This paper examines corrective measures for construction project cost control. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the procedures and the essential skills required for conducting corrective measures for project cost control. The source of data for conducting the study was literature review. The study reveals that, cost control models or frameworks have corrective measures activity. Corrective measures are well conducted by identifying the causes of the variances of the various work activities or resources such as materials, labor, plant and equipment, and profit and overheads. The procedure for carrying out corrective measures starts from identification of the cause of the problem to evaluation of the corrective measure undertaken. The skills identified are systematic documentation of problem, creativity, brainstorming, problem solving, and effective collaboration in the work environment. A template report form was proposed for carrying out corrective measures in the cost control process.

Purpose: This study investigated the adaptation of hidden emergency exits in buildings. Lives and properties are lost globally due to fewer or no emergency exits in buildings in case of a disaster. The hidden exits are an alternative means to rescue occupants if the main exit is blocked. Design/methodology/approach: Structural equation modelling was used to model the effect of system features, capability and the occupant’s motivation to adopt the hidden emergency exit. A quantitative research approach was used to find out the adaptation of a hidden emergency exit in buildings using the technology acceptance model. This study adopted a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used for selecting building occupants in the Ejisu Municipality. The population of the study comprised 31,094 dwelling units. The sample size is 379, with a response rate of 72.8%, which is 276 participants. Findings: From the findings, the design variables, which are position, identification by users and number of exits recommended and security variables, had a substantial influence on perceived ease of use. Security, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use had a significant influence on the intention to use hidden emergency exits. The hypothesis was not rejected. Practical implications: The government, through the architects’ professional body, should amend the national building regulations to incorporate the system and design features of this study. Developers should consider the system and design features in the design and construction of buildings. Originality/value: The model of the effect of system features, capabilities and occupants’ motivation to use hidden emergencies is provided. This study adds to the theories of emergency exits in buildings for safe evacuation. This study will improve safety, security and the fast evacuation of lives and properties in buildings.

This study evaluates the impact of Emergency Response Systems (ERS) on infrastructure resilience in the Ashanti Region of Ghana using a quantitative research approach. A questionnaire survey was administered to 225 professionals, including facility managers, engineers, architects, building inspectors, and NADMO officials, yielding 159 valid responses. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations, and exploratory factor analysis and partial least squares structural equation modelling.The findings indicate that both technical and non-technical ERSs significantly affect infrastructure resilience, with nine technical and seven non-technical ERSs receiving high performance ratings. Economic factors, such as property damage, and socio-political issues, including low wages, were closely linked to ERS effectiveness. Key challenges identified included inadequate consideration of cultural factors, limited institutional capacity, and insufficient funding. These challenges were strongly influenced by technical (β = 0.223, p < 0.05) and non-technical (β = 0.462, p < 0.05) ERS elements. Consequently, these limitations affected economic (β = 0.195, p < 0.05) and socio-political (β = 0.325, p < 0.05) outcomes, highlighting the interdependence between ERS components and broader systemic resilience. In practice, the study emphasises the need for integrated ERS planning within broader institutional, legal, and socio-economic systems by government agencies and facility managers. It advocates for targeted technological investments, legal frameworks, community education, and long-term risk management strategies. This study presents a novel interdisciplinary framework that integrates engineering and policy perspectives. Its originality lies in the comprehensive assessment of both technical and non-technical ERS components, offering valuable insights for strengthening infrastructure resilience in developing contexts. Keywords: Emergency response, Disaster, Facilities, Infrastructure resilience, Natural hazard.

This research aims to identify effective practices and strategies that improve preparedness and response capabilities by examining the factors contributing to mitigating challenges in emergency response. A comprehensive literature review was adopted to analyse current trends, case studies, and expert opinions regarding global emergency response infrastructure. The review synthesised existing research and case studies and provided insights into practical experiences and perspectives from diverse operational contexts. The research highlights 11 factors categorised into 7 key factors that contribute significantly to mitigating challenges in emergency response. These factors include community engagement and capacity building, policy and governance, technological integration, collaboration and coordination, cultural and social integration, science and knowledge integration, outsourcing, and local initiative. The study highlights the importance of addressing potential biases in interview responses and the challenge of extrapolating results across different contexts to improve global emergency response results. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, emergency management agencies, and practitioners to implement targeted interventions to strengthen mitigating factors, such as communication infrastructure and community-centered approaches. This study provides empirical evidence and practical insights on effective emergency response strategies, emphasising the importance of proactive measures and integrated approaches for enhanced preparedness and response capacities.

Purpose: Construction organisations utilising green construction techniques have realised reductions in operational expenses and improvements in project efficiency compared with conventional methods. This research examines the relationships among sustainability practices, business continuity and green continuity management, highlighting their combined impact on enhancing construction business continuity. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire to collect data from 319 professionals, including contractors, consultants and project managers. A proposed conceptual framework was examined using structural equation modelling through smart partial least squares to analyse the relationships and evaluate the validity and reliability of the constructs. Findings: The study reveals significant relationships: Sustainability practices significantly influence green continuity management (β = 0.144, p = 0.007), business continuity strongly affects green continuity management (β = 0.291, p < 0.001) and green continuity management substantially impacts construction business continuity (β = 0.600, p < 0.001). The model explains 42.5% of the variance in construction business continuity, demonstrating strong predictive validity. Originality/value: This study offers empirical insights into the mediating role of green continuity management, filling a gap in understanding the relationship between sustainability and business continuity in the construction industry.

Purpose: Emergency evacuation is crucial for occupants’ security in neighbourhoods. Despite the provision of emergency exits, many casualties occur during disasters. This study aims to explore the barriers preventing occupants from using hidden emergency exits (HEE) as a safer alternative. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a quantitative research methodology, using the 31,094 housing units in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. The sample consisted of 379 occupants, selected through purposive and convenience sampling, resulting in a 68% response rate. The data were analysed using normalisation values (NV) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings: From the results, the two most ranked benefits of HEE recorded NV greater than the 0.60 threshold. The 25 barriers were grouped into seven main barriers by the EFA: demographic, economic, technology, facility design, social, technical, government policy and support. In addition, the NV threshold identified and discussed 12 of the 25 barriers as critical. Research limitations/implications: The study focuses on a set of variables that impact HEE and might not encompass other aspects of emergency preparedness. Practical implications: The results highlight the critical need for increased investment in HEE technology, improved facility design and targeted instructional initiatives. Cross-sector collaboration among construction professionals, safety engineers and emergency management officials is also needed to standardise HEE design and policies. Originality/value: This study integrates several variables that hinder the adoption and use of concealed emergency exits. The findings provide opportunities for industry developers of HEE technology to collaborate with construction professionals, ultimately aiming to increase their use.