Papers by ARCA CONFERENCE
Over the years that entrepreneurship education has been inculcated into educational curriculum in... more Over the years that entrepreneurship education has been inculcated into educational curriculum in Nigeria, it is yet to record a meaningful success as the rate of unemployment is still high. Capital is very important in starting up a venture because an individual who has got the necessary skills and competence required being an entrepreneur cannot start up without a substantial amount of physical capital in Nigeria. This study therefore, examines the nexus between entrepreneur and the provision of physical capital in Nigeria. Specifically, the study shall investigate the causality between entrepreneurship education and provision of physical capital in Nigeria during the period 1979-2012. Content analysis was adopted mainly in this paper. The finding indicated that from the year 2000 when physical capital drops unemployment rises very high. This suggests that the provision of physical capital is a necessary ingredient that will enable graduates to start up business on their own no matter how small without having to wait for the government to provide them with jobs, thereby reducing the rate of unemployment to the barest minimum. Unemployment among youths in Nigeria has every tendency to escalate the rate poverty and corruption and other social crime especially among youth. The government should encourage a diversification of the economy through adequate support for private establishments and practical acquisition of skills in all higher institutions. Methodology and Findings need to be stated
Keywords: capital, entrepreneurship; education, graduate; unemployment,
The frequent criticism of the performance of Nigerian Indigenous contractors is a consequence of ... more The frequent criticism of the performance of Nigerian Indigenous contractors is a consequence of management incapacity and poor project planning. This can be addressed if contractors understand the indicators of project planning success and apply this knowledge in the planning of their project tasks. This research therefore aims at identifying contractors’ project planning success indicators and their level of importance. Literature review and interviews, revealed sixteen contractors’ project planning success indicators. The study used a questionnaire survey method and administered 300 questionnaires through purposive sampling to indigenous contractors, consultants and public professionals in northern Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using SPSS 17 for: reliability, correlation, and significance tests, as well as descriptive statistics. The research findings reveal that all the identified success indicators are important to contractors in attaining project planning success. The most important success indicators are: plan’s adherence to time; plan’s adherence to quality; and adequacy of plan in determining suppliers’ delivery dates. The study therefore recommends that contractors should: understand the technicalities in project planning through the adoption of project management methodology; adopt ICT in project planning; employ a competent workforce, embark on continuous training and have good knowledge of the construction market. This research finding will facilitates the indigenous contractors in attaining project success, consequently, enhance the performance of the NCI to meet international best practice.
Keywords: Construction industry, Indigenous, contractors, Success, indicators
The building industry is a key player in the transformation of socio-economic development globall... more The building industry is a key player in the transformation of socio-economic development globally. It creates employment and provides shelter and other infrastructural developments. However, issues of quality cost and time overrun are contending factors that leads to building failures, poor infrastructural developments, and insufficient service delivery amongst others. This study is aimed to investigate the adoption of Life Cycle Management (LCM) in transforming building industry in Nigeria. Data were collected from a population of 350 Architects, 352 Builders, 354 Engineers, 354 Quantity Surveyors, 350 Urban and Regional Planners and 350 Contractors. From each of these populations, a stratified random sampling of 10% was obtained and a formula was used to provide a sample of n = 210. Data was collected by use of standardized questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistic was used to analyse in establishing whether there is a statistical significant difference between LCM adoption and how it can influence project performance in transforming the building industry in Nigeria. Chi-Square statistics was used test the hypothesis at 95% confidence level. The results indicated a significant difference meaning that the higher the LCM the adoption, the higher the project performance. Hence, the possibilities and realities of the state of construction in Nigeria, LCM if fully adopted; can transform the building industry in terms of better project performances.
Keywords: Building, LCM, Possibilities, Realities, Transformation
Tanzania soon will be a producer of gas. The gas is going to be used for domestic and production ... more Tanzania soon will be a producer of gas. The gas is going to be used for domestic and production purposes but the current business environment does not suggest that business opportunities will be created for indigenous to benefit by being active participants either by doing business or being employed. Therefore the purpose of this study is identifying the business opportunities which can be established due to gas explorations. The business opportunities were identified through literature review from readings which explained other countries experience. The study was conducted through review of different studies both local and international. The studies revealed that there are many business opportunity which will develop but only if there is proper governing of gas value chain activities. Therefore the government should first develop policy and regulation to govern the gas activities. In order for fair business to involve both foreigners and indigenous and create more business opportunities.
Keywords: Value Chain, Global, Gas, Business, Tanzania
This review conceptualizes the strength embedded in sports and exercise science professionals whi... more This review conceptualizes the strength embedded in sports and exercise science professionals which can revolve the socio-economic fortune of a developing nation owing to the trend at which health care providers advocate exercise inclusion in prophylactic processes. Exercise scientists are acquaint with the knowledge of physiological mechanisms underlying physical activity; delivery of treatment services concerned with analysis, improvement and maintenance of health and fitness; rehabilitation of heart disease and other diseases and /or disabilities; and render guidance and counselling services in sports training and human adaptability to acute and chronic exercise tailored towards social emancipation of individuals. Application of notable theories underlying the practices addressed and pragmatic utilization of viable proficiencies in enriching the economic base of the society are entrenched in a model of socio-economic interlock that transform into national development due to fitness level of citizens. From the model, it is noteworthy that sports and exercise scientists do not only enhanced and optimized social integration through exercise and physical fitness programmes but also make certain that manpower are energized to contribute maximally to gross domestic products.
Keywords: Sports, Scientists, Exercise, Physiologists, Wellness
The zipper is a recent addition to the family of sewn in closures, but it has pretty much taken o... more The zipper is a recent addition to the family of sewn in closures, but it has pretty much taken over as the universal closure since its introduction. Zippers are produced for different end uses and hence, zippers produced for a particular end use must meet performance requirements for the intended end use. However zippers sold on the Ghanaian market for the clothing industry easily fail during use. The aim of the study was to examine the strength of zippers on the Ghanaian market. The objectives are to identify the relationship between the various tests conducted on the holding strength of stops and teeth separation strength of a zipper. To identify relationship between zipper type and the holding strength of stops and teeth separation strength of zippers.Stratified random sampling technique was used to sample 125 zippers from five different types of zippers on the Ghanaian market for laboratory testing. The results revealed that the metal zipper was the strongest in terms of the top and bottom stop holding strength however; all the zippers failed the teeth separation strength test. The study recommends that Ghana Standards Authority should establish standards for zippers that are imported into the country.
Keywords: Zipper, Strength, Market, Tensile, Ghana
Zippers are one of the commonly used fasteners in the clothing industry in Ghana because zipper c... more Zippers are one of the commonly used fasteners in the clothing industry in Ghana because zipper costs relatively less and are easier to fasten than other fasteners. However, it is perceived that most zippers on the Ghanaian market do not function effectively as they should due to incorrect practices in dressmaking. The aim of the study was to examine the factors in garment construction that affect the performance of zippers. The objectives are to identify the effect of garment fit on zipper performance and to determine the effect of zipper application method on zipper performance. The research design used was cross-sectional survey and the simple random sampling technique was used to sample 325 tailors, dressmakers and fashion students from the Cape Coast Metropolis for their views on the performance of zippers on the Ghanaian market. The main findings of the study were that Close fitted garments and the concealed zipper application method all affected zipper performance negatively. The study therefore recommended that dressmakers should upgrade their skills on appropriate garment fit and correct zipper application to reduce zipper failure.
Keywords: Zipper; Fastener; Performance; Garment; Ghana
The study on Public Private Partnership and infrastructure development in Nigeria was carried ou... more The study on Public Private Partnership and infrastructure development in Nigeria was carried out to determine the factors militating against the implementation of PPP projects in Anambra State. The study adopted descriptive research design. The major instrument for data collection was questionnaire which was structured using four point likert scale. T- Test was used to analyse the data. The findings reveal that weak regulatory framework is a factor militating against Implementation of PPP project in Anambra State. It was also found that inadequate allocation of risks and responsibilities is a factor that hampers the execution of public-private partnership project in Anambra State. It was recommended that Government should establish a strong legal and regulatory framework that will facilitate the success of PPP arrangement in Anambra, the framework will ensure that PPP projects are well implemented in accordance with specified agreement. Also government should propose amendment of existing legislation or legal framework that will ensure that public authorities are empowered to enter into agreements for the implementation of privately financed infrastructure projects and also ensure that the regulation or legal framework is transparent, and effective, this will facilitate the success of PPP arrangement in Anambra State. Furthermore government at all levels, Federal, State and Local should develop a moral will power or justification and capacity to enforce the laws, monitor and ensure that the parties comply with the set standard.
Keywords: PPP, infrastructure, Development, Water scheme, Nigeria
In the contemporary world, democracy is regarded as the best system of governance given that it i... more In the contemporary world, democracy is regarded as the best system of governance given that it is people centered and development oriented. Indeed, the positive relationship between democracy and development is globally acclaimed because its practice has the potential to enhance development. Virtually, all African nations, largely for this reason, have adopted democratic system of government. Yet majority of these countries has remained mired in poverty and underdevelopment. Nigeria, being the focus of this study is, for instance, apparently characterized by underdevelopment in its various dimensions. In this context, the basic objectives of the study are to find out why democratic practice in Africa do not correlate positively with development and to suggest measures to ensure that democracy in Africa is practiced in such ways that will enable it enhance development. In carrying out the study, we relied essentially on secondary sources of information and data gathering notably text books, journals and institutional publications. Consequently, our analysis and conclusion were based on content analysis technique. Our finding is that democratic practice has not served as effective governance framework for development because its practice in most African nations is not essentially based on the cardinal principles of democracy like effective representation, rule of law, accountability, free and fair election among others, In order to reposition democracy in Africa on the part of enhancing development, we recommended that its practice must have to abide by the basic norms, ethics and principles of democracy.
Key words: Africa, Democracy, Development, Governance, Nigeria.
Recycling postconsumer plastics is currently a huge environmental headache globally. In Ghana, se... more Recycling postconsumer plastics is currently a huge environmental headache globally. In Ghana, several thousands of tonnes of used pure water sachets are daily discarded indiscriminately. In this work the production of metallic iron from iron oxide using blends of used pure water sachets (PWS) and coconut shells (cocos nucifera) as reducing agent have been performed through experiments conducted in a horizontal tube furnace. Composite pellets were formed from mixtures of iron oxide and carbonaceous materials consisting of chars of coconut shells (CNS), PWS and three blends of CNS-PWS. The iron oxide-carbonaceous material composites were heated very rapidly in a laboratory scale horizontal tube furnace at 1500°C in a continuous stream of pure argon and the off gas was analysed continuously using an infrared (IR) gas analyser and a gas chromatographic (GC) analyser equipped with a thermal conductivity detector (TCD). Elemental analyses of samples of the reduced metal were performed chemically for its carbon and oxygen contents using a LECO carbon/sulphur and LECO oxygen/nitrogen analysers, respectively. The extent of reduction after ten minutes and the level of carburisation were determined for each carbonaceous reductant. The results indicate that metallic iron can be produced effectively from iron oxides using CNS, PWS and blends of these carbonaceous materials as reductants. It was revealed that the extent of reduction improved significantly when CNS was blended with PWS. The results also revealed that blending of the carbonaceous materials has a beneficial effect on the environment through decreasing carbon dioxide emissions.
Keywords: Recycling, Sachets, Waste, Coconut shells, Iron making
The Public-private partnership (PPP) concept has attracted the attention of the Ghanaian governme... more The Public-private partnership (PPP) concept has attracted the attention of the Ghanaian government, because it is viewed as a reform tool for resolving underinvestment, inefficiency and absence of dynamism in water supply infrastructure services. Despite the mixed results, to date there has been no comprehensive study on the requirements for their successful implementation. This research defines a set of factors that, when given special and continual attention, would ensure successful implementation of PPP water supply projects. The perceived critical success factors (CSFs) were initially derived from six project cases and extant literature, and verified through a two-round Delphi survey. Factor analysis established five critical success factor groups (CSFGs) as commitment of partners, strength of consortium, asset quality and social support, capacity building, and national PPP unit. These principal factors were then modelled using fuzzy synthetic evaluation method and the model output showed that, overall, these factors have a ‘very high’ positive impact on successful implementation of water based PPPs. It is hoped that this study will trigger policy development towards PPP practice in Ghana, because these findings have wider implications for legal and regulatory systems, public sector capacity, financing, public procurement, and politics.
Keywords: CSF, PPP, Water, Supply ,Ghana
The objective of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of learnership programmes in the ... more The objective of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of learnership programmes in the South African construction industry. This will be achieved by first establishing whether the Learnership System introduced under the Skills Development Act No. 97 of 1998 is an appropriate system for training construction professionals and by investigating the quality of the learnership outcome. The paper is also aimed at investigating the major obstacles faced in delivering effective learnerships in the construction industry. The methodology for the research was solely a literature review. The literature review was based on literature focused on the legislation governing the learnership programmes, stakeholders involved in the delivery of learnership programmes, the outcomes of learnership programmes and major obstacles hindering the effectiveness of learnership programmes. The literature survey revealed that there is a considerable confusion and ignorance amongst training providers. This factor was found to have a negative impact on the delivery of efficient and effective learnership programmes in the construction industry. Further findings also revealed that other factors contributing to the ineffectiveness of construction learnership programmes are poor administration and bureaucracy within the Construction and Education Training Authority, poor outcome of learnerships, dissatisfaction with the system amongst learners and employers for different reasons and technical incompetence amongst trainers. Learnerships in the construction industry have not been effective and efficient in terms of skills development as predicted. This is attributed to many factors such as ignorance and confusion amongst stakeholders, bureaucracy and poor administration within Construction Education and Training Authority, lack of support from various relevant stakeholders and low levels of employer participation in the delivery of learnership programmes.
Keywords: Learnership, construction; industry, skills; shortage
The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of construction activities as construction work ... more The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of construction activities as construction work entails non-ergonomic activities, range of in-situ work at various levels and construction workers; complain of pain, retire early from work, are frequently absent, are required to handle materials manually resulting in poor productivity as contractors are required to execute designs and excessive material wastage occurs. The focus is on reducing the work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMD’s) among construction workers through contractor’s perception thereby creating effective and healthy construction workplaces. Given that the general contractors (GCs) responded relative to both general contractor (GC) and subcontractor (SC). The impact of construction activities on construction workers in the Nigeria construction industry as it precipitates into WMDs affects the rate of productivity The paper uses historic data on unfavourable ergonomic practices and quantitative survey method ( based on a designed questionnaire) to establish a criterion for reducing WMD’s in construction by providing an effective strategies to promote construction workplace health and safety. The study establishes various interventions on factors that negatively impact on the health and safety of construction workers. Based on the findings from empirical survey and the survey of literature, the study tends to establish a work organization that can influence process and activities in the construction industry through designing of work place to ameliorate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder among its workers. Furthermore, the contractors’ perspective approach for health and safety as a panacea to reducing WMD’s is established. The information provides an insight into the contribution to safety and health of construction workers. The study establishes various interventions on factors that negatively impact on the health and safety of construction workers.
Keywords: ergonomic, construction workers, musculoskeletal, disorders
The choice or place of treatment can make a difference between the life and death of a patient. H... more The choice or place of treatment can make a difference between the life and death of a patient. Health problems among rural people are sometimes compounded by uninformed/inappropriate choices of treatment options/places of treatment. It is on this premise that this paper sought to determine the factors that influence the choice by rural dwellers of medical treatment in the event of illness. Sixty-four (64) randomly selected rural communities out of six hundred and thirty-seven (637) autonomous communities in Imo State, Nigeria were used in the study. A total of five hundred and forty (540) questionnaires were distributed across the three senatorial zones of the State, out of which five hundred (500) or 92.6% were returned and analysed. Results from multinomial logistic regression analysis used showed that educational qualification and affinity for tradition were the major factors that affected choice of medical treatment options. Other factors were income and gender. The study also showed, among other things, that of the three treatment options, modern treatment was the most preferred in all forms of illness, except fracture in which native treatment was most preferred; and that the treatment options were chosen mostly on basis of their relative efficacy. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the three treatment options be given adequate consideration in our medical system, since each has its area of relative strength. Collaboration by the various categories of health practitioners is recommended, an integrative approach will enhance the efficacy of the health care system.
Keywords: Choice, Medical Treatment, Factor, Predictor Variable, Dependent Variable.
Nigeria, in the past five years has established about fifteen (15) Global Navigation Satellite Sy... more Nigeria, in the past five years has established about fifteen (15) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) across the country. The CORS network is primarily meant for the implementation of African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF) and Zero-order Geodetic Controls for Nigeria. This GNSS CORS infrastructure provides a viable and highly scalable platform for the implementation of wide range Real Time Kinematic (RTK) services for relevant user communities in Nigeria. However, the current network architecture and post processing system of the CORS infrastructure does not meet the multi-level application needs in the country. In order to scale down the GNSS application opportunity, there is need for the implementation of this RTK Network with Central Processing Facility (CPF), where the pre-processing, detection and repair of cycle slips, and double difference ambiguities between the reference stations are determined. Thereafter, local error modeling algorithms are derived and transmitted to the users epoch by epoch or at predefined time intervals in the fields. This paper therefore aims at developing this RTK Network Service implementation model for Nigeria, leveraging on the existing Zero-order GNSS CORS Network. The developments of GNSS Infrastructure in Nigeria and existing capacity for viable Network RTK implementation were examined. The requirements and feasibility of RTK services in Nigeria were identified, and a Network RTK Service Model was developed. The benefits and potential challenges in this RTK Network Services in Nigeria were identified, and recommendations on network densification architecture and implementation strategies for service sustainability and returns on investment were made.
Keywords: GNSS, CORS, Real Time Kinematic Services, Investment, Sustainability
Africa is a black continent that is still dominated by new states, most of which are still very b... more Africa is a black continent that is still dominated by new states, most of which are still very backward in terms of socio-economic development. The continent has potentials for astronomical growth and development but that is yet to be achieved due to neglect of the research component. The current status of research in African has been examined and recommendations made for invigorating the vital sectors like industries, government, universities and commerce to foster socio-economic development. Research as a tool for socio-economic development has been identified in this paper as either not properly funded or research findings not properly put into use. It is the position of this paper that research should be adequately funded by the government with the support of the private sector. Human resources development in the area of research enterprise should be pursued vigorously by the governments of African states. Data banks with reliable data should be established at strategic zones in every nation of Africa. Such centres should be properly funded and should also interface with the universities and grant institutions across the globe.
Keywords: Socio-economic development, funding, Research findings, African Researchers
Any cursory observation will reveal that there is a gaping gap between African, especially south ... more Any cursory observation will reveal that there is a gaping gap between African, especially south of the Sahara countries and the European as well as the Western worlds. Africa's infrastructure gap is indeed enormous and poses a severe threat to development. The blame is often placed at the door steps of colonialism, imperialism etc because infrastructure development in Africa apparently fails to satisfy deficiency needs before embarking upon infrastructure development. This paper albeit theoretical, but, empirically teases out issues for Africa to re-think infrastructure development agenda because this paper opines that not only is Africa's level of endowment low, but the continent also faces higher access costs for all infrastructure services compared with other developing regions in the world. This paper concludes that 'Africa cannot continually end up spending on infrastructure in tears'; Africa has come far and lessons learnt about development and investment in infrastructure must bear good fruits.
With this size of expenditure profile of the contemporary construction industry has in the recent... more With this size of expenditure profile of the contemporary construction industry has in the recent past acquired special prominence as an economic as well as strategic asset for most nations. With more than half of the global population living in cities which all together make up less than 2% of the planet's landmass, the pressure now being placed on urban infrastructure is unprecedented. In the markets of the global north, rapidly aging infrastructure poses very significant challenges. The infrastructure gap in these regions also provides great investment opportunities in public services and offer huge potentials for the construction industry. Recognizing the inherent potentials in these challenges, many Countries (only a few developing Countries) are positioning their construction industry to tap into these vast opportunities. As different countries seek to dominate this market, political power is used to achieve economic goals, while economic power is used to leverage political gains. Issues of competition, profit and the like predominate even when obtained through less than noble means. This work highlights the fact that business strategy and economic activity in particular cannot be divorced from the social context within which it is "embedded". Hence, classical economic notions of the behaviour of individuals and firms, developed in the global North are inappropriate when applied in other countries. This work is intended to contribute to the understanding of the human aspects of some of the trends in the African construction industry. It cautions that it is important that we are not seduced by all the current talk about globalization, which is merely a historical extension of exploitative relations with the outside world in a modern garb. Africans are primarily and ultimately responsible for their own development and must therefore negotiate our participation in that global community on our own terms. It is very important that as we seek to transform Africa, we should formulate investment policies that ensure that our economic and strategic interest are adequately served by foreign investment inflows
Conference Presentations by ARCA CONFERENCE
1ST POSTGRADUATE CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 21-23 2018 British Council Ghana
The African Applied Researc... more 1ST POSTGRADUATE CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 21-23 2018 British Council Ghana
The African Applied Researchers’ Association is pleased to announce the Call for Papers for the first postgraduate in Applied Research Conference in Africa.
THEME: “IDENTIFYING CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE IN PHD RESEARCH”
www.arcaconference.org or email: arcafrica2015@gmail.com
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Papers by ARCA CONFERENCE
Keywords: capital, entrepreneurship; education, graduate; unemployment,
Keywords: Construction industry, Indigenous, contractors, Success, indicators
Keywords: Building, LCM, Possibilities, Realities, Transformation
Keywords: Value Chain, Global, Gas, Business, Tanzania
Keywords: Sports, Scientists, Exercise, Physiologists, Wellness
Keywords: Zipper, Strength, Market, Tensile, Ghana
Keywords: Zipper; Fastener; Performance; Garment; Ghana
Keywords: PPP, infrastructure, Development, Water scheme, Nigeria
Key words: Africa, Democracy, Development, Governance, Nigeria.
Keywords: Recycling, Sachets, Waste, Coconut shells, Iron making
Keywords: CSF, PPP, Water, Supply ,Ghana
Keywords: Learnership, construction; industry, skills; shortage
Keywords: ergonomic, construction workers, musculoskeletal, disorders
Keywords: Choice, Medical Treatment, Factor, Predictor Variable, Dependent Variable.
Keywords: GNSS, CORS, Real Time Kinematic Services, Investment, Sustainability
Keywords: Socio-economic development, funding, Research findings, African Researchers
Conference Presentations by ARCA CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 21-23 2018 British Council Ghana
The African Applied Researchers’ Association is pleased to announce the Call for Papers for the first postgraduate in Applied Research Conference in Africa.
THEME: “IDENTIFYING CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE IN PHD RESEARCH”
www.arcaconference.org or email: arcafrica2015@gmail.com
Keywords: capital, entrepreneurship; education, graduate; unemployment,
Keywords: Construction industry, Indigenous, contractors, Success, indicators
Keywords: Building, LCM, Possibilities, Realities, Transformation
Keywords: Value Chain, Global, Gas, Business, Tanzania
Keywords: Sports, Scientists, Exercise, Physiologists, Wellness
Keywords: Zipper, Strength, Market, Tensile, Ghana
Keywords: Zipper; Fastener; Performance; Garment; Ghana
Keywords: PPP, infrastructure, Development, Water scheme, Nigeria
Key words: Africa, Democracy, Development, Governance, Nigeria.
Keywords: Recycling, Sachets, Waste, Coconut shells, Iron making
Keywords: CSF, PPP, Water, Supply ,Ghana
Keywords: Learnership, construction; industry, skills; shortage
Keywords: ergonomic, construction workers, musculoskeletal, disorders
Keywords: Choice, Medical Treatment, Factor, Predictor Variable, Dependent Variable.
Keywords: GNSS, CORS, Real Time Kinematic Services, Investment, Sustainability
Keywords: Socio-economic development, funding, Research findings, African Researchers
FEBRUARY 21-23 2018 British Council Ghana
The African Applied Researchers’ Association is pleased to announce the Call for Papers for the first postgraduate in Applied Research Conference in Africa.
THEME: “IDENTIFYING CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE IN PHD RESEARCH”
www.arcaconference.org or email: arcafrica2015@gmail.com