A Comparative Study into the Engineering Properties of Neem Wood from Ghana

A study into the mechanical properties of Neem wood was done to explore the possibility of its usage as a structural material. This paper presents the results of some investigations into the strength properties of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and compares them with those of Odum (Milicia excelsa) and European Oak (Quercus spp.) which are well known structural wood species in Ghana and Europe, respectively. The properties were determined using British (BS 373, 1957) and American timber testing specifications (ASTM D143, 1983) using testing methods for small, clear specimens of wood. The results showed that at 12% moisture content the wood has a density of 740 kg/m3 with a mean modulus of rupture of 8317 N/mm2, compressive strength parallel to the grain of 318.8 N/mm2, modulus of elasticity of 8644 N/mm2, and shear strength parallel to the grain of 17 N/mm2. The bending strength (MOR) of Neem is about 30% lower than that of Odum and about 2% higher than Oak. The modulus of elasticity of Neem is about 39% lower than Odum and 43% lower than Oak. The strength properties in the present work suggest that the wood of Neem has a potential for utilisation in structural applications.

Barriers to the Adoption of BOT Contracts System for Infrastructural Development of Technical Universities in Ghana

The study was conducted with the aim of exploring the barriers to the adoption of BOT contract systems for infrastructural development of technical universities in Ghana. In an empirical questionnaire survey with professionals and experts in the construction and education sector, the respondents were invited to rate their perception on the barriers to the adoption of the BOT contracts systems. An interview session to satisfy ways of adopting the BOT contracts for infrastructural development in technical universities was conducted with selected professionals. The study revealed that the major barriers to the adoption of the BOT contract system are: delays in approval, corruption, reliability and credit worthiness of entities and expropriation. The study suggested that detailed policy or framework for implementing BOT contracts;proper planning by technical universities;and adequate protection for lenders is required for successful BOT implementation. Therefore there is a need to explore this concept, using adequate policy initiatives, proper measures and support from government to improve on the proper implementation of the BOT contracts in Technical Universities in Ghana.

Examining the Impact of Welfare Facilities on Building Construction Employee’s Performance in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Building Construction employees essentially required sufficient welfare facilities such as a place for washing, shower, change over, eat and drink, a place to store and hang clothing. Yet, these fundamental necessities are regularly disregarded. Decent welfare facilities can absolutely promote health and well-being and can aid to avert contracting diseases at building construction site. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of welfare facilities on building construction workers performance in the Eastern Region Ghana. The objectives were to identify welfare facilities provided by building construction firms, evaluate the satisfaction level of building construction firms’ employees with welfare facilities in Eastern Region, and determine the relationship between provision of welfare facilities and employee’s performance. The study employed convenient sample to investigate 80 building construction employees through questionnaires administration. Data generated from the survey was further analyzed using SPSS, weighted mean formula was used to determine the mean ranking, and descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean score, percentages, frequencies and chi square were used. The study reveals that the extent of welfare facilities at various construction sites was almost unavailability of sanitary and toilet facilities, unavailability of washing facilities, and unavailability of changing room, whiles drinking water and locker facilities were available but not sufficient. The study further finds that construction employees are dissatisfied with the condition of welfare facilities provided at their various work places. The study finally concludes that if workers are provided with decent welfare facilities at various building construction sites, it will motivate them to improve performance. The study recommends that metropolitan, municipal and district authority (MMDAs) should set a task force to check the implementation of welfare facilities at construction site as the results are pointing woeful insufficiency of welfare facilities at Eastern Region construction firms in Ghana.

Motivational Strategies to Improve Artisan’s Productivity in the Construction Industry in Ghana

Motivation is a strategy adopted by organisational managers to improve organisational performance. Most researchers have found different factors that affect the motivation on a different level. The aim of the survey was to examine the motivational strategies for improving productivity among artisans in the construction companies in the Eastern Region and the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design utilising the quantitative approach. A purposive random sampling technique was employed to choose 90 workers to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was utilised to gather information from respondents. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyse the data collected. Results from the survey showed that artisans see motivation as very significant in their workplace. The study found that empowerment, quality of life, and monetary incentive have significant relation with motivation and effective use of such strategies could assist construction industry practitioners to enhance craftsmen performance. The study contributes to a few pieces of literature existing in construction motivational strategies. The findings point to the fact that industrial players should pay more attention to the motivational strategies to assist artisans’ function effectively in their work environment.