Bankole Awuzie and Fidelis Emuze
This study aims to review the zeal exhibited by universities in South Africa towards aligning institutional mandates of teaching, learning, research and community engagement to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to review the zeal exhibited by universities in South Africa towards aligning institutional mandates of teaching, learning, research and community engagement to the sustainable development (SD) agenda. The implementation of the SD agenda across higher education institutions (HEIs) continues to draw attention from the wider society. This is because HEIs are increasingly being looked up to for leadership in this regard. However, although several studies are quick to identify various factors which have driven the adoption of sustainable practices in HEIs, the paucity of studies seeking to identify the drivers for SD implementation remains glaring. This is particularly so in developing countries like South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
To confirm the exploratory data from desktop study on public university engagement with sustainability in South Africa, a single case study was conducted in the Central University of Technology (CUT). The single case study design adopted semi-structured interviews and document reviews as data collection techniques. Purposive snowballing sampling technique was strictly adhered to in the selection of interviewees. Interviewees were selected on the basis of their roles in the implementation of the CUT’s sustainability agenda.
Findings
Data emanating from these interviews were analysed thematically using qualitative content analysis. Although a plethora of drivers were identified, there appeared to be a consensus between most of the interviewees that the quest for cost reduction remained the most significant driver for the viable implementation of the sustainability agenda at CUT.
Research limitations/implications
It is expected that findings from this study would provide a platform for the development of effective implementation strategies in South African HEIs. Also, the findings contribute to filing the extant gap observed concerning implementation and drivers for engendering SD implementation in HEIs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region.
Practical implications
By highlighting the drivers for SD implementation, this study contributes to the development of a more receptive social ontology among various stakeholders in an HEI towards the agenda, particularly within the SSA context where there is low level of awareness and buy-in by these stakeholders.
Originality/value
This study makes an original contribution to the research base of SD in HEIs and implementation.
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Atul Kumar Singh, Saeed Reza Mohandes, Bankole Osita Awuzie, Temitope Omotayo, V.R. Prasath Kumar and Callum Kidd
This study delves into the challenges obstructing the integration of blockchain-enabled smart contracts (BESC) in the construction industry. Its primary objective is to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
This study delves into the challenges obstructing the integration of blockchain-enabled smart contracts (BESC) in the construction industry. Its primary objective is to identify these barriers and propose a roadmap to streamline BESC adoption, thereby promoting sustainability and resilience in building engineering.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing a unique approach, this study combines the Technology-Organization-Environment-Social (TOE + S) framework with the IF-Delphi-HF-DEMATEL-IFISM methodology. Data is collected through surveys and expert interviews, enabling a comprehensive analysis of BESC implementation barriers.
Findings
The analysis reveals significant hindrances in the construction industry’s adoption of BESC. Key obstacles include economic and market conditions, insufficient awareness and education about blockchain technology among stakeholders, and limited digital technology integration in specific cultural and societal contexts. These findings shed light on the complexities faced by the industry in embracing blockchain solutions.
Originality/value
The research makes a significant contribution by combining the TOE + S framework with the IF-Delphi-HF-DEMATEL-IFISM methodology, resulting in a comprehensive roadmap to address barriers in implementing BESC in Sustainable Construction Projects. Noteworthy for its practicality, this roadmap provides valuable guidance for construction stakeholders. Its impact extends beyond the industry, influencing both academic discourse and practical applications.
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Alireza Moghayedi, Kathy Michell and Bankole Osita Awuzie
Facilities management (FM) organizations are pivotal in enhancing the resilience of buildings against climate change impacts. While existing research delves into the adoption of…
Abstract
Purpose
Facilities management (FM) organizations are pivotal in enhancing the resilience of buildings against climate change impacts. While existing research delves into the adoption of digital technologies by FM organizations, there exists a gap regarding the specific utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) to address climate challenges. This study aims to investigate the drivers and barriers influencing the adoption and utilization of AI by South African FM organizations in mitigating climate change challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
This study focuses on South Africa, a developing nation grappling with climate change’s ramifications on its infrastructure. Through a combination of systematic literature review and an online questionnaire survey, data was collected from representatives of 85 professionally registered FM organizations in South Africa. Analysis methods employed include content analysis, Relative Importance Index (RII), and Total Interpretative Structural Modeling (TISM).
Findings
The findings reveal that regulatory compliance and a responsible supply chain serve as critical drivers for AI adoption among South African FM organizations. Conversely, policy constraints and South Africa’s energy crisis emerge as major barriers to AI adoption in combating climate change challenges within the FM sector.
Originality/value
This study contributes to existing knowledge by bridging the gap in understanding how AI technologies are utilized by FM organizations to address climate challenges, particularly in the context of a developing nation like South Africa. The research findings aim to inform policymakers on fostering a conducive environment for FM organizations to harness AI in fostering climate resilience in built assets.
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Amal Abuzeinab, Abdulrahman Haruna Muhammad, Bankole Awuzie, Karl Letten and Adel Zairi
Websites of higher education institutions (HEIs) have been identified as veritable platforms for communicating sustainability. However, studies seeking to assess the correlation…
Abstract
Purpose
Websites of higher education institutions (HEIs) have been identified as veritable platforms for communicating sustainability. However, studies seeking to assess the correlation between the degree of communication and the sustainability performance of HEIs, based on their rankings specifically in the UK, remain limited. As its contribution towards bridging this gap, this study aims to examine how members of the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) communicate sustainability through their websites. It focuses on 27 EAUC members that received first-class awards in the People and Planet University League.
Design/methodology/approach
An intensive Web-based content analysis was used to analyse the degree of sustainability communication carried out by HEIs that are EAUC members through their respective websites. To analyse the content of these websites, 16 existing indicators were adopted covering three categories: sustainability management strategies and policies; location of sustainability-related information on the websites; and sustainability communication techniques.
Findings
All the HEIs examined in this study demonstrate some level of engagement in sustainability on their respective websites. Although EAUC members appear to be making significant effort in communicating their commitment to sustainability, this study recommends improvements in the visibility of sustainability messages on homepages of institutional websites, as only a small percentage of institutions mention sustainability-related matters there.
Practical implications
With HEIs increasingly taking actions towards sustainability, this study presents a valuable contribution to the growing body of knowledge in this field, encouraging HEIs to effectively communicate their sustainability practices to stakeholders.
Originality/value
As far as the authors are aware, this study represents the first endeavour to evaluate the sustainability content available on the EAUC members websites of HEIs in the UK.
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Bankole Awuzie and Peter McDermott
Qualitative researchers are often confronted with a dilemma of selecting an appropriate approach within which to situate their research. This has led to successive attempts by…
Abstract
Purpose
Qualitative researchers are often confronted with a dilemma of selecting an appropriate approach within which to situate their research. This has led to successive attempts by qualitative researchers in the built environment (BE) to combine two dominant approaches – deductive and inductive; in the conduct of their inquiry. Such attempts can be traced to the poor comprehension of the abductive approach. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the principles of the abductive approach and illustrate its applicability within the context of BE qualitative research.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, an illustrative case study is used to depict the usefulness of the abductive approach in BE research. The case relied upon is a recently completed study of an infrastructure delivery system and an assessment of the system’s ability to deliver on socio-economic sustainability objectives.
Findings
It was established that extant theories, particularly those with a history of provenance, could be used as a basis for the development of testable propositions for assessing certain phenomena, qualitatively. However, the manner in which these propositions are utilised under an abductive approach is pivotal to the generation of credible findings.
Research limitations/implications
It is expected that the findings of this paper would create awareness among researchers on the relevance of an abductive approach to qualitative research.
Originality/value
This study makes an authentic contribution towards resolving the challenge confronting qualitative researchers within the BE discipline as it pertains to selecting between deductive and inductive approaches. In this case, an abductive approach is suggested and its modalities shown through a comprehensive study.
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Alireza Moghayedi, Kathy Michell, Bankole Awuzie and Unekwu Jonathan Adama
The purpose of this study is to explore the increased uptake of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology by Facility Management (FM) organizations for enhanced operational…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the increased uptake of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology by Facility Management (FM) organizations for enhanced operational efficiency and competitive advantage. While AI adoption in FM has been widely reported, limited attempts have been made to assess its impact on the social well-being of FM employees. To contribute towards addressing this gap, this study established the essential employee social well-being factors mostly impacted by the adoption of AI in South African FM organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
A four-stage design comprising a comprehensive review of literature, expert interviews, questionnaire census and focus group discussion sessions was used to elicit data from a sample of participants drawn from 22 South African FM organizations. The data was analyzed using a combination of content analysis, relative importance index and interpretative structural modeling for various data sets toward achieving the study’s objectives.
Findings
Sixteen employee social well-being factors, classified under job satisfaction, social relationship and knowledge development categories, respectively, were identified as being impacted by AI adoption in FM organizations. Furthermore, it was established that job security, job autonomy and professional status, which belong to the job satisfaction social well-being factor category, were deemed by FM employees as being mostly impacted by AI adoption.
Practical implications
The enhanced understanding of the impact of AI adoption on FM employees’ social well-being factors will contribute to the development of a collaborative intelligence framework for managing AI adoption in FM organizations toward engendering optimal AI–FM employee relationships for improved productivity.
Originality/value
Besides being one of the foremost studies to investigate the impact of AI adoption on FM employees’ social well-being, this study introduces a hierarchical framework of understanding employee social well-being factors based on multi-stakeholder perspectives.
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Chikezirim Okorafor, Fidelis Emuze, Dillip Das, Bankole Osita Awuzie and Theo Haupt
The built environment is well known for carbon emission and its impact especially as it pertains to existing buildings. This has culminated in an increasing need for a retrofit of…
Abstract
Purpose
The built environment is well known for carbon emission and its impact especially as it pertains to existing buildings. This has culminated in an increasing need for a retrofit of such buildings. This study details the development of an artefact for improving the delivery of energy retrofit projects therein to curb these impacts.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized a mixed method research design for data collection. In achieving this, data was collected in three different phases; (1) a pilot study; (2) a juxtaposition of desktop case studies, live case studies, focus group discussion forum and an expert survey; and (3) a questionnaire survey for the validation of the emergent artefact. Accordingly, the quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative content analysis was deployed for qualitative data.
Findings
The findings enabled an identification of the elements of a building energy retrofit project (BERP) such as project initiation, building assessment, detailed energy survey, technical analysis and implementation plans of energy measures, monitoring and verification. Also, it provided the challenges and enablers associated with successful BERP. This information was subsequently utilized in the development and validation of an artefact for delivering successful BERP. Summarily, a set of guidelines comprising of seven stages for managing successful BERPs were elucidated.
Practical implications
The validated artefact provides an adaptive and innovative route for achieving sustainability in retrofit trade.
Originality/value
The study conceptualizes an artefact for improving the delivery of BERPs.
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S. Sathvik, L. Krishnaraj and Bankole Osita Awuzie
Sleep quality has been associated with health and safety issues influencing construction labour productivity in developing countries. Despite its significantly adverse…
Abstract
Purpose
Sleep quality has been associated with health and safety issues influencing construction labour productivity in developing countries. Despite its significantly adverse contribution to these facets if left unattended to, limited studies have sought to establish its prevalence and causal factors in labour-intensive contexts. This study aims to bridge the gap between the prevalence and casual factors of poor sleep quality among construction workers.
Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a case study research design, data were collected from a randomly selected sample of construction workers (n = 475) recruited from four construction-based corporations in Southern India. Self-administered questionnaires comprising a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale was used to measure sleep quality among respondents alongside demographic characteristics, lifestyle preferences and work-habits data. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and descriptive statistical techniques.
Findings
Slightly more than a third of the construction workers (n = 33.9%) surveyed experienced poor sleep quality based on a PSQI method score of = 5. Also, the nexus between demographic characteristics, lifestyle preferences and work habits on the incidence of poor sleep quality among construction workers was confirmed.
Practical implications
The study contributes to the contemporary discourse on improving sleep health of construction workers to enhance their well-being thereby enabling their contribution towards achieving improved construction labour productivity.
Originality/value
This study makes an original contribution to the extent that it seeks to not only determine the prevalence of sleep quality within the construction industry and associated causal factors but to explore its implications on construction labour productivity.
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Seeram Ramakrishna, Alfred Ngowi and Bankole Osita Awuzie
Lovelin Ifeoma Obi, Mohammed Arif, Bankole Awuzie, Rubina Islam, Aman Deep Gupta and Robert Walton
Effective cost performance is a crucial criterion measuring successful project management in public-housing projects. This paper aims to analyse the vital underlying factors…
Abstract
Purpose
Effective cost performance is a crucial criterion measuring successful project management in public-housing projects. This paper aims to analyse the vital underlying factors surrounding the successful cost management process (CMP) outcomes in public housing projects (PHPs).
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted in three stages. The first stage consisted of a detailed literature review to document success factors affecting cost performances and management. In stage two, brainstorming sessions were undertaken with construction experts knowledgeable in cost management practices and have been involved in PHPs. These sessions were used to refine those success factors for the PHPs settings and define their criticality with respect to the CMP stages using interpretive ranking process. In stage three, focus group sessions were performed to validate the interrelationships of the contextualised critical success factors.
Findings
The top three most critical factors for successful implementation and outcomes at all CMP stages in PHPs settings were found to relate to competencies, team qualities and collaborative practices of the project team. Early contractor involvement and effective construction planning and management also emerged relevant to the process.
Practical implications
Government project departments, project managers and construction organisations (consultants and contractors) need to commit and mandate continuous development of cost management competencies for all professionals engaged in PHPs. Channels supporting team integration and collaborative practices between design and construction teams are required to increase the likelihood of successful project cost management practice and outcomes in PHPs.
Originality/value
The research has developed a factor-process relationship model that can be used to improve and evaluate the efficacy of CMP implementation in PHP settings.