This study investigates the underlying causes of high dropout rates among Tribhuvan University's (TU) Master of Business Studies (MBS) students. It explores the impact of this trend on the University’s goodwill. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study includes a comprehensive literature review, theoretical framework development, and thematic data analysis through familiarization, coding, theme identification, and refinement. Internal and external factors influencing dropout rates— such as curriculum relevance, educational costs, political interference, institutional practices, and depiction mechanisms—are critically examined. Findings highlight that outdated curricula, insufficient student support services, political instability, and limited financial aid significantly contribute to declining enrollment. To address these challenges, the study recommends continuous curriculum updates, enhanced funding strategies, structured mentorship programs, and efforts to depoliticize the academic environment. Additionally, it advocates for flexible, student-centred learning models and robust support systems to manage dropout rates more effectively. The research implications extend to academic and regulatory institutions, educators, policymakers, and researchers, providing insights for sustainable educational planning, improved student retention, and long term socio-economic development. Ultimately, the study aims to assist TU in evolving into a more dynamic, globally competitive institution that fosters academic excellence and strengthens its institutional reputation.

The present study undertakes a comparative analytical examination of seismic analysis standards in Nepal, focusing on NBC 105:1994 and the updated NBC 105:2020, encompassing both the Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability Limit State (SLS). Employing a regular Reinforced Concrete (RC) apartment building in Pokhara as a case study, the geometric and sectional configurations of structural elements are intentionally kept consistent for comparison. The analysis involves creating a 3D model using ETABS version 19, encompassing linear static, Equivalent Static (ES), and linear dynamic Response Spectrum (RS) analyses, followed by nonlinear static (pushover) analysis. The results highlight substantial differences between the two codes. Base shear from NBC 105:2020 is notably higher, being 28.59% ULS and 22.74% SLS greater than NBC 105:1994. The scale factor for combined response design values is significantly lower in both X and Y directions for NBC 105:2020. Story shear is extended by 33% ES and 37% RS with NBC 105:2020 compared to NBC 105:1994. Maximum design displacement and Inter-Story Drift (ISD) are markedly higher with NBC 105:2020, indicating its more severe seismic parameters. This study emphasized the enhanced seismic resilience provided by NBC 105:2020, particularly evident in increased base shear, reduced design scale factors, and higher values for story shear, displacement, and ISD. These findings contribute valuable insights into the seismic design improvements introduced in Nepal's seismic codes after the Gorkha Earthquake in 2015.

Purpose: This study examines the implementation and performance of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices in the Pokhara Regional International Airport Project (PRIAP), a key public infrastructure initiative in Nepal. Given airports' significance to Nepal’s economy, particularly for tourism and trade, the research highlights the unique safety challenges in airport construction, addressing gaps in OHS management in developing countries.Design/methodology/approach: A case study methodology focused on the PRIAP enabled a thorough analysis of safety practices. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires from various stakeholders. The Cronbach’s alpha and relative importance index (RII) were used to assess response reliability and ranked factors affecting safety performance.Findings: The study identifies both strengths and weaknesses in the project’s OHS practices. While plant and equipment handling and financial aspects, such as budget allocation for safety measures and accident compensation, were deemed satisfactory, significant deficiencies were found in hazard identification and the investigation of near misses. These results suggest that improvements are needed in proactive safety management, particularly in worker-management communication.Research limitations/implications: This study provides valuable insights but is limited by its single-site focus and use of descriptive statistics. Future research should employ advanced statistical methods, like ANOVA, and include multiple construction sites to capture a broader range of OHS challenges. Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of proposed interventions is also essential. Addressing these limitations will enhance the development of comprehensive safety management strategies tailored to the specific needs of construction projects in developing countries.Practical implications: This study provides practical recommendations for improving OHS practices in airport construction and similar large-scale projects in developing countries. Enhanced hazard identification and improved communication among stakeholders can help reduce accidents and boost project efficiency.Social implications: Improving safety regulations and culture can reduce workplace injuries, enhancing workers' well-being and quality of life. This research supports stronger public policies, helping lower economic burdens from accidents, promoting social stability and increasing public trust in regulatory bodies.Originality/value: This research contributes to the limited literature on OHS in airport construction projects in developing countries, particularly in Nepal. The case study methodology provides a detailed examination of safety practices and offers a framework for improving OHS in similar projects.

Background: Concrete comprises cement, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, and water, making it the most widespread construction material globally. However, while producing cement as an important component of concrete, it generates significant CO2 emissions, worsening global warming and environmental challenges worldwide. Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of incorporating jute fiber into concrete mixes of varying proportions to enhance compressive strength. Methods: Concrete mixes of three grades were prepared, with varying percentages of jute (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2%) by weight of cement. Compressive strength tests were conducted at 7 and 28 days of curing. Results: It shows notable enhancements in strength, improvement of 15.07 % (for Nominal mix 1:1:2) and 20.29% (for Nominal mix 1:1.5:3 ) is at the addtion of 1% jute but 6.72% (for Nominal mix 1:2:4) is at addtion of 2% jute mix. Conclusion: Findings suggest that adding jute fiber, particularly with higher cement content, significantly enhances concrete strength, emphasizing its potential as a reinforcing material for sustainable construction.

Road crashes are a leading cause of deaths and severe injuries globally. They are an increasing problem that has immense sectorial and economic impacts. Reducing road traffic crashes (RTCs) is a crucial public safety challenge; therefore, accident analysis has been a burning subject of much research in recent decades. This research aims to analyze RTCs in a Narayanghat to Mugling road segment in Nepal. The data on RTCs, injuries, and fatalities were obtained from the Nepal Traffic Police office. The analysis shows the accident number by year, by month of the year, accidents by time of the day, and the factors responsible for the accidents, like weather and vehicles involved. The analysis further shows the distribution of accidents by the year’s seasons. The result revealed that RTCs are relatively higher in extreme weather. As far as vehicle-wise accident rates are concerned, trucks are the riskiest, followed by buses. Accidents are more common at night than during the day. Several factors are responsible for accidents, but drivers’ faults, such as reckless driving, reckless overtaking, speed driving, etc., account for 80% of total accidents and are the chief causes of RTCs. The situations suggest the urgent need to address the deteriorating situation in RTCs and the need to take appropriate action.

The advent of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has led to a revolutionary transformation in the construction sector on a global scale. The implementation of BIM has resulted in a multitude of benefits, including enhanced project outcomes, cost savings, and improved collaboration. However, in Nepal, the adoption of BIM in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry presents a distinctive set of challenges and opportunities. A survey of architects and engineers in both construction and academia indicates a moderate level of awareness of BIM, with 59% of respondents reporting familiarity with the technology. Of these, 69% employ BIM primarily during the design phase, thereby underscoring its utility in project planning. Nevertheless, practical applications remain constrained, as a considerable proportion of users have less than two years of experience with BIM. Despite its potential, 41% of professionals remain unaware of BIM, indicating a significant knowledge gap. This suggests the need for increased education and training to fully leverage BIM's benefits. While the current focus is on design, broader integration across all project stages is essential to maximize its impact. Expanding awareness and developing skills in BIM will be key to advancing its implementation in Nepal's AEC sector, driving efficiency and innovation in construction practices.