Zainal Abidin Akasah

Bridging the Spatial Visualisation Skills Gap through Engineering Drawing Using the Whole-to-Parts Approach

Summary This article reports on an attempt to bridge the spatial visualisation skills gap between 13 novices and 16 experts in one class of first-year civil engineering students. The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of the whole-to-parts approach in bridging the skills gap between them. The results show that the teaching approach is capable of accelerating the learning of engineering drawing skills, and the approach has the potential to bridge the spatial visualisation skills gap between novices and experts in one semester course of study.

Implementing Life Cycle Costing in Malaysian Construction Industry： A Review

Globally, the construction industry is one sector that contributes to economic growth in Malaysia. The construction industry is developing rapidly and become one of the backbones of the country compared with other developing countries in the world. As developing countries are now moving towards sustainable development is in line with the 9th Malaysia Plan, development should be built to meet current and future needs for achieving sustainability of economic development, social and environmental responsibility for the prosperity without compromising the needs of future generations. Therefore, to ensure the governments objective was achieved construction industry must implement the Life Cycle Costing (LCC) method to construct the structures and infrastructure projects that it will not cause losses to the industry itself and government. Each stage of construction project begins with planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance and demolishes the project and it cost should be considered to ensure the overall project costs as are known. Through this LCC, factors and maintenance costs for a building products accounted at the design stage to obtain a more accurate projection of the cost. This paper will describe the LCC as a vital element in all sectors of the construction industry because this method can drive quality improvement by taking into account the cost of a comprehensive project. The aim of this paper is to understand the LCC for the construction industry in Malaysia expecially in maintenance phase. Secondly is to identify the process of LCC in buildings construction and last but not least is recommending that appropriate measures to implement the LCC in the construction industry in Malaysia. The main sources of the literature research will be taken through articles, journals, references books in the resources centre and internet search. Hopefully the implementation of LCC in the construction industry in Malaysia could be accessed and used for research reference by future researcher and as reference materials for the construction management industry in Malaysia.

Translating theory into practice: integrating the affective and cognitive learning dimensions for effective instruction in engineering education

Learning in the cognitive domain is highly emphasised and has been widely investigated in engineering education. Lesser emphasis is placed on the affective dimension although the role of affects has been supported by research. The lack of understanding on learning theories and how they may be translated into classroom application of teaching and learning is one factor that contributes to this situation. This paper proposes a working framework for integrating the affective dimension of learning into engineering education that is expected to promote better learning within the cognitive domain. Four major learning theories namely behaviourism, cognitivism, socio-culturalism, and constructivism were analysed and how affects are postulated to influence cognition are identified. The affective domain constructs identified to be important are self-efficacy, attitude and locus of control. Based on the results of the analysis, a framework that integrates methodologies for achieving learning in the cognitive domain with the support of the affective dimension of learning is proposed. It is expected that integrated approach can be used as a guideline to engineering educators in designing effective and sustainable instructional material that would result in the effective engineers for future development.

An Affective-Cognitive Teaching and Learning Approach for Enhanced Behavioural Engagements among Engineering Students

Abstract Promoting students’ engagement has been of great interest to engineering educators as it is associated with better teaching and learning effectiveness. However, students’ engagement is a multifaceted construct comprising the cognitive, affective, and behavioural aspect of engagements which makes it difficult to get a holistic measure of it. Thus, the behavioural engagement alone is often measured as it enables the researcher to investigate outcomes ‘in-action’ and evaluate the individuals’ ability at high-order thinking. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of an integrated affective-cognitive teaching and learning approach on behavioural engagements. The study utilized the quasi-experimental design method with pre- and post-test. The experimental group (n = 36) was taught a course on mechanics of material using the integrated approach while the control group (n = 34) was taught the same course using the conventional method. The results indicate that the integrated affective-cognitive learning approach promotes some types of positive behavioural engagement while suppressing other types of negative engagements. Thus, it was concluded that the integrated teaching and learning approach is effective in promoting positive behavioural engagements among engineering students.

A Review on Abandoned Construction Projects: Causes & Effects

In some countries quite a number of construction projects that are either not completed or out rightly abandoned. This paper is an overview on abandoned construction projects, and the causes and effects due to the formidable situation relating to this issue. This was conducted referring to the studies and findings in the thesis and journals on abandoned projects. Few probable causes and effects are identified from various researchers based on studies conducted by them on this issue. It is found that most of the studies on the related matter was conducted mainly using questionnaires and also by conducting interviews with the relevant parties. There were various probable causes and implications that was identified from the studies and analysis that was carried out, which does not differ much from one another, and in fact some have suggested the mitigation measures for this issue. After reviewing the research and studies that has been conducted on the issue of abandoned projects, as a conclusion, it is notable to have a more thorough investigation on the existing problem up to this date and look into the whole issue from different aspects in depth.

Review on Selection and Suitability of Rail Transit Station Design Pertaining to Public Safety

Railway has emerged as a fast, convenient, safe, clean, and low-cost alternative to air and road transportation. Many countries have invested in rail transportation. In America, Europe and Asia, large investments are planned for rail transportation. This is because congestion problems can be reduced with the introduction of rail transportation. Rail transportation involves several components which are important to ensure the smooth and safe delivery of services such as locomotives, rail stations and railway tracks. Rail transit stations are places where trains stop to pick-up and drop-off passengers. Stations are vital for many to enable them to engage in work and social commitments. This paper focuses only on the rail transit station as it is one of the important components in rail transportation. It is also considered as a key public meeting place and space for interactions in a community. The role of rail transit station and the requirements of a good rail transit station are also described in this paper. Steps in selecting the location of rail transit station include the function and facilities in rail transit station are discussed with reference to best practices and handbooks. Selection of the appropriate rail transit station locations may help users indirectly. In addition, this paper will also elucidate on the design considerations for an efficient and effective rail transit station. Design selections for the rail transit station must be balanced between aesthetic value and functional efficiency. The right design selection may help conserve energy, assure and facilitate consumers even thought a rail transit station plays a smaller role in attracting consumers compared to a shopping complex or a residential building. This will contribute towards better and greener building for a green transportation facility. Thus, with this paper it is expected to assist the relevant authority to identify important elements in the selection and determination of suitable rail transit station design for the future. It is also important to ensure the design is appropriate from the selection and suitability perspective as design and operation will assist to facilitate the success of the national rail network and encourage the public to use rail transit system. A conducive and neatly design railway station will not only add to the passenger experience but also, as a supporting facility to the economic, social and environmental benefits of the rail industry.

Factors Contributing to Building Maintenance Performance of Heritage Buildings

An assessment of the building maintenance performance for heritage building is critical to determine whether the routine procedure of work meet the prescribed requirements. Malaysia has been initiating the conservation works for old and heritage building approximately 4 decades ago. The awareness of maintenance managers of heritage buildings are slowly increasing but still need to improve their understanding on what shall be done in order to obtain the best practice approach in heritage building maintenance management. The lack of maintenance also makes the starting point of structural deterioration problem and will require millions of ringgits to repair, rehabilitate and conserve the effected buildings and structures. The study will evaluate the significant factors that contribute to maintenance performance of heritage building in Malaysia. Research data will be collected through questionnaire form, interview and site observation. The collected data will be analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) software to examine the structure of interrelationships among constructs (the dependent and independent variables). Expected outcome is to recommend the most critical factors that will influence the maintenance management system and give significant correlation between the building deterioration variables in heritage building maintenance. Thus, be able to use the significant variables in developing the building maintenance model to support the management maintenance system for heritage building in Malaysia.

Maintenance Management Process Model for School Buildings: An Application of IDEF0 Modelling Methodology

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop a process model for the maintenance management of school buildings. The proposed model was developed in a three-phase process: the information gathering phase using questionnaires, interviews and document analysis; the model development phase using the IDEF0 process modelling technique; and the experts’ verification phase by three school maintenance experts. The potential usefulness of the model was tested on 61 school managers. The results of the survey indicated that the model has the potential to improve the existing corrective and reactive maintenance management practices towards preventive and proactive practices.

Developing an Accident Causation Model for Accident Prevention at Building Construction Sites

Undoubtedly Malaysian construction industry contributes enormously towards Malaysia’s nation economic growth. Despite the significant role of the construction industry plays in the country’s development and its heavy contribution towards economic growth and employment, the statistics show a high prevalence of accidents and injuries in the industry, resulting in non-permanent or permanent disabilities, fatalities and damage or loss of property. Past research suggests that on- site construction accidents can be prevented by identifying the root causes, thereby making such predictions based on knowledge and resources on accident causation possible. The aim of this study is to develop an Accident Causation for Accident Prevention (ACfAP) model for key management parties at Malaysia building construction sites. At this stage, this paper will present the initial stage of study (the information gathering phase) by presents the significant groups of accident causations factors for accident prevention. In overall, this ongoing research will be divided into three phases; (i) the information gathering phase;; (ii) the model development phase; and (iii) the model analysis phase. First, previous studies on safety, accident causation and prevention of accidents at construction sites are briefly reviewed from books, theses and journal articles in order to provide a global perspective on the subject. Second, a comprehensive ACfAP will be developed based on the attributes of accident causation obtained from expert surveys. Third, the hypothesised relationships are tested using partial least squares (PLS) path modelling approach. Finally the ACfAP Model for key management at building construction sites will be developed.

An Overview on the Issue of Delay in the Construction Industry

Construction delay is a common problem in the construction industry. It is important to study this problem by investigating the overview of previous study on the issue of project delays and potential solutions to overcome it. Review of literatures shows the causes and necessary suggestions in project delays which is plaguing the construction industry in different nations. Various causes have been identified and suggestions have been poured out to minimize the problem as much as possible. Delay in projects is something that couldn’t be avoided looking at the situation of the construction industry especially in developing countries. Delay in projects happen somewhere during the construction process, and some even at the point of completion of a construction project. The delivery of a construction project on time and according to the expected budget is very much needed. The unsuccessfulness on doing so, has invited many research on this issue to determine and investigate the causes and as well the effect of project delays in the construction industry. There are sectors in Malaysia that contributes to the country’s economy, and the construction industry is one of it. This paper is an overview of the issue of a project delay, where the seriousness of this issue could be understood and may help to invite some researchers to proffer solution to this situation in the coming future.