School of Construction Economics and Management (Journal Articles)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/38053

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    The role of education as an agent of change: a two fold effect
    (1997) Muller, Marius M.; Hindle, R.D.
    Several aspects of change to the procedures in the construction delivery process have been described in recent times, particularly those affecting building procurement systems. This paper describes the results of an investigation into one of the underlying causes of such change, particularly that which is affecting the traditional roles of the various parties that participate in the construction procurement process. It is proposed that one of the 'agents' of change is the product of tertiary education programmes that have been producing 'professional builders'. It describes how a new generation of builders, equipped with business skills and an inherent dissatisfaction with the traditional structure and procedures of the industry, are allowing leading construction companies to develop innovative construction marketing strategies and systems. These systems are based upon sound business practice, offer improved customer satisfaction and allow them to get closer to customers. In so doing they are taking over the roles of various built environment consultants who were principal agents and leaders in the traditional building procurement system.
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    Expert systems : the fifth generation -more than a genealogical pursuit
    (University of the Free State, 1995-12) Muller, Marius M.
    This paper describes the nature of Expert Systems and outlines their possible use in the field of building economics. Their usefulness in terms of quantification of uncertainty is also examined. It was found that the benefits of developing Expert Systems are tremendous, but that the success of Expert Systems would be determined by their acceptance by the general public.
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    Contractor's plant: whether to buy or to lease?
    (University of the Free State, 1997) Muller, Marius M.
    This article comments on the concepts of buying versus leasing in terms of decision-making theory regarding the procurement of contractor's plant. It was found that leasing offered the better option in the worked example presented herein, but that every plant buying or lease decision would have to be made individually on proven calculation and on merit. In hierdie ortikel word die bestoonde opsies behondel woorvoor die boukontrokteur te stoon kom wonneer hy toerusting oonskof. Die vroog is: moet hy huur of koop. Uit die voorbeeld wot hier oongehool word blyk dit dot huur 'n beter opsie bied. Dit is egter ook boie duidelik dot elke gevol meriete het en dus individueel bekyk moet word. Kostes moet teen mekoor opgeweeg word. verol met die kontrokteur se doelwit voor oe.
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    How Rapid Urbanisation, Neighbourhood Management Affects Living Conditions. A Survey of Agege Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria
    (Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2014-11-23) Ijasan, K.C.; Ogunro, V. O.
    This paper explores the issues around urbanisation, neighbourhood degeneration and its effects on the living condition on the residents of Agege area of Lagos, Nigeria. This paper traces the historical background of the area, examines the meaning of neighbourhood degeneration and explores factors responsible for neighbourhood degeneration. The paper adopts quantitative data collection strategies of investigation, and compares these with past literature on the issue. From the survey of 120 households in the area, the study realized street hooliganism; destitution, bad roads and considerable inequality in the distribution of wealth as the greatest problems in the area. It concluded on the need for holistic approach by government to fast-track housing conditions improvement in the entire areas. Moreover, the redevelopment of the area needs to be community-led participatory planning where all stakeholders harness ideas that can be used to improve the present situation of the area.