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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2006

Aderemi Y. Adeyemi, Stephen O. Ojo, Omotayo O. Aina and Emmanuel A. Olanipekun

Female resource represents about half of Nigeria's human resources. For optimal utilization of human resources, gender equality and equity, it was considered that women should be…

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Abstract

Purpose

Female resource represents about half of Nigeria's human resources. For optimal utilization of human resources, gender equality and equity, it was considered that women should be adequately represented in the construction industry which is the prime motivator of the country's economy. A survey was, therefore, conducted to know the level of participation of women in some selected categories of workforce in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was designed to generate quantitative data on women participation in the construction industry in Nigeria. Data were, therefore, collected from medium and large construction contracting companies on the male/female numerical strength in some selected categories of workforce, the suitability of some construction tasks for women and constraints to female entry into the construction industry using questionnaires, interviews and visits to construction sites.

Findings

The survey revealed that only 16.3 per cent of the sampled companies' workforces were women. Approximately, 50 per cent of these women were employed as labourers, 37.5 per cent as administrative staff, 10 per cent as management staff and 2.5 per cent as craftswomen. Paired t‐test performed on the male/female numerical strength showed that women were underrepresented in the construction industry in Nigeria. The survey also indicated that women preferred office related construction processes to site production.

Originality/value

Findings in this field survey represent the unbiased level of women's participation in Nigeria's construction industry and the data are useful for policy formulation in relation to mainstreaming female into the construction industry.

Details

Women in Management Review, vol. 21 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0964-9425

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Article
Publication date: 3 August 2023

Innocent Chigozie Osuizugbo, Omotayo Olugbenga Aina and Anthony Ogochukwu Onokwai

Construction industry is a vital sector for national and economic development of any country. Past studies reveal that the Nigerian construction industry is suffering from…

90

Abstract

Purpose

Construction industry is a vital sector for national and economic development of any country. Past studies reveal that the Nigerian construction industry is suffering from buildability problems. Buildability improvement is the duty of every key stakeholder, including designers, builders and clients. This study sets out to determine the principal roles of clients in buildability improvement in Nigerian construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was adopted to evaluate construction industry professionals’ views on the roles of clients in buildability improvement in Nigeria. Eighty-one questionnaires were sufficiently filled and returned, representing a return percentage of 76% which formed the basis of this study. Data elicited were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The results from factors analysis show that the roles of clients in buildability improvement can be categorised into two constructs: commitment to buildability assessment and other related practices, and adequate planning of project objectives.

Originality/value

This study contributed to more effective buildability studies by highlighting the roles of clients in buildability improvement in the construction industry. An understanding of these roles is very significant for minimising buildability problems as well as for improving and embedding buildability as a practice in the construction industry.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 13 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Olubimbola Oladimeji and Omotayo Olugbenga Aina

This paper aims to appraise a decade (2004-2013) of annual financial statements of 58 locally owned construction firms’ (LOCOFs’) financial statements on turnover, fixed assets…

466

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to appraise a decade (2004-2013) of annual financial statements of 58 locally owned construction firms’ (LOCOFs’) financial statements on turnover, fixed assets, gross profit and after-tax profit to assess their financial performance in the Nigerian construction industry. It serves as a check on firms’ financial performance, analysis and benchmarking of LOCOFs’ financial statement values to assess firms’ financial health and psychosocial environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposively sampled frame of 580 LOCOFs’ financial values (turnover, fixed asset and gross profit) from 212 turnover, 207 fixed assets, 184 gross profit and 217 after-tax profit data points was obtained. Firms’ capacities were obtained by categorisation, industrial average median was obtained and a regression analysis was used to describe the relationship and test of significance of the variables. A review of the possible effect of the research findings on LOCOFs’ psychosocial environment was undertaken.

Findings

Most LOCOFs were categorised as micro scale construction contracting business enterprises. LOCOFs’ financial performance was less than the performance of similar construction firm types and profits were not necessarily influenced by the cost of its investments on fixed asset but rather on firms’ turnover.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is the paucity of financial data because of poor information access and storage.

Practical implications

The paper recommends more funding of infrastructural developmental projects and better patronage of LOCOFs which will positively influence firms’ turnover, profit and the psychosocial well-being of organisation and personnel.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to periodically assess LOCOFs’ financial values so as to appraise financial performance and its possible effect on firms’ psychosocial environment.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2005

Rose B. Okiy

To address the issue of poor government funding for Nigerian libraries. This situation has led many librarians over the years to explore the possibility of raising additional…

1159

Abstract

Purpose

To address the issue of poor government funding for Nigerian libraries. This situation has led many librarians over the years to explore the possibility of raising additional funds from alternative sources of income.

Design/methodology/approach

Explores the current levels of funding for Nigerian academic libraries and identifies some alternative funding sources. On identifying these sources, the success of alternative sources of income is presented and suggestions are made for funding in the future.

Findings

Funding for libraries and information centers in Nigeria is largely through government allocations to the overseeing ministries or institutions. Government funding has been poor, requiring libraries to look for alternative sources of income in order to meet the increasingly sophisticated demand of library users for electronic information services. Several methods for generating income have been identified, explored by many libraries, and discussed in library literature, but have yielded little in the way of additional funding.

Originality/value

On evaluating all the sources of income available to Nigerian academic libraries, this paper suggests that the most stable and reliable source of funds remains with allocations from the federal government. As the support from the government has not been adequate, suggestions are included on areas where the government could raise taxes to support education in general, and libraries specifically, within Nigeria.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

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Article
Publication date: 4 May 2023

Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, John Aliu and Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

Studies show that the twenty-first-century construction industry needs reskilling and upskilling tools to train large numbers of the workforce for better-integrated project…

570

Abstract

Purpose

Studies show that the twenty-first-century construction industry needs reskilling and upskilling tools to train large numbers of the workforce for better-integrated project delivery. Evidence shows that digitisation via the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology can play a critical role in reskilling and competency demand. Attempting to use digital technology may have had some challenges. Studies about the perceived hindrances facing Nigeria's built environment professionals (BEP) reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace via 4IR technologies are scarce. Thus, the study investigated the perceived encumbrances facing Nigeria's BEP training needs and proffered measures to improve their performance in the workplace via 4IR technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers engaged BEP in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. Regarding the data collection, a qualitative research design was adopted. The study achieved saturation after 32 virtual interviews. A thematic analysis was adopted for the collected data.

Findings

The study shows that using 4IR for reskilling and upskilling will enhance integrated project delivery. But the level of usage in training needs is low. Findings identified the various ways reskilling and upskilling could be achieved. Also identified are the major built environment areas that require 4IR training. Findings highlighted possible encumbrances facing the use of 4IR technologies by Nigerian BEP for reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace and proffered feasible measures to improve 4IR usage for training needs.

Research limitations/implications

The study is restricted to the perceived encumbrances and proffers measures to improve BEP reskilling and upskilling needs via 4IR technologies via a qualitative method. Future research is required to validate the findings and test the proposed framework that emerged from the study.

Practical implications

The study confirms that reskilling and upskilling measures are required at all skill levels and may lead to economic growth. The paper would advance Nigerian higher educational accreditation agencies and various BEP regulatory bodies to review the curriculum and incorporate 4IR as a component or module.

Originality/value

The thematic network analysis and proposed framework could be utilised to stimulate Nigeria's BEP reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace via 4IR technologies. It would stir main stakeholders, especially government policymakers, to facilitate programmes to improve 4IR technologies usage.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Brendan E. Asogwa, Cyprian I. Ugwu and Ferdinand C. Ugwuanyi

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of online services in academic libraries in Nigeria. It seeks to assess the functionality of electronic infrastructures, to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of online services in academic libraries in Nigeria. It seeks to assess the functionality of electronic infrastructures, to expose areas where the service needs of users are not adequately provided and to recommend solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample population was 210 staff and students who used electronic resources in Nigerian university libraries during the 2012-2013 academic session. A questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. Modified WebQual four performance indicators were designed and used to measure: library equipment, library website, online public access catalogue (OPAC) and e-user education in the university libraries. The five-point service performance scale that ranged from very poor performance to excellent was used in measuring the views of the respondents.

Findings

None of the indicators was rated excellent; six were rated good; nine were average; two and five indicators scored poor and very poor, respectively. Poor funding, intermittent power supply and weak telecommunication infrastructures were among the major impediments to online services in Nigerian universities. Through adequate funding and prudent management of library funds, online services in Nigerian university libraries could meet global standards.

Practical implications

Results from this paper could guide library management on several concrete remedial actions to sustain e-service performance that could meet the missions and visions of contemporary academic libraries.

Originality/value

This paper was the first to apply WebQual model in the evaluation of electronic performance quality of academic libraries in Nigeria.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

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Article
Publication date: 15 February 2024

Nagamani Subramanian and M. Suresh

This study aims to investigate the implementation of lean human resource management (HRM) practices in manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and explore how…

444

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the implementation of lean human resource management (HRM) practices in manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and explore how various factors interact to influence their successful adoption. By exploring the interplay among these factors, the research seeks to identify key drivers affecting the adoption of lean HRM in manufacturing SMEs. Ultimately, the research intends to provide insights that can guide organisations, practitioners and policymakers in effectively implementing lean HRM practices to enhance operational efficiency, workforce engagement and competitiveness within the manufacturing SME sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combined total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis. TISM helped in understanding the hierarchical relationship among different factors influencing lean HRM implementation, whereas MICMAC analysis provided insights into the level of influence and dependence of each factor on others.

Findings

The research revealed that “top management support” emerged as the most independent factor, indicating that strong support from top management is crucial for initiating and sustaining lean HRM practices in manufacturing SMEs. On the other hand, “employee involvement and empowerment” was identified as the most dependent factor, suggesting that fostering a culture of employee engagement and empowerment greatly relies on the successful implementation of lean HRM practices.

Research limitations/implications

While the study provided valuable insights, it has certain limitations. The research was conducted within the specific context of manufacturing SMEs, which might limit the generalizability of the findings to other industries. Expert opinions introduce subjectivity in data collection. Additionally, the study may not cover all critical factors, allowing room for further exploration in future research.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications for manufacturing SMEs aiming to implement lean HRM practices. Recognising the pivotal role of top management support, organisations should invest in cultivating a strong leadership commitment to lean HRM initiatives. Furthermore, enhancing employee involvement and empowerment can lead to better adoption of lean HRM practices, resulting in improved operational efficiency and overall competitiveness.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field by offering a comprehensive exploration of the interplay among factors influencing lean HRM implementation. The use of TISM and MICMAC analysis provides a unique perspective on the relationship dynamics between these factors, allowing for a nuanced understanding of their roles in the adoption of lean HRM practices in manufacturing SMEs. The identification of “top management support” as the most independent and “employee involvement and empowerment” as the most dependent factors adds original insights to the existing literature.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 32 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

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