scholarly journals Factors Inhibiting the Adoption of a Uniform Pricing Mechanism for Building Services

10.5772/55660 ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganiyu Amuda Yusuf ◽  
Sarajul Fikri Mohamed ◽  
Suhaila Binti Remeli
Keyword(s):  
Standard Method ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Test Statistics ◽  
Pricing Mechanism ◽  
Uniform Pricing ◽  
Accepted Standard ◽  
Electrical Engineers ◽  
Method Of Measurement ◽  
Significant Factors

This study describes an empirical investigation revealing the critical obstacles to the adoption of a uniform pricing mechanism for building services from the perspective of industry practitioners. A total of 157 questionnaires conducted on quantity surveyors (N=75), mechanical engineers (N=39) and electrical engineers (N=43) were collected and used for the study. T –test statistics was run to identify ten significant factors from a list of fourteen factors identified. Relative importance indices were computed for each factor from the perspectives of the practitioners so as to determine the most critical obstructive factors. The result shows that the five most important obstructive factors in order of significance are: (1) difficulty in the interpretation of the Standard Method of Measurement by design consultants (2) the late involvement of building services design consultants (3) quantity surveyors' insufficient skill in mechanical and electrical services technology (4) drawings of services are often not ready for billing at the tender stage and (5) the lack of a generally accepted Standard Method of Measurement for mechanical and electrical services.

scholarly journals Customisation and Desirable Characteristics of a Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works in Ghana

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Nani ◽  
Peter Edwards ◽  
Theophilus Adjei-Kumi ◽  
Edward Badu ◽  
Peter Amoah
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
The Other ◽  
Opinion Survey ◽  
British Standard ◽  
Industry Practice ◽  
Precision Industry ◽  
Method Of Measurement ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Methods Of Measurement

This paper reports a study that identified andcategorised the modifications to the 5thEdition of the British Standard Method ofMeasurement (SMM5) of building works inGhana. Typical modifications involved ‘costinsignificant items’, ‘minor labour items’,‘custom units of measurement’, ‘methodrelated items’, ‘combinable items’,‘subordinate items’, and ‘items of minorinformative impact’. It was also observed thatthe desirable characteristics/ qualities ofstandard methods of measurement (SMM) ofbuilding work were noteworthy, since theyprovide insight into the nature of a SMMrequired for the construction industry inGhana.The research reviewed available literature,various SMMs and bills of quantities (BQs).The relevance of the modifications andSMM characteristics identified wasconfirmed by a survey of the opinions ofprofessional quantity surveyors conductedthrough a carefully designed questionnaire.Inferences from the opinion survey formedthe basis for grouping both SMMmodifications found and the desired qualitiesof a SMM for Ghana.Survey respondents confirmed all theidentified modifications to the British SMM,except for the elimination of items of minorinformative impact. It was held that allinformation was relevant in measurement.Desirable characteristics of a SMM were ratedin decreasing order of relevance as: easylocation of items; cost significance; simplicity;thoroughness; ease of cost analysis; goodpractice; conciseness; adoptability; precision;industry practice; stakeholders’ opinion;custom classification; regional relevance; andinclusion of jargon. It was noted that therelevance of these characteristics may varyform one region to the other as a result oftechnological, cultural and legal differences.However, the desired SMM characteristicswere recommended as fundamental indeveloping an appropriate SMM for Ghana.

Methods of Evaluation of the Functional Results of Flexor Tendon Repair of the Fingers

1985 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. NIELSEN ◽  
P. Ø. JENSEN
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Functional Evaluation ◽  
Flexor Tendon Repair ◽  
Methods Of Evaluation ◽  
Method Of Measurement ◽  
No Man's Land

The methods used by Buck-Gramcko, Kleinert and Tsuge in evaluating the functional results of flexor tendon repair were each applied to assess the functional outcome in sixty-seven fingers where both tendons had been severed in “no man's land”. The method of Buck-Gramcko gave the highest rating, and the three methods showed evident differences in the results of evaluation after surgery. The study suggests a need for one standard method of measurement and recording, if a comparison of results after flexor tendon repair is to be of value. We found that the method of Buck-Gramcko incorporated the most essential features in the functional evaluation.

Relative importance of protozoan functional groups in three marine sublittoral areas

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (5) ◽  
pp. 735-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregorio Fernandez-Leborans
Keyword(s):  
Functional Groups ◽  
Bacterial Biomass ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Mean Grain Size ◽  
Marine Areas ◽  
Density And Biomass ◽  
Protozoan Species ◽  
Significant Factors

The composition in terms of protozoan functional groups of three sublittoral areas (Castro Urdiales, Santoña and Isla) in the Cantabrian Sea was analysed. The different protozoan species were identified, and their density and biomass was measured. The pigmented protozoa were the most important group in the three areas throughout the year, followed by the bacterivores in Castro Urdiales and Santoña, and the non-selectives in Isla. Bacterivores constituted the most significant group in terms of biomass, after which came that of non-selectives. The parameters with the strongest influence on distribution in functional groups (respect to biomass) were pH, phosphate, organic matter and bacterial biomass, other significant factors being salinity, nitrate and mean grain size. Functional groups expressed as number of species were affected principally by phosphate, pH and, to a lesser extent, temperature and salinity. Statistical analysis using the present data, data regarding functional groups from previous studies in the same areas, and data from other areas, indicate that marine areas show similar characteristics. In the areas covered by the present study, there was a decrease in the number of algivore species and a rise in non-selective species, while bacterivores and pigmented protozoa maintained similar values. In comparison, freshwater areas showed noticeably lower percentages of algivore species and a significantly higher number of bacterivore species.

scholarly journals Roasting Conditions and Coffee Flavor: A Multi-Study Empirical Investigation

Beverages ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morten Münchow ◽  
Jesper Alstrup ◽  
Ida Steen ◽  
Davide Giacalone
Keyword(s):  
Development Time ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Steam Pressure ◽  
Enzymatic Browning ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Roasting Process ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Sensory Descriptive Analysis

This research investigates the relative importance of two roasting parameters—colour (i.e., roast degree) and time—on the sensory properties of coffee. The paper draws on data from eight studies conducted using sensory descriptive analysis with trained (in six studies) or semi-trained (in two studies) assessors, focusing on a common set of attributes. The results indicated that, while both parameters significantly affected coffee flavour, colour was the stronger predictor of the two. The effects direction for both colour and time were similar and related to the rate of non-enzymatic browning, with darker roasts/longer roasting times associated with an increase in bitterness and a decrease in acidity, fruitiness, and sweetness. With respect to roasting time, we distinguished two phases, “time to first crack”, corresponding to the time between the onset of roasting and the moment where the accumulated steam pressure causes the beans to crack, and “development time”, corresponding to the time elapsed from the first crack to the end of the roasting process. The results clearly indicated that, under the same colour, time variation also influenced flavour, and in particular, development time, rather than time to first crack, had the largest effect on coffee flavour.

scholarly journals Study of electric field in SiPM active volume by the volt-farad characteristics analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 204 ◽  
pp. 07008
Author(s):  
V. Kushpil ◽  
V. Ladygin ◽  
S. Kushpil
Keyword(s):  
Active Region ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
Local Instability ◽  
Active Volume ◽  
Optical Isolation ◽  
Characteristics Analysis ◽  
Parallel Circuit ◽  
Method Of Measurement ◽  
Relative Analysis

The purpose of this study is to understand the change of the SiPM structure after irradiation. We compared the profile of the electric field in the SiPM (KETEK) active region for ten not-irradiated and irradiated detectors. The standard method of measurement of C-V characteristics was applied using two configurations (serial and parallel circuit) to exclude the influence of the serial resistance. Dependencies of capacitance on the frequency were studied in the range from 10 to 1000 KHz. For non-irradiated detectors we detected in CV characteristics the local instability basically connected with accumulation of charge on boundary optical isolation-silicon. In addition, the hysteresis of CV characteristics was detected. For irradiated detectors the local instability was visible as well but the hysteresis of CV characteristics was not detected. The results demonstrate that the applied method can be used for the relative analysis of how SiPM active region properties changed after irradiation.

Sound Insulation of Open Screens: Measurement by Impulse Response Analysis

1997 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Lyons ◽  
B.M. Gibbs
Keyword(s):  
Impulse Response ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
Transmission Loss ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Sound Insulation ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
Impulse Response Analysis ◽  
Method Of Measurement ◽  
Good Agreement

In a companion paper. Impulse Response Analysis methods were developed as a practical method of measuring the sound insulation of panels, both as partitions and as solid screens and a method for comparing the results with the standard method of measurement for transmission loss, ISO 140, was demonstrated. In this paper studies are presented on the application of the method to more complex open forms of screen. A prediction model has been used for the simpler form of screen, which shows good agreement with measurements. For the more complicated screens, which provide greater sound insulation, the results are compared with standard ISO 140 measurements.

Essential features of a building services standard method of measurement in Malaysia

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 749-770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganiyu Amuda-Yusuf ◽  
Sarajul Fikri Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
Data Exchange ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Cost Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Computer Technology ◽  
Priority Ranking ◽  
Method Of Measurement ◽  
The Cost

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the need to develop building service standard method of measurement (BSSMM) that would provide a home ground advantage and a framework for managing the cost of building services by quantity surveyors. Design/methodology/approach – A review of previous research on the rules of measurement was carried out. This exercise provides the basis for questionnaire design which was administered to quantity surveyors in Malaysia construction industry. Findings – The results indicated the need to develop BSSMM. In total, 23 variables were identified as essential features of such standard method of measurement. These variables were grouped into three categories and a priority ranking of them was carried out. The analysis revealed a strong agreement among quantity surveyors on the priority ranking of the essential features of the BSSMM. Research limitations/implications – Although, the research would assist industry stakeholders in developing BSSMM that reflects local and international best practices, there is need to further investigate how the rules of the BSSMM could be aligned with construction industry classification systems. Practical implications – The availability of information and computer technology (ICT) tools has transformed the traditional practices in the industry and offered values to quantity surveyors, but if quantity surveyors’ tools cannot be consolidated and incorporated into emerging ICT applications, then QS collaboration will be difficult, and the requirements for electronic data exchange will be impractical. Therefore, this type of standard method of measurement will facilitate cross-referencing and coordination between BoQ and other documents such as drawings, specifications and tender produced by other project participants and thereby lay efficient foundation for effective collaboration of quantity surveyors in BIM model. In addition, the BSSMM will not only comply with local industry practices, it will also be internationally compatible. Originality/value – Adoption of a structured format based on BSSMM to present building services cost information is essential in view of the increase in the value and complexity of building services in modern buildings. However, there is need to enhance quantity surveyors’ knowledge in the technology and cost management of building services so as to ensure the reliability of cost advice provided to clients. This goal would be partly achieved through education and training of Quantity Surveyors/Cost Consultants in the interpretation and use of the rules of an SMM.

scholarly journals A web-based user guide for Sri Lanka standards 573: standard method of measurement of building works

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Srinath Perera ◽  
Gayani Karunasena ◽  
Thilesh Fonseka
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Method Of Measurement
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