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Dr. KOFI AGYEKUM
Kwame Nkrumah university of science and technology

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0 Sustainable Construction
0 Circular economy in construction
0 Construction health and safety informatics
0 Building Pathology and Refurbishment
0 Green building materials and technology

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Journal article
Published: 14 August 2021 in Sustainability
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In 2015, the United Nations (UN) adopted the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, which set out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 169 targets and 231 unique indicators as a significant initiative towards socio-economic development. The SDGs provide the construction industry with a new lens through which global needs and desires can be translated into business solutions. This paper explores the role of the construction industry in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The paper uses an explanatory sequential design with an initial quantitative instrument phase, followed by a qualitative data collection phase. Following a comparative review of the literature on the 17 SDGs, a questionnaire was designed and administered among 130 respondents, and 105 responses were received. These data were then validated through semi-structured interviews with 16 sustainable construction experts. Data obtained from the semi-structured validation interviews were analysed through side-by-side comparisons of the qualitative data with the quantitative data. The findings show that the construction industry has a critical role in achieving almost all the 17 SDGs. The roles were, however, prevalent in 10 key SDGs, namely: sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11); climate action (SDG 13); clean water and sanitation (SDG 6); responsible consumption and production (SDG 12); industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9); life on land (biodiversity) (SDG 15); gender equality (SDG 5); good health and well-being (SDG 3); affordable and clean energy (SDG 7); decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). The study confirmed the role played by the construction industry in achieving these SDGs. The findings from this study provide further insights into the ever-increasing state-of-the-art regarding the construction industry’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

ACS Style

Wenmei Fei; Alex Opoku; Kofi Agyekum; James Anthony Oppon; Vian Ahmed; Charles Chen; Ka Leung Lok. The Critical Role of the Construction Industry in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Delivering Projects for the Common Good. Sustainability 2021, 13, 9112 .

AMA Style

Wenmei Fei, Alex Opoku, Kofi Agyekum, James Anthony Oppon, Vian Ahmed, Charles Chen, Ka Leung Lok. The Critical Role of the Construction Industry in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Delivering Projects for the Common Good. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (16):9112.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wenmei Fei; Alex Opoku; Kofi Agyekum; James Anthony Oppon; Vian Ahmed; Charles Chen; Ka Leung Lok. 2021. "The Critical Role of the Construction Industry in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Delivering Projects for the Common Good." Sustainability 13, no. 16: 9112.

Earlycite article
Published: 29 June 2021 in Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
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Purpose The majority of the literature on green buildings in Ghana focuses on environmental benefits, innovative designs, construction technologies and project management techniques. However, little is known about how such facilities are financed. This issue creates potential knowledge gaps, one of which this study aims to address. This study examines the key drivers for green building project financing in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study uses an explanatory sequential design with an initial quantitative instrument phase, followed by a qualitative data collection phase. An extensive critical comparative review of the literature resulted in the identification of eight potential drivers. One hundred and twenty-seven questionnaire responses based upon these drivers from the Ghanaian construction industry were received. Data were coded with SPSS v22, analysed descriptively (mean, standard deviation and standard error) and via inferential analysis (One Way ANOVA and One-Sample t-Test). These data were then validated through semi-structured interviews with ten industry professionals within the Ghana Green Building Council. Data obtained from the semi-structured validation interviews were analysed through the side-by-side comparison of the qualitative data with the quantitative data. Findings Though all eight drivers are important, the five key drivers for the Ghanian construction industry were identified as, in order of importance, “high return on investment”, “emerging business opportunity”, “ethical investment”, “conservation of resources” and “mandatory regulations, standards, and policies”. The interviewees agreed to and confirmed the importance of these identified drivers for green building project financing from validating the survey's key findings. Research limitations/implications Key limitations of this study are the restrictions regarding the geographical location of the collected data (i.e. Kumasi and Accra); timing of the study and sample size (i.e. the COVID-19 pandemic making it difficult to obtain adequate data). Practical implications Though this study was conducted in Ghana, its implications could be useful to researchers, policymakers, stakeholders and practitioners in wider sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, financial institutions can invest in green buildings to expand their green construction and mortgage finance products to build higher value and lower risk portfolios. The findings from this study can provide investors with the enhanced certainty needed to help guide and inform their investment decisions, i.e. what to invest in, and when, by how much and how a scheme being “green” may influence their rate of return. Also, for building developers, it will give them a clearer understanding of the business case for green buildings and how to differentiate themselves in the market to grow their businesses. Originality/value This study's findings provide insights into an under-investigated topic in Ghana and offer new and additional information and insights to the current state-of-the-art on the factors that drive green building project financing.

ACS Style

Kofi Agyekum; Chris Goodier; James Anthony Oppon. Key drivers for green building project financing in Ghana. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 2021, ahead-of-p, 1 .

AMA Style

Kofi Agyekum, Chris Goodier, James Anthony Oppon. Key drivers for green building project financing in Ghana. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. 2021; ahead-of-p (ahead-of-p):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kofi Agyekum; Chris Goodier; James Anthony Oppon. 2021. "Key drivers for green building project financing in Ghana." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management ahead-of-p, no. ahead-of-p: 1.

Earlycite article
Published: 07 June 2021 in Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
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Purpose Though the Public Procurement Act of Ghana makes room for specific socio-economic policies (environmental, social, economic and other policies which are intended to promote social and economic impact), there is no explicit definition and provision for social value as an evaluation criterion, culminating in the absence of a definition in the Act. This paper elicits the conception and understanding of social value from stakeholders in the Ghanaian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative method that relied on a semi-structured interview of 30 participants purposively drawn from Western, Western North and Central regions of Ghana. An inductive thematic analysis approach, which involved identifying repetitions, exploring similarities and differences, noting linguistic connectors, and a framework were employed to analyse the data. Findings The study established no single definition or explanation for social value in the construction industry in Ghana. However, it was revealed from the study that the concept of social value could be defined from the functional perspective of the definer, particularly from the perspective of a Procurement Officer, Works Engineer, and a Quantity Surveyor. A new insight from the study that differs from the body of literature is that participants equated benefits derived from physically constructed projects as social value. Social implications The study has implication for public administration and practice regarding the decision-making process in the construction industry in Ghana. It provides a vital awakening on social value as a criterion in evaluating construction works procurement in Ghana. The ability of participants to equate the benefits derived from executed construction projects as social value creates a new perspective on understanding the meaning of social value in the procurement of works construction. Originality/value The study contributes to the state-of-the-art and ongoing discourse on the concept of social value globally. The findings create an important catalyst for social value research in the Ghanaian construction industry.

ACS Style

Brandsford Kwame Gidigah; Kofi Agyekum; Bernard K. Baiden. Defining social value in the public procurement process for works. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 2021, ahead-of-p, 1 .

AMA Style

Brandsford Kwame Gidigah, Kofi Agyekum, Bernard K. Baiden. Defining social value in the public procurement process for works. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. 2021; ahead-of-p (ahead-of-p):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Brandsford Kwame Gidigah; Kofi Agyekum; Bernard K. Baiden. 2021. "Defining social value in the public procurement process for works." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management ahead-of-p, no. ahead-of-p: 1.

Earlycite article
Published: 28 May 2021 in Smart and Sustainable Built Environment
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Purpose Recent reports based on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) have revealed that no country is in line with achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, with the slowest progress being witnessed mainly on goals that are focused on the environment. This study examines environmental performance indicators for assessing the sustainability of building projects. Design/methodology/approach The study uses an explanatory sequential design with an initial quantitative instrument phase, followed by a qualitative data collection phase. An extensive critical comparative review of the literature resulted in the identification of ten environmental sustainability indicators. One hundred and sixty-seven questionnaire responses based upon these indicators from the Ghanaian construction industry were received. Data were coded with SPSS v22, analysed descriptively, and via inferential analysis. These data were then validated through semi-structured interviews with six interviewees who are fellows of their respective professional bodies, a senior academic (professor in construction project delivery) and a government official. Data obtained from the semi-structured validation interviews were analysed through the side-by-side comparison of the qualitative data with the quantitative data. Findings The findings from the study suggest that all the indicators were important in assessing building projects' environmental sustainability across the entire life cycle. Key among the identified indicators is the effects of the project on “water quality, air quality, energy use and conservation, and environmental compliance and management”. The interviewees further agreed to and confirmed the importance of these identified indicators for assessing the environmental sustainability of building projects in Ghana. Originality/value Compared to existing studies, this study adopts the exploratory sequential design to identify and examine the critical indicators in assessing the environmental sustainability across the entire lifecycle of building projects in a typical developing country setting, i.e. Ghana. It reveals areas of prime concern in the drive to place the local construction industry on a trajectory towards achieving environmental sustainability.

ACS Style

Kofi Agyekum; Seth Yeboah Botchway; Emmanuel Adinyira; Alex Opoku. Environmental performance indicators for assessing sustainability of projects in the Ghanaian construction industry. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment 2021, ahead-of-p, 1 .

AMA Style

Kofi Agyekum, Seth Yeboah Botchway, Emmanuel Adinyira, Alex Opoku. Environmental performance indicators for assessing sustainability of projects in the Ghanaian construction industry. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. 2021; ahead-of-p (ahead-of-p):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kofi Agyekum; Seth Yeboah Botchway; Emmanuel Adinyira; Alex Opoku. 2021. "Environmental performance indicators for assessing sustainability of projects in the Ghanaian construction industry." Smart and Sustainable Built Environment ahead-of-p, no. ahead-of-p: 1.

Earlycite article
Published: 29 April 2021 in Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
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Purpose Knowledge of the effect of various cash-flow factors on expected project profit is important to effectively manage productivity on construction projects. This study was conducted to develop and test the sensitivity of a Machine Learning Support Vector Regression Algorithm (SVRA) to predict construction project profit in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study relied on data from 150 institutional projects executed within the past five years (2014–2018) in developing the model. Eighty percent (80%) of the data from the 150 projects was used at hyperparameter selection and final training phases of the model development and the remaining 20% for model testing. Using MATLAB for Support Vector Regression, the parameters available for tuning were the epsilon values, the kernel scale, the box constraint and standardisations. The sensitivity index was computed to determine the degree to which the independent variables impact the dependent variable. Findings The developed model's predictions perfectly fitted the data and explained all the variability of the response data around its mean. Average predictive accuracy of 73.66% was achieved with all the variables on the different projects in validation. The developed SVR model was sensitive to labour and loan. Originality/value The developed SVRA combines variation, defective works and labour with other financial constraints, which have been the variables used in previous studies. It will aid contractors in predicting profit on completion at commencement and also provide information on the effect of changes to cash-flow factors on profit.

ACS Style

Emmanuel Adinyira; Emmanuel Akoi-Gyebi Adjei; Kofi Agyekum; Frank Desmond Kofi Fugar. Application of machine learning in predicting construction project profit in Ghana using Support Vector Regression Algorithm (SVRA). Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 2021, 28, 1491 -1514.

AMA Style

Emmanuel Adinyira, Emmanuel Akoi-Gyebi Adjei, Kofi Agyekum, Frank Desmond Kofi Fugar. Application of machine learning in predicting construction project profit in Ghana using Support Vector Regression Algorithm (SVRA). Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. 2021; 28 (5):1491-1514.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emmanuel Adinyira; Emmanuel Akoi-Gyebi Adjei; Kofi Agyekum; Frank Desmond Kofi Fugar. 2021. "Application of machine learning in predicting construction project profit in Ghana using Support Vector Regression Algorithm (SVRA)." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 28, no. 5: 1491-1514.

Earlycite article
Published: 29 April 2021 in Built Environment Project and Asset Management
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Purpose This study examines occupants' satisfaction with the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a green-certified building [The Green Star South Africa (SA) Building] in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Views of 300 respondents are solicited on 15 IEQ (obtained through a critical review of the literature and complemented with a pilot interview on the subject) parameters. Data obtained are analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings Findings suggest that occupants are generally satisfied with five critical aspects of IEQ. The results also indicate that the occupants perceive five key IEQ parameters to have high levels of importance. Further inferential analysis of the parameters revealed that two core IEQs require the highest levels of improvement actions. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted in Ghana and analysed occupants' perceptions of working within one green-certified building. Again, the collection of the occupants' responses was not linked with the direct measurement of physical characteristics of the IEQ parameters of the building. Hence, the findings cannot be generalised. Practical implications Practically, the study contributes to providing all stakeholders involved in the Green Star SA Ghana certification system with the relevant feedback for their decision-making on current and future projects to be certified under this certification system. Originality/value This study provides valuable information on the performance of IEQ parameters of the building and points out potential IEQ areas that need improvement efforts, especially concerning current and future facilities certified under this certification system.

ACS Style

Kofi Agyekum; Samuel Fiifi Hammond; Burcu Salgin. Occupants' perceived importance and satisfaction with the indoor environmental quality of a green building. Built Environment Project and Asset Management 2021, ahead-of-p, 1 .

AMA Style

Kofi Agyekum, Samuel Fiifi Hammond, Burcu Salgin. Occupants' perceived importance and satisfaction with the indoor environmental quality of a green building. Built Environment Project and Asset Management. 2021; ahead-of-p (ahead-of-p):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kofi Agyekum; Samuel Fiifi Hammond; Burcu Salgin. 2021. "Occupants' perceived importance and satisfaction with the indoor environmental quality of a green building." Built Environment Project and Asset Management ahead-of-p, no. ahead-of-p: 1.

Earlycite article
Published: 23 March 2021 in International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
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Purpose The increased awareness of global environmental threats like climate change has created an upsurge of interest in low embodied carbon building materials for green building delivery. Though the literature advocates for the use of hemp-based building materials, there is no evidence of studies to explore its potential use in Ghana. Therefore, this study explores the potential factors that limit the adoption of hemp as an alternative sustainable material for green building delivery in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was used to solicit the views of built environment professionals operating in construction, consulting and developer firms. The questions were developed through a comparative review of the related literature and complemented with a pilot review. Data were analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings On the average, the majority of the respondents showed a moderate level of awareness of hemp and its related uses in the construction industry. Also, certain key factors like the perceived association of hemp with marijuana, lack of expertise in the production of hemp-related building materials, farmers not getting the needed clearance for the cultivation of hemp, lack of legislation by the government in the legalisation of hemp and the inadequate knowledge of consumers on the benefits of hemp-based building materials were identified as potential limitations to the adoption of hemp as an alternative sustainable material for green building delivery. Originality/value The findings from this study provide insights into a less investigated area in sub-Saharan Africa and further provide new and additional information to the current state-of-the-art on the potential for the use of hemp in the building construction sector.

ACS Style

Kofi Agyekum; Emmanuel Adinyira; James Anthony Oppon. Factors limiting the adoption of hemp as an alternative sustainable material for green building delivery in Ghana. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation 2021, ahead-of-p, 1 .

AMA Style

Kofi Agyekum, Emmanuel Adinyira, James Anthony Oppon. Factors limiting the adoption of hemp as an alternative sustainable material for green building delivery in Ghana. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation. 2021; ahead-of-p (ahead-of-p):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kofi Agyekum; Emmanuel Adinyira; James Anthony Oppon. 2021. "Factors limiting the adoption of hemp as an alternative sustainable material for green building delivery in Ghana." International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation ahead-of-p, no. ahead-of-p: 1.

Earlycite article
Published: 22 January 2021 in Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
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Purpose Effective procurement of infrastructure is linked to the attainment of the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. While the capacity of organisations is generally thought to be related to organisational performance, there is a lack of empirical insights concerning the contribution of procurement capacity of public organisations towards the attainment of procurement objectives in infrastructure procurement. Thus, it is unclear which aspects of the capacity of public procurement organisations contribute the most to the attainment of procurement objectives in the procurement of infrastructure. This research sought to address this gap. Design/methodology/approach The research used a survey of public procurement professionals which yielded 590 responses. Findings Exploratory factor analysis of 23 organisational capacity items revealed three components of organisational procurement capacity: “management of the procurement process”; “human and physical resources”; and “financial resources and management”. Multiple regression modelling of the relationship between the components and the attainment of 12 procurement objectives further reveals that there is a significant positive relationship between the three components and all the objectives. However, “management of the procurement process” emerged as the greatest contributor to the attainment of seven objectives, whereas “human and physical resources”, and “financial resources and management” were the greatest contributor to the attainment of one objective and four objectives, respectively. Originality/value The study provides strong empirical justification for investment in the development of procurement capacity of public agencies involved in procurement of infrastructure. Furthermore, procurement capacity development of specific capacity components can be prioritised based on the relative contribution of capacity components to the attainment of desired procurement objectives. This should be useful to government policymakers as well as multilateral organisations that fund infrastructure and procurement reforms in various countries.

ACS Style

Patrick Manu; Richard Ohene Asiedu; Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu; Paul Olaniyi Olomolaiye; Colin Booth; Emmanuel Manu; Saheed Ajayi; Kofi Agyekum. Contribution of procurement capacity of public agencies to attainment of procurement objectives in infrastructure procurement. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 2021, ahead-of-p, 1 .

AMA Style

Patrick Manu, Richard Ohene Asiedu, Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu, Paul Olaniyi Olomolaiye, Colin Booth, Emmanuel Manu, Saheed Ajayi, Kofi Agyekum. Contribution of procurement capacity of public agencies to attainment of procurement objectives in infrastructure procurement. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. 2021; ahead-of-p (ahead-of-p):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Patrick Manu; Richard Ohene Asiedu; Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu; Paul Olaniyi Olomolaiye; Colin Booth; Emmanuel Manu; Saheed Ajayi; Kofi Agyekum. 2021. "Contribution of procurement capacity of public agencies to attainment of procurement objectives in infrastructure procurement." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management ahead-of-p, no. ahead-of-p: 1.

Journal article
Published: 31 May 2020 in Scientific African
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Vernacular architecture is associated with numerous advantages. However, its adoption in the development of sustainable buildings is not appreciated. This paper examines professionals’ views of vernacular building materials and techniques for green building delivery in Ghana. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 54 built environment professionals. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings suggest that the key vernacular materials for green building delivery are timber, bamboo, and laterite. It further suggests that the key vernacular techniques which are suitable for green building delivery are timber-framed construction, sun-dried brick walling/Adobe, and rammed earth or Atakpame walling. This study is useful for built environment professionals who are active in the construction industry and who are responsible for green building delivery decision making during the design and construction stages of buildings.

ACS Style

Kofi Agyekum; Ernest Kissi; James Cofie Danku. Professionals’ views of vernacular building materials and techniques for green building delivery in Ghana. Scientific African 2020, 8, e00424 .

AMA Style

Kofi Agyekum, Ernest Kissi, James Cofie Danku. Professionals’ views of vernacular building materials and techniques for green building delivery in Ghana. Scientific African. 2020; 8 ():e00424.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kofi Agyekum; Ernest Kissi; James Cofie Danku. 2020. "Professionals’ views of vernacular building materials and techniques for green building delivery in Ghana." Scientific African 8, no. : e00424.

Journal article
Published: 09 May 2020 in Construction Economics and Building
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Sub-Saharan Africa’s urban culture makes open marketplaces an essential part of life in their cities. What goes on in these markets undoubtedly opens them up to threats of adversity, tragedy, and other significant sources of stress. How can these open marketplaces be regenerated into resiliently sustainable places? From a case study of the regeneration redevelopment of the largest open-air market in West Africa i.e. Kumasi Central Market, the need for stakeholder participation in the entire regeneration process is emphasised. The determination of the most important stakeholders during the regeneration of the market is followed by a comparison of the regeneration process regeneration with the literature on urban regeneration, sustainable development, participation, and project management. Lessons learned, and the concerns raised by major stakeholders in the process creates certain project management approaches essential for achieving resilient urban regeneration. Identification of all important stakeholders by the consideration of their attributes of power, legitimacy and urgency and distrustfully engaging all stakeholders is vital to the success of any urban regeneration project.

ACS Style

Emmanuel Adinyira; Kofi Agyekum; Bernard Kofi Baiden; Obas John Ebohon; Godslove Ampratwum. Regeneration of Sub-Saharan Africa’s open market places: a case for Guileless stakeholder participation. Construction Economics and Building 2020, 20, 1 .

AMA Style

Emmanuel Adinyira, Kofi Agyekum, Bernard Kofi Baiden, Obas John Ebohon, Godslove Ampratwum. Regeneration of Sub-Saharan Africa’s open market places: a case for Guileless stakeholder participation. Construction Economics and Building. 2020; 20 (2):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emmanuel Adinyira; Kofi Agyekum; Bernard Kofi Baiden; Obas John Ebohon; Godslove Ampratwum. 2020. "Regeneration of Sub-Saharan Africa’s open market places: a case for Guileless stakeholder participation." Construction Economics and Building 20, no. 2: 1.

Journal article
Published: 09 September 2019 in International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the interaction effects among organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), work overload (WO) and employees’ performance in the Ghanaian construction industry, thus identifying the thin boundary between advocating OCB and avoiding WO in attempt to increase higher employee performance. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative research method, three hypotheses were tested. The views of 86 project teams were elicited using a structured questionnaire, and linear regression was utilized to validate the hypotheses. Findings The study proved that OCBs positively affect employee performance in the construction industry. The results implied that increased work load on employees do not increase their productivity levels, but adversely increase the unconsiderable effects of employees’ work lives. In addition, WO played the role of homologizing moderation in the relationship between OCB and employee performance. Practical implications The findings suggest that there is a considerable effect of WO on overall employee performance in the construction industry; thus, there is a need for stakeholders to address this issue for performance improvement. Originality/value The application and investigation of these issues have dominated the banking industry but lacked in the construction industry. The current study therefore provides useful insight into the interaction effects among organizational citizenship behavior, WO and employees’ performance in the Ghanaian construction industry.

ACS Style

Ernest Kissi; Odoi Ansah Asare; Kofi Agyekum; Daniel Yamoah Agyemang; Musah Labaran. Ascertaining the interaction effects among organisational citizenship behaviour, work overload and employees’ performance in the Ghanaian construction industry. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management 2019, 68, 1235 -1249.

AMA Style

Ernest Kissi, Odoi Ansah Asare, Kofi Agyekum, Daniel Yamoah Agyemang, Musah Labaran. Ascertaining the interaction effects among organisational citizenship behaviour, work overload and employees’ performance in the Ghanaian construction industry. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management. 2019; 68 (7):1235-1249.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ernest Kissi; Odoi Ansah Asare; Kofi Agyekum; Daniel Yamoah Agyemang; Musah Labaran. 2019. "Ascertaining the interaction effects among organisational citizenship behaviour, work overload and employees’ performance in the Ghanaian construction industry." International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management 68, no. 7: 1235-1249.

Journal article
Published: 02 September 2019 in Smart and Sustainable Built Environment
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Purpose The construction industry plays an important role in the achievement of the 11th and 15th of the Sustainable Development Goals. Efforts have been made by most developing and developed economies toward the achievement of these goals. Despite the efforts being made by the construction industry toward the achievement of these goals, there are still barriers that prevent built environment consultants from advancing environmental sustainability (ES) of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to identify barriers to ES of construction projects. Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature review on barriers to the adoption of ES was conducted and face-to-face semi-structured interviews of purposively selected built environment consultants in Ghana were carried out. Thematic template analysis of qualitative data was conducted. Findings The key findings from the study include perceived initial costs, lack of knowledge on ES, technological difficulties, external pressures in adopting ES practices and environmental conditions in developing countries. Originality/value The outputs of this study offer strategies which are very significant to the construction industry in embracing ES. Further, the findings contribute to knowledge on achieving the sustainable development agenda.

ACS Style

De-Graft Joe Opoku; Joshua Ayarkwa; Kofi Agyekum. Barriers to environmental sustainability of construction projects. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment 2019, 8, 292 -306.

AMA Style

De-Graft Joe Opoku, Joshua Ayarkwa, Kofi Agyekum. Barriers to environmental sustainability of construction projects. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. 2019; 8 (4):292-306.

Chicago/Turabian Style

De-Graft Joe Opoku; Joshua Ayarkwa; Kofi Agyekum. 2019. "Barriers to environmental sustainability of construction projects." Smart and Sustainable Built Environment 8, no. 4: 292-306.

Journal article
Published: 10 August 2019 in Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
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Purpose This paper aims to identify the key barriers to the adoption of green certification of buildings in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts face-to-face and telephonic interviews with ten built environment professionals, using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative responses to the interview were thematically analysed using NVivo 11 Pro analysis application software. Findings The findings suggest that “lack of information on existing green buildings”, “lack of incentives”, “conservative nature of Ghanaians”, “lack of active government participation”, “inadequate human resource”, “lack of awareness of the benefits”, “cost and financing” and “lack of legal backing” are the eight key barriers that hinder the adoption of green certification of buildings. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to built environment professionals registered with their appropriate professional bodies. The findings cannot be generalized and extended to other developing countries that do not share similar characteristics and context with Ghana. Practical implications Practically, this study highlights, for the benefit of the construction industry and the government, the critical barriers to the adoption of green certification of buildings in Ghana. Identification of these barriers provides a pathway for the provision of pragmatic solutions towards the adoption of green buildings in Ghana. Originality/value Findings of the research make significant contribution to the debate on the barriers to the adoption of green certification of buildings. Four out of the eight barriers (inadequate awareness of the benefits of green certification of buildings, inadequate human resource, conservative nature of Ghanaian and lack of information on existing green buildings) identified are unique in the context of other related studies and advanced knowledge on the subject matter.

ACS Style

Kofi Agyekum; Emmanuel Adinyira; Bernard Baiden; Godslove Ampratwum; Daniel Duah. Barriers to the adoption of green certification of buildings. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology 2019, 17, 1035 -1055.

AMA Style

Kofi Agyekum, Emmanuel Adinyira, Bernard Baiden, Godslove Ampratwum, Daniel Duah. Barriers to the adoption of green certification of buildings. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology. 2019; 17 (5):1035-1055.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kofi Agyekum; Emmanuel Adinyira; Bernard Baiden; Godslove Ampratwum; Daniel Duah. 2019. "Barriers to the adoption of green certification of buildings." Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology 17, no. 5: 1035-1055.

Journal article
Published: 07 May 2019 in Built Environment Project and Asset Management
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Purpose Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of projects is a very important aspect of project execution and management. This is because proper M&E practices have a significant effect on the successful delivery of projects. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of project M&E practices on construction project success criteria. Design/methodology/approach Structured questionnaires were used to solicit the views of project professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry. The questions were developed through critical review of literature and complemented with a pilot interview on the subject. This paper utilized a partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) to establish the impact of project M&E practices (constructs) on project success based on the hypothesis. Findings Results showed that M&E practices had a positive statistical significant relationship with construction project success criteria. In addition, health and safety performance and project scope showed a strong significant relation with M&E practice, implying that, in developing countries, these two main constructs should be given critical attention in achieving project success. Practical implications The findings of this study may be useful to organizations in determining M&E techniques that are relevant and contribute highly to project success. This may go a long way to increase productivity and accelerate the rate of successful project delivery. Originality/value The application of rigorous analysis, PLS–SEM, gives a more reliable information on M&E practices that can ensure successful delivery of construction projects.

ACS Style

Ernest Kissi; Kofi Agyekum; Bernard Baiden; Reuben Agyei Tannor; George Effah Asamoah; Emmanuel Tweneboah Andam. Impact of project monitoring and evaluation practices on construction project success criteria in Ghana. Built Environment Project and Asset Management 2019, 9, 364 -382.

AMA Style

Ernest Kissi, Kofi Agyekum, Bernard Baiden, Reuben Agyei Tannor, George Effah Asamoah, Emmanuel Tweneboah Andam. Impact of project monitoring and evaluation practices on construction project success criteria in Ghana. Built Environment Project and Asset Management. 2019; 9 (3):364-382.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ernest Kissi; Kofi Agyekum; Bernard Baiden; Reuben Agyei Tannor; George Effah Asamoah; Emmanuel Tweneboah Andam. 2019. "Impact of project monitoring and evaluation practices on construction project success criteria in Ghana." Built Environment Project and Asset Management 9, no. 3: 364-382.

Journal article
Published: 11 February 2019 in International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
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PurposeDampness in buildings affects the health of occupants, structural stability and energy efficiency of buildings. Solutions to managing dampness focus on promoting the use of damp-proof construction materials, enhancing methods to avoid the introduction of moisture during construction and creating the awareness on the health effect of dampness. These solutions are incomplete without the identification of behaviours that occupants require to manage dampness. Given that dampness is characterised by the availability of a source, a route for the moisture to travel and driving force for moisture movement, the occupants can be said to play a significant role in contributing to dampness. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachAs a result, this study seeks to examine the behaviours of occupants manifested to manage dampness in residential buildings. To achieve the aim, a qualitative research method was employed, under which interviews were carried out. Occupants in households in the northern and southern parts of England were interviewed to identify the actions, attitudes and beliefs in managing dampness.FindingsThe findings revealed actions such as aeration and the use of anti-damp sprays. From the findings, dampness instilled attitudes such as anger, moodiness and unhappiness. In addition, dampness instilled cleaning habits in occupants due to the lack of comfort moulds create and the awareness of its health impact.Research limitations/implicationsThis research also contributes to existing debates on dampness reduction specifically in residential buildings.Originality/valueThe identification of these behaviours creates the awareness for occupants on their roles in managing dampness and how dampness affects their behaviours in addition to the health impact.

ACS Style

Karen Blay; Kofi Agyekum; Alex Opoku. Actions, attitudes and beliefs of occupants in managing dampness in buildings. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation 2019, 37, 42 -53.

AMA Style

Karen Blay, Kofi Agyekum, Alex Opoku. Actions, attitudes and beliefs of occupants in managing dampness in buildings. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation. 2019; 37 (1):42-53.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Karen Blay; Kofi Agyekum; Alex Opoku. 2019. "Actions, attitudes and beliefs of occupants in managing dampness in buildings." International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation 37, no. 1: 42-53.

Journal article
Published: 11 February 2019 in International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
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PurposeCapillary rise of water in buildings has been an issue of concern among past and present researchers. Despite the research efforts devoted to the proper elimination of the problem in masonry construction, it still remains a challenge that needs to be addressed. The purpose of this paper is to explore treatment mechanisms that can be used to prevent rising damp in new building infrastructure.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 14 test walls are constructed, conditioned, subjected to various treatments and monitored for four years. The treatments applied to the walls include the use of polyethylene damp proof courses, damp proof coatings and dense concrete bases. The walls are then monitored with reference to the two climate seasons in Ghana.FindingsThe results highlight that rising damp is present, as suggested by the constant increase and decrease in the height of the water levels in the walls during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The findings further reveal that within the four-year period, the walls treated with the damp proof coatings, together with those with the dense concrete bases performed better than those treated with the polyethylene damp proof courses.Research limitations/implicationsThe economic and commercial impact of these preventive mechanisms were not considered in this study. A future research can be directed at these issues.Practical implicationsThe proposed treatment mechanisms highlight the effectiveness of some treatments applied to walls to prevent the capillary rise of water from the ground into the superstructure.Social implicationsBuilding regulations, especially in Ghana and other tropical settings should be amended to include ways to prevent rising damp phenomena by including effective methods against rising damp during the building design or construction.Originality/valueSeries of studies worldwide have been conducted in laboratories to simulate the capillary rise of water in walls of buildings. This is among the few studies that look at how water rises from actual ground conditions into the walls of buildings.

ACS Style

Kofi Agyekum; Karen Blay; Alex Opoku. Mechanisms for preventing rising damp in new building infrastructure. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation 2019, 37, 87 -107.

AMA Style

Kofi Agyekum, Karen Blay, Alex Opoku. Mechanisms for preventing rising damp in new building infrastructure. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation. 2019; 37 (1):87-107.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kofi Agyekum; Karen Blay; Alex Opoku. 2019. "Mechanisms for preventing rising damp in new building infrastructure." International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation 37, no. 1: 87-107.

Journal article
Published: 30 November 2018 in Acta Structilia
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Although proper safety management in construction is of prime importance, evidence from literature suggests that many developing countries do not consider safety adequately. This article examines the factors that influence the performance of safety management programmes in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. The objectives set to achieve this aim include identifying the safety elements incorporated in the safety programmes of construction firms, and determining the factors that negatively influence the performance of such elements. For objectivity, a quantitative survey was conducted among safety managers of 60 D1 building construction firms located in the Kumasi and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. The questionnaire was structured into three parts, which sought the respondents’ profile, identified the safety elements incorporated in the firms’ safety programmes, and identified the factors that negatively influence the performance of the safety elements. Following a detailed literature review, the respondents were asked to rate 13 elements and 17 factors on a Likert scale. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22. In addition to determining the reliability of the various constructs, the MSs, modes and standard deviations were obtained. The findings revealed that all of the 13 elements were incorporated in the firms’ safety programmes. The key elements identified include ‘providing safety managers on site’; ‘providing written and comprehensive safety and health plans’; ‘introducing project-specific training and regular safety meetings’; ‘providing safety and health orientation training’, and ‘involving employees in safety and evaluation’. The findings further revealed that 16 of the 17 factors negatively influence the performance of the firms’ safety programmes. The identified factors were, among others, ‘insufficient communication of safety programmes’; ‘lack of workers’ self-protection and awareness’; ‘contractors ignoring safety, due to the time pressures of the project schedule’; ‘poor personal attitudes towards safety’, and ‘ineffective laws and lack of enforcement’. Findings from this study should be useful to construction practitioners seeking to improve the safety records of their firms.

ACS Style

Kofi Agyekum; Barbara Simons; Seth Yeboah Botchway. Factors influencing the performance of safety programmes in the Ghanaian construction industry. Acta Structilia 2018, 25, 39 -68.

AMA Style

Kofi Agyekum, Barbara Simons, Seth Yeboah Botchway. Factors influencing the performance of safety programmes in the Ghanaian construction industry. Acta Structilia. 2018; 25 (2):39-68.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kofi Agyekum; Barbara Simons; Seth Yeboah Botchway. 2018. "Factors influencing the performance of safety programmes in the Ghanaian construction industry." Acta Structilia 25, no. 2: 39-68.

Conference paper
Published: 18 July 2018 in 26th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction
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ACS Style

Emmanuel N. Ankomah; Joshua Ayarkwa; Kofi Agyekum. Conceptual Framework for Capability and Capacity Building of SMEs for Lean Construction Adoption. 26th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction 2018, 231 -239.

AMA Style

Emmanuel N. Ankomah, Joshua Ayarkwa, Kofi Agyekum. Conceptual Framework for Capability and Capacity Building of SMEs for Lean Construction Adoption. 26th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction. 2018; ():231-239.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emmanuel N. Ankomah; Joshua Ayarkwa; Kofi Agyekum. 2018. "Conceptual Framework for Capability and Capacity Building of SMEs for Lean Construction Adoption." 26th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , no. : 231-239.

Journal article
Published: 22 September 2017 in International Journal of Engineering Technologies IJET
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Today, construction practices with potential damages to the environment are carried out uncontrollably to respond to rapidly growing population needs. In the construction sector, which is one of the leading sectors closely following technological developments, steps must be taken to protect the world's ecologic balance. The goal of the professionals is not only to put up a building in accordance with its design but also to comply with environmental requirements in a respectful way. Different parameters such as erroneous design decisions, inadequate work schedules, sudden weather oppositions, defects in product supply can affect directly or indirectly the construction process, resulting in the generation of construction waste on the construction site. These wastes negatively affect the living and non-living environment. It is not technically possible to completely eliminate construction wastes generated during the construction process, but it is possible to control and recover these wastes. For this reason, innovative applications are important in the construction sector. This study examines the potential of BIM applications in preventing/reducing wastes in the construction process. For this purpose; articles that talk about the reasons of waste generation in the construction sector and the relationship between BIM technology and construction waste management practices were examined, and the findings obtained were evaluated. BIM applications have been proposed to be developed to prevent/reduce wastes on the construction site.

ACS Style

Burcu Salgın; Atacan Akgün; Nilay Coşgun; Kofi Agyekum. Construction Waste Reduction Through BIM-Based Site Management Approach. International Journal of Engineering Technologies IJET 2017, 3, 135 -142.

AMA Style

Burcu Salgın, Atacan Akgün, Nilay Coşgun, Kofi Agyekum. Construction Waste Reduction Through BIM-Based Site Management Approach. International Journal of Engineering Technologies IJET. 2017; 3 (3):135-142.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Burcu Salgın; Atacan Akgün; Nilay Coşgun; Kofi Agyekum. 2017. "Construction Waste Reduction Through BIM-Based Site Management Approach." International Journal of Engineering Technologies IJET 3, no. 3: 135-142.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2017 in International Journal of Architecture, Engineering and Construction
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ACS Style

Kofi Agyekum; Joshua Ayarkwa; Salem Mabrouki. Diagnosing Damp in a Tropical Building: Applying Theory to Practice. International Journal of Architecture, Engineering and Construction 2017, 6, 1 .

AMA Style

Kofi Agyekum, Joshua Ayarkwa, Salem Mabrouki. Diagnosing Damp in a Tropical Building: Applying Theory to Practice. International Journal of Architecture, Engineering and Construction. 2017; 6 (3):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kofi Agyekum; Joshua Ayarkwa; Salem Mabrouki. 2017. "Diagnosing Damp in a Tropical Building: Applying Theory to Practice." International Journal of Architecture, Engineering and Construction 6, no. 3: 1.