Modular construction has been identified as a major part of the continuous improvement being experienced in site procedures and construction processes globally. Few construction projects are being executed using modular building components in developing countries. This study is aimed at assessing the challenges to the implementation of the modular method of construction (MMC) with a focus on developing countries using two major states in Nigeria as a case study. A quantitative research approach was adopted with the design of a questionnaire survey. The study engaged construction professionals such as Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Engineers, Builders and Project Managers in Nigeria. Data retrieved were analysed using percentile, mean item score, Kruskal-Wallis H-Test as well as exploratory factor analysis. The findings showed that construction practitioners are faced with the challenge of finding a compromise between the cost of the project and the value obtainable by using MMC. The challenges were further classified into construction industry practices, client concerns and site characteristics. Practically, the study revealed the need for the proper enlightenment of both construction practitioners and clients with regards to the inherent value of the MMC. This involves the inclusion of MMC requirements in the client’s information requirement for the construction project, the tender pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ), and the contractor’s technical method statement for the construction project. Theoretically, the study serves as a good foundation for future research seeking to explore the use of MMC in developing countries. The study will assist construction organisations as well as the industry at large in shaping their policies to accommodate the use of innovative methods of construction by understanding the challenges that might hinder its effective implementation.

This paper aimed to unveil the outcome of an appraisal of the systematic approach to construction information management. This was performed with a view of creating awareness of how information management can be beneficial through the management of the large chunk of information emanating from construction processes. This will improve the gathering, sharing, and storage of information for construction activities. The study implemented a quantitative survey approach with the aid of a questionnaire as the mechanism for data gathering from architects, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, mechanical and electrical engineers, construction managers, and project managers. Data analysis ensued with the aid of SPSS in which applicable measure of dispersal and inferential statistics were implemented. The study unveiled that information management is a major aspect of the construction procedure, and that, to achieve in construction, there must be a well-structured information system. Further findings revealed that the benefits of information management include the firm’s growth, organizational performance, enhanced market value, employee’s motivation, and quality service. The prowess of this study depends on the appraisal of the benefits of systematic management of construction information and how identification of the benefits can help to motivate construction companies.

The construction industry has been tasked to adapt to technological advancements that other industries have implemented to grow and remain relevant. One of these technological advancements is augmented reality technologies. ART combines real and virtual worlds without completely immersing the individual in a virtual simulation. The use of ART can significantly improve education and training, especially in the construction industry, by analysing real-world environments while training in a controlled setting. This study, therefore, sets out to identify the factors that hinder the use of ART in the built environment. To achieve this, a quantitative research approach was adopted, and questionnaires were distributed to professionals in the built environment using South Africa as the research location. Retrieved data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that investment cost is the major hindrance stakeholders face in implementing ART for education and training in the built environment. The exploratory factor analysis result clustered the identified barriers as internal organisation-related, culture-related, knowledge-related, and educator-related barriers. The study concluded that stakeholders in the built environment still have major responsibilities to ensure there is proper awareness of the benefits of adopting ART for education and training.

Studies have shown that culture is one of the significant elements that influence the behavior of doing things the right way, without which there is a hindrance to the attainment of set goals. It has also been stated that culture is essential to maintaining public buildings, which is significant to national development. However, the level of abandonment and deterioration of public buildings is high due to a lack of culture among stakeholders in the maintenance process. Therefore, through a literature review from over 100 recent publications, this study measured culture as a variable that influences effective maintenance management of buildings. This was carried out to enlighten maintenance managers and policymakers within the developing countries regarding the significance of maintenance culture and possible measures for improving the attitude of stakeholders on the maintenance process. It was also carried out to develop a new maintenance focus (behavioral change) for maintenance managers and policymakers, especially in developing countries, to manage the available public buildings and other proposed ones effectively.

BIM is broadly useful in the construction industry, and it is a significant tool in maintenance management, yet it is regularly misinterpreted and not used adequately. Maintenance management is the complete administration of all amenities that supports the fundamental operations or uses of a building or facility. This study aims to evaluate the key requirements for the effective implementation of Building Information Modelling. A quantitative research method was adopted to achieve the aim of the study using a questionnaire survey. A total of one hundred and twenty-six questionnaires were retrieved from respondents in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The respondents include facility managers, construction managers, quantity surveyors, architects, and engineers. Retrieved data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study revealed that training of construction management staff; increased awareness of BIM; and full support from the owner are the key requirements while factor analysis clustered the requirements into three groups, namely top management commitment; awareness and training; and organizational technical capabilities. The study concluded that a huge responsibility is placed on the top management of an organization to promote the adoption of BIM for the maintenance management of infrastructure in the construction industry. The findings of the study are valuable to facility managers and facility stakeholders as it gives an insight into the implementation of BIM in the sector, which few studies have addressed since the advent of BIM globally.

Purpose: A maintenance budget is an element of maintenance management (MM) that deals with financial planning for maintenance operations and execution within a maintenance organisation. Developed countries have standardised MM structures which guides maintenance activities. This, however, cannot be said of developing countries, as there are few or no MM standards adopted. Given this contextual setting, the study aims to validate the relevance of maintenance budget (MB) elements utilised in developed countries for developing countries – using Nigeria as a case study exemplar. Also, the study further examines the effectiveness of the validated maintenance budget elements.Design/methodology/approach: The research adopts qualitative techniques and employs the Delphi survey to collect and analyse primary data from an operational perception through structured questionnaires to solicit views from panellists on the subject being assessed. A relative importance index (RII) was used in measuring consensus for the Delphi study outcomes, while a Cronbach Alpha test was carried out on all the MB elements to determine their level of reliability.Findings: The key finding from the study reveals that of the 21 elements that influence the implementation of MB, 10 elements have a very high influence on the MM of buildings (VHI: 9.00–10.00), 5 elements had a high influence (HI: 7.00–8.99) and 6 other elements scored medium impact (MI: 5.00–6.99). The elements of MB that recorded very high influence on prompt MM effectiveness include MB implementation, corruption-free maintenance process, reduction in maintenance expenditure, maintenance financial plan, cost implication of maintained asset, cash flow indexing, prioritisation of maintenance financing, maintenance funding, incorporation of financial indicators and audit of operational maintenance cost.Practical implications: On a practical note, these elements will guide the built environment professionals in organising maintenance activities to best use limited resources.Originality/value: Cumulatively, the research presented shows that these elements are similar to those of other countries. Effective MM of buildings is assured when these elements are integral to developing a MB.