ABSTRACT
This study “innovation process and practices in construction
industry in Anambra State of Nigeria” examined and assessed the level of
innovation in the construction industry. An analysis of the relevant
literatures was carried out. The analysis revealed that there are innovation
drivers that facilitate or inhibit innovation in the construction industry.
These include clients, manufacturers, professional bodies, academic
institutions, government, consultants and contractors. The literature review
shows that attention to these key influences would be a key component of
effective innovation strategy. A field survey was carried out to actually
ascertain how innovation has fared in the construction industry. Variables were
drawn from the literature review and the data generated were analysed using
simple percentages (&) and mean scores. The responses from the respondents
revealed that the construction industry in Anambra State has really not
effected acceptable level of innovative processes and practices. Patnering /
collaboration is not practiced and encouraged. Also the unhealthy rivalry and
disharmony that often exist among construction professionals, inhibits
innovation practices. The building code which itself is an innovation lacks an
appropriate legislation for its enforcement. The study recommends that
professional bodies, the academia and indeed all stakeholders in the
construction industry need to intensify effort towards innovative processes and
practices. Government should in particular encourage indigenous construction
firms through the award of contract that require high technical experience such
as high rise building and bridge construction. Efforts should be made by the
relevant government agencies or authorities to enforce the building code
through appropriate legislation.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In most developed and
developing countries of the world the need for innovation in the construction
industry has long been stressed from within and outside the industry.
Changes in global markets,
increased customer expectations, need for new technologies and processes,
improving existing products and services, and government pressure, have all led
to innovation which is becoming a key focus for the construction industry. The
industry is fast evolving as the world is evolving, changing and seeking more integration,
innovation and better services in all sectors of the economy. Most nations are
seeking how to improve their standards of living; others are seeking to protect
their environment. Most nations are seeking innovative means towards every
sector of the economy, thus providing public services and products that are
innovatively conceived.
The construction industry is
almost seen as the backbone of every other sector of any nations economy. That
is why Seadan et al (2001), stated that the industry accounts for about 15% of
the national product of most nations. This not withstanding, the industry is
perceived as not being innovative for various reasons such as the nature of
construction industry, its regulations and standards etc. Therefore attention
ought to be given to the industry in determining its level of innovation and
innovation practices, otherwise it will affect the activities of other sectors
in any economy. The reasons are that if new ideas in the industry are not
developed, how could better facilities of construction products be used in
other sectors of an economy.
In Nigeria, the construction
industry has been characterized by poor performance and productivity. Osofisan
(2007), criticizes the Nigerian construction industry for being one of the
slowest to integrate technological advancement. The Nigerian construction
industry is however, a large industry and does contribute largely to the
economic growth of the nation, but most elements especially of materials and
technology that make up the construction process are not proudly Nigerian. If
innovation and innovative practices are adopted in the industry, costs could be
saved, utilization of resources could be more efficient, adjustment for the
sustainability of the environment could be improved etc., These and other
construction demands could be met; either by solving them with existing
knowledge or by creating new solutions.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Lack of innovation or
innovative ideas hinder the performance of the construction industry and other
sectors of the economy by inefficient utilization of resources.
Costs, time and quality
standards are most times not achieved due to lack of creativity and innovation.
Lack of innovation and
creativity in the construction industry could result to;
1.
Lack of development of previously
unseen technology and processes.
2.
Reduction of new inputs to existing
technology and processes.
3.
Inhibiting the penetration of
existing market.
4.
Inhibiting the improvement of
existing strategies and management techniques.
The construction experts, the
government and indeed all stakeholders in construction must evolve ways and
means of introducing new ideas to improve construction.
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to examine
the exiting innovative construction processes and practices, and assess the
level of innovation in the construction industry in Anambra State, with the
following objectives:
1.
To examine current innovative
practices in the construction industry.
2.
To determine those factors that
drive and inhibit innovation in the industry.
3.
To determine how innovation could be
encouraged in the industry.
1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF STUDY
Innovation in construction is a
vast area of study cutting across, technology, management, construction
material manufacture, marketing and channel strategies of construction
companies.
The focus of this study is on
the technology and construction management aspect of innovation in the
industry. The study investigated the current innovative practices and their
impact on the Nigerian construction industry. The study covers three (3) major
stakeholders i.e. (clients, contractors and consultants) in the construction
industry, which will be limited to Anambra State of Nigeria.
The study was however limited
by some difficulties which were encountered in the course of administering
questionnaire. These include:
·
Some questionnaires were returned
uncompleted.
·
Some were not returned on time as
promised which necessitated frequent visits to respondents. This consumed a lot
of time and money.
·
Some respondents withheld some
information required by the researcher, as they were not ready to disclose some
information which they considered private.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This study will enable the
Nigerian construction industry and other construction industries world wide to
be proactive to innovative ideas and practices.
The study will also point out
issues or factors which could inhibit the progress of innovation in the industry.
Government will be the ultimate beneficiary of this study as it will enable her
appreciate the relationship between the construction industry and economic
growth of the nation, and thus take the issue of R & D and innovation more
seriously.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The
following research questions will form the basis of this research;
1.
What forms of innovations exist in
the construction industry in Anambra State?
2.
What are the levels of
implementation of innovation strategies / forms in the industry?
3.
What factors drive innovation in the
industry?
4.
Are there any inhibiting factors
towards innovation in the industry?
5.
How can innovation be encouraged in
the industry?
1.7 THE STUDY AREA
Anambra State is located in the
south-eastern part of Nigeria. It is the most popular south-eastern states in
Nigeria due to its location and positioning, as it connects all other
south-eastern states. When approaching it from the south-west, it is connected
with the most famous bridge in the country i.e. (the Niger bridge). Anambra
State is also noted for its politically and commercial endowment, as she
produced the first Nigerian democratically elected president, Dr. Nnamdi
Azikiwe, after its independence in 1960. She also has the largest market in
west Africa i.e. (Onitsha Main Market).
Anambra lies within the
tropical rainforest belt of Nigeria. Like some other states of Nigeria, Anambra
climate is characterized by two distinct seasons, namely dry and rainy seasons.
The dry season lasts from November to March while raining season lasts from May
to October. The average annual rainfall ranges from 1500mm to 2200mm with July
as the rainiest month. Its humidity is relatively high between 65.80 percent
throughout the year and characterized by daily temperature of up to 250C
– 270C (Ogunoh, 2005).
The North East Trade wind which
blows across the Sahara Desert during the months of November to January causes
the dust, dry and short cold seasons known as Harmattan. On the other hand, the
shift of the position of the surface further North as a result of moving air
masses from the Atlantic Ocean North-wards causes the rainy season. The sun’s
movement from East to West shifts very slightly to the South and North. Thus,
North and South facades receive little direct sun light while East and West are
directly exposed to sunrays (Ogunoh, 2005).
Vegetation
Characteristics
The vegetation of Anambra State
is semi-rainforest with tall trees and tick bushes. This is as a result of the
combined effects of temperature, humidity and rainfall, but particularly the
variations which occur in the rainfall (Ogunoh, 2005).
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