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Perception on the effects of substance abuse in a comprehensive university: a case of gender

  • Authors: Agumba, Justus N. , Musonda, Innocent
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Effects , Substance abuse , Gender
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/93897 , uj:20405 , Citation: Agumba, J.N. & Musonda, I. 2016. Perception on the effects of substance abuse in a comprehensive university: a case of gender.
  • Description: Abstract: Substance abuse has been identified to interfere with the students’ physical, cognitive and affective development. The main aim of this study was to determine the perception of gender on the effects of substance abuse on their physical, cognitive and affective development. Methodology: The research philosophy adopted was positivism and the approach was deductive. A self-administered questionnaire containing items developed from literature review was administered to 199 built environment and civil engineering students at a South African university. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Cronbach alpha was used to achieve the reliability for internal consistency of the measured constructs i.e. physical, cognitive and affective development. Item correlation identified the correlation of the measures of physical, cognitive and affective development. T-test was further conducted to test gender perception on the effects of substance abuse on the physical, cognitive and affective development. Findings: The measures of physical, cognitive and affective development had a strong relationship and were reliable measures. Furthermore, the results suggest that there was no statistical significant difference on the perception of the effect of substance abuse on cognitive development as informed by male and female students. However, there was a significant difference on their perception on substance abuse on physical and affective development. Limitation(s): The respondents were from one comprehensive university, therefore the findings cannot be generalized for all the tertiary institutions in South Africa...
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Perception on the effects of substance abuse in a comprehensive university: a case of gender

Effect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Road Transport Asset Management Practice in Nigeria

  • Authors: Gambo, Nuru , Musonda, Innocent
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Fourth Industrial Revolution , Road asset , Management practices
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458307 , uj:40702 , Gambo, N., Musonda, I.: Effect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Road Transport Asset Management Practice in Nigeria.
  • Description: Abstract: Poor management practices of road transport assets posed a challenge to the sustainable development of the transport system in developing countries like Nigeria. Studies in the past focused mainly on the performance of road construction process. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of the fourth industrial revolution (4.0IR) on the road transport assets in developing countries such as Nigeria. The current study aimed at assessing the effect of the fourth industrial revolution towards improving the management practice of road transport assets. Survey instruments were administered to project and facility managers in the Nigerian road construction sector of the economy using a proportionate random sampling technique. Partial least square structural equation modelling was used for data analysis utilising the Warp 7.0 PLS-SEM software algorithm. The software calculates p-values with WarpPLS based on non-parametric algorithms, resampling or stable algorithms and thus does not require that the variables to be normally distributed. The study concluded that 4.0IR drivers have a moderate effect change on the management practice of road transport assets in Nigeria at the moment. The findings imply that management of road assets in Nigeria would moderately improve due to 4.0IR technologies resulting in transport, safety and general efficiency and effectiveness of road networks in Nigeria. The study identified 4.0IR drivers to include; robotics, mobility, virtual and augmented reality, internet of things and cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain, 3D printing drones that are built with an attached 3D printer, (the drone hangs a 3D printing nozzle that's fed plastic, concrete mix or other material from a tube connected to the top of the drone's printing path that precisely plotted by software, for a promised printing accuracy of 0.1mm),and digital engineering. This study emanated from the government reports and past studies in the area of road transport asset management practice which the study investigated the major causes of poor practices and assessed the effect of the fourth industrial revolution on the practice.
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Mediation effect of partnership on procurement strategy factors influencing sustainable smart housing development, Nigeria

  • Authors: Gambo, Nuru , Musonda, Innocent
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Smart housing , Sustainability , Technology partnering
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458299 , uj:40701 , Gambo, N., Musonda, I.: Mediation effect of partnership on procurement strategy factors influencing sustainable smart housing development, Nigeria.
  • Description: Abstract: Purpose - The procurement strategy challenges influencing the development of sustainable smart housing requires a holistic system approach that models the relationships between procurement strategies and sustainable smart housing development approach. This considers the use of technology partnering to ensure value for money. The purpose of the paper is to assess the mediation effect of the technology partnership on procurement strategy influencing sustainable smart housing development. Design/Methodology/Approach - This study used a quantitative approach and primary data were collected via a structured questionnaire. In total, 500 survey questionnaires were administered to project managers in the Nigerian construction industry and a stratified proportionate random sampling method was used for the selection of respondents. Findings - The results indicated that the procurement strategy influenced sustainable smart housing development in Nigeria, and the technology partnership mediates the relationship between procurement strategy and sustainable smart housing development. Research limitations/implications - This quantitative study is based on the perception of construction project managers in Nigeria. The findings serve as an awareness to the government and other stakeholders in the construction industry on the development of sustainable smart housing in Nigeria. Managerial implications – The study suggests that technology partnership reduces the effect of procurement strategy factors and hence improves development of sustainable mass smart housing infrastructure for the growing population. Practical implications – The study establishes that technology partnership mediates the relationship between procurement strategy factors and sustainable smart housing development through enhancement of smart housing development and serves as awareness to stakeholders on the factors influencing smart housing development in Nigeria. Originality/Value – Mediation roles of technology partnership minimizes procurement strategy challenges and enhances sustainable smart housing development.
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Effects of Financial Management practices on technical performance of building contractors in Northeast Nigeria

  • Authors: Gambo, Nuru , Musonda, Innocent
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Financial Management Practices , Technical , Performance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458287 , uj:40700 , Gambo, N., Musonda, I.: Effects of Financial Management practices on technical performance of building contractors in Northeast Nigeria.
  • Description: Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of financial management practices of small scale building contractors on the technical performance of the contractors in northern part of Nigeria with international best practices. Previous studies argued that the technical performance of small scale building contractors in developing countries is poor because of insufficient cash to acquire strategic resources at the outset of a project. This continues to pose a challenge to the sustainable development of the construction industry, particularly, in developing countries like Nigeria. There is therefore, a need to identify, assess, and compare the effects of financial practices of the contractors with technical performance best practices. Design/methodology/approach – The technical performance of each contractor was evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. This is used to obtain the mean technical performance levels of the contractors. A questionnaire survey was administered to the professionals in the industry who were selected by using a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The contractors’ performance was compared by using ANOVA with post hoc and the effects of contractors’ financial management practices were determined using multiple regression analysis. Findings – The results indicated that the contractors in Nigeria were average technical performers and there were large effects of financial management practices on technical performance of contractors in building projects’. . Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to small scale building contractors in the northeast Nigeria. One of the implications of this study is that it provides the criteria for an evaluation of small scale building contractors’ technical performance in Nigeria and other developing countries that faced similar problems. Practical implications - The practical implications of this study is that it establishes the current level of contractors' technical performance and serves as awareness to contractors current financial practices. Social implications – The study created bases for self-evaluation of contractors’ technical performance and competition among small scale contractors in Nigeria for the enhancement of productivity particularly in rural areas and general national development. Originality/value – This study emanated from the governmental reports and past researches in the area of performance management based on the persistence of poor technical performance of small scale contractors in construction industry.
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Procurement planning factors influencing the quality performance of primary healthcare building facilities : a mediation effect of the firm’s business partnership

Evaluating the relationship between communication management practices and project outcomes : a case study of Eswatini (Swaziland) construction industry

Dominant factors hampering full participation of female contractors in the South African construction industry

Conceptual model of client health and safety (H&S) culture

  • Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Haupt, Theo C.
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: LIP+3C , Health and safety culture model
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6080 , ISSN 978-0-86970-713-5 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10927
  • Description: Purpose: This paper presents a conceptual six factor client H&S culture model referred to as the LIP+3C. The factors leadership, involvement, procedures, commitment, communication and competence were theorised to explain the client H&S culture construct. The postulated model is based on theory obtained from literature as well as from a Delphi research. H&S culture has been recognised as the feasible way to improve H&S performance in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: A Delphi study as well as a synthesis of literature was conducted and resulted in a theorised conceptual model. To validate the model, a questionnaire survey with a response of 281 was conducted. Findings from the questionnaire survey were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with EQS version 6.1 software. Findings: The six factor client H&S culture model was found to be well fitting to the sample data through the confirmatory factor analysis. Consequently client H&S culture findings were that client culture could be explained by the level of leadership, involvement, procedures, commitment, communication and competence. Research limitations/implications: The size of the sample may affect the generalisability the findings in view of the complexity of the model. Practical implications: The proposed model in this study makes it possible to determine and predict the client H&S culture. The indicator variables can be used as check items for performance measurement and thus operationalize the concept of H&S culture. Originality/value: Adopting the LIP+3C culture model composed of elements that can easily be implemented and understood will contribute to improving the current H&S status
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Identifying factors of health and safety (H&S) culture for the construction industry

  • Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Haupt, Theo C.
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Health and safety culture model , Construction industry
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6092 , ISBN 978-0-86970-713-5 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10955
  • Description: Construction H&S performance improvement has in recent years become a priority and thus has gained industry-wide attention (Cheung et al, 2004 and Hamalainen et al, 2009) because of the economic benefits, the need to improve construction industry image, the need for organisations to be socially responsible and the need for an improved general regard and respect for people working in the construction industry. In addition, the legislative pressure coupled with debate concerning the personal responsibility that senior managers should bear for their organisations on H&S failures (Fitzgerald, 2005) has contributed to most organisations to focus on H&S improvement. However improving H&S performance in the construction industry has also proved to be somewhat challenging partly due to the industryʼs complex nature. Despite this complexity of the industry, H&S performance improvement remains a crucial issue and its importance or need has been demonstrated in numerous studies (Smallman and John, 2001; Lee et al, 2006; ILO, 2003; and Hoonakker et al, 2005).
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Investigating the role of the external environment to influence clients’ health and safety (H&S) performance in the construction industry

  • Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Haupt, Theodore
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Construction industry - Health measures , Construction industry - Safety measures
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12537
  • Description: Construction Clients have been identified in many studies to be of great importance to H&S performance in the construction industry. However their participation in H&S implementation remains below the expected and meaningful level. The situation in Southern Africa is not any different from the rest of the world. Therefore developing strategies that enhance clients’ H&S culture would ensure a gradual and sustained improvement of H&S in the construction industry. As a result it was imperative to investigate the feasibility of the postulation that the external environment has a positive influence on construction clients’ H&S culture and performance. The study, which was conducted in Botswana and South Africa, utilised the Delphi and structural equation modelling techniques in order to model and validate the said postulation. Findings from the Delphi study were that the external environment had a significant impact on client H&S performance. Further, clients were ‘very likely to’ implement H&S elements when influence from the external environment factors was evident. The validation from the structural equation modelling technique further indicated that the influence of the external environment on clients was statistically significant. Therefore this paper will report on findings from an investigation on the influence of the external environment on clients’ H&S performance. The study will highlight the point that environmental influence on clients is vital in order to achieve an improved H&S performance in the construction industry.
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An assessment of transformation strategies in South Africa: A multi-case study of the accounting, financial services, government, and construction sectors

  • Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Gumbo, Trynos , Okoro, Chioma
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Built environment , Socio-economic , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/405000 , uj:33989 , Citation: Musonda, I., Gumbo, T., Okoro, C. 2019 : An assessment of transformation strategies in South Africa: A multi-case study of the accounting, financial services, government, and construction sectors.
  • Description: Abstract : Globally, transformation is etched in all sectors of the economy. In the South African context, transformation is viewed as the catalyst to address the country’s socio-economic problems and their associated impact on different sectors and the economy at large. However, progress on transformation within the built environment has been slow in comparison with other sectors of the economy. As a result, this has led to a need to examine the transformation processes in the country. This article aims to analyse transformation strategies as conceptualised and implemented by various sectors. The article is based on a multi-case study of identified sectors and organisations that have developed and implemented transformation strategies. The materials used to conduct the study include sector transformation strategies, charters, journal articles, articles published in reputable South African newspapers, organisation reports, information publicly available on the internet, and interviews conducted with sector representatives. The findings show that, for all sectors, transformation strategies are driven through skills development of human resources, with a view to redressing historical imbalances and providing equal opportunities. The process of strategy development involves sector- wide participation and having a champion for the strategy. In order to ensure that strategies are implemented, specific structured training and education programmes from the grassroots to professional level, as well as monitoring of progress are emphasised. Recommendations are made in line with the findings in order to guide the Council for the Built Environment in the development of a strategy for the built environment.
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Assessment of current and future critical skills in the South African Construction Industry

  • Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Okoro, Chioma
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Performance , Productivity
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/487810 , uj:44420 , Citation: Musonda, I. & Okoro, C. 2021. Assessment of current and future critical skills in the South African Construction Industry.
  • Description: Abstract: The role of skills development in attaining productivity and competitiveness in industry and global level cannot be overemphasized in the construction sector. The study aims to evaluate the critical skills needed in the construction industry. A quantitative study was conducted and data were collected using questionnaires distributed among construction professionals including project managers, construction managers, quantity surveyors, architects and engineers based in South Africa. The data amassed were analyzed to output descriptive statistics. The skills were ranked according to the level of priority as perceived by the respondents. Findings from the empirical data analysis established that the critical skills needed within the construction industry at present and in the future are health and safety competence, decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, public-speaking, big data mining, and internet of things were not considered to be critical. These findings indicated that even with technological advancements, skills needed to ensure that projects were delivered successfully included managerial skills. The study sheds more light on skills considered critical at present and which might be relevant in the future. The study signposts the importance of critical skills to an individual and the entire construction industry. Efforts can be made to ensure that relevant critical skills for high output are emphasized and planning can be made for future and predicted construction industry workforce needs.
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A review of factors influencing construction workers’ nutritional uptake

  • Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Construction workers - Nutrition
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4889 , ISBN 978-0-86970-782-1 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12603
  • Description: Purpose: Nutrition is linked with construction worker health and safety (H&S) performance. Some accidents, injuries and in some cases, deaths on construction sites are direct or indirect results of physical and psychological distresses (chronic health conditions and mental instability) arising from poor nutrition of construction workers. This alarming situation could gravely affect construction workers, their families, the industry and the economy as a whole since health will be adversely affected, performance will be hindered, avoidable on-site exigencies, injuries and sometimes deaths will occur, resulting in lost working hours or days, lost wages, increased healthcare costs, and decline in productivity and Gross Domestic Product. This study therefore reviews the factors which influence the nutritional uptake amongst construction workers and possible interventions. Methods: This study is based on review of previous literature on the construction industry and its H&S performance, as well as factors influencing nutritional uptake and nutrition interventions in the construction industry. The literature review was based on both international and South African context. Findings: The study revealed that construction workers’ nutrition is influenced by personal factors and environmental factors. The study also established feasible nutrition interventions based on these factors. Nutrition promotion initiatives need to target the different influences on construction workers’ nutritional uptake. Value: The study highlights construction workers’ nutrition influencers and reveals feasible strategies to improve nutrition and thus safety performance on construction sites. Practical implications: Findings from this study will inform development and implementation of programmes and policies targeted towards nutritional uptake tailored for construction workers.
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Validity and reliability of a ques-tionnaire developed to explore nutrition determinants among con-struction workers in Gauteng, South Africa

  • Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Construction workers, Food choice, Health,
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397614 , uj:33057 , Citation : Okoro, C. et al. 2019. Validity and reliability of a ques-tionnaire developed to explore nutrition determinants among con-struction workers in Gauteng, South Africa
  • Description: Abstract : Objectives: The nutrition of construction workers is related to their health and safety (H&S) at work. Research on the factors influencing construction workers’ food choices and overall nutrition is limited, in South Africa and indeed Africa as a whole. The present paper aims to develop and validate a questionnaire on factors influencing construction workers’ food choices. Design: The study adopted a quantitative approach; 42 items, divided into six constructs, were used to develop a field-survey questionnaire after a detailed literature review. Setting: The study was conducted on eight construction sites (consisting of five building construction and three road construction sites), chosen through heterogeneity sampling, in Midrand, Centurion, Johannesburg and Samrand. Subjects: Participants included construction workers actively involved in site activities. Outcome measures: Principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine the structures and validity of the constructs. Cronbach’s alpha test and mean inter-item correlations were used to examine internal consistency reliability. Results: After repeated factor analysis, the questionnaire on food-choice factors revealed seven different factors: food context, biological factors, nutritional knowledge, personal ideas and systems, economic factors, resources and cultural background. These factors explained 60.09% variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.62 to 0.85, signifying good internal consistency reliability. Conclusion: The determinants of construction workers’ food choices are vital considerations when designing and implementing nutrition interventions in the South African construction industry. Future research can adopt the instrument and developed model when conducting psychometric evaluations of construction workers’ food-choice determinants.
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Safety performance evaluation of construction workers in Gauteng, South Africa

Validity and reliability of a transportation infrastructure sustainable performance framework : a study of transport projects in South Africa

Identifying factors of collaboration critical for improving health and safety performance in construction projects : a systematic literature review

Gravity-fed column configuration for acid mine drainage experiment

  • Authors: Solomon, Fitsum H. , Ekolu, Stephen O. , Musonda, Innocent
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Gravity column , Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) , Pervious concrete
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404495 , uj:33924 , Citation: Solomon, F.H., Ekolu, S.O. & Musonda, I. 2019. Gravity-fed column configuration for acid mine drainage experiment.
  • Description: Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a gravity feed column set-up and to set the flow parameters based on experimentally measured flow rates and pressure drops. Prior to the present study the authors used a column set-up in which acid mine drainage was pumped through pervious concrete filled columns. However, power outages due to load shedding often disrupted the experiments. As such, the gravity feed set-up was designed to overcome the need to rely on electrical power supply. The study describes the design set-up of four gravity columns. The design requirements comprised determination of appropriate column sizes, pressure heads and hydraulic gradients required to produce a low flow rate of about 1 mL/min at outlets of the columns filled with pervious concrete media. Of special interest is the hydraulic gradient being responsible for continuous flow in each column. Following completion of the design set-up, continuous flow rates of 0.60 to 0.80 mL/min were attained with a Reynolds number of about 4.0 in the columns filled with pervious concrete. Further research is in progress involving employment of the gravity-feed system for acid mine drainage treatment investigations.
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