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Article
Publication date: 9 January 2009

M. Alagbe, L.E. Umoru, A.A. Afonja and O.E. Olorunniwo

This paper aims to present the report of an investigation on the effect of some amino acid based inhibitors on the corrosion characteristics of NST‐44 carbon steel in cassava…

321

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the report of an investigation on the effect of some amino acid based inhibitors on the corrosion characteristics of NST‐44 carbon steel in cassava fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion rates of the exposed steel were obtained using the weight loss immersion method. The amino‐acid inhibitors investigated included leucine, alanine, methionine and glutamic acid. The corroded surfaces of the specimens were characterized using the optical microscopic techniques.

Findings

It was observed that alanine showed the highest inhibitive potential on the NST‐44 carbon steel in the cassava fluid with an average efficiency of about 50 per cent while glutamic acid had the lowest with less than 30 per cent. Leucine and methionine, however, showed considerable benefit, with inhibition efficiencies of about 46 and 45 per cent, respectively.

Originality/value

The results of this work are expected to improve the corrosion resistance of steel that is often used as construction material for the cassava processing industry in Nigeria.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 56 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

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Article
Publication date: 18 December 2024

Ansaa Nana Yaa Twum-Bobie, Farida Daphne Issah, Tahiru Alhassan and Joseph Kwaku Kidido

Facilities management (FM) has increasingly become crucial in the built environment. However, it is often overlooked as a crucial aspect of overall management. This study examined…

27

Abstract

Purpose

Facilities management (FM) has increasingly become crucial in the built environment. However, it is often overlooked as a crucial aspect of overall management. This study examined FM practices in gated communities (GCs), and challenges impeding the effective implementation of these practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative approach involving the use of purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Data gathered from the participants were analyzed thematically using MAX Qualitative Data Analysis (MAXQDA) Analytics Pro 2024 software.

Findings

FM in GCs played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the GCs. These roles were vendor management, security management, maintenance and repairs, communication, tenancy agreements administration, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Non-adherence to the rules and regulations by occupants, lack of policies, unreliable vendors, lack of training and lack of funds are the major challenges FM faces in GCs.

Practical implications

The findings from this paper can be leveraged by stakeholders to help streamline FM activities in GCs to provide that conducive environment expected by tenants. It will also help owners of GCs obtain the maximum returns for their investments.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on FM practices and challenges in GCs from the Ghanaian perspective. The study adds to the literature on the emergence and growth of GCs in the African context.

Details

Property Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 June 2022

Babatunde Fatai Ogunbayo, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Opeoluwa Israel Akinradewo and David Edwards

Maintenance policy is an element of building maintenance management that deals with organisation policy, planning and procedures, and delineates how maintenance units in an…

1574

Abstract

Purpose

Maintenance policy is an element of building maintenance management that deals with organisation policy, planning and procedures, and delineates how maintenance units in an organisation will manage specific building components, auxiliary facilities and services. Given this contextual setting, this study investigates whether organisational maintenance policies (OMPs) utilised in developed countries are relevant in developing countries – using Nigeria as a case study exemplar.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical research design (using deductive reasoning) was implemented for this research. Specifically, a Delphi study conducted revealed 23 elements that impact OMP development in Nigeria.

Findings

Of these twenty elements, six had a very high impact on maintenance management (VHI: 9.00–10.00), nine variables had a high impact (HI: 7.00–8.99) and eight other variables scored a medium impact (MI: 5.00–6.99). Emergent findings reveal that the elements of organisational maintenance policy that engender effective building maintenance management include preparation of safety procedure, optimisation of the maintenance policy, optimisation of the maintenance action plan, well-defined priority system, risk factor establishment, suitable maintenance procedures and a clearly delineated process.

Practical implications

The study findings will guide policymakers in identifying the main elements required in maintenance policies development towards making national public asset preservation and economic gains. Also, the content of the future educational curriculum on maintenance management study will be more receptive to the body of knowledge and the built environment industry.

Originality/value

Cumulatively, the research presented illustrates that these elements replicate those adopted in other countries and that effective maintenance management of public buildings is assured when these elements are integral to the development of an OMP.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

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Article
Publication date: 16 June 2021

Pankaj Kumar, Parveen Kumar, Ramesh Kumar Garg and Rakesh Garg

This study examines the effect of housing environment on residents’ satisfaction and happiness using the data collected from selected residents of Gurugram, an urban locality in…

814

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the effect of housing environment on residents’ satisfaction and happiness using the data collected from selected residents of Gurugram, an urban locality in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the convenience-cum-judgmental sampling technique, data was collected from 321 residents of 17 gated private housing estates and tested by performing factor analysis and partial least squares – structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results revealed that maintenance service at housing estates significantly influences residents’ satisfaction followed by social infrastructure, dwelling attributes and residential amenities, whereas the accessibility aspect has no significant impact on residents’ satisfaction and happiness. Results also show a significant impact of social infrastructure on residents’ happiness, and most notably, residents’ satisfaction has a significant influence on their happiness.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are likely to provide valuable insight into housing stakeholders (government officials; real estate developers; property and construction professionals, i.e. planners, architects and maintenance managers) to improve the attributes in urban housing setting and neighborhood facilities to upsurge the residents’ satisfaction and happiness level toward the housing estates and townships, which leads to quality and happiness in residents’ life.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first to provide an inclusive way toward showcasing the key antecedents of residents’ satisfaction and happiness in the Indian urban housing context. Authors anticipate that future researchers will find present research as a valuable contribution to the residents’ satisfaction and happiness in urban housing planning and revitalization of urban locations.

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Article
Publication date: 20 March 2023

Abdulkabir Opeyemi Bello, Doris Omonogwu Eje, Abdullahi Idris, Mudasiru Abiodun Semiu and Ayaz Ahmad Khan

The growing demand for housing and infrastructure, as well as the requirement for affordable housing, has been a significant factor, necessitating investigation for sustainable…

754

Abstract

Purpose

The growing demand for housing and infrastructure, as well as the requirement for affordable housing, has been a significant factor, necessitating investigation for sustainable approaches and implementation of alternative construction innovations. Hence, this study aims to identify and assess the drivers for implementing modular construction systems (MCS) in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative research approach to seek respondents’ opinions on the factors that can drive the implementation of MCS in developing countries. Accordingly, a structured questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection based on five Likert scales. The data was analysed using the mean score, one sample t-test, Kruskal–Wallis, factor analysis (FA) and Pearson correlation analysis.

Findings

Results show that 15 of the 16 major identified drivers were statistically significant towards implementing MCS, which indicates that the drivers are crucial for implementing MCS in developing countries. However, the Kruskal–Wallis test reveals that the respondents have varying opinions on the identified drivers. FA categorised the drivers into four categories, namely, “management and sustainability”, “key performance”, “know-how and logistics” and “regulations and policies”. A strong relationship among the four categories of drivers was established using Pearson correlation, which indicated that all the drivers’ categories are essential for implementing MCS in developing countries.

Originality/value

This study identified and assessed the drivers towards implementing MCS in developing countries. The study concludes that the identified drivers are essential for implementing MCS in developing countries. Also, the study considers the government the most placed player in driving the implementation of MCS in developing countries.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 22 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

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Article
Publication date: 17 January 2020

Alexander Adeyemi Fakere and Oluwadunsin Faith Duke-Henshaw

This study aims at evaluating the state of neighbourhood facilities and how this influences the well-being of the residents taking into consideration their perception and…

267

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at evaluating the state of neighbourhood facilities and how this influences the well-being of the residents taking into consideration their perception and satisfaction with the facilities. This is because availability and accessibility of neighbourhood facilities in housing estates play important roles in the quality of life of the residents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a cross-sectional survey of 301 housing units using structured questionnaire and direct observations in three public housing estates in Akure, namely, Ijapo, Alagbaka and Oba-Ile Housing Estates. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive analysis, mean scoring and categorical regression analysis to examine the effects of adequacy, accessibility and physical condition of the neighbourhood facilities on user’s satisfaction.

Findings

The findings showed that religious centres had the highest rating in all aspects of the study in the study estates, whereas fire service station was rated the least. Most of the independent variables significantly explained satisfaction except for accessibility to schools. The model explained 98.2 per cent of the variance in the level of satisfaction with Multiple R2 of 0.982 and p = 0.000.

Practical implications

The findings imply that there should be proper planning and regular maintenance of neighbourhood facilities within the housing estates in Akure to enhance user’s satisfaction with such facilities.

Originality/value

The study highlights the benefits of having neighbourhood facilities that are adequate, accessible and in good condition to enhance user’s satisfaction.

Details

Facilities , vol. 38 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 8 July 2020

Riadh Djafri and Mariana Mohamed Osman

The purpose of this study is to develop a measurement model and measure the dimensions of Residential Quality and Housing Adequacy (RQHA), Social Housing Provision (SHP) and…

260

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a measurement model and measure the dimensions of Residential Quality and Housing Adequacy (RQHA), Social Housing Provision (SHP) and Residents’ Quality of Life (RQOL) by social housing residents in Batna city, Algeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach through the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 373 useable questionnaires were collected from social housing residents in Batna city and used for the analysis. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis with principal component analysis through SPSS and confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS.

Findings

The measurement model revealed good fit of indices indicating that RQHA is presented by three sub-constructs, namely satisfaction with housing adequacy, satisfaction with current neighbourhood and satisfaction with housing design. In addition, the constructs of SHP and RQOL were measured by seven items each. The measurement model provides empirical evidence of the correlation between RQHA, SHP and RQOL constructs.

Practical implications

The findings of this study contribute significantly to government, housing stakeholders, architects, project managers and urban planners in the context of social housing policymakers, design, planning and construction. The finding would be helpful to ameliorate housing quality, adequacy, provision and RQOL in terms of social housing scheme.

Originality/value

This study identifies the correlation between constructs (RQHA, SHP and RQOL) and their dimensions in the context of social housing in Batna city by validating a measurement model using CFA.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

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Article
Publication date: 8 March 2022

Adamu Muhammed, Clement Oluwole Folorunso and Gabriel Fadairo

Understanding the thermal performance of sandcrete hollow block walls in the tropic is very essential for occupants' well-being, productivity and efficiency, due to its widespread…

147

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding the thermal performance of sandcrete hollow block walls in the tropic is very essential for occupants' well-being, productivity and efficiency, due to its widespread application in buildings in the study area. Lokoja, in Nigeria, lies in the warm humid zone with its attendant's high temperatures all year round. Thus, providing an acceptable walling material that will control the high indoor air temperature becomes imperative. This paper assessed sandcrete hollow blocks as a walling material used in Lokoja, to determine the thermal performances for effective thermal comfort of the residents.

Design/methodology/approach

It involves the construction of a habitable model building with the commonly available sandcrete hollow blocks in the area. One unit of Cryopak iMINI Temperature and Relative Humidity Data Logger called new generation intelligent iMINI with Serial Number and Product Code MX-CI-145–0009 and MX-HE-S-16-L was installed, to record the indoor air temperature and relative humidity data at an interval of one hour, for 12 months covering dry and wet seasons. The results of the recorded data were downloaded to an excel spread sheet for assessment and analysis throughout the seasons. The values were computed using the temperature–humidity index (THI) equation, with a view to determine the indoor thermal comfort level category.

Findings

The study revealed that sandcrete hollow block walls provide thermal discomfort of the indoor environment for both seasons, with attendant adverse effects in the comfort of the occupants. The paper concludes that proper orientation of buildings, planting of trees, use of low absorbing or reflective surface materials, application of cavity walls to receive insulation materials in between the hollow spaces provided, instead of the single walling as well as providing shading device elements, can improve users' comfort and also ameliorate the heat effect on the external surface of building transferred into the interior by conduction, radiation or convection within the area and in the tropics at large. Other thermally eco-friendly wall materials available in Lokoja includes timber, stabilized laterite–cement blocks, burnt bricks and earth-mud bricks which can be used to replace sandcrete hollow block walls. These alternative wall materials are used for construction of residential and office buildings by the colonial government of Sir Fredrick Lugard in the study area.

Practical implications

The application of sandcrete hollow blocks as a wall material is in vogue, not minding its thermal discomfort to the users and the environment; this is due to its availability and ease of production. The acceptability of this walling material requires holistic study to unravel the best way to reduce the thermal discomfort inherent in its application.

Originality/value

The author succeeded in revealing the thermal performance of sandcrete hollow blocks as walling material in Lokoja, the study area. It is a first attempt at understanding the performance for human comfort in the area. This will greatly assist the resident and other researchers to improve on the application of sandcrete hollow blocks as walling material towards ensuring that maximum indoor thermal comfort is achieved.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

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Article
Publication date: 5 May 2015

Eziyi Offia Ibem and Oluwole Ajala Alagbe

The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation by residents in public housing with a view to identifying how government and construction…

1009

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation by residents in public housing with a view to identifying how government and construction professionals can deliver adequate housing facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on household surveys involving 517 respondents selected from nine public housing estates constructed between 2003 and 2010 in Ogun State Southwest Nigeria. The data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to the residents by the researchers through visits to the housing estates. A total of 33 variables derived from the review of the literature were used in measuring housing adequacy. Descriptive statistics and factor analyses were used in analysis of the data.

Findings

The study reveals that residents perceived their housing situation as inadequate. They evaluated housing adequacy based on four key dimensions: ambient condition of interiors spaces, security, utilities and neighbourhood facilities; social infrastructure; level of privacy and size of sleeping; and living and dining areas in the residences. These dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation were found not to be exactly the same way experts conceived housing adequacy in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

The concept of housing adequacy can be used to examine occupants’ housing preferences and their standard of living, the quality of housing and the performance of mass housing projects.

Practical implications

The paper makes practical suggestions to government and construction professionals on how to improve adequacy levels of public housing. Specifically, in the areas of giving more attention to ambient condition of interiors, security, utilities and neighbourhood facilities as well as privacy and sizes of main activities areas in dwelling units in the design, construction and management of public housing projects.

Originality/value

The study identifies dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation by residents in public housing and compares these with experts’ conception of housing adequacy.

Details

Facilities, vol. 33 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2024

Mala Ali Modu, Maimunah Sapri and Zafirah Ab Muin

Social housing offers occupants comfort, safety and protection against extreme weather conditions. However, social housing occupants in various regions of Nigeria face various…

56

Abstract

Purpose

Social housing offers occupants comfort, safety and protection against extreme weather conditions. However, social housing occupants in various regions of Nigeria face various challenges. This paper aims to use a quantitative approach to examine the factors that contribute to the challenges faced by occupants in social housing within a semi-arid climate of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory cross-sectional survey was used to administer 1,032 copies of structured questionnaires to occupants of social housing in Maiduguri, one of the largest urban centers of the semi-arid climate in Nigeria. A total of 955 responses were retrieved, giving a response rate of 92.5%. The statistical model used in analyzing data was relative importance indices and factor analysis.

Findings

The results show that poor quality of FM services provided, poor maintenance of building components, damage to materials and valuables in the Harmattan period and housekeeping problems due to dust deposition in doors, while the poor response to occupants’ complaints/reports is the least among the occupants’ challenges in order of importance. Moreover, the results of the factor analysis further established that inadequate FM services and poor environmental conditions are the two factors contributing to the occupants’ challenges in social housing within the semi-arid climate of Nigeria.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to examine the factors contributing to social housing occupants’ challenges in the semi-arid climate of Nigeria. The paper should inform policymakers, academics and professionals.

Details

Facilities , vol. 42 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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