Journal of UTEC Engineering Management

Association between CBR and Soil Index Properties: Empirical Analysis from Chitwan and Makwanpur District Soil Samples

Dipak Koirala, Keshab Datt Awasthi, Niraj Bohara — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value is a crucial soil parameter in road construction and design. Obtaining representative CBR values is challenging, requiring time-consuming and expensive testing procedures. To address this issue, regression equations were developed to establish correlations between CBR and soil index properties. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the soaked CBR, Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit (PL), Plasticity Index (PI), Maximum Dry Density (MDD), and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of soil samples. Regression models were then created between CBR and different sets of soil index properties using Microsoft Excel 2007. Strong correlations were observed between soaked CBR, PL, PI, OMC, and MDD (R2 = 0.744); CBR, LL, PL, OMC, and MDD (R2 = 0.702); CBR, PI, OMC, and MDD (R2 = 0.643); CBR, LL, OMC, and MDD (R2 = 0.621); and CBR, OMC, and MDD (R2 = 0.602). Among all equations, the relation CBR = 0.72 PL – 1.22 PI + 2.34 OMC + 106.97 MDD – 222.46 exhibited the strongest correlation with a P-value of 0.005 and R2 of 0.744.

Comparative Assessment of Quality Management System in Selected Housing Construction Projects in Lalitpur District

Sanam Lakhey, Amrit Man Tuladhar — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of the study was to assess the quality management system applied in housing construction projects of Lalitpur district. General questionnaire survey on quality management system was done in ten housing developers. Detail assessment on quality management system was done only in two housing projects i.e. CE housing and Civil homes housing.

This research was based on key informant interview with project manager and site engineers, questionnaires survey with clients, consultants and contractors who were involved in building construction projects. Statistical tools mean value and relative importance index were used for the ranking of different quality methods.

The importance of the individual factor are calculated and ranked by their relative importance index (RII). Total Quality Management, Quality Management system and Quality control ranked highest respectively as a part of quality management process employed in the project. From the study, it was found that different stakeholders have different priorities and preferences. Clients give major priority to procurement of equipment and material. Consultants give main priority to recorded outcomes and achievement and contractors give management commitment and involvement as main priority. Training and education in quality, work improvement teams, customer expectations are found as important.

The outcome of this thesis will document the quality management system and will also assist to improve the quality system of housing construction in Lalitpur districts. Proper documentation regarding quality control should be maintained at site. For ensuring optimum quality management in housing projects, timely ISO audits system should be set up.

Analyzing the Performance of Construction Demolition Waste Aggregates on strength for Non-structural Concrete

Sunil Dhungana, Keshab Datt Awasthi, Niraj Bohara — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) refers to the waste generated from demolished structures in the construction industry. This waste can include concrete and brick materials. In this study, the focus is on evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of coarse aggregates derived from CDW, as well as the compressive strength of non-structural concrete made by mixing CDW aggregates with natural aggregates (NA) in different proportions. The study involved preparing different mix proportions of concrete using various combinations of CDW coarse aggregates, natural coarse aggregates, and brick aggregates. The mix proportions were categorized into three groups:100% natural coarse aggregate,CDW concrete coarse aggregate mixed with natural aggregate in three proportions: (90% NA, 10% CA), (80% NA, 20% CA), and (60% NA, 40% CA) and Mixtures of natural coarse aggregate, CDW concrete aggregate, and brick aggregate in four proportions: (90% NA, 5% CA, 5% BA), (80% NA, 10% CA, 10% BA), (60% NA, 20% CA, 20% BA), and (80% NA, 30% CA, 30% BA).

The physical and mechanical properties of the different mix proportions were analyzed, and it was found that all proportions, except (80% NA, 30% CA, 30% BA), met the specified limits. In terms of compressive strength, the concrete mixture with a proportion of (90% NA, 10% CA) exhibited the highest value (27.04 MPa), while the mixture with a proportion of (60% NA, 20% CA, 20% BA) had the lowest value (17.19 MPa). The mixture with a proportion of (80% NA, 30% CA, 30% BA) did not meet the targeted strength of 15 MPa.

Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the test results, it can be suggested that CDW aggregates can be used as a replacement for natural aggregates up to a maximum of 40%. Additionally, a combination of CDW concrete and brick aggregates in equal proportions (20% - 20%) can be used as a replacement for natural aggregates to achieve a concrete strength of 15 MPa.

Study of Current Cybersecurity Threats to Information & Operational Technology (IOT) and their Effect on e-Governance in Nepal

Chandran Kumar Bhagat — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

As the development of digitalization process spreads worldwide, daily necessity and dependability on World Wide Web is increasing. Now after global pandemic of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), digitalization has become compulsory process in the world. The process of digitization in Nepal is also increasing. Along with the process of digitization in Nepal, there is also a huge possibilities of cyber security threat.

Today, the information security system must be set up to counter emerging vulnerabilities that may additionally arise as a result of technological development and advancement. In the complex and dynamic arena of Internet, the challenges inherent in protecting Information infrastructure is significantly increasing, maybe as an influence of the global existence of services etc. Depending on these networks. These network links are unprotected to cyber-attacks due to more than a few flaws in the system. Therefore, it is necessary to accelerate on the protection that covers the software and infrastructure to provide the governance fruitful interconnection besides any probable hazard of being arranged. This research tries to find out the cyber security problems in the present concern as technological innovation is moving each and every sphere of existence so as e-Governance applications. Research additionally emphases on how e-Governance is made more protected and what type of security and protection mechanism to be implemented, have to be safe, tightly closed and dependable surroundings via numerous technologies in digital Governance functions i.e. cloud computing, e-commerce, social networking, e-Banking/Internet Banking system, e-Payment and also outline here in what way to reduce the Online crimes through strengthening the safety components of e-Governance systems.

Integrated Heritage Conservation: Exploring the Role of Community Participation in the Conservation of Thimi

Kishan Datta Bhatta, Buddhi Raj Joshi, Sudeep Sharma Paudyal — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The sustainability of cultural heritage resources is strongly linked to the effective participation of local communities in the conservation and management of these resources (Oladeji, Grace, and Ayodeji, 2022). Integrated heritage conservation is assumed to be an appropriate conservation approach specifically to promote inclusive participation of local communities and sustainable community development in the historic settlements. In this context, considering the case of historic town of Thimi, this study aims to explore the existing context and role of community participation in the planning and conservation of heritage resources and also investigate the context of integrated conservation. Multiple tools of data collection such as Key informant’s interview, household’s surveys, participant observation, informal discussion and archival research have been used. Findings demonstrate that continuous decay and destruction of cultural heritages in Thimi have threatened its unique identity and the traditionally well-sustained community is now degrading and heading towards unsustainability. The context of community participation and conservation also seems weak in promoting sustainable conservation and development in Thimi. It recommends for adopting and implementing inclusive participation of local communities and integrated approach to conservation along with preparing comprehensive policies, plans and legislations for promoting sustainable conservation and community development in the historic settlements.

Occupational Safety and Health Facilities and Its Impact on Project Success: A Case Study of Narayangarh- Butwal (N-B) Road Project

Govinda Sanjel — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted in N-B road improvement project funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and implemented through International Competitive Bidding (ICB) . The research aims to focus on status of safety and health risk level of workers, assess the safety and health facilities provided to workers in selected road construction project.

The primary data were collected through questionnaire and field observation whereas secondary data were collected through project contract documents and literature study. Basically, percentage- based data were generated and Relative Importance Index (RII), Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient was calculated to analyze and interpret the data.

As per the consultant, contractor and labor respondent’s response safe drinking water, first-aid/ medical facilities and provision of toilets were the top three ranked health facilities. Similarly, according to respondent safety signs and barriers, safety helmet and safety boots were the top three ranked safety provisions with RII of 98.25%, 96.87% and 96.22% respectively, showing that there is urgent need for upgrading or establishing these requirements at construction site. And, hazard identification, health facilities and safety provisions were ranked as first, second and third high impact factors for project success with RII of 94.07%, 91.85% and 84.44% respectively.

Here it was found and concluded that the client and contractor are lacking to provide adequate safety and health facilities to the construction workers at workplace as per ILO provisions and Labor act 2017.

Measuring the Performance of the Completed Construction Projects through Users Committees: A Case of Khairahani Municipality, Chitwan, Nepal

Rajesh Koirala — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The projects in Nepal continuously faces issues of expected performance though at local level performance is strictly time bounded. To measure the performance of the completed construction projects through Users Committees in terms of execution time & cost contribution.

The study was solely the project performance of the Municipality implementing through UCs of the 33 sites using Opinion survey, checklist survey. The primary and secondary data and information were collected through different tools as questionnaire survey, Key Informant’s Interview, Checklist and field visits. The Descriptive content analysis produces the measures of selected project performance.

Overall performance of project executing by UCs was satisfactory. The projects through UCs have been completed within the budget. There is not time control mechanism in the projects since work schedule was not prepared and followed. Most of projects were completed on time of one year and all projects were completed within estimated cost. Due to less managerial and technical skill of UCs, inadequate supervision by the technicians, unavailability of skill persons at local levels and with no laboratory provision in the projects implementing through UCs, the quality of construction work could not be assured as QAP was not in use. For the transparency, the project information board is displayed at sites in the projects budgeting equal to or greater than 10 lakhs. Public Audits are also conducted in all the projects. The projects after the work completion have been examined and cleared within 30 days after completion.

The empirical aspects of project implemented through users committee has been analyzed and pragmatic recommendations have been made for assuring effective performance.

Assessment of Personality for Influencing Team Dynamics

Manish Ghimire — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Personality and team dynamics are closely related and can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of a team. Having a diverse range of personalities on a team can bring new ideas and solutions, but it can also lead to conflicts if team members have difficulty communicating or working together effectively. Personality and team dynamics play an important role in determining the effectiveness of a team. A diverse range of personalities can bring new ideas and solutions, but it can also lead to conflicts if team members have difficulty communicating or working together effectively. This is a literature based research to find team dynamics under different personality. The development of innovative solutions to complex problems in the field of information systems (IS) has become increasingly challenging. In order to meet these challenges, many organizations have adopted the use of cross-functional teams in their IS development process. These teams consist of both users, such as accountants and salespeople, and IS professionals, such as systems analysts and programmers. The goal of these teams is to work together effectively in order to produce successful systems. The team-building literature suggests that teams should have high levels of satisfaction with their performance, but in reality, this is not always the case. This suggests that there may be challenges in effectively implementing teams in the IS development process.

Causes and Impacts of Variation Order in Building Construction Projects: A Case Study of Three Projects at Bharatpur Metro

Shivahari Ghimire, Niraj Bohra, Keshab Datt Awasthi — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Variation orders are common in civil engineering construction projects and serve as significant measurement tools for project efficiency and success. This study focuses on identifying the causes and impacts of variation orders in building projects. Three hotel buildings under construction in Bharatpur were considered for the study. The study population included the client, consultant, and contractor, as they are the major stakeholders in any construction project. Data were collected using a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the causes and impacts of variation orders. The study also identified strategies to minimize variation orders. Based on the overall ranking using the RII index, the top three causes of variation orders in building projects at Bharatpur were found to be: Errors and omissions in design (RII = 0.953), Variations in the scope of work by additions, omissions, and alterations of the employer’s requirements (RII = 0.937) and Change in design and drawings by the consultant (RII = 0.905)

Regarding the impacts of variation orders, the top three identified impacts were: Completion schedule delay, Increase in project cost, Affect on progress. All parties strongly agreed on the ranking of these impacts, as supported by a Kendall’s coefficient of concordance value of 0.973.Strategies to minimize variation orders: Fourteen major strategies were identified and analyzed to minimize variation orders. The top three measures, ranked based on overall RII analysis (Kendall’s coefficient of 0.812), were; Complete the drawings at the tendering stage (RII = 0.942), All involved parties should plan adequately before works start on-site (RII = 0.937) and Carry out detailed site investigation, including soil investigations, and consider them during the tendering stage (RII = 0.895).

Critical Success Factors for Technology Management in the Post Pandemic World

Garry Blair, Michelle Morris, Rosane Pagano — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The requirement to achieve the successful implementation and operation of technology is more urgent than ever, given the changes to society imposed by the pandemic and post-pandemic events. The identification of critical factors for the success of technology has become paramount for organisations, irrespective of their sector. This paper accesses a literature review of current and seminal sources together with empirical research to discern a framework for examining the topic. A thematic analysis was performed to identify the key areas for critical project success factors. A summary of these areas for practice was then formulated, in order to assist both practitioners and academics in this sphere.

Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in Technology Management are defined as the principal areas requiring satisfactory results in order to ensure the successful delivery of systems’ objectives. The use of ‘hard’, namely objective, and ‘soft’, namely subjective, information can be required to measure these factors. CSFs are also dynamic, in that they may change over time and thus require ongoing reflection and revaluation, to potentially redefine them in order to accommodate the organisation’s current environment.

A semi-structured interview was held with an experienced project manager. The main themes were then discerned, using an inductive, grounded approach. The focus was on determining the critical factors for change management, as applied in this sphere.

Welcome to the Ocean of Research across Technical Disciplines

Anjay Kumar Mishra — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This editorial introduces the inaugural issue of the Journal of UTEC Engineering Management (JUEM), which aims at disseminating research and innovation in wide technical and managerial disciplines. It starts with a background and need to the journal suggests their potential readers, and concludes with a justification on the suitable development of journal name which focuses broad area of innovative research from different disciplines on technical researchable issues. This journal has started the new approach of publications in context of Nepal with a view to promote open access publication and copyright will be with authors. That signifies the author to obtained intellectuals property rights on their own name.

This journal is an official publication of United Technical College, Affiliated to Pokhara University. It confers high quality academic publication through blind peer reviewed. This issues contains articles from Nepal and abroad across the field of project management, concrete technology, human resource management, technology management, procurement management and many more.

Acknowledging the individuals and institutions involved in bringing the journal from its conception to fruition, the review ends with a call on researchers and practitioners to cross over disciplinary boundaries and create an international platform for intellectual exchange that can lead to positive change in the society scientific