Multilingual churches are significant places that not only serve as a medium of communication but also as a tool for building and negotiating social identity. Language diversity in churches has grown and escalated the importance of investigating the role of language use on church members’ experiences of belonging, participation and inclusion in worship. This study focused on the role of language choice in the construction and negotiation of social identities of church members in the multilingual churches in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design where 377 church members were surveyed using questionnaire and interview. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic and discourse analysis for qualitative data. The results indicated that language choice had a significant effect on how social identity was formed and expressed, as it affected the sense of belonging, participation and acceptance of the members in the church communities. English, Kiswahili, indigenous Kenyan languages and code-switching were strategically used to help churches respond to the linguistic diversity of congregants, boost common religious identities and reduce social exclusion. This sometimes led to an experience of marginalization for certain members of the congregation; however, as these were seen as dominant languages, often the relationship between language, power and identity was complex in multilingual worship contexts. Read more

Globally, construction conflicts are acknowledged as a leading cause of project delays, cost overruns, and strained professional relationships. Previous studies have explored the use of litigation using interviews and questionnaires to collect the opinion, experience, and knowledge of experts. Consequently, there is limited empirical evidence based on judicial decisions. Therefore, this research explores litigation using a wealth of data from real construction court cases using R software to perform the analysis. The search strategy resulted in 101 court cases categorized as contract (63%), tort (28%), and employment/labor (9%) related cases. The overall winning rate by plaintiffs is 93%, with over 60% of these conflicts resolved in more than 2 years. The main causes of conflicts in the construction industry are non-payment and breach of contract, responsible for over 75% of all conflicts in the construction industry. Furthermore, the study findings show that an average of USD 90,000 and USD 16,000 are awarded as special and general damages, respectively. In conclusion, based on the lengthy time taken to resolve construction conflicts in comparison to the judicial targets and lead time, the judicial system in Uganda appears inefficient. Read more

The persistent rise in graduate unemployment has become a major socio-economic challenge in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria, where the formal labour market has become increasingly incapable of absorbing the growing number of graduates. The building construction industry presents enormous opportunities for self-employment through contracting, consultancy services, project management, building maintenance, and specialized construction trades. However, many graduates of Building Technology Education programmes lack the technical, entrepreneurial, workplace, and digital competencies required for successful enterprise establishment and sustainability. This study examined the role of an Integrated Competency-Based Learning for Self-Employment Development (ICBLSED) Model in promoting self-employment in the building construction industry. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was conducted in public universities in Southern Nigeria offering Building Technology Education programmes. The population comprised 186 lecturers, and a census approach was adopted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while independent t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that technical, entrepreneurial, workplace, and digital competencies significantly influence self-employment readiness and enterprise sustainability. The study concluded that an integrated competency-based learning model provides an effective framework for preparing Building Technology Education graduates for sustainable self-employment in the building construction industry. Read more

This study assessed the effectiveness of Agile Scrum practices in enhancing team collaboration in construction projects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The research was motivated by persistent challenges in the construction industry such as poor communication, weak coordination, delays, and cost overruns, which are often linked to ineffective team collaboration. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 171 construction professionals drawn from selected construction firms in Port Harcourt using a structured questionnaire. The study examined the extent of adoption of Scrum practices, the factors hindering their implementation, their effectiveness in improving team coordination, and strategies for enhancing their use in construction projects. Data were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. Findings revealed that Agile Scrum practices such as sprint planning, daily stand-up meetings, sprint reviews, and iterative feedback are moderately adopted in construction projects and significantly improve team communication, coordination, and task alignment. It was concluded that Agile Scrum practices enhance team collaboration when properly implemented within a supportive organizational environment. The study recommends continuous training, provision of technological tools, flexible organizational structures, and strong management commitment to improve Scrum adoption and team collaboration in construction projects in Port Harcourt. Read more

The effective management of human resources (HR) is a critical determinant of successful residential property development, particularly in rapidly urbanizing environments such as Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria. Despite the increasing demand for residential properties in the metropolis, numerous challenges continue to hinder effective human resource management (HRM) within the property development sector. This study explored these challenges by drawing insights from property developers, construction professionals, and HR practitioners. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, using structured questionnaires administered to 213 stakeholders, of which 174 valid responses were analyzed representing an 81.7% response rate. Both descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, RII) and inferential (regression analysis) analyses were employed to examined the extent of HRM challenges and their impact on development outcomes. Findings revealed that major HRM challenges included inadequate training and capacity building, high labor turnover, poor motivation and welfare schemes, weak recruitment and selection processes, limited technological integration, and regulatory bottlenecks. The study further showed that these challenges significantly affected productivity, cost efficiency, and project delivery timelines in residential property development. The study concluded that addressing HRM challenges through continuous professional development, fair labor practices, and the adoption of modern HR technologies can substantially improve performance outcomes in the sector. The study recommended policy support, capacity-building initiatives, and a more structured HR framework to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of residential property development in Owerri Metropolis. Read more

Health and safety compliance in all industries is a serious issue of concern. More especially in small and medium size construction firms can never be over emphasized. This study was motivated by the reason of daily health and safety related cases on construction sites within and outside the Nigerian construction industry. The differences which exist in the anthropological culture of people provide the curiosity to determine how it influences the level of health and safety compliance of the construction artisans. Therefore, this study will determine the level of health and safety compliance by the construction artisans of different anthropological cultures: Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). This study area is preferred because it has the highest share of construction activities and composition of the various anthropological cultures in Nigeria. A quantitative study; survey questionnaire was used by means of cluster sampling type of the random sampling technique. The data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 21. From the results obtained; it shows that the composition of the construction artisans of the small and medium construction firms in the AMAC are; Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and the rest which are termed as “Others” in this study. The result shows that Hausa are the most populated, the “Others” are the next, followed by the Yoruba, and the last but not the least is the Igbo. The result shows that the level of artisans complains to the health and safety on small and medium construction firms is generally moderate. Read more

The value of real estate investments is significantly influenced by road infrastructure, which enhances accessibility and fosters urban development. This study examines the impact of road construction on property values in peri-urban areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, with a focus on the relationship between transportation infrastructure and real estate dynamics. Specifically, the research evaluates how developments along Akala Road and Ologuneru-Eruwa Road affect property rental and capital values. A cross-sectional design was employed, using questionnaires administered to property occupiers, estate surveyors, and investors. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis to identify key factors influencing property values, such as road morphology, accessibility, and the effects of road construction. The study reveals mixed perceptions among 250 respondents, with road construction generally viewed as positively influencing business operations, reducing congestion, and encouraging property investment. Notably, 42% of respondents rated road expansion as moderately effective in causing property loss, while concerns about increased safety costs, air pollution, and noise pollution were also noted, with these factors being rated as moderately effective by most participants. Road construction was found to enhance accessibility, reduce traffic diversions, and increase vehicular speeds. However, respondents expressed concerns about property loss, increased crime rates, and environmental degradation, highlighting the complex nature of road construction’s impact on property values. The study underscores the need for comprehensive planning and mitigation strategies, recommending proactive communication with local communities to address concerns and ensure the positive impacts of road construction projects. Keywords: Road Construction, Property Value, Environmental Impact, Urban Development, Peri-Urban Areas, Economic Growth, Community Perception. Word Count: 241 The value of real estate investments is significantly influenced by road infrastructure, which enhances accessibility and fosters urban development. This study examines the impact of road construction on property values in peri-urban areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, with a focus on the relationship between transportation infrastructure and real estate dynamics. Specifically, the research evaluates how developments along Akala Road and Ologuneru-Eruwa Road affect property rental and capital values. A cross-sectional design was employed, using questionnaires administered to property occupiers, estate surveyors, and investors. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis to identify key factors influencing property values, such as road morphology, accessibility, and the effects of road construction. The study reveals mixed perceptions among 250 respondents, with road construction generally viewed as positively influencing business operations, reducing congestion, and encouraging property investment. Notably, 42% of respondents rated road expansion as moderately effective in causing property loss, while concerns about increased safety costs, air pollution, and noise pollution were also noted, with these factors being rated as moderately effective by most participants. Road construction was found to enhance accessibility, reduce traffic diversions, and increase vehicular speeds. However, respondents expressed concerns about property loss, increased crime rates, and environmental degradation, highlighting the complex nature of road construction’s impact on property values. The study underscores the need for comprehensive planning and mitigation strategies, recommending proactive communication with local communities to address concerns and ensure the positive impacts of road construction projects. Read more

Construction firms are currently facing intense competition in the market, prompting them to seek new business strategies to gain a competitive advantage. Factors such as market fragmentation, globalization, and increased customer bargaining power have intensified this competition. A recent study evaluated the ability of local construction firms in Katsina State to compete with multinational construction firms by applying the constructability principle. This study aims to assess the ability of indigenous construction firms in Katsina State to compete with multinational firms by implementing constructability principles. The study found that professionals in Indigenous construction firms possess substantial skills and knowledge and highlighted the importance of modularisation/pre-assembly design in enhancing competitiveness. However, barriers such as a lack of awareness and resistance to formal constructability programs, poor communication skills, and insufficient construction experience must be addressed for indigenous firms to implement the constructability principle and compete with multinational firms effectively. Read more

The study established how Combined Financial risk management habits influenced performance of Real Estate Construction Housing projects in Busia County. Data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview schedules and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics involved quantitative data analysis while inferential statistics involved testing of research hypotheses using spearman correlation and regression analysis. The study found that Combined Financial risk management practices influence performance of real estate construction housing projects in Busia County. The overall correlation coefficient for Combined Financial risk management practices and Performance of real estate construction housing projects in Busia County was found to be 0.637 with a p-value of 0.000 < α=0.05 implying that from the views of participants in the study, the results indicated that there was a significant relationship between Combined Financial Risk Management practices and Performance of real estate construction housing projects in Busia County. The simple linear regression coefficients as well as the Pearson correlation results indicated that there was significant influence of Combined Financial risk management practices on Performance of real estate construction housing projects in Busia County. Read more

This study assessed the mechanical and durability properties of compressed stabilized earth bricks (CSEB) made from laterite soil, stabilized with various proportions of fly ash and lime (4% to 12%). Tests conducted on the soil sample and Fly ash used for the research, proved that the soil is True Laterite (S-S=1.0370%). A total of 165 CSEB samples were produced and the research identified various properties as a result of changing the proportion of the stabilizers. The findings of the study revealed compressive strength of CSEB 8 (5% fly ash,5% lime) at 28th days and CSEB 11 (6% fly ash,6% lime) at 14th ,28th days as 1.72 N/mm2 ,1.69N/mm2 and 2.02 N/mm2 respectively, met the requirement for construction material in rural houses, bungalow and low rise buildings. The mean bulk density values ranged from 1727.35 to 1865.35 kg/m3. for all curing age. From water absorption test results, all values obtained fell below the maximum recommendation except for CSEB 1 (2% fly ash,2% lime) and CSEB 2 (4% fly ash,2% lime) as specified by NIS 87 (2004) and NBRRI (2008). Read more