Effect of sawdust on the compressive strength of concrete
(International Knowledge Platform, 2016) Woode, A.; Agyei-Boakye, I.; Aforla, B.; Amoah, D. K.; Osei, S.; Abu-dil, A.
This study was undertaken to investigate the properties of concrete produced by partial replacement by weight of sand with sawdust generated from different species of wood. The sawdust used in this investigation consist of the wood species, Piptadeniastrum africanum (leguminosae family), Triplochiton scleroxylon (sterculiaceae family) and Celtis mildbraedii, locally known as Dahoma, Wawa and Essa respectively. The addition of sawdust to the concrete was done by 5% increment up to 25% by weight of the fine aggregate. Concrete cubes of size 150mm x150mm x 150mm were prepared after batching and mechanical mixing for the compressive strength tests. The compressive strength tests were carried out after 28 day curing of the concrete cubes in accordance with BS EN12390-3:2009 series. Sawdust blend concrete from wawa - a lightwood species gave the best result of 5.3 N/mm2 at 28 days. The optimum replacement of sand with sawdust has been found to be 5% for lightwood species.
Establishing the cost contribution of significant cash flow factors impacting on building projects profitability
(Scientific and Academic Publishing, 2019) Adjei, E. A. G.; Fugar, F. D. K.; Adinyira, E.
This paper identifies and explore significant quantifiable cash flow factors influencing building projects profitability in Ghana. A thorough literature was undertaken to unravel the quantifiable cash flow factors which facilitated design of questionnaire. A survey with prime focus on large firms registered with the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ghana was undertaken. A total of 50 questionnaires were received from 63 administered representing 79.36% response rate with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.895 and Kappa value of 0.743 respectively were attained. One-sample t-test was performed on the rated responses to establish 12 significant factors. Principal component analysis was subsequently employed to reduce factors to the most significant components. Prominent variables selected from rotated and component score matrixes were: wages of labour and staff; progress payment duration; bank interest rate; and replacement of defective works as significant variables. This study was limited to quantifiable cash flow factors and large construction firms hence, recommended further study with focus on qualitative factors, procurement types, broader scope of construction firms and other developing countries. The outcome of this is to aid construction managers effectively manage the significant cash flow factors to maximize profit.
Evaluating entrepreneurial features of firm’s growth using confirmatory factor analysis
(Journal of Economics and Behavioural Studies, 2017) Arthur-Aidoo, B. M.; Aigbavboa, C. O.; Thwala, W. D.
The growth of Small and medium-size firms cannot ensue without the entrepreneurial features and the environment that the firm operates. The entrepreneurial characteristics, therefore, are vital due to the unique individualism of firm owners or sponsors. Construction SME growth-oriented firms are a significant contributor to Ghana's economic gain. Conversely, the concept of growth varies from one entrepreneur to the others depending on the exhibited skills by the entrepreneurs, hence entrepreneurial features. Numerous factors influence the entrepreneurial features as a factor of firm’s growth. Some are of the factors are established and categorised as having strong influence while others are classified weak. This study, therefore, adopted the confirmatory factor analytical technique to justify the factors after exploring. To achieve the goal of the study, respondents such as firm owners, SME managers and construction professionals engaged by SMEs as the population were administered with questionnaires. In all, 315 questionnaires were given out in the form of semi-structured structured, but only 228 were retrieved for analysis representing a responds rate of 72 percent. The study established Cronbach alpha and composite reliability values that predicted the entrepreneurial feature as a subsequent determinant of firm’s growth. Additionally, the hypothesis was supported statistically suggesting that there is a direct relationship between entrepreneurial features and firm growth
Exploratory factor analysis on drivers of firm’s growth among construction SMEs in Ghana.
(Taylor and Francis, 2018) Arthur-Aidoo, B. M.; Aigbavboa, C. O.; Thwala, W. D.
The growth of construction SMEs is imperative if an economy is to develop. Numerous factors influence the growth of construction SMEs due to the nature of their operation. Their growth can also be driven their activities which can be classified as internal or external. This study explored the organic (internal) factors that drive the growth of construction SMEs. To achieve the goal of the study, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) technique was adopted. The study used a sample size of 228 out of the 315 questionnaires (a response rate of 72.3%) which were administered to a population consisting of firm owners, SME managers and construction industry professionals engaged by SMEs operating within the ten regional capitals in Ghana. The study established entrepreneurial features, firm characteristics, the business environment and stakeholder involvement as the vital factors which influence the growth of construction SMEs. Findings from the study ranked stakeholder involvement (SKI) as the most important factor in the growth of construction SMEs and the business environment of a firm (BEF) as the least important. Given the explored factors which influence the growth of construction SMEs in Ghana, the results have established their respective values for both KMO and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity which makes the findings fit for further analytical test on firm’s growth.
Exploring the significant cash flow factors influencing building projects profitability in Ghana
(Sienctific and Acdemic Publishing, 2018) Adjei, E. A. G.; Fugar, F. D.; Adinyira, E.; Edwards, D. J.; Pärn, E. A.
This paper identifies and explore significant quantifiable cash flow factors influencing building projects profitability in Ghana. A thorough literature was undertaken to unravel the quantifiable cash flow factors which facilitated design of questionnaire. A survey with prime focus on large firms registered with the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ghana was undertaken. A total of 50 questionnaires were received from 63 administered representing 79.36% response rate with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.895 and Kappa value of 0.743 respectively were attained. One-sample t-test was performed on the rated responses to establish 12 significant factors. Principal component analysis was subsequently employed to reduce factors to the most significant components. Prominent variables selected from rotated and component score matrixes were: wages of labour and staff; progress payment duration; bank interest rate; and replacement of defective works as significant variables. This study was limited to quantifiable cash flow factors and large construction firms hence, recommended further study with focus on qualitative factors, procurement types, broader scope of construction firms and other developing countries. The outcome of this is to aid construction managers effectively manage the significant cash flow factors to maximize profit.
Fire disaster preparedness in Accra Technical Universities (ATU)
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2020) Aidoo, I.; Ansah, N. B.; Densy, T.
The incidence of fire outbreaks has become a common occurrence, in Ghana, there is no single day without news of a fire outbreak in some part of the country. Knowledge on fire outbreak preparedness can inform the disaster management process and lead to well-informed plans and decisions in case of fire outbreaks. Purpose: This study was conducted to assess fire disaster preparedness in Accra Technical Universities (ATU). Methodology: The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research approach. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and on-site observations. A total of 140 respondents including students, Lecturers and administrative staff and data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Findings: It emerged from the study that the level of Knowledge on the use of the fire extinguishers is very low, level of preparedness towards using the fire extinguishers is also low, staff and students in ATU are not prepared for fire disasters and there are no frequent periodic training and drills for staff and students on fire safety preparedness. Recommendations: The study recommends regular maintenance of firefighting equipment on all blocks and offices, provision of new and state of the art firefighting equipment in all buildings and lecture halls and regular training programs on fire safety preparedness to raise the level of preparedness and awareness of staff and students on fire disaster preparedness in technical universities.
An investigation into the sustainability of the current fuels used for cooking in Ghana to inform future energy policies
(Nottingham Trent University, 2020) Amin, A. H.; Pokubo, D.; Fiati, K.; Agyekum-Mensah, G.; Daniel, S.H.; Massoud, H.
There are sustainability, health and environmental concerns in many developing countries where the use of solid fuels for cooking in poorly ventilated kitchens is a common practice. The utilisation of solid fuels for cooking with inefficient cooking stoves accounts for significant respiratory health issues and deforestation in Ghana. Significant policies and government initiatives in Ghana have been adopted to mitigate household solid fuel consumption, substituting it with increased access to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). But despite such policies, the consumption of solid biomass fuel, mainly charcoal and firewood, is still prevalent in Ghana. To inform future energy policy, this study investigates the sustainability of cooking fuels utilised in Ghanaian households, to ensure an ecological balance and healthy living circumstances. A two-part survey was conducted between 2013 and 2019 for households in Ghana to identify and investigate factors influencing household cooking fuel preferences. Regression analysis is employed to explore the relationship between the choice of selected fuel and key factors such as fuel cost, availability, region and household size. The findings suggest that fuel cost, availability, geographical location (urban/rural), and household size act significantly as drivers to influence the selection of most Ghanaian cooking fuel, and this was found to be consistent over the studied period.
Occupational Health and Safety Procedures and Compliance in the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Pre - tertiary Institutions Workshop in Ghana.
(Springer, 2023) Adu Gyamfi, T.; Akorli, S. K.; Frempong – Jnr, E. Y.; Pim-Wusu, M.
Purpose: Adherence to safety procedures is necessary for the effective management of health and safety in occupations and the industrial world. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the workshop safety procedure and compliance at Technical and Vocational institutions in Ghana. Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive research design and quantitative methodology were employed in the study. 200 people took part in the study at the TVET Institute Training Center. The respondents for the study were chosen through the use of purposeful sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings: The study’s main finding was that the TVET workshops have established protocols. The study found that there are some elements that work against trainee adherence to workshop safety procedures. The study also identified ways to lessen occupational risks in TVET institutions’ workshops. Implications/Research Limitations: The management of TVET institutions is expected to provide strict safety measures at various workshops to ensure the safety and well-being of the trainees. The present study was limited to pre-tertiary TVET institutions in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Region. Practical Implications: The government agencies are required to provide time-to-time inspection as to the implementation of safety rules operationalisation in the TVET Workshops in Ghana. Originality/Value: At a TVET pre-tertiary institution workshop in Ghana, there is no information in the extant literature on workplace safety policies and adherence. The findings of this study, which are based on prior empirical and theoretical research, help people understand the importance of TVET institutions strictly adhering to safety rules and regulations.
A review on appropriate tool to predict profitability of building projects using established significant cash flow factors
(University of Salford, 2019) Adjei, E. A. G.; Fugar, F. D. K.; Adinyira, E.
The vast sums of money involved in megaprojects, and the perceived lack of public benefit, create controversy. Flyvberg’ s iron law asserts that megaprojects are over budget, over time, under benefits, over and over again (Flyvberg, 2018). More recent research suggests that this focus on cost overruns is based on highly misleading data (Love & Ahiaga-Dagbui, 2017). This research seeks to examine live megaprojects and examine Flyvberg’s theories in practice, through an investigation of current megaprojects in the Middle East. The research provides three case studies for two recently completed and one on-going megaproject, to examine these claims further. The research questions whether the right comparisons are made between the initial offerings and final product, through consultation with professionals. Based on the findings, it is suggested that an increase of over 100% of the Contract price, may not constitute an over-budget megaproject. Professional Cost Consultants in the built environment can provide greater insight into the complexity that adds cost in the transitions from initial to final costs for megaprojects, although the validity of this insight may be reduced by a lack of distance from or overview of the megaproject. This paper investigates some of the familiar sources of megaproject cost overrun and considers the findings of Cost Consultants engaged in monitoring megaprojects in the state of Qatar. Time and Cost considerations are just two of the characteristics evident in megaprojects. This research suggests that reporting of time and cost overruns is frequently based on limited, misunderstood or misreported data, and that in order to provide higher fidelity, such ‘headline claims’ need to be careful considered in the context of the original project scope. This paper recognises that cost is just one element of a megaproject, and that megaprojects warrant more holistic considerations including acknowledgement of other significant characteristics such as their embodiment of large components of risk, political influences, organisational pressures and management complexitie
Risk-based contaminated land management policy mindset: a way out for Ghana’s environmental challenges.
(Taylor and Francis, 2021) Agbotui, P.; Anornu, G.; Agbotui, T.; Gyabaah, F.; Amankwah-Minkah, A.; Brookman-Amissah, M.; Sallah, J.
Ghana lacks an environmental policy on contaminated land. This commentary aims at suggesting a proactive risk-based contaminated land management policy by presenting precedents of land contamination and environmental disasters from developed jurisdictions and how lessons learned improved environmental regulation. In Ghana, however, when contamination and environmental disasters happen, they are hardly investigated, and even if investigated, recommendations are not implemented. Then, a summary of the United Kingdom’s Contaminated Land Policy framework is presented and it is demonstrated that Ghana has the professionals to implement the policy. Recommendations are presented for future implementation of a contaminated land policy in Ghana.
Strategies for health and safety management in Ghana
(Emerald Group Holdings Ltd, 2020) Simpson, K. B.; Sam, A.
Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the contemporary strategies for Health and Safety (H&S) management practices at the construction sites in Ghana.
Understanding the concept of resilience in construction safety management systems.
(Springer Link, 2020) Aidoo, I.; Fugar, F.; Adinyira, E.; Ansah, N. B.
Traditional safety management does not always improve the results of safety because of its focus on technical requirements and attainment of short-term results. It is more reactive than proactive and often not integrated with the rest of the functions of an organisation. The concept of resilience divulges a new way of dealing with safety in complex sociotechnical systems. A systematic review of related literature on resilience in safety management systems published from 2009 to 2019 was conducted using top tier academic journals and databases including Scopus, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar. It has emerged from the review that there are four capabilities that underpin the concept of resilience in safety management systems, i.e. ability to respond, ability to monitor, ability to learn, and ability to anticipate. The study contributes to the literature and practice of resilient safety management by offering safety officers and researchers with insights into the concept.
Work-family conflict and project performance of construction professionals in a developing country: testing the mediating–moderating effect of project management self-efficacy
(Emerald Group Holdings Ltd., 2021) Novieto, D. T.; Kportufe, G. S.
Purpose: Work-family conflict (WFC), a common problem in all sectors of every economy, has always been linked to negative consequences for individuals, families employment organisations. However, owing to contextual and situational differences coupled with inconsistent findings, more studies on WFC are indispensable to disentangle the consequential effects of WFC, especially amongst construction professionals. More so, little is known about the dual role of project management self-efficacy (PMSE) in the WFC-performance relation. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to examine the mediating-moderating effects of PMSE on the WFC-performance nexus amongst construction professionals in a developing economy. Design/methodology/approach: Data for this study came from a cross-sectional survey (questionnaire) administered to 302 construction professionals in Ghana using convenience sampling technique. And partial least square-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was performed, which included the assessment of measurement and structural models. Findings: The results of this study support the mediating–moderating model of WFC, in which PMSE simultaneously mediates and moderates the negative influence of WFC on project performance of construction professionals; thus, validating the dual role of PMSE through the lens of Hobfoll's (1989) conservation of resource theory. Research limitations/implications: Data were collected from a conveniently sampled construction professionals in Ghana. Thus, the sampling framework, including only the construction professionals in three regions of Ghana, does not ensure the full generalisation of the results. Practical implications: The findings of the study provide significant implication for construction organisations and practitioners. Construction organisations and practitioners seeking to mitigate the negative consequences of WFC on project performance should focus on building on PMSE of the construction professionals. Further, a responsive work environment is needed to cater for family needs of the construction professionals. Originality/value: This paper is one of the first to have tested a model including the mediating-moderating effects of PMSE in the construction industry from a developing country perspective. The study, therefore, enriches the prevailing literature from under-represented context by examining the mediating-moderating effects of PMSE on WFC and project performance nexus that has not been previously investigated.

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