Professor Sam Zulu

Stakeholder theory and shareholder theory are essential frameworks for understanding construction projects, influencing sustainability, project success, and decision-making. Although some studies have explored these theories, there is a notable gap in retrospectively analyzing their application within the construction context. Therefore, this study seeks to systematically review stakeholder and shareholder theories to determine which theoretical approach is predominantly used in construction studies, assess the thematic areas where stakeholder theory or shareholder theory is applied in construction studies, and identify future research and gaps in the application of these theories in construction studies. The study adopted Arkesy and O'Malley's five-stage framework to conduct a systematic scoping review of 1726 articles from Scopus and Google Scholar databases, focusing on stakeholder theory or shareholder theory. The selection process followed the PRISMA framework, with 31 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The data was analyzed using content analysis. The study showed an increased focus on stakeholder theory as compared to shareholder theory. There were 10 themes identified under stakeholder theory with ‘stakeholder management’ being the predominant theme. Shareholder theory, on the other hand, had only 2 themes, with ‘shareholder value creation’ being the predominant theme. The few themes identified under shareholder theory were as a result of the scarcity of research in this area. This calls for more research in the application of shareholder theory. Remarkably, there is a notable lack of research that integrates these two theories. This highlights the opportunity for the integration of these theories to address complex challenges in the construction industry.

Groupwork is seen as an important component to university education. This is more so important to built environment education as groupworking provides a platform to mirror industry working. However one of the problems with groupworking is the method of assessment. This is compounded by the fact that it becomes a difficulty task for assessors to assess indivdual contribution as most of the task working happen outside the asessors attention. This paper provides a reflection of the authors experiences with group working in the built environment. The reflection is based on a single interprofessional studies module which is delivered to three student’s corhorts, including quantity surveying, architectural technology and building surveying. In addition the reflection is made against issues identified in a literature review. The motivation for this was that contrasting opinions were found in literature concerning the contribution of groupwork to student learning. Overall, the evaluation suggest a possitive experience for students in groupwork tasks including the suitability of assessment methods used in the module. However one of the limitation is that usually weaker students are put at a disadvantage as they are usually identified late. The work provides ground for further extensive research work on the subject.

The construction industry has been challenged to increase the percentage of women it employs. Evidence suggest that while in some areas of the industry there has been a noticeable change, the industry still lags behind many other industries. This is despite initiatives that have targeted attracting women to the industry. The aim of the study was to investigate factors that influence women’s employment into the construction industry. It is considered that such an investigation is useful to highlight aspects that need to be considered in initiatives that seek to encourage women into the industry. A questionnaire survey was conducted and qualitative data collected on influences on women’s career choices in the construction industry. The data collected suggests that fewer woman than expected entered the industry as a result of the initiatives put in place to encourage women into the industry. The main conclusions are that there is clearly a lack of women in the industry which is a historical problem. With the need for skilled workers still pressing, encouraging women into the industry could help alleviate the skills gap.

This study considers the role of leaders in driving digital transformation in their organisations. Considering that the construction industry is slow at adopting digital technology, the aim of the study was to explore the factors that inhibit leaders from driving digital transformation in their organisations. Data was collected through a qualitative questionnaire survey. Participants were asked to describe barriers to effective digital leadership in their organisations. The issues that hinder effective digital leadership were grouped under five themes: leadership characteristics, management and organisational issues, resource constraints, technological issues, and risk perceptions. The study shed light on the barriers to digital leadership enactment in the construction industry, an issue that has received limited attention in the existing literature. The findings are useful to business leaders, researchers, trainers and educators to develop measures to encourage leaders in the industry to be at the forefront of digital transformation in their organisations.

Purpose: The study examined perceptions and beliefs that influence the intention to adopt solar energy solutions in the Zambian Housing Sector. This is important because empirical evidence for measures aimed at improving the adoption of solar energy solutions with SSA in general or a Zambian context, in particular, are largely missing from the literature. Methods: Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to analyse quantitative data collected through an online questionnaire survey. A total of 947 valid responses were obtained from a convenient sample of household heads. Results: The results show that attitude towards solar energy solutions, subjective norms, perceived benefits, perceived trust, knowledge about solar energy solutions, load-shedding and social norms, in that order of magnitude, influence the intention to adopt solar energy solutions. Perceived behavioural control, perceived risk and perceived cost did not influence the intention to adopt solar energy solutions. Originality: The results provide empirical evidence of important factors to drive the adoption of solar energy solutions in Zambia. The results further show that knowledge about available solar energy solutions, rather than general knowledge about renewable energy, influence the adoption intention of solar energy solutions. Keywords: Load-shedding, Perceptions and beliefs, Renewable energy, Solar energy

Purpose – This study examined the factors that influence households' intention to adopt solar energy solutions in Zambia. This, in view of low adoption rates of solar energy solutions even in the wake of a widespread electricity power generation deficit across sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) has plagued the region with daily electricity load shedding lasting several hours at a time. Given the vast potential for solar energy generation in the region, solar energy solutions have become an attractive option to grid-based electricity, and many households have intentions of adopting these solutions. Methodology – Through the lens of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the study surveyed adult household members in Zambia who contributed towards the household's income. The participants were selected using the snowballing technique which yielded a sample of 961 respondents. The results were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results – The results show that attitude, trust, benefits and subjective norms influence the intention to adopt solar energy solutions. Trust and benefits also influence the intention to adopt solar energy solutions indirectly through attitude. Therefore, measures aimed at increasing the adoption of solar energy solutions should focus on improving the attitude, perceived benefits, trust in the solutions and consider subjective norms. Originality – The findings add to the understanding of the factors that influence the intention to adopt solar energy solutions in Zambia. Therefore, the findings can be used to inform measures aimed at improving solar energy uptake in Zambia. The study also reports on the previously unreported mediating role of attitude towards solar energy solution on the associations between perceived benefits and trust with solar energy solutions adoption intention.

The relationship between project management and project performance is evaluated from a Structural equation modelling (SEM) perspective. This approach differs from many studies that have examined this relationship. The approach taken in this research argues for an extended understanding of the strength of the direct and indirect influence of the different project management influencing factors on project performance. A survey investigating the influence of project management processes on performance was conducted. Using structural equation modelling the direct and indirect causal influence of project management influencing factors was evaluated. The use of SEM was compared to other multivariate methods that have been used in similar studies. The findings show that the use of SEM improves the understanding of the direct and indirect relationship between project management influencing factors and project performance.

Zambia, and Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) generally, is lagging behind in the area of sustainable construction due to several barriers to the implementation of sustainable construction. This study therefore explored drivers and barriers to the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Zambia. The study could inform stakeholders on measures which could improve the implementation of sustainable construction. The study used an online quantitative questionnaire survey of construction professionals and clients. A total of 112 responses were received representing various stakeholder groups in the construction industry. The data were subjected to factor analysis and ranked using the relative importance index. The data show that drivers to sustainable construction cluster into three constructs namely, environment and health-related factors, regulatory and industry-related factors and, economy and firm related factors. Barriers clustered into three groups namely, awareness and knowledge related factors, regulatory and industry-related factors and, economy and cost-related factors. Therefore, measures aimed at improving sustainable construction in Zambia should focus attention on these broad clusters.

Although public private partnerships (PPPs) have been in existence for decades as a procurement tool for infrastructure projects, a dearth of studies on ex-post evaluation of Public Private Partnership Infrastructure Projects (PPPIPs) exists globally. Additionally, the contribution of scholars to the inclusion of social dimensions in ex-post evaluations is not fully known. Due to the existing gap, this study aimed at identifying and mapping the literature on the ex-post evaluation of PPPIPs and reviewed its contribution to the assessment of social impacts through the inclusion of social dimensions. The Arkesy and O’Malley five-stage framework was used to conduct a scoping review grounded in 27 articles focusing on the ex-post evaluation of PPPIPs. The selection of articles for review used the PRISMA framework and data were analysed through content analysis. The key findings revealed that mutual relationships existed among the theoretical foundation of the review, the themes, and identified social dimensions. Additionally, diversity was seen in the needs and interests of stakeholders, and finally, the low research output in the ex-post evaluation of PPPIPs was observed. A huge research potential has been revealed with specific focus on the social dimension of the triple bottom line concept of sustainable development to achieve PPPIPs’ social sustainability.

The construction industry makes a significant contribution to the global green-house gas emission. It is, therefore, critical that construction industry professionals should be aware of and practise sustainable construction. However, there is a paucity of studies on the awareness of sustainability and their practices in developing countries, with some results seemingly contradicting. This article explored the awareness and practices of sustainability in the Zambian construction industry. Data was collected from construction industry professionals through a questionnaire survey and a total of 112 responses were received. The relative importance index (RII) and a series of linear regression analyses were used to analyse the data. The participants’ perception of sustainability was primarily enviro-centric as opposed to the economic or social context. However, social and economic sustainability practices ranked highest, while environmental sustainability practices ranked in the bottom five of the 16 practices. While the participants perceived the environmental context as more critical in their understanding of sustainability, their practice reflected a focus on the social and economic sustainability context. The findings imply that merely increasing the level of knowledge and awareness of environmental sustainability may not lead to gross improvements in environmental sustainability practices. Therefore, studies that recommended increasing knowledge and awareness, in order to increase the implementation of environmentally sustainable construction, may have neglected the effect of the other barriers to sustainable construction which may be more critical. Studies with multivariate analyses such as structural equation modelling are needed to establish the contributory effect of the various barriers to environmental sustainability practices and so establish the extent to which knowledge and awareness alone, and other factors, can improve environmental sustainability practices.

There is a general agreement in the literature that groupwork helps to develop important interpersonal and personal skills (Race, 2001; Visram & Joy, 2003; Elliot & Higgins, 2005; Kench et al, 2008). However, one of the problems with groupwork for both students and lecturers is how the work should be assessed (Parsons & Kassabova, 2002). The possibility of having ‘free-riders’ and the difficulty of fairly awarding marks to reflect the level of students’ contribution to a group output are some of the key problem areas in groupwork assessment (Race, 2001). Peer assessment is seen as one of the methods to deal with these problems. It can generally involve students assessing each other’s level of contribution to the group’s output (Visram & Joy, 2003). This paper provides our reflection on the use of peer assessment on a student group project.

Purpose: to present an analysis of client satisfaction and assesses how an Employer’s Agent can improve client satisfaction to a Design and Build project. Little critical analysis has been devoted to the role of the Employer’s Agent in Design and Build projects, an increasingly popular method of construction procurement. Client satisfaction is important for the continued sustainability of the construction industry. Research design: the findings presented here have been derived from qualitative data collection methods based upon online survey questionnaires. These form a representative sample of current UK industry trends and professional opinions. The sample was relatively small and further research based on case study analysis is recommended to validate these findings. Findings and implications: suggest that cost is often of most importance to clients although the Employer’s Agent must also manage the project in terms of time and quality. Projects are complex, diverse and liable to change and there is no “one size fits all” solution. Achieving client satisfaction in design is fundamental to project success and is largely determined by a detailed Employer’s Requirements document. If Employers’ Agents manage projects pro-actively they can make an effective contribution to client satisfaction

This paper is concerned with factors that impact on project leadership performance. The exploratory study acknowledges the importance of leadership in project management as a key driving force in delivering successful projects. In this respect the paper considers the performance of leadership as the focus. Various leadership factors based on studies on critical success factors were identified. In addition leadership performance was measured by the extent to which the goals were attained and the satisfaction of the project managers with project outcomes. Data used to explore the factors impacting on project leadership was extracted from a project management study that explored the impact of project management process quality variables on project performance in which a questionnaire survey was conducted. Several factors related to the leader’s capability, the project team and the project environment were found to have an impact on leadership performance

Purpose: This paper examines service quality and its potential to enhance competitive advantage of local contractors in the Zambian Construction industry. The study acknowledges that local contracting companies and organisations face immense challenges due to changes in global and national environments. With the increase in foreign direct investment and foreign contractor/firms entrance in developing countries, local contractors are expected to provide better service quality in order to remain competitive. The authors argue that improving service quality would help local contractors to enhance their competitiveness in a globalised economy. Design/Methodology/Approach: The findings in this paper are based on a case study of service quality levels provided by maintenance contractors in an international organisation in Zambia. An instrument based on the SERVQUAL approach was used to collect service quality data. The determination of service quality was based on the comparison between the expected and perceived service quality levels. Findings: Generally the findings show that service quality expectations for the client are not met. It is generally acknowledged in literature that service quality is one of the leveraging factors for companies to create a competitive advantage over others and therefore the authors recommend that local contractors should improve their service quality levels if they are to remain competitive in a globalised economy. Originality/Value: This research is part of large project focusing on the understanding of issues impacting on the development of the Zambian construction industry. This paper contributes to the understanding of key challenges facing local contractors in the Zambian construction industry. The paper also addresses the importance of service quality as a leveraging tool to enhance a firm’s competitive advantage.

The paper reports of an evaluation of a project management measurement framework that was used to cluster construction project management critical success factors. A review of literature suggests that there is a lack of agreement on what considered as critical success factors for construction project management. This in part is due to a lack of a common framework for the definition of critical success factors. The paper acknowledges the need to have a common basis for the definition of project management critical success factors and argues that the business excellence model provides a sound framework for this. A project management critical success factors (CSF) model was developed based on the business excellence model which to some extent can be looked at as a causal model between the management processes and the business or organisational results. The business excellence model was used to define constructs to which various critical success factors as identified in literature were mapped against. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey concerning various critical success factors. Results of a statistical analysis confirm that the project management CSF model is reliable and that the constructs used can be used to cluster construction project management critical success factors. Further examination of the data regarding the relative importance of the critical success factors is consistent with many other studies on critical success factors. The research concludes that the measurement model for construction project management critical success factors, as presented in the paper is a reliable scale and that such a model present a sound framework for the definition of factors critical to project management performance.

This study examines service quality of building maintenance contractors in Zambia. It argues that improving service quality would help local contractors to enhance their competitiveness in a globalised environment. The study uses an international organisation as a unit of analysis through the perception of the Estate’s Manager in exploring service quality issues. An instrument based on the SERVQUAL approach was used to collect data. The determination of service quality was based on the comparison between the clients’ expected and perceived service quality levels. The findings show that few contractors exceed the clients’ expectations in all dimensions, while the majority fall below the clients expectations in all dimensions. The aggregate service quality scores for all contractors show that clients do not receive the expected service quality level. The findings also suggest that there is a correlation between service quality and customer satisfaction in projects undertaken by the contractors. Contractors therefore need to acknowledge this and improve on their service quality. The paper acknowledges that there are few empirical studies concerning service quality in the Zambian construction industry and therefore contributes to the understanding of quality issues in the industry. The findings provide useful insights into service quality in the Zambian construction industry.

The aim of this paper was to investigate project compliance to the application of ISO 9000:1994 series of standards during the design and construction of the COSAC project in Zambia. In addition the research was intended to establish the benefits of applying the ISO standards in a developing economy. Evaluation of compliance to the ISO standards during the research study period was achieved by measuring design and construction activities against ISO 9001 for the design component and ISO 9002 for the construction component. This was achieved through an audit approach using a checklist. Structured questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to compliment the audit results. Benefits and challenges regarding compliance were also measured. Results indicated that the project recorded a compliance rate of 85% to ISO 9000:1994 standards signifying 15% of non-compliance to some sections of the quality management system. Results further indicated that the indigenous major subcontractors’ compliance rate was very low with indigenous suppliers’ compliance rate being average. The paper concluded that despite being new to the ISO working environment, indigenous subcontractors and suppliers on the project demonstrated capacity to learn and get ISO certification. The benefits of applying ISO 9000 standards on the COSAC project were very significant in terms of time, cost and quality of project delivery. The results from this project still present critical lessons for adoption of quality management systems for Zambian contractors today because construction industry in the country has not made any significant improvement in quality management systems since the COSAC project in 2001.

The construction industry continues to see significant innovation-led changes that have a potential disruptive effect on management and organisational practices. It is considered that such changes should reflect on the skills set required for “tomorrow’s” construction organisation, both at a firm and project organisation level. The agenda in this discussion is to evaluate the influence of current innovation drivers on the occupational structure and skills in the construction industry. It acknowledges that the nature of innovation suggests that changes will be inevitable. A critical analysis of the extent to which built environment education is keeping up with innovation is therefore necessary. The discussion takes a three pronged approach. First, an extensive review of literature on the impact of innovation on occupational structures and skills requirements is presented. Second, the dual relationship between innovation and construction industry skills is considered. These include: the impact of innovation on the occupational structure and demand for skills; and the extent to which skilled workforce can drive innovation. And second, the role of the higher education sector in responding to the innovation-led skills challenge and its influence on the innovative-behaviour of future leaders is considered. On one hand a debate has been hard on whether the higher education sector is producing graduates with all the required skills in this age of fast developing changes. While on the other hand, it is acknowledged that the higher education sector is the training ground for leaders of tomorrow and therefore have an influence on future decision makers. Third, models of how the education sector can keep up with innovation and/or drive innovation are considered. In addition an agenda for future research is proposed.

The importance of ethical considerations in the construction industry is acknowledged. This is particularly the case that the industry plays a significant part in a nation’s development. The Zambian construction industry has seen an increase in activity due, in part, to massive infrastructure development programs adopted by successive governments, increase in foreign direct investment and housing development. The Zambian construction industry, like any other, is not immune to unethical behaviour. This study investigated students’ perception of the prevalence of unethical practices in the Zambian construction industry. A review of literature demonstrated that a number of contextual factors including location can influence the perception of unethical practices. A focus on Zambia was therefore considered necessary. One hundred and twenty one students took part in a questionnaire survey to examine their perception of the extent to which unethical practices were prevalent in the Zambian construction industry. The findings suggest that students perceived bribery/corruption and political /societal influences as the two most common unethical practices, while the least prevalent unethical practices were perceived to be alcohol/drug abuse and workplace violence. The findings are largely consistent with previous studies investigating the ethical perception of professionals in the Zambian construction industry. In addition, the findings suggests that when year of study and program of study is taken into consideration, the differences in perception of unethical practices, is evident for these demographic groups. This study provided an added dimension to the understanding of ethical issues in the Zambian construction industry as it was the first of its kind involving students’ perceptions. This paper therefore contributes to the list of countries where similar studies have been undertaken.

The importance of the construction industry in achieving a nation’s sustainable development agenda is recognised and has been a subject of research by many. It can be argued that to some extent that sustainability is seen as a moral challenge to this generation. Several initiatives have been introduced the world over to encourage the construction industry to support the sustainability agenda. Evidence also suggests that many organisations have adopted initiatives to enhance their sustainability credentials. The Zambian construction industry is currently thriving with infrastructure development projects as one of the major sources of construction activities. In addition, the inward foreign direct investment has resulted in precedent demand in the construction industry. The need for a sustainable construction industry should therefore be an important consideration as the industry continues to develop. This study acknowledges the significant role universities can play in driving the sustainability agenda. As such the aim of this research was to evaluate the extent to which sustainability is embedded in Built environment curriculum at a university in Zambia as a case study. A review of literature was conducted to determine the effectiveness of sustainability education models. Interviews were also conducted with heads of departments in the university in order to determine the extent to which sustainability elements are embedded in their curriculum. The responses from these heads of departments were verified by interviewing lecturers teaching relevant modules on the subject matter. Students’ projects with sustainability elements where also examined as a verification process. Thereafter, the approaches used in embedding sustainability in Built environment courses were evaluated. The study concluded that all the departments at the University under study were aware and conscious of embedding sustainability elements in the curriculum, however, not all departments had implemented the sustainability embedment in the curriculum. The study further revealed that all the departments had in one way or another included sustainability elements in students’ projects and dissertations at undergraduate and post graduate programs. The study recommends full inclusion of sustainability lessons and skills in the entire curriculum, but in conjunction with industry partners and stakeholders, in order to fully meet the sustainable development goals 9, 11 and 12 which addresses Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; and Responsible Consumption and Production

ABSTRACT This paper investigated the perceptions of students on sustainability considerations in procurement decisions in Zambia. The Zambian construction industry is currently thriving with significant infrastructure projects as one of the major source of construction activities. It is important, however, that as the construction industry take strides to increase output, the need for a sustainable approach should be considered. The aim of the paper was therefore to explore the perceptions on sustainability matters associated with procurement decisions in the construction industry.

Government sponsored reports have highlighted the need for improvements in people skills for those working in the UK construction industry. The mandatory use of Building Information Modelling on government projects by 2016 (Government Construction Strategy 2011) highlight these issues and bring their own specific challenges. It is in the construction organisation’s interest that they have to innovate and adopt BIM. However evidence suggest that innovation is always met with resistance in organisations. One of the reasons for resistance is the expectation that innovation brings about the need for new skills and that some traditional skills become obsolete. The aim of this study was to get a better understanding of the ‘people’ related challenges when organisations are adopting BIM and particularly focuses on education and training requirements and the extent to which BIM implementation affects the dynamics of people skills.

This research seeks to provide an understanding of factors that contribute to the success and failure of construction projects in Zambia. In particular it focuses on factors impacting on time and cost performance. It is recognised that many studies on this subject have been undertaken focusing on specific countries recognising the importance of national industry specific characteristics as possible contributors to the differences in the perception of factors that impact on project performance. A focus on the Zambian construction industry was there deemed appropriate as the focus of this study. The study is based on an online questionnaire survey to construction professionals in the Zambian construction Industry. This enabled capture of required data from a large target audience. The questionnaire was developed after an extensive literature review on factors impacting on project performance. The findings suggest that all the key participants on construction projects, employers, contractors and consultants play a key role in influencing time and cost performance of construction projects in the Zambian construction industry. Factors such as employer financial difficulties, construction project and site management and unethical behavior were perceived to be significant contributors of poor time and cost performance. The study acknowledges the limited literature on the Zambian Construction Industry and in particular issues concerning the performance of projects. Of particular interest in this paper is the comparison of factors between Zambia and that reported about other countries? By taking a Zambian specific analysis of key factors time and cost contributing factors, this study adds to the list of countries which have been investigated.

As part of wider digital technologies, BIM offers an opportunity for the construction industry to improve performance through better data integration and radical changes to the project collaborative platform. This is true about the whole as well as parts of project whole life cycle processes. The focus of this chapter is on the opportunities for integration of BIM in the planning and management of safety on site. The discussion starts with an overview of BIM and safety on construction projects. It then provides focuses on the integration of Virtual Simulation of visualisation, use of sensor and devices and safety management. Image technologies are integrated into the site safety data and information contained within the BIM model, in order to offer an improved way of planning and managing site safety in addition to enhanced training methods. The chapter presents an important context for students and educators to appreciate the potential of BIM and advanced technology. Considering that health and safety is a vital aspect of construction management, professionals in the built environment must be conversant with the implications of advances in digital technology on the management of health and safety. Significant developments in BIM and digital technologies over recent decades are providing innovative insights into safer design, planning and site management.

The construction industry continues to be a high-risk industry in comparison to others. It is imperative therefore the industry should continue to seek ways to improve its safety performance. Technological developments and in particular building information modelling is seen to be a promising catalyst for improving safety outcomes in the construction industry. The discussion in this chapter focuses on the perception of professionals in the Hong Kong construction industry of the application of BIM for site safety. Given sizable capital projects in Hong Kong are now using BIM and site safety continues to be a concern for the local construction stakeholders, it is timely to explore their perceptions of the use of BIM for construction safety. The findings show that there is strong support for using BIM to improve safety outcomes. Participants saw potential use in planning, visualization and communication as the main reasons for supporting BIM for safety. Issues such as data accuracy, BIM competence and resource implications were raised as some of the concerns with BIM for safety.

Businesses in the construction industry are experiencing pressure to modernise by embracing digital technologies. Like any other change initiative, digital transformation requires that leaders are at the forefront of their organisations’ pursuit for digital innovation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the different leadership approaches exhibited by construction industry leaders in influencing their organisations’ digital paths. Qualitative data collected from 41 construction industry professionals were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. The main finding was a taxonomy of digital leadership types characterised under six themes: proactive and forward-thinking; supportive; uncoordinated; cautious; resistant and visionless & undriven leaders. These themes provide an insight into how leaders influence the digital transformation paths in organisations. As far as the authors are aware, this study is the first that developed a taxonomy of digital leadership approaches in the construction industry. This is a valuable step in understanding leaders' influence in driving digital transformation in the construction industry. Thus, the taxonomy of digital leadership can be used to evaluate leadership styles and attitude towards digitalisation. The findings are also a platform for further studies on digital leadership in construction.

Purpose: This study investigated the suitability and cost-benefit of using copper tailings as partial replacement of sand in concrete production. The study was motivated by the accumulation and non- utilisation of Copper Tailings in dams among them Tailing Dam 25 also known as TD 25 in Kitwe city of the Copperbelt province in Zambia that take up approximately 111 hectares of unutilised land. Design/methodology/approach: Laboratory experimental approach of concrete production based on water/cement ratios of 0.3 and 0.5 was used because this was an exploratory study designed to establish the primary performance of .concrete. 30 concrete cubes were cast based on the two water-cement ratios. 0% to 30% partial sand replacement with copper tailings was used in both mixes with the 0% copper tailings replacement being the control mix and reference point. Other concrete tests included workability, density, compressive strength and element composition analysis. Findings: Results revealed that copper tailings from TD 25 were suitable for partial replacement of sand in concrete. 30% of sand replacement with copper tailings was established as the maximum replacement amount in order to produce optimum compressive strength values from both mixes. The drier mix of 0.3 water-cement ratio produced higher compressive strength results of 23 MPa at 28 days of concrete curing with 2.34% as optimum concrete cost reduction. Originality/Value: The study provides guidance on optimum concrete grade produced and cost reduction details of copper tailing-based concrete to support for local authorities in suitable land wand waste management using real data.

In the UK, construction remains to be a high-risk sector. The dynamic nature of construction is fraught with risk, which can often be difficult to predict and mitigate. The adoption of 4D modelling has been included within the BIM level 2 framework document PAS1192-6:2018, to support the management of health and safety. This paper focuses on the perception of industry professionals in regards to the benefits and barriers of 4D, when used for health and safety management. A focus group comprising of 10 professionals within a selection of industry related sectors were interviewed, and qualitative data collected. The data indicated an 80% awareness of 4D, with 40% of those interviewed currently adopting 4D. However, in most cases the software was not specifically used for health and safety management, although safety risks can be identified in the process. The responses indicated that the key perceived benefits of 4D were in the visualisation and planning of site activities, mainly in the location and movement of plant, working at height and logistics management. Key barriers in the adoption of 4D for health and safety were also identified, including cost, time and a culture within the industry, in which individuals and organisations find it difficult to adapt and except new ways of working.

The impact of the ethical dimension of sustainability on individual and corporate decisions, especially in the retail and agricultural sectors has been demonstrated. However, the ethical dimension in sustainability decision making in the construction industry has received limited attention. The aim of the study was to evaluate students understanding of the ethics of sustainability and to assess the extent to which the ethical dimension could be taken as a key influencing factor in the consideration of sustainability choices. The paper reports of a pilot study designed to test the application of the ethics focused sustainability framework to explore the impact of ethics on sustainability decisions. The framework was tested on final year students undertaking various built environment subjects at a UK university. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey. The findings from this data are that ethical contents closely related to the need for compliance to legal and industry norms would take precedence over consideration of sustainability-friendly alternative products and services that would impact on cost and profit. The exploratory study demonstrated application of the framework. However, there is potential for further development and validation of the framework used in the study

Given sizable capital projects in Hong Kong are using BIM from January 2018 on and site safety continues to be a concern for the local construction stakeholders. It is timely to investigate the potential of using BIM for construction safety. This research reveals the potential of using BIM for site safety is strong (85% supported), indicating Hong Kong should engage specific projects to test effectiveness of using BIM for safety, including implementation of safety management system and/ or process of risk assessment.

Greenwood, D (Ed.), Proceedings 18th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2002, Northumbria, UK. , Vol. 2, 595–604

In 2008, the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concept was identified by the Zambian Government as a vehicle for scaling up public infrastructure project delivery in the country. A platform for active private sector participation in the direct provision of public goods and services was created by enacting the PPP Act No. 14 of 2009. It was anticipated that this would encourage the local and international private sector to participate in delivering PPP projects. The aim of this research was therefore to investigate the role of this PPP Act on the private sector’s decision to participate in PPP projects in Zambia. A mixed method design was adopted for this research due to limited information and stakeholders on the ground. 43 industry practioners representing contractors, developers’ financiers and government were identified motivating a mixed method approach in order to obtain more data given a generally lower sample available. A total of 27 questionnaires were obtained. Findings revealed that the PPP Act had not played a significant role to influence private sector decision to participate in PPP projects. The findings from this research unlocks part of the reason why there is little participation by private sector in PPP projects. The research identifies presents areas of focus in amending the Act in order to attract and influence private investment in current critical areas such as energy, higher education and housing among others. The study recommends that the immediate revision of PPP Act to remove identified barriers which among others include inadequate and unclear governing PPP framework, obstruction by bureaucracy, inappropriate risk sharing mechanisms and absence of protection to the private sector stakeholders.

The construction industry continues to be a high-risk industry in comparison to others. It is imperative therefore that the industry should continue to seek ways to improve its safety performance. Technological developments and in particular building information modelling is seen to be a promising catalyst for improving safety outcomes in the construction industry. The discussion in this chapter focuses on the perception of professionals in the Hong Kong construction industry of the application of BIM for site safety. Given that sizable capital projects in Hong Kong are now using BIM and site safety continues to be a concern for the local construction stakeholders, it is timely to explore their perceptions of the use of BIM for construction safety. The findings show that there is strong support for using BIM to improve safety outcomes. Participants saw potential use in planning, visualization, and communication as the main reasons for supporting BIM for safety. Issues such as data accuracy, BIM competence, and resource implications were raised as some of the concerns with BIM for safety.

This article develops a new understanding of energy transition through a qualitative historical analysis of the links between ‘so-called’ global transition and histories of colonialism and capitalism in the sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing from 52 energy transition materials centered on Africa, the article critiques dominant emphasis on global transitions and proposes a multiplicity of transitions from a justice and African perspective and proposes an alternative dialogue that leverages national and regional experiences. We find that drivers of energy transition centre on capital pools and financial concentration and energy supply chains but that these ignore possible plurality of transitions – which is crucial for delivering just transitions – but plentiful evidence also exist showing that this misaligns with national visions and socio-economic and political realities. The paper shows how the current framings of energy transition contradict and are misaligned with national conditions that shape realities and possibilities. As a result, new global shifts in energy architecture, we argue, produces old socio-economic and political realities in the way the sub-Saharan Africa is being integrated in the energy transition. Thus, rather than present energy transition as a new dawn for structural transformation across the sub-region, the current structure and organisation of the transition presents historical continuities of dispossession where social formations are marginalised. We conclude that instead of portraying energy transition as a global phenomenon, emphasis should be placed on the multiplicity of transitions based on historiies of colonialism and neoliberal capitalism. A variety of policy angles that can shape transitions and expansion of renewable energy sources in the region are discussed from an African perspective.

Abstract

The Zambian economy has evolved from simple and fragmented agrarian activities at the turn of the twentieth century into a wide range of organized and regulated modern economic activities. Although the economy has largely revolved around the mining industry since the early 1920s when the extraction of copper and other mineral ores begun on the Copperbelt, there have been a gradual diversification of economic activities over time, with services now accounting for almost two-thirds of gross domestic product (GDP). This handbook offers an authoritative and comprehensive discussion of the different facets of the Zambian economy from agriculture, mining, banking, construction, tourism, to international trade. It covers a wide range of related topics including the political context and how this shapes and influences economic policy and activities, various services which drive the economy such as infrastructure, energy, transport, social welfare, education, business, and financial services. Chapters in this handbook discuss not only the challenges but also opportunities existing in the Zambian economy. Overall, the handbook offers a timely contribution to debates on various policy reforms needed to respond to the major social and economic challenges Zambia is facing.

Most construction works in the Zambian construction industry are executed by foreign contractors who are eligible to tender for large-scale construction projects. These works amount to 85% of the national contract value. Foreign contractors are seen as better performers in project deliverables of time, cost and schedule compared to local contractors. This research investigated the magnitude to which national culture impacts contractor performance in the Zambian construction industry. A comparison of culture and performance was made between foreign and local firms in the two top construction categories, using Hofstede’s national culture framework to determine performance improvements of local contractors. A total 112 questionnaires were collected and SPSS was used to analyse the data descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that foreign contractors manage uncertainty avoidance in a more superior manner compared to local contractors. The clients rated foreign contractors as better performers apart from health and safety. The study established that Local contractors must improve their performance if they are to compete favourably with the foreign contractors' success record.

The construction industry is constantly evolving through government policies, technologies, and innovative processes. BIM and modular construction are innovative concepts aimed at achieving sustainable smart cities by enhancing cost performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Despite growing global interest in their integration, there is a notable knowledge gap in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, this research aims to explore the barriers to integrating BIM into modular construction in sub-Saharan Africa. The study adopted a non-experimental design, using a four-stage methodological framework. Initially, a literature review was carried out to conceptualize the study. Stage two involves a pilot survey to create an adequate data collection instrument. In the third stage, 81 registered companies were purposely selected, and data was collected through an online survey. Finally, the fourth stage uses descriptive and inferential techniques to make logical and informed conclusions. The top-ranked barriers are high initial costs, insufficient cross-field expertise, stakeholder collaboration problems, limited software interoperability, and skills shortages. Recommendations include early stakeholder collaboration, BIM execution plan development by modular companies, improved staff training, and increasing financial support from the government. Future research should explore country-specific barriers and case studies to aid the integration of the two innovative solutions in the region.

Abstract

The construction industry in Zambia is an important sector of the economy. From 2000, the industry’s contribution to GDP has been consistently higher than 10%. The sector contributes almost 4% of the total labour force, making it one of the largest employers. Between 2000 and 2010, the Zambian construction industry’s production output increased and saw sustainable growth. Notwithstanding the impressive growth, the industry has not seen an increase in productivity of labour and influx of skills which are critical measures of structural transformation. This chapter evaluates factors that impact the construction sector. The chapter will discuss the construction industry structure, policies, role players, and means of production. In addition, the chapter presents challenges and opportunities of the sector for economic growth and structural transformation.

The simultaneous pursuit of shareholder value and productivity has emerged as a central focus within the construction industry. However, the potential consequences on safety performance in this sector remain inadequately explored. With construction companies increasingly prioritizing financial gains and operational efficiency, there is growing apprehension about the possible compromise of safety standards. To address this knowledge gap, the study employs a systematic literature review to examine the intricate dynamics between shareholder focus, productivity, and their impact on safety performance in the construction industry. A total of 27 academic publications from the Scopus database were identified and analysed. The findings highlight the necessity for a balanced approach that aligns financial objectives with the well-being of workers. Additionally, the study provides insights for industry stakeholders to enhance safety performance while maintaining a focus on shareholder value and productivity. The study guides policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in formulating balanced strategies and policies when addressing the complex interplay between financial objectives and safety in construction.

For construction managers’ effective collaboration, communication and engagement during safety planning is essential to improve on-site efficiency and reduce risks. While the use of virtual reality (VR) has gained increased global attention in the past decade, the documentation of practical applications during active construction projects in the UK remains underdeveloped. Specifically, this includes the use of VR within on-site construction logistics management processes and its potential impacts on multidisciplinary collaboration and engagement. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the use of VR during practical safety and plant logistics planning workshops to capture real-world examples. Collaborating with a UK-based construction contractor, this study collected qualitative data over a series of planning workshops during a live project, involving 15 site team members of varying disciplines. Data collection included direct observations and focus groups, with the data analysed using a hybrid thematic analysis method. The results provided evidence of effective and accurate plant logistics planning with working practical examples, indicating that the use of VR had a positive impact on interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement. The results showed that the inclusion of VR tools also encouraged knowledge transfer between project teams, which led to improved confidence and engagement when conducting planning activities.

Public-private partnerships have been widely applied in financing infrastructure development with mixed results. Research calls to extend public-private partnerships to research and innovation to foster strategic linkages between research and industry have been increasing. This study seeks to investigate key elements for promoting public-private partnerships in research and innovation using evidence from research institutions. The research study followed an explorative design, and 19 purposefully selected respondents from research and development institutions and universities were interviewed. The findings reveal different forms of research collaboration through memoranda of understanding. The best practices for promoting public-private partnerships in research and innovation are enhancing the attractiveness of the partnering institutions and establishing innovation hubs and intellectual property policies. The elements for effectively implementing public-private partnerships in research and innovation include a supportive regulatory framework, joint financing of research equipment and tax incentives for research equipment. Priority sectors for promoting public-private partnerships in research and innovation include energy, agriculture, waste management, engineering and technology and environmental sustainability. This study is one of the first to investigate the key elements for promoting public-private partnerships in research and innovation as a mechanism for funding high-impact research in the context of a developing country. Furthermore, the key elements can guide countries wishing to develop frameworks for promoting public-private partnerships in research and innovation.

Public-private partnerships have long existed in literature, primarily in the construction sector. However, there is a paucity of research on the research and innovation ecosystem. This research aims to develop a framework for promoting public-private partnerships in research and innovation to foster public-private linkages. Primary data was collected from 192 participants selected from public and private sector organizations. The relative importance index was used to rank key elements for promoting public-private partnerships in research and innovations. The best practices include sharing knowledge, engaging in win-win partnerships, and establishing innovation hubs and intellectual property policies. Effective elements include leveraging innovation in geographical proximity, a supportive regulatory framework, joint financing of research equipment and tax incentives for research equipment. Priority sectors include renewable energy, smart agriculture and education. Websites and direct engagements are essential platforms for engaging in collaborations. The research recommends that the government should provide seed funding to support the early phases of the research and extend tax exemptions for research equipment and infrastructure. Research institutions should establish innovation hubs and operationalize intellectual property policies. The study proposes a framework for promoting public-private partnerships in research and innovation in a developing country like Zambia.

The building construction industry continues to face challenges that affect project delivery, one of which is the traditional practices used for building material scheduling (BMS). Studies indicate that these practices are often inefficient and prone to errors, leading to delays, cost overruns, and low-quality work, affecting the project objectives. Building Information Modeling (BIM) presents a promising solution for addressing these challenges, proven through existing integrations. However, its adoption in BMS practices in construction is still relatively low. Therefore, this study aimed to assess BIM use in BMS in Tanzania’s building construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, and the study population of 153 registered quantity surveying firms was purposively selected. The study data was collected using online questionnaires and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study findings indicate that traditional practices are still favored over BIM when scheduling building materials in Tanzania, with the most predominant practices being spreadsheets and paper-based methods. Additionally, findings suggest that BIM is not a new concept in Tanzania. However, its adoption in the current practices is relatively low, mainly due to insufficient expertise, training resources, and limited access to BIM software/tools. Moreover, findings indicate a significant belief that BIM can improve BMS practices. These insights can inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions on the necessary steps to promote BIM integration. Therefore, it is recommended that BIM adoption be prioritized by addressing these barriers to enhance project outcomes. Shifting from traditional methods to BIM will lead to more efficient and effective construction processes, making BIM's broader adoption essential for the industry's future success.

This study examines the social factors shaping solar energy transitioning in Zambia’s mining sector, a key contributor to the national resource economy. It focuses on how policies, incentive systems, communication channels, training and skills development, and stakeholder engagement and partnership influence the sector’s readiness to adopt solar energy and support more reliable operations. A quantitative design was used, with a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 192 respondents from mining companies, regulatory bodies, energy suppliers and local authorities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability tests and hierarchical regression. The results show that stakeholder engagement and partnership and incentive systems are the strongest predictors of transition intentions, underscoring their role in improving energy security and supporting sustainable production. Policies, communication and training had weaker effects, indicating the need for stronger institutional coordination and targeted capacity building. Overall, the findings illustrate how social conditions shape renewable energy adoption and contribute to more resilient mining activities.

Construction developments may be defined as temporary project coalitions in which participants form a network of communication and collaboration for the exchange of information and knowledge. Aligned to this, there is increasing recognition of the value of broadening consultation in the briefing and design stages of projects to obtain input from a more expansive and inclusive population of those that will operate and use facilities, which has hitherto been an all too frequent omission. The Health and Social Care sector in England has placed emphasis on developing its estates strategies with stakeholders in attempts to inject innovation to how services are delivered. In unison with these aspirations, the Construction Industry Council has worked with NHS England in the development a construction quality control mechanism, the Desiqn Quality Indicator for Health (DQIfH). The research gap identified for this study is in how communication and collaboration processes with stakeholders can be given precedence to ensure that end user requirements are identified in the consultation stages of projects. This research provides analysis of how effective the DQIfH processes have been in capturing user requirements in a healthcare construction project. Social Network Analysis (SNA) was used as a method of quantifying and conceptualising levels of communication and collaboration between stakeholders. This was enabled through semi structured interviews with key stakeholders to provide qualitative participant interaction information as well as quantitative data for analysis.  The research findings present novel insights into how quality control mechanisms can provide structure for communication mechanisms to flourish. Stages of maturity are identified where advanced levels of knowledge are made possible through the pooling of resources of formal and informal stakeholders working together to foster collective social capital, both structural and relational. The implications of such collaborative practices are identified for the attributes that the formation of close and trusting relationships between participants can provide, such as shared values, trust, and the development of group knowledge to better understanding the needs of the community. The research provides new knowledge on how social network analysis can overlay design quality mechanisms to gain understanding of contemporary working practices through the conceptualisation of communication and collaboration between stakeholders. It is recommended that this research is extended to allow researchers the opportunity to observe interactions directly in an expanded range of present-day projects. 

The circular economy has emerged as an alternative to the current linear model for solving global climate change challenges. Measuring circularity provides informed decision-making in circular procurement. However, a paucity of knowledge exists in circular procurement assessment methods in the built environment. This paper aims to map circular procurement assessment methods in the built environment for sustainable development. The study employed a systematic literature review and scientometric analysis to comprehensively understand circular procurement assessment methods in the built environment. Scientometric analysis was used to analyse the research patterns and trends quantitatively. A total of 146 research papers were retrieved from the Scopus database. VOSviewer was used to visualise relationships in the research. The results revealed the most prominent keywords: circular economy, life cycle, and sustainable development. The results reveal that few studies focus on circular procurement assessment methods in the built environment. The findings highlight the research gap in circular procurement assessment methods between the global north and the global south. This study significantly contributes to circular procurement assessment methods for decision-making in the built environment. Future research collaboration between scholars and institutions from the global north and the global south is encouraged for enhanced research in sustainable development.

Some understand Architectural Technologists to be professionals who make abstract design proposals more practical for use. However, in reality, does this line of thought hold any factual basis? This paper will analyse the opinions of various professors and writers to gain insight into how academics view the Architectural Technology field. This paper will examine the writers’ current understanding of Architectural Technology and how they believe the field will develop in the future. Technologists are constantly adapting to new trends and ideas within the construction sector. Therefore, analysis will be provided regarding how the Architectural Technology field is adapting to the requirements of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the challenges that BIM poses to the profession. The findings of the academic analysis will then be studied against the results of a questionnaire that was completed by Architectural Technologists who are currently in practice. The questionnaire was a necessary inclusion into this study as it is important to also understand the thoughts of those who are actively practicing within the profession. Finally, a conclusion will be provided which summarises the findings of the paper. This will also include a recommendation on how the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) could make the reality of the Architectural Technology field better known to the publi

The use of Building Information Modelling processes and supporting technology in the construction industry continues to grow. Its application to various project processes including management of health and safety is acknowledged. The aim of this study was to investigate the current perception of industry professionals of the benefits and barriers of the adoption of 4D modelling for management of construction site safety. This is in light of the BIM level 2 framework document PAS1192-6:2018, which promotes the integration of 4D modelling for safer design and construction. The paper reports findings from a questionnaire survey of 141 construction industry professionals. The analysis of data took into the level of seniority of the participants. The study indicated that 70% of directors/managers and 74% of professionals are aware of 4D. This awareness, however, is not reflected in the current adoption rate as an average of 31.2% of participants had adopted the 4D modelling at their workplace. The study identifies that the perceived primary purpose of 4D is not for health and safety management, although a need for this purpose is evident. The main perceived benefits of 4D were adding value through visualisation and clearer communication of project outputs, issues which have positive effects on health and safety management including site planning and logistics. The findings also showed that seniority can influence the perception of barriers to 4D modelling adoption. Such barriers include the cost of training, time to implement and underlining cultural issues. The study recommends an increase in further education and trainingin BIM, health and safety management. Further evidence-based exploratory studies and promotion of 4D modelling to demonstrate the value of 4D modelling for construction site safety would also be useful as a platform to encourage the uptake of 4D modelling for construction site safety.

While previous studies have highlighted the importance of incorporating environmental sustainability in building designs, there is a paucity of studies which assess the extent to which design teams in developing countries consider environmental sustainability at the building design stage. Therefore, using Zambia as a case study, this study examined the extent to which infrastructure design teams in a developing country consider environmental sustainability at the design stage. The study employed a qualitative research approach using structured interviews because there are hardly any studies which have explored the extent to which designers incorporate environmental sustainability in infrastructure designs in developing countries. The data were analysed thematically using the ATLAS.ti software. The results show that environmental sustainability is not an important design consideration because it is secondary to functional, technical and aesthetic considerations. Environmental considerations are also made in an ad-hoc manner and when it is cost effective for the project. Regulatory requirements pertaining to environmental protection are adhered to without any cost considerations. It was therefore theorised that building design teams in developing countries make technical, functional and aesthetic consideration during the infrastructure design stage ahead of environmental considerations. There is a paucity of studies that have investigated whether building infrastructure designers consider issues of environmental sustainability at the design stage in developing countries. The findings have practical implications on how developing countries can foster environmental sustainability at the design stage and avoid generating a building infrastructure stock that will require environmental resilience adaptation in the future.

Purpose: The education sector is at the forefront of developing tomorrow’s construction professionals. It is therefore important that with the current rate of change in the construction industry, education curriculum should be seen to be relevant. An area that is revolutionising the construction industry is the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), including its potential for improving H&S on construction sites. This study focuses on the perception of higher education (HE) students on the potential impact of 4D modelling on the management of site health and safety on construction sites. Methodology: Quasi-experimental approach was adopted in order to determine student’s perception of the extent to which 4D modelling and simulation can impact H&S management. Pre-test and post-test students’ perceptions of the value of 4D to management of health and safety were compared. Findings: The influence of education was examined by using two main students groups, one group studying BIM modules within their course while the other group did not. Although minimal perception differences regarding key impacts of 4D were highlighted, the awareness differences were significant. The study demonstrated the perception of benefits regarding 4D for H&S being in the planning of site logistics, visualisation, programme accuracy and risk reduction. The study highlights the importance of relevant education, in order to increase awareness of 4D for Health and Safety. Implications: While most of the studies reported in academic literature on education and training related to university/tertiary education, this study focused on the higher education level students. It considered this as an equally important cohort as the graduates will also contribute to health and safety management on construction sites. The study also demonstrated the value of including technology-based H&S training to mirror developments in the construction industry.

The surveying profession in the UK construction industry continues to be blighted by a skills shortage, and this continues to constrict growth. Therefore, it is suggested that this should make it easier for women and other underrepresented groups to be employed in the construction industry. While this is the case, barriers to entry have been well researched. This study aimed to identify what methods have been previously successful at increasing female engagement within the surveying profession in the UK. This study followed a mixed-method, complementary approach, combining quantitative and qualitative questions in an online questionnaire, which was distributed via social media (LinkedIn) and the researchers’ contacts, and achieved 44 responses over a period of six weeks. The target population was female UK residents employed in surveying roles. Quantitative data on both awareness and opinion of the methods used during previous initiatives to engage women with surveying underwent reliability analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, and a Spearman’s rank order correlation to assess the relationship between time in industry and opinion on the efficacy of the methods used in each initiative; however, no statistically significant relationship was found. To better understand the opinions of women already in the industry, the qualitative data underwent thematic analysis via inductive coding, the results of which then underwent descriptive statistical analysis. The study found a broad lack of awareness of previous initiatives, with most respondents having little or no awareness of the five initiatives examined. However, evidence suggested there was general support for the methods used in those initiatives, such as intervention at school age, increasing the visibility of women in surveying roles, and changes to workplace culture. There was no statistically significant link between time in industry and opinion on the efficacy of each initiative. Key themes included concerns regarding the implementation of current initiatives, and enthusiasm for intervention at school age as the best method to engage more women with the surveying profession. The findings have implications for both practice and future research. First, professional institutions, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, should be aware of the limitations of the initiatives they put in place to encourage women into their profession. Second, the results have an impact on other professions. However, a cross-comparative study that examines initiatives by other professional institutions would be useful. Article correction: https://doi.org/10.3390/merits4030020 https://eprints.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/id/eprint/11319/

Environment protection legislation is often inadequate and poorly implemented in Africa even though literature shows that it is important for environmental protection. Furthermore, there is a paucity of studies which examine the catalytic role of legislation in the building infrastructure sustainability agenda. Therefore, to bridge that knowledge gap, this study examined the adequacy of environment protection legislation for building infrastructure projects in Zambia and their associated challenges and solutions. The study used an exploratory qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders on environment protection. The study theorises that environment protection legislation in Zambia is fairly adequate but with inadequacies in its implementation, some with omitted content, and poor understanding of the importance of environment protection. Solutions include increasing the level of implementation of the legislation and championing awareness of the importance of protecting the environment. The findings have implications for sustainability transitioning in Africa.

While governments remain accountable for the delivery of infrastructure services, given the paucity of public resources, studies have recommended the use of private sector finance (PSF) as an alternative approach to delivering sustainable infrastructure both in developed and developing economies. Despite the recommendation, there has been very little use of PSF in delivering public projects, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study explores the constraining factors for the use of PSF in the delivery of public infrastructure in Tanzania and proposes recommendations. A total of 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with different stakeholders delivering public infrastructure services. Interviewees were purposefully selected. Data were analyzed through conceptual content analysis. The findings reveal that the top five constraining factors were inadequate knowledge and skills, lack of policy to support or suffice PSF, bureaucracy or delays of approvals, lack of proper models for PSF, and lack of skilled people or existence of a big national skill gap. Thus, the identified constraints provided useful insights and were used as a road map for suggesting appropriate solutions to enhance the use of PSF. Furthermore, this is the first study to empirically explore the constraining factors for PSF in delivering infrastructure projects in the Tanzanian context.

Groupwork is seen as an important component to university education. This is more so important to built environment education as groupworking provides a platform to mirror industry working. However one of the problems with groupworking is the method of assessment. This is compounded by the fact that it becomes a difficulty task for assessors to assess indivdual contribution as most of the task working happen outside the asessors attention. This paper provides a reflection of the authors experiences with group working in the built environment. The reflection is based on a single interprofessional studies module which is delivered to three student's corhorts, including quantity surveying, architectural technology and building surveying. In addition the reflection is made against issues identified in a literature review. The motivation for this was that contrasting opinions were found in literature concerning the contribution of groupwork to student learning. Overall, the evaluation suggest a possitive experience for students in groupwork tasks including the suitability of assessment methods used in the module. However one of the limitation is that usually weaker students are put at a disadvantage as they are usually identified late. The work provides ground for further extensive research work on the subject. © RICS.

Purpose: The problems arising during building use and operation resulting in high cost of maintenance and poor building performance are argued to be due to lack of adequate consideration given to operational requirements during the design process. Considering that Facilities Managers (FMs) are key stakeholders in the operational phase of the building, their voices in advising the design team can be critical. However evidence suggests that the traditional design process rarely involve the FMs to contribute to decision making until the later stage of occupation. The aim of this research was therefore to investigate the factors that hinder FMs from effectively contributing to the decision making in the design process. Research Design: An online questionnaire survey was conducted targeting FMs views concerning factors that hinder them from having a significant contribution in decision making in the design process. Findings & Implications: The findings show that generally FMs agree of the potential positive contribution they can make to optimising design solutions. This can ultimately contribute to better performing projects. However they recognise internal and external perception issues which can impact on their full involvement. Internal issues such as lack of recognition and support from the organisation and the FM’s limited access to strategic information are seem to be major hindrances to the FMs full contribution in the design process. Externally, the attitudes of and recognition of FM by the design team are perceived to have an influence on the FMs contribution in the design process.

The benefits of integrating immersive technologies (ImTs) within a construction safety context are acknowledged within the literature, however its practical application on construction sites remains low. Whilst research into the integration of ImTs within the construction industry is underway, most have viewed this from a broader adoption context or within educational settings, and not specifically from a practical on-site safety perspective. Therefore the purpose of this study is to address the contributing factors to its integration within on-site safety processes, using the experiences of active construction professionals. This study adopts a qualitative approach. Data was collected through online focus groups involving UK based construction professionals with experience in using ImTs, recruited using selective sampling. Data sets were subsequently analysed using inductive thematic analysis and are presented within key themes. The results showed that amongst the experienced construction professionals, the use of ImTs specifically for on-site safety applications (including inductions/training/workshops) was rare on projects. The findings identified various contributing factors related to the integration of ImTs, including the potential improvements in on-site safety practices such as enhanced communication of hazards, safety planning, engagement during training and more accurate risk assessment. Critical challenges, concerns and frustrations included a lack of engagement from senior level management, inadequate leadership, limited investment, a need for digital expertise, fear of complacency and the acceptance of ImTs within existing safety processes from the wider project team. This study provides a fresh perspective to this field by using practical accounts from active and experienced on-site construction professionals. This study supports the integration of ImTs within the construction industry, presenting key contributing factors influencing its integration within on-site safety processes. These factors can be considered by industry adopters, and includes the rationale, challenges and potential on-site benefits of ImTs.

For decision-makers in construction organisations, it is imperative that persuasive business cases are formulated on matters of digital transformation. In fact, a link has been established between the low adoption of digitalisation in construction organisations and poor business case formation. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the cues that may facilitate the development of such a business case responsible for wider adoption. (1) Methodology: We utilised a purposive sampling method to gather qualitative data from 19 leaders of UK construction organisations. Analysis of the semi-structured interviews involves a thematic analysis through an inductive approach. (2) Findings: Overall, this exploration led to the emergence of nine themes, informing research on aspects that may contribute to substantiating a compelling business case behind the broader use of digitalisation in construction firms. The findings suggest that embracing such arguments would enable digital advocates to craft compelling arguments that may persuade decision-makers towards digitalisation. (3) Originality: This is the first paper in the construction domain to explore how building a robust business case that can justify adoption, offering digital advocates a set of cues that can be used to develop a successful relational capability to advance with their digital agendas. Thus, this study is a unique contribution to the literature, offering evidence that is otherwise understudied in the construction context.

Purpose Governments in developing countries seeking to meet their infrastructure backlog are increasingly turning to public–private partnerships (PPP) due to a lack of public funds. However, while there are factors which drive the current uptake of projects, there are challenges with attracting private finance, and it is not clear what incentives can be used to attract more private participation, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, this study aims to examine challenges, drivers and incentives that affect private participation in PPP projects in Zambia. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews with participants who had first-hand experience working on the administration of PPP projects. The participants were predominantly from the public sector, and so the results are largely a public sector perspective on the matter. Findings The findings show that bureaucracy and a poor business environment emanating from poor policies, long procedures and a poor economic environment are the main challenges affecting PPP projects. The current demand for the projects is being driven by a stable business and economic environment while incentives include enhancing the business environment by improving procedures and policies. Originality/value The study contributes to extant literature by proposing an overarching theory about the challenges affecting the implementation of PPP projects in Zambia, in particular, and in SSA, in general. The results show areas where governments and government agencies responsible for PPP projects can focus attention to promote private participation.

Different researchers have examined construction innovation from diverse perspectives and with varied conclusions, but what has commonly transpired is that the construction industry is a complex and ever‐changing environment that tends to have a selective perspective on innovation. Recently, digitalisation has offered critical enhancements in construction organisations’ internal processes. However, the uptake of these innovations is far from satisfactory. To integrate theory with practice, sensemaking theories provide an opportunity to help us understand and explain the social phenomenon behind achieving a common meaning across social systems. In the quest to sup‐ port research efforts through understanding and explaining the enablers of digital transformation, this paper aims to qualitatively apply the sensemaking perspective to digitalisation in construction organisations. To this end, an empirical qualitative approach was adopted using a questionnaire survey of 59 construction professionals, from different firms in the United Kingdom, providing a perspective on how sense is being developed by their organisations to foster digitalisation and achieve an effective digital transformation. Results suggest that a variety of aspects contribute to the indecision of construction firms towards digitalisation, informing research of the pressure points deemed critical at both leadership and employee levels. The findings point to the complexity of construction organisations and the non‐linear nature of embracing new ideas. Future research is encouraged to assess the empirically captured cues presented in this paper through other means of investigation toward a more robust sensemaking perspective in the construction industry.

Vertical integration is originally from the manufacturing industry. It is considered as a diversification strategy adopted in the construction industry as means of solving some of the existing problems associated with construction industry such as supply chain problems, fragmented process and absence of integration to mention a few. Based on existing literature, there is paucity of studies in this area. therefore, to bridge the knowledge gap the aim of this study is to identify driving factors and challenges encountered in the application of vertical integration in the Tanzanian construction industry. A qualitative research approach was adopted through a case study method whereby a total of 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analysed through content analysis. The findings showed that the top three driving factors were increase in competition, quality improvement and client satisfaction. Whereas, nature of contracts, high investment cost, decreased strategic flexibility and increased business risk were the most mentioned challenges. The results of this study will foster better understanding of the drivers and challenges encountered and suggest solutions so as to enhance the application of Vertical Integration in the Tanzanian Construction Industry

The nature of project clients and implementing agents is crucial to Local community stakeholder (LCS) participation in infrastructure development. However, few studies have explored this relationship. The questions regarding clients’ and implementing agents’ nature remain under-explored. Therefore, this article uses stakeholder theory to investigate the clients’ values and stakeholder participation in infrastructure development. A qualitative method used interviews with professionals from clients, consulting organisations and stakeholders to collect data in South Africa. The study revealed that LCS participation was related to client organisation’s values and nature. Equally, the stakeholder participation level influenced delivery of sustainable infrastructure. The significance of the study is that it reveals the gap in stakeholder management, an area extensively studied. Moreover, the study compels project sponsors and researchers to consider factors in clients’ and implementing agents’ organisations to improve stakeholder participation. The study redirects attention to client organisations’ nature and demonstrates the need for the right organisational attitude if stakeholder participation and sustainable infrastructure delivery are to be realised. This study may have important implications for policy and practice regarding stakeholder participation and sustainable infrastructure. However, limitations should be noted regarding the sample size.

Purpose: The UK Government has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, being the first major nation to do so. While laudable, it raises the question, “are future built environment professionals (BEPs) equipped for this?” Although studies related to students’ perspectives exist, they broadly focus on sustainability-related pedagogical aspects, with limited studies conducted in the built environment (BE). This study makes the case that it is timely to investigate this from an emerging perspective using the term “low-carbon future” (LCF), given that it is germane to achieving net-zero emissions and is at the forefront of academic and practice discourse. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the knowledge level of UK BE students’ in higher education institutions (HEIs) specific to the term LCF. Design/methodology/approach: This is a systematic scoping study review of published papers related to sustainability in BE curricula in the UK HEI context. Findings: The findings reveal that LCF remains at a nascent stage, with no study specifically addressing it. It indicates a knowledge gap that could impact the grounding students require to address current and future sustainability challenges. Research limitations/implications: The review focused on a specific term, which, while relevant, is very niche. A review of other emerging terms, considering LCF as a theme, and/or empirical data from diverse stakeholders in UK HEIs could enrich the results. Practical implications: This study provides significant insight into the status of sustainability inclusion in the BE curriculum. It would serve as a reference for stakeholders involved in equipping future BEPs with the requisite knowledge and skills to deal with sustainability challenges that will be consequential beyond the UK context. It would also inform future research. Social implications: Sustainability-informed and equipped BEPs will be influential in shaping their immediate surroundings and how people engage with them, which will contribute to developing a more equitable and sustainable society. Originality/value: Beyond contributing to the discourse on sustainability literacy in UK HEI from an emerging concept perspective, this study would be useful as possibly the first of its kind. Therefore, it fills the theoretical gap and proffers recommendations that would be beneficial for curriculum development.

The significance of wellbeing in the construction industry has increased due to the high frequency of accidents. However, the existing research fails to comprehensively address the various aspects of wellbeing. To address this gap, we conducted a literature review on wellbeing in the construction industry and carried out a trend analysis of its multiple dimensions. A systematic review of 162 peer-reviewed journal articles was performed using scientometric analysis and qualitative trend analysis techniques. The results indicated that the discussion on wellbeing in the construction industry tends to overlook its multifaceted nature. Prominent publication outlets were identified, with a focus on environmental and physical wellbeing, while recognising notable contributions in the field of mental wellbeing and the limited contributions to other dimensions of wellbeing. This study offers valuable insights for both researchers and industry practitioners. Researchers can identify priority areas for future research based on the identified gaps, while construction companies can gain awareness of the potential relevance of wellbeing in the industry. This study contributes to the existing knowledge on wellbeing in the construction industry by analysing its various dimensions and providing research directions. It serves as a reference point for interpreting findings and offers guidance for future research endeavours.

The performance of sustainability in infrastructure projects continues to face challenges in its implementation and attainment in developing countries, one of which is the lack of appraisal tools and indicators for the assessment of sustainability. Studies indicate that there are no formal indicators for sustainability assessment on road infrastructure projects in Tanzania, the lack of which limits the determination of whether projects implemented are sustainable or not. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the key sustainability assessment indicators used for road infrastructure projects in Tanzania. A concurrent mixed research approach was adopted in which the sample was purposively selected. A content analysis and descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 20.0) were used to analyze qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. The findings indicate that 24 indicators are applicable to Tanzania. Among the highly ranked include “health and safety training to workers”, “health and safety personnel in the project team”, “site barriers and safety warning signs”, “personal protective equipment (PPE) provision”, and “waste collection”. The qualitative results further support the identified sustainability assessment indicators on road infrastructure projects in Tanzania, with one new indicator of “air quality” emerging. The findings inform the government and other relevant stakeholders in the construction industry including planners, designers, and project managers of the key sustainability assessment indicators for roads, which would influence regulation as well as policies to improve the sustainability performance of road projects in Tanzania.

Over the years Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been studied and implemented as an essential practice in many organizations being reflective of a growing corporate environmental, economic, and social conscience. In addition to the acknowledged benefits of increased company performance and its use as a strategic marketing approach (Albus and Ro, 2016). As such, it has become a critical subject in the literature from a strategic perspective due to its benefits. . However, it’s application in the built environment is unknown and this study seeks to fill that gap by assessing the current state of research into CSR, along with a detailed analysis identifying the areas of study that have been exhausted and those that require further investigation. This study will attempt to expose what is missing from current research to effectively guide future research of CSR within the built environment. The study adopted a quantitative strategy using a bibliometric approach to identify and analyse papers in the field of CSR in the built environment using Scopus abstract and citation databases from 1957 to 2022. The findings revealed a limited endeavour by academics to understand CRS within the built environment until the early 2000’s where it began to grow in popularity as a research area. . . This suggests CRS is still at a nescient stage which provides opportunity for further investigation in the areas identified The implications of this research are that areas of Corporate Social Responsibility of the built environment that have not been sufficiently studied can be identified and suggestions made for further investigation.

Studies have examined the benefits of broader use of digitalisation on the construction industry. However, there has been limited empirical explorations of the challenges of intra-organisational change due to digitalisation. A review of general change management literature shows that studies on organisation change have broadly focused on the reasons and the impact of the organisational change. This study is based on a qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews with industry leaders and uses the McKinsey 7S model as a theoretical lens to examine digitalisation-led intra-organisational change. Qualitative data from seven participants has been analysed both thematically and deductively, leading to the identification of the recurring patterns that align with the adopted theoretical framework. Findings include key challenges in achieving a common meaning of relative values, organisational structuring, leaders’ strategies and style, and the readiness of employees to change. The study provides further insights into the challenges associated with digitalisation at an organisational level, offering coherence on these challenges and enabling more informed decisions that are vital for an effective transformation.

Original publication: Clarkson, S and Hind, L and Zulu, S (2023) Evaluating Strategies to Increase the Number of Women Working in the UK Surveying Profession. Merits, 3 (2). pp. 263-296. ISSN 2673-8104 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/merits3020016 https://eprints.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/id/eprint/9508/

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects by analyzing and synthesizing existing literature, considering that, despite being essential to achieving the sustainable development goals, sustainability performance in road infrastructure projects is a persistent challenge. Therefore, determining how sustainability can be assessed in these projects is crucial, necessitating a systematic review of the sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects. Design/methodology/approach Using PRISMA principles, 54 peer-reviewed papers from 2010 to 2022 were retrieved from three search databases (Scopus, Research for Life and Google Scholar) as part of a systematic literature review. Data analysis techniques included both descriptive and content analysis. Findings The study identified 22 indicators. The results emphasized that the sustainability of road infrastructure projects should consider all three sustainability dimensions to provide development while meeting human needs, preserving the planet Earth and enhancing economic growth. Similarly, indicators should be incorporated from the design phase to implement and attain sustainability successfully. Practical implications The outcome of this study will serve as a guide to road infrastructure stakeholders to understand the relevant sustainability indicators to assess the sustainability performance of their projects. Originality/value The study’s findings provide the sustainability assessment indicators for roads, which serve as a foundation for developing a sustainability assessment indicator framework for road infrastructure projects. Future research can look at establishing the indicators for the end-of-life phase of the project lifecycle.

Flooding, exacerbated by climate change and urbanisation, poses a major global environmental challenge. In Lagos, Nigeria, one of the most flood-prone regions, understanding how flood risk awareness and communication shape real estate investment decisions is crucial. This study examines investors’ awareness of flood risks and the influence of risk communication on decision-making. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used, employing snowball sampling to recruit 37 property investors through referrals from registered real estate practitioners. A semi-structured interviews which provided in-depth insights into their perceptions and responses to flood risks was used to elicit response from the participants. Thematic analysis revealed varying levels of awareness, with many investors lacking reliable flood risk information before making investment decisions. Key issues in risk communication included inconsistencies in information sources, clarity, and delivery, leading to disparities in preparedness and risk perception. The study found that inconsistent communication often results in risk underestimation, significantly influencing investment decisions in high-risk areas. It highlights the need for a targeted, multi-stakeholder communication strategy to enhance information accessibility and reliability. A collaborative approach involving property investors, regulatory bodies, and local authorities is recommended to improve the effectiveness of flood risk communication and support informed investment decisions.

The adoption of renewable energy technologies (RETs) into buildings will be key to making the necessary transition to a low-carbon and resilient built environment particularly, in countries such as Nigeria, which suffers from abject energy poverty, despite having diverse and significant renewable energy potential. In Nigeria, commercial buildings present a unique case because a significant proportion of the energy demand for offices is provided by privately powered off-grid fossil-fuel generators instead of RETs, such that generators are designed for in buildings. Given that this undermines achieving a low carbon future, there lacks an in-depth, and context-based empirical study addressing it, therefore, the current implications of the practice of designing for generators and the extent of RET adoption in office buildings are not fully known. The study aims to develop a theoretical framework of the contextual influencing factors to sustainability transitioning practices and processes in commercial buildings, with a focus on solar PV. A qualitative research strategy, guided by Constructivist Grounded Theory method using interviews with 34 multidisciplinary BE professional’s was employed. This led to the development of four interrelated theoretical categories, hostage syndrome’, ‘being sheltered - avoiding responsibility’, ‘following the leader’, and ‘future proofing - reflecting the local perspective’ from which a substantive theory ‘Being part of us’ was constructed. Hostage Syndrome and Being Sheltered – Avoiding Responsibility represent negative influencing factors based on what BE professional’s believe they can do or must do and manifest as ‘‘surrendering and compromising’ and ‘evading’ practices respectively. Following the Leader and Future Proofing - Reflecting the Local Perspective are positive influencing factors based on what BE professional’s believe they are expected to do or should do, and manifest as ‘copying, learning and navigating’ and ‘tailoring to suit and devising anew’ practices respectively. The theory reflects duality and co-existence of elements representing the varied manifestations of sustainability and/or being sustainable within the context of psychological, cultural, social, and historical factors, etc. It offers a framework in which the varied manifestations and their associated practices can be explained, situated, and examined, thereby, providing reliable and relatable points of reference to ground actionable interventions that would aid in the development and promotion of sustainable building strategies and policies suited to its context. The study contributes theoretically, empirically, and practically by providing new and grounded insight and understanding of issues associated with adoption. By implementing the recommendations suggested in the study, it would engender the practice of ‘designing for sustainability’ as opposed to ‘designing for generators’ within the Nigerian context. Furthermore, it will benefit further research within the SSA - and wider developing - context as well as provide valuable lessons with adopting Grounded Theory Method in construction management research for methodological pluralism.

Purpose Against a background context of Construction 4.0, this study aims to explore what digital leadership in construction firms is, why it is necessary and what considerations it involves. It provides a digital leadership considerations framework to aid organisational digital transformations. Design/methodology/approach To address the research question informing what digital leadership involves, an interpretivist study was conducted. Eleven purposively selected expert practitioners, including construction business leaders and company digital champions were surveyed using in-depth semi-structured interviews. This obtained insights and reflections on how construction leaders can impel digital transformations. Findings How construction leaders can embed the skills to drive such transformation in their firms, what the essential digital skills for construction businesses now are in Construction 4.0 and how leaders can attempt to evaluate the value of digital technology for their business practices, are all crystallised. Impacts of digital transformations on the construction workplace are also highlighted. Practical implications Because of this work, business leaders will be better equipped to lead and support further digital transformation efforts in Construction 4.0. Future research directions aid academics. Originality/value Clear definitions of digital transformation and digital leadership are provided, and a digital leadership considerations framework is provided to support firm-level digital transformations for Construction 4.0.

Sustainability in the built environment is a key topic of discussion due to the adverse impact buildings have on the environment. This has propelled many countries to put in place sustainable development measures. This has however, been met with challenges in developing countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SSA has a history of endemic energy crisis, despite its abundance of renewable energy resources. Reflecting this is the heavy reliance on fossil fuels for power generation in SSA countries. The findings reported in this paper form part of a wider study on the perceived barriers to sustainability by built environment professionals in SSA, with specific focus on use of renewable energy source (RES) for power generation in buildings. This paper focuses on the identification of a suitable methodology, which takes into consideration the distinctive characteristics of the SSA context for enquiry through the adoption of a scoping study review. The study addresses the concerns of methodology selection and application by reviewing strategies and methods adopted by past and current enquiry in SSA, which have primarily been aligned with theories, frameworks and research in developed countries. This is of importance due to the impact contextual, subjective and other factors can have on the outcome of enquiry as evidenced by previous research in literature. The purpose of this scoping study review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the available relevant research on barriers to sustainability in SSA, which focused on study designs with empirical evidence, which would aid in informing the selection of a methodology suited for studies specific to the context of SSA. The scoping review is underpinned by the five-stage framework of Arksey and O’Malley (2005). The results indicate that there is a need to view SSA as a distinctive case based on its context and other characteristics, which will influences its research outcomes. Based on the review, it is suggested that grounded theory method is a suitable approach because it will take into consideration the wider context.

Purpose – Challenges to energy access in Nigeria have resulted in the widespread use of fossil fuel generating sets (generators) despite their renewable energy (RE) potential. Given the climate crisis, combined with the country’s rapid population growth and expected rise in energy and building demand, transitioning to low-carbon electricity using REs like solar photovoltaic (PV) presents opportunities beyond securing its energy future. While PV use is growing in Nigeria, this is focused on the residential sector despite the identification of the commercial sector as a high energy consumer and a key platform for its integration. This paper investigates the challenges in transitioning to solar PV in commercial buildings from a building professionals perspective Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach in line with grounded theory was adopted using in-depth face-to-face interviews with industry experts. Findings – Two distinct but interrelated categories emerged: being held captive and being a saviour that represented a duality of systems, and/or processes formed the core category ‘Hostage Syndrome’. The core category (theory) was generated based on the explanations and expressions by participants about their concerns, interests, and the conditions under which they operate. The findings reveal the value attributed to generators beyond an operational role and the adjustments or mechanisms adopted by building professionals during their practice. It suggests a sphere of influence beyond the obvious financial and/or institutional aspects, as determining factors to what is viewed as sustainable which will be key to transitioning to REs. Originality/value – This paper provides new and in-depth insight into understanding the conditions under which building professionals operate associated with their interpretations of ‘being sustainable’. The study highlights the need to consider psychological and cultural factors in the development of interventions, strategies, and/or policies to support RE transition, particularly towards achieving a sustainable construction industry.

The UK government is promoting the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) by presumption in favour due to outperforming traditional methods in meeting its industry goals. Despite the public construction sector’s recognition of the benefits, MMC uptake across this influential purchasing power is yet far from satisfactory. Such low adoption rates have been linked to MMC firms’ business strategies contributing to public clients’ indecision. To investigate such arguments, the study utilises a questionnaire survey and gathers responses from seventy-four decision-makers of UK-established MMC businesses. Results are then discussed in relation to the contingency theory from a Business Model Canvas (BMC) perspective, revealing the divergence between organisations outperforming others in the public sector, i.e. achieving fit. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first construction management study to empirically propose the relationships between the nine business model elements of the BMC in relation to a specific market. The findings of this paper suggest the critical role of the Target Customer element in reaching alignment with the external environment by acting as a receiver and provider of information, superseding the importance of solely focusing on communicating added values and extended capabilities. Our findings also suggest that MMC organisations outperforming others in the UK public sector are those who are understanding public clients’ needs the most, and thus, continuously changing their business strategies to sustain alignment with any change in those needs. Overall, the paper proposes a three-dimensional consideration to achieve fit, namely, 1) internal consistency of the elements (inside-out), 2), changing external environment (outside-in), and 3) relationships between the nine elements (inside-in). The study depicts the problematic nature of the internal interrelations responsible for reaching fit in the UK public sector and deepens the understanding of how the nine BMC elements are supporting more informed and strategic decisions. Therefore, decision-makers are urged to pursue alignment by assessing the contingency of each decision made with respect to the proposed influences. Future research to focus on replicating the results in accordance with other theories involving technological and organisational change, maturity, and systems theory.

The adoption and integration of renewable energy technologies (RETs) into buildings is key to making the necessary transition to low-carbon and resilient built environments. However, such technologies have struggled to gain a firm foothold in countries within the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region. This is particularly the case in Nigeria, which suffers from severe energy poverty, despite its significant RE and conventional energy potential. In Nigeria, a significant proportion of the energy demand for offices is provided by self-powered off-grid fossil-fuel generators. The country is also one of the primary settings for increased construction activity. This, combined with its susceptibility to the effects of climate change, presents significant concerns relating to the resilience of its built environment. However, there has not yet been a comprehensive empirical study addressing this, as previous studies have been limited in their insight and perspectives. This study adopted a grounded theory method (GTM) aligned with Charmaz’s approach, to gain in-depth participant-driven insights into factors influencing sustainable energy use in commercial buildings, focusing on solar photovoltaics (PVs). This led to the development of a theory of the sustainability transition process of construction professionals (CPs). It provides relevant, reliable, and relatable points of reference that would be beneficial to policymakers in developing plans for actionable interventions for PV and broader sustainable measures toward green energy transition. Furthermore, it highlights the value of employing GTMs in construction management research beyond the developing context. This paper contributes theoretically, empirically, and methodologically to facilitate a better understanding of the situations (context) grounded in empirical data.

Sustainability is not new concept; however, it has received increased attention because of the effects of anthropogenic activity in varied sectors of life. The built environment is one of such sectors, which is often criticized for its effects and as evident in literature, sustainability in the built environment is complex in nature. As such, the interpretations associated with it, the significance attributed to it and its adoption, are diverse in every country. Sustainability in the built environment is important, as it promotes energy friendly and efficient systems in buildings, especially in light of global climate change. However, this appears to be lacking in the Nigerian built environment. The paper aims to examine impeding factors to sustainability in the Nigerian built environment through a scoping study review. Nigeria is often described as a paradox in many ways, one of which is having a power deficit and yet abundant renewable energy sources. The paper presents a comprehensive survey of relevant literature on the perceptions of built environment professionals in Nigeria for identification of impeding factors to sustainability adoption. While impeding factors to sustainability in the Nigerian built environment is not new, the identification and understanding of the factors remains restricted and shallow. As such, it lags the required uptake for sustainable buildings reflective in other countries. In addition, a comprehensive survey of impeding factors to sustainability in the Nigerian built environment is lacking in literature, to the best of the researcher’s knowledge. The paper aims to fill this gap through a scoping review, underpinned by Daudt et al.'s (2013) adapted version of Arksey and O ’Malley's (2005) five stage framework. The main findings suggest that the Nigerian context have not been holistically embraced in existing studies, highlighting generalised impeding factors such as finance and awareness as top ranking factors. Furthermore, the review addresses concerns associated with the existing research approach and its shortcomings, as well as strategies for improvement. Further research to expand knowledge is also recommended.

The aim of this research is to establish the extent to which end user requirements are communicated throughout the construction process. The method of inquiry is purely literature based. This research indicates that the perspectives of those involved in construction projects are widening. Whole life considerations are now requiring those with operational expertise and knowledge to be involved in decision making processes. In particular, design build and operate schemes, such as PFI developments, require facilities management involvement at an early stage to allow their operational knowledge to influence design and component decisions based on long term operational efficiencies. The increased use of BIM in such developments also compliments a collaborative approach by endorsing the involvement of those with specialist skills and sharing rich information in timely ways throughout the development project, from inception to operation. The process of arriving at ‘informed decisions’ is clearly complex due to the interactions of components relating to data, information and knowledge. This paper illustrates the need for effective communication of user requirements throughout the construction process. It demonstrates that provision for the capture of tangible data is reaching levels of maturity through the adoption of property asset management systems, platforms and tools. However, the paper raises awareness of the need for further research into how less tangible user requirements are obtained to ensure the ‘voice of the customer’ is heard, interpreted and communicated appropriately by construction specialists throughout the development phases.

The use of immersive sensory technology for safety management is generally shown positively in academic literature. Many researchers have demonstrated applications of this technology for improving safety training in a risk-free environment. Despite the reported benefits and a global pandemic forcing the digital agenda, the uptake of this technology for this purpose remains slow. This study aims to investigate current drivers and challenges of implementing this technology for safety from an industry-based perspective. To achieve this, qualitative data was collected through 4 online focus groups involving 21 industry professionals working within the field. The findings identified that even amongst these experts, the technology was rarely implemented on projects specifically for safety. Despite this lack of adoption, participants agreed that if implemented correctly this technology has the potential to enhance site safety processes such as inductions, toolbox talks and general safety training. The commitment to safety and legislative requirements were identified as key drivers, whilst deep rooted challenges surrounding client demand, costs and leadership dominated the discussion. The onsite practicalities, personal comfort and lack of digital skills were also identified as concerns if this technology was to be adopted more mainstream in safety training. Further recommendations are made to develop understanding of these specific challenges, including investigating the industry need and availability of specific skills in immersive safety applications. In addition, it is recommended that further empirical evidence including the impact of this technology when implemented for safety on projects is provided in literature.

The construction industry has long been perceived as reluctant to embrace change, and digital transformation is not an exception. The slow adoption rate has been linked to the perceptions of the effectiveness of construction innovations. An implied link exists between digitalisation and productivity improvements. However, such a link is yet associated with ambiguities, suggesting that the influence is not linear. Despite the very low productivity rates achieved in the construction industry, studies on the association between technology adoption and productivity-related benefits and advantages are rare, and this may be a contributing factor to the indecision of construction firms to embrace digitalisation. A systematic literature review enables scholars to disseminate past research efforts in one scholarly resource, in pursuit of new knowledge. Through systematically reviewing the literature, this study identifies, classifies, and critically analyses research efforts, aiming to shed light on the mediators of the relationship between digitalisation and productivity. Overall, sixty articles have been identified, screened, and included in this study. Productivity, in this context, is positively related to digitalization, by promoting more safety and well-being, planning enhancements, collaboration, waste reduction, employee upskilling, design enhancements, communication and knowledge transfer, and accuracy in information management. The findings also reflect the popular use of qualitative methods when studying digitalisation in the construction context, a stance that may be a reflection of a less diverse use of methodological approaches, and presents a call for more quantitative studies, to explore the relationship between digitalisation and productivity. Future research is encouraged to use this extensive review as a foundation for comparable empirical investigations, considering areas of similar interest, to accelerate the adoption of digitalisation.

Construction has long been identified as an industry resistant to change and innovation, a reality that has prevailed to shape its overall reputation. The public sector includes an influential client type that dominates the major percentage of construction demand and is subject to public law. The Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have been championed recently by the UK government and early adopters upon the emergence of data indicating their effectiveness in addressing key construction challenges. However, the uptake of MMC has been low among UK construction clients, particularly among public client organisations. Theories emerge across decades to inform researchers of variable clusters that can aid a broader understanding of decision-making and innovation adoption. One of the popular innovation theories suggests a relation between the characteristics of decision-makers and their own innovation decisions. This paper, therefore, aims to investigate the characteristics that are responsible for public clients’ low MMC uptake despite the associated relative advantages. Overall, 91 public client organisations have responded to this research’s survey, reflecting their organisation’s characteristics in line with the constructs adapted from the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory. Results suggest that among the ten influences that are captured from a detailed review of the literature, confidence in MMC firms supersedes all other factors in critically influencing the organisation’s favourable decision towards using MMC. Evidence provided in this paper suggests that a communication issue is presenting itself in the public construction sector, which is evident by the lack of confidence that public clients have in MMC businesses. This is the first study to utilise quantitative means to examine construction clients’ characteristics and relate the same to the adoption of construction innovation. Future research is encouraged to acknowledge the most influencing characteristics and detail how such knowledge can be embraced by supply to develop business models that can orchestrate better confidence in the public sector.

The existing body of knowledge on the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) reflects their benefits and relative advantages, particularly in addressing contemporary construction challenges. However, the uptake of such methods is minimal, particularly in the public construction sector. The low uptake has led MMC firms to liquidation due to the lack of an economy of scale. Studies, particularly recently, explain that the low adoption rates are linked to the inappropriateness of existing business models responsible for driving broader demand. This paper assumes that the lag in MMC adoption could be related to the ability of supply business models to communicate confidence to demand. Public clients are foreseen as important target customers, acquiring influential status across the industry, with an expected potential to drive innovation adoption across the sector. A systematic review method allows scholars to assess existing literature by critically locating and analysing relative publications to approach the study’s aim. Through utilising this method, the study classifies the arguments against the Business Model Canvas (BMC), and argues the results with respect to contingency theory, and in turn, synthesizing a new meaning that reveals the considerations needed to boost business model performance when penetrating the public sector. Hence, the critical analyses of 70 studies relative to MMC, led to proposing the contingencies that are believed to better structure business models. Results suggest that MMC firms can embrace specific reforms and gain more momentum when communicating confidence to public client organisations; however, a guideline that conceptualises the interactions between the elements and their influence on the decision-making does not exist, and this may be inhibiting coherency on how MMC businesses drive broader demand. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to utilise the contingency theory as an attempt to disseminate previous efforts to explain the low adoption of MMC in the UK public sector.

The staggering demand for construction projects to meet a spectrum of public needs is projected to outstrip the industry’s supply capability. The Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), are methods that relies on shifting key construction processes offsite, a transformation from traditional practices that offers wider control, transpiring as a critical necessity. Public clients play a significant role as drivers for innovation and as the industry’s purchasing power, however, their uptake of MMC projects is still low, despite the associated benefits. The purpose of this study is to reveal the reasoning behind such low adoption. The research gap, herewith, is our lack of understanding on the perception of public clients from MMC, and how the same is contributing to their adoption’s indecision. This study utilised a qualitative approach to investigate the motives behind the public sector’s low MMC adoption. Semi-structured interviews with 14 of the United Kingdom’s public sector’s decision-makers, industry leaders, and experts have been conducted. Perspectives were argued against the Diffusion of Innovation theory (DOI). Overall, the innovation’s attributes informed the authors of the positive perceptions from the public sector, demonstrating that the low adoption of MMC is not linked to any embedded issues with the innovation itself rather being predominantly related to the dynamics between supply and demand. The former (supply), reflected a failure in communicating confidence, and the latter (demand), attained characteristics that are limiting wider uptake. This is the first study to apply the Diffusion of Innovation theory to reveal the relationship between UK public clients’ perceptions and their decision-making. Moreover, this paper addresses the scant attention to the use of theories to explain the flow of innovations in the construction context.

Purpose – Construction research comprises quality contributions to the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) context in terms of their benefits and relative advantages. However, the uptake of MMC is yet deemed very low in the public sector. Knowing that public clients acquire the purchasing power and the influential status to drive industry change, understanding their low MMC uptake is necessary. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic review of literature has been chosen to extract the key variables contributing to the limited adoption of MMC across the public sector, reinforced by a qualitative semi-structured interview with twelve industry leaders and public clients. This methodology enables the authors to explore works from the past decade, paving a direction for an adequate empirical investigation by reviewing and critically analysing forty-nine academic articles and interviewing twelve industry leaders and public clients. Findings – The study captured and argued the characteristics that have an influence on public clients’ decision, inhibiting the extraction of values associated with greater MMC deployment. A critical analysis resulted in identifying 13 characteristics under 4 main themes, providing a new argument to existing knowledge by calling on the need to better understand public clients and the influence of their own characteristics on their MMC uptake. Originality/value – This paper utilises the Diffusion of Innovation theory (DOI) which offers constructs that help explain the influence of the characteristics of a decision-making unit. Our knowledge on public construction clients is limited, and more research in this direction may help in better aggregating construction demand. Overall, arguments provided in this paper enable relative improvements in contractors’ business models when approaching the public market. The study is believed to be in support of the relative governmental efforts to shape effective policies that can enhance innovation uptake among public bodies.

Reviews on sustainability assessment research have shown that Africa is lagging in this research area. As a result, few African countries have local sustainability assessment processes for infrastructure development. Considering the vital role of infrastructure to Africa’s development, the identification of only a few countries with local sustainability assessment processes raises questions on the overall state of sustainability assessment in the continent. To date, there is no study that gives a definite account of which African countries have local sustainability assessment processes for infrastructure. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review to identify and analyze local sustainability assessment process for infrastructure development in an African country. Using PRISMA to guide the review process, the study showed that six processes have been created for infrastructure development in Africa. The African countries with these processes are Egypt (three), Nigeria (one), Malawi and Kenya (one) and South Africa (one). The results showed that the sustainability assessment process correspond to most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets with social and economic considerations taking the lead in the processes created for energy and transport infrastructure development projects, whereas the sustainability assessment processes created for water supply, waste and communications infrastructure development projects have a balance of social, economic and environmental sustainability considerations. The review has revealed a need to create energy, transport and water supply infrastructure sustainability assessment processes that address current sustainability concerns such as climate change, social justice, equity, fairness and equality.

Purpose: This study investigates the various competencies a graduate should hold to prepare them for graduate building surveying roles from employers’ perspective. Design/Methodology: The study employs a sequential exploratory mixed-method approach by informing a quantitative study with the finding from a qualitative study. Findings: Based on exploratory factor analysis, the study found that 13 essential competencies are valued by the employers when recruiting building surveying graduates, as they are requisites for effective job performance. Personal management skills, technical surveying knowledge, and knowledge of RICS standards are the essential competencies based on the level of variance extracted by the three components. Other competency categories include client management skills, being goal-driven and self-motivated, optimistic personality traits, strong mental resilience, building maintenance and management knowledge, and time management skills, among others that are explained in the paper. Originality/Value: The essential competencies were dependent on maintaining a balance between knowledge, skills and personality-based competencies. Measures and approaches for gaining the essential competencies, as well as their level of significance, are further discussed. The study will be of significant benefits to employers of graduate building surveyors, academic institutions that are seeking to improve their graduate employability, as well as students that are preparing for the world of work.

Purpose: Amidst all solutions posited to address sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, the implementation plans are repudiated by sustainable barriers. This study examines and confirms the strategy with the most significant impacts on the identified barrier to Sustainable Construction Practice (SCP). Design/Methodology/Approach: The study deployed a questionnaire survey to evaluate the perspective of 100 construction actors on the barriers and strategies of sustainable construction practice in Nigeria. Factor Analysis was employed to categorize key barriers and strategies into their underlying clusters for further analysis. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to confirm the constructs significant relationship and magnitude, thereby establishing the strategies with the highest impacts on the barriers to sustainable construction practices. Findings: The findings revealed three clusters of barriers and four groups of strategies to SCP, including techno-politic barrier, perception and awareness barrier, and sociocultural barrier. For the significant strategies, education and training, stakeholder regulation, incentive support and government and legislative support strategies were established. Overall, education and training strategy was identified as the most dominant and effective strategy to mitigate the barriers of SCP in Nigeria. Originality/Value: The paper establishes education and training as the key strategy to achieving sustainable quest in the AEC industry. The practical implication is that policy makers, educators and professional bodies can harness sustainable knowledge transfer through education and training to improve sustainable construction practices in Nigeria.

Purpose Digital uptake amongst construction organisations is described as slow and ineffective, undermining a fundamental transformation and limiting construction firms from exploiting the digital benefits. In this space, meaningful research that utilises a qualitative approach in pursuit for employees' insights towards digital transformation is lacking. Such limited focus from previous efforts presents an opportunity to illuminate the determinants of an effective digital transformation that are, arguably, responsible for the status quo of low digital uptake in the construction sector. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned idea. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a qualitative approach to address the literature's digital discreetness in construction. The qualitative approach captures employees' perspectives through its unbounded characteristic of encouraging illustration and discussion. Findings This paper captures 35 digital transformation determinants under three clusters, namely, organisation related, i.e. hierarchy, size and management, people related, i.e. team orientation, training and knowledge and leadership related, i.e. awareness, attitude, approach and leaders' characteristics. Findings suggest a new set of arguments in relation to understudied factors and their influence on the digital uptake in construction organisations. Originality/value This paper offers empirical indication of the determinants believed to influence an effective digital transformation in construction organisations. Such conceptualisation is crucial and is depicted as perceived by construction employees and practitioners, which is a less biased approach than that of comparable studies that argue the viewpoints of industry leaders in isolation of other members of the hierarchy.

The recent failures and insolvencies of organisations related to the modern methods of construction (MMC) have gained increased attention and controversy across the UK construction sector. Such failures are linked to their inability to achieve an economy of scale and drive key clients to accept the MMC as an alternative to traditional methods. This paper aims to unravel whether a phenomenon of “innovation negativism” has manifested and is contributing to public clients' indecision towards broader MMC, whether this is only linked to past negative experiences formed after the Second World War or whether additional contributing reasons exist to influence adoption. This study focusses on exploring the decision-making of the UK public construction sector; therefore, this paper adopts a qualitative approach, utilising interviews with 14 carefully selected MMC experts, government advisors and public clients. The phenomenological stance adopted herewith enables the authors to make better sense of the perceptions of the interviewees, leading to the conceptualisation of the innovation negativism phenomenon. The paper identifies nine themes that may be argued to promote a profound understanding of the MMC negativism influencing public clients' decision-making. The study has found that more than just the previous negative perceptions formulated post Second World War are driving innovation negativism in the UK public sector. Notably, the emerging themes are incomprehension, lacking evidence, communication, relationship history, bad experiences, uncertainty, inadequate experimentation, the business case and localism. This study is the first construction management research that acts as a fair departure point to conceptualise the reasoning behind innovation negativism in the construction setting. Through mirroring demand's unipolarity for traditional methods, policy and decision-makers can now rely on the conceptualised reasoning to determine practical solutions to overcome clients' indecisions towards MMC.

Purpose – In the past decade, transforming key processes and activities towards a more digital nature has been the focus of most industries due to the associated advantages. Despite that, organisations in the construction sector are lagging the list of early adopters. The slow rate of a fundamental digital transformation is linked to the challenges facing an effective leadership. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to shed light on the barriers to digital leadership enactment in the construction industry. Limited research has empirically analysed and discussed these barriers to explain the low transformation rate in the existing body of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – This paper empirically investigates the perspectives of construction industry professionals acquiring various roles in the industry. Overall, the study comprises the views of 38 participants, adopting a qualitative methodological approach to explore relative barriers and explain the slow digital transformation rate. Findings – Findings are grouped into five themes: leadership characteristics, management and organisational issues, resource constraints, technological issues, and risk perceptions. The findings are helpful to business leaders, researchers, trainers, and educators to develop measures to encourage leaders in the industry to be at the forefront of digital transformation in their organisations. Originality/value – Literature, however, is discreet in reflecting the challenges and barriers facing today’s leadership in facilitating digital transformation among construction stakeholders. This paper provides insights into the variables that may be undermining wider digital adoption across the construction sector’s organisations.

Due to the practical complexity and fragmented nature of the construction industry, digitalisation, like other innovations, is not easily achieved. This study aimed to explore organisational influences on digitalisation within construction firms. Due to the practical complexity and fragmented nature of the construction industry, digitalisation, like other innovations, is not easily achieved. This study aimed to explore organisational influences on digitalisation within construction firms. Construction professionals from twenty-two organisations provided their perspectives on digital transformation and their organisations. Under four constructs- structure, culture, leadership, and internal processes, findings uncovered sixteen determinants critical to digitalisation in construction firms. The study offers a offers a theoretical perspective supported by empirical data to explore the complex dynamics and internal interactions of organisational influence on the uptake of digitalisation in the construction industry. This paper offers arguments from a theoretical lens by applying the organisational influence model and capturing the variables under each construct in an exploratory manner to highlight the reasoning behind the low digital uptake in construction firms. This research aids academia and practice on the pressure points responsible for enhancing, or undermining, digital uptake in construction firms at an organisational level.

The shift towards digitalisation has been empowering growth in the construction industry, especially in the past decade. Construction stakeholders are offered myriad benefits by embracing digital advancements to achieve efficiency. However, the exploitation of digital opportunities is bounded by the need for a practitioner skillset that aligns with the digital era, a requirement that has been described as difficult to meet and justified by the low degree of digital literacy among construction employees. This paper reports findings from interviews with 19 leaders and decision-makers in the construction sector to reveal the indicators that can predict construction employees’ digital literacy. Such an approach offers a comprehensive exploration of the likelihood of employees’ digital literacy through socially oriented characteristics. Overall, 19 individual characteristics emerged from the thematic analysis and highlight the critical connection between social behaviour and digital literacy. The findings of this paper are timely and important for those businesses assessing their employees’ willingness and maturity with regard to technological change through social and behavioural information. The qualitative approach led to the development of a conceptual framework that can explain the dynamics needed to assess employees’ digital literacy in construction organisations. This study, therefore, reveals the effectiveness of predicting employees’ readiness to shine in the digital era by shedding light on their digital literacy through examinations of individual characteristics in a construction workplace. This paper is among the first to encourage research efforts that take into account the importance of studying social and psychological complexities, which are subject areas that are limited in recent construction literature. As such, it is of value to employers wishing to embed greater digitalisation in their firms, as well as researchers in this domain and policymakers looking to encourage greater digital transformations.