World Scientific News

 Journal

 Solar Photovoltaic System: A Case Study Of Akure, Nigeria

 Saka, A. B., Olawumi, T. O., & Omoboye, A. J.

 2017

Erratic supply of electricity to residential buildings has led many occupants/owners to source for alternative sources to complement the epileptic supply from the National Grid. The sun produces energy expense-free, which is being untapped in this part of the country and thus the energy of the sun is being wasted. This energy can easily be converted to electric power for use in both in residential areas and industrial sectors through solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This paper assessed the level of awareness, adoption and barriers as related to solar PV system in Akure by assessing one hundred and fifty (150) residential buildings randomly with a structured questionnaire administered to the occupants/owners. The findings revealed that; a large percentage of the residential buildings make use of diesel/petrol generating set as an alternative to the National grid, that the level of awareness of solar PV is significantly low, the willingness to adopt is high but it’s hindered by cost implication of the system. The study’s findings contribute to the growing literature in the adoption of renewable energy for electricity generation, highlighted the major barriers hindering this for effective solutions to be proffer. It also provides a prospective market for those interested in the solar energy market. 

 Journal Of Civil And Environmental Research

 Journal

 Achieving Value For Money (VFM) In Construction Projects

 Olatunji, S.O., Olawumi, T.O., & Awodele, O.A.

 2017

Value for Money is the client’s assessment of the project delivered and/or services rendered by the various project stakeholders as it met the pre-determined objectives. The study focused on ways by which the required value for money can be achieved in a project, these includes detailed risk analysis and appropriate risk allocation, drive for faster project completion, curtailment in project cost escalation, encouragement of innovation in project development, preparation of a detailed specification etc. Highlighted among management tools that can aid the achievement of the desired VFM includes Life Cycle Cost analysis, Value Management, Building Information Modelling, and Lean Construction methods. The study argued for the ex-ante VFM assessment to be carried out at the design stage of a project; the importance of an ex-post VFM assessment after project completion was stressed, this is due to the fact that it helps to determine whether or not value for money has actually been delivered. Meanwhile, the barriers to achieving value for money on investment for the client were discussed with recommendations for improving VFM practices. The findings of this research provide necessary information and instruments to assist the various project stakeholders to make informed and supportable decisions. 

 ASCE Journal Of Construction Engineering And Management [American Society Of Civil Engineers]

 Journal

 Rethinking Partnering Among Quantity Surveying Firms In Nigeria

 Olatunji, S.O., Olawumi, T.O., & Aje, I.O.

 2017

This paper explores the benefits and barriers to partnering in quantity-surveying (QS) firms in Nigeria, and suggests projects and professional services best served by this practice. A mixed research design informs the identification of related concepts from extant literature and data collection from 132 registered members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) which were analyzed using statistical tools. The commitment of top management is found to be a key barrier to QS firm partnering. The facilitation of knowledge exchange and inclusivity is the most significant benefit. In this paper, feasibility studies, expert advice, and lifecycle costing are key services of QS firms that would benefit from partnering, and research findings also favor engineering projects as core projects in which QS firms should utilize partnering. This study presents project stakeholders with practical and efficient strategies to facilitate the implementation of partnering arrangements to execute construction projects and has considerable implications for the quantity-surveying practice because it recommends professional services and projects with greater viability for the partnering arrangement. 

 Mendeley Data

 Others

 Geospatial Map Of The Global Research On Sustainability And Sustainable Development: Generating And Converting KML Files To Map

 Olawumi, T. O., & Chan, D. W. M.

 2017

The animated map is handy for academics and practitioners, as a more dynamic alternative to scientific databases such as Scopus or ISI Web of Science in the quest to ease the identification of sustainability research publications within a city or region. More so, using this study animated map would be useful in tracking the trend of articles published over the years in the various countries. A downloadable version of this study’s animated geospatial map is available at https://goo.gl/aHsGBu; which can be viewed with any web browser. An online conversion tool (GPS Visualizer - http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/) was used in converting the KML files which was earlier generated via CiteSpace. 

 Journal Of Civil Engineering And Management [Tandfonline]

 Journal

 Evolution In The Intellectual Structure Of BIM Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

 Olawumi, T.O., Chan, D.W.M., & Wong, J.K.W.

 2017

Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes have continued to gain relevance in the Architectural, En- gineering, and Construction (AEC) industry with more resources directed toward it. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 445 BIM articles to investigate and understand the pattern of BIM research which include defining BIM research categories, evaluating the project sectors that are influenced by BIM, and tracking the funding structure of BIM research. A network map that displays a visualization of the structure of BIM literature by research origin, funding structure and geographical scope was designed. None of the previous reviews of literature analyzed the BIM articles’ corpus to such level and depth. The findings revealed research categories such as construction and project management and BIM learning, adoption & practice as the core research areas in BIM and highlighted trending research themes in BIM research. Authors based in Asia and Europe received more research grants than their counterparts in other regions; likewise, two-third of the articles was authored by academics in the United States, Korea, and the United Kingdom. The study provides its readers with relevant research areas that require considerations, and the discussion of selected research areas provides an extensive understanding of salient BIM fields. 

 Journal Of Public Policy And Administration

 Journal

 Nigeria’s Public Procurement Law-Puissant Issues And Projected Amendments

 Olatunji, S.O., Olawumi, T.O., & Odeyinka, H.A.

 2016

The Public Procurement Act 2007 brought a sense of regulation or framework to the procurement process in Nigeria. Preceding this law, Nigerian public procurement was not formally regulated in the sense that there was no law, which governed procurement at the federal or State level. This paper examined the various parts and sections of the PPA Act 2007 towards identifying major loopholes of the Act, as it may allow one party to circumvent the Act's intention without actually breaking that law. Some identified loopholes included ambiguity in the qualification criteria of a procurement manager, non inclusion of the AEC professional on the National Council on Public Procurement, its failure to provide methods for dispute resolution etc. Meanwhile, some challenges militating against the implantation of the PPA Act 2007 identified were the absence of strong and compelling institutions, pervading corruption that has become Nigeria socio-cultural value, citizen’s refusal to demand accountability etc. Although some provisions of the PPA Act were amended in 2009 by the Nigerian Senate, some other vital amendments were proposed to the relevant authorities for evaluation and legislation. The findings of this research provide instrument and ideas that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigeria’s procurement process. 

 World Scientific News

 Journal

 Value Management- Creating Functional Value For Construction Projects: An Exploratory Study

 Olawumi, T.O., Akinrata, E.B., & Arijeloye, B.T.

 2016

Value management is a process whereby the project is evaluated and scrutinised to obtain maximum value for money by following a prescribed methodology. It focuses on the value, rather than cost, in relation to the function of the element of the project. However, value relates to what an element does. The key benefit of VM is the financial benefits to the client; other benefits include a clearer brief, improved communication, use of local materials etc. However, there are barriers to its application such as inadequate training and education, the unwillingness to entertain new ideas, lack of regulatory framework etc. Also, the following drivers of VM approach were identified: establishment of a regulatory framework, client’s awareness, establishment of a group support system on VM etc. This paper considers value management from a functional value perspective and argues for greater recognition for it to form an integral part of projects. 

 Journal Of Education And Practice

 Journal

 Are Quantity Surveyors Competent To Value For Civil Engineering Works?

 Olawumi, T.O., & Ayegun, O.A.

 2016

The role of the quantity surveyor is one that is often unclear amongst the general public. This study discussed the competencies of the quantity surveyor in measuring and managing civil engineering works and also carrying out the financial management for civil engineering construction projects; also outlined the various competencies and skills required of quantity surveyors in discharging and managing their professional duties. The core activities of quantity surveyors include determining project budgets, measuring project quantities, preparing contract documentation (such as Bills of Quantities and cost control documents), administering contracts, and preparing final accounts. The study also examines recent developments in the profession, which have led to the quantity surveyor delivering a number of management related consultancy services, in response to rising client expectations and demands. The militating factors to QS participation in the Nigeria AEC industry were identified as skills and knowledge, competencies, identity or branding issues, fewer QS in public service among others. The study advocated a change in culture and the inclusion of quantity surveyors on civil engineering projects in order for the industry to leverage on the dynamism of the quantity surveying profession. 

 Journal Of Economics And Sustainable Development

 Journal

 Demystifying Issues Regarding Public Private Partnerships (PPP)

 Olatunji, S.O., Olawumi, T.O., & Ogunsemi, D.R.

 2016

Public-private sector collaboration is an evolving concept which takes many forms around the world, and it is essentially an arrangement by which private entrepreneurs provide support for the provision of public infrastructure. This study explored the collaborative framework of the public-private partnership (PPP) as a change process, highlighted basic characteristics, benefits, key principles of PPPs and its success path; it also clarify the structure, process and delivery system of joint-venture (JV) PPPs and the concession PPPs; while also identifying categories of projects that can benefit from the use of the PPP. It revealed successful attempts by central governments in financing new infrastructure projects through private sector participation due to the paucity of funds while facilitating innovation in infrastructure development. Joint-ventures PPPs which involves the incorporation of a company where the public actor is both the regulator and a shareholder in the joint operating company; it also involves the sharing of the attendant revenues, benefits/loss, and costs but despite been of local value is described as the true PPP. Concession PPP, however, is of national value and involves the transfer of risks to parties most suitable in managing it but the project financing is the sole responsibility of the private actor.