FOUNDATION FAILURE AND ITS EFFECT IN BUILDING: A CASE STUDY OF NASARAWA YOUTH CENTRE

FOUNDATION FAILURE AND ITS EFFECT IN BUILDING:

A CASE STUDY OF NASARAWA YOUTH CENTRE

 

ABSTRACT

In the building construction industry particularly in Nigeria, some indigenous contractors try to ensure that projects are delivered within the shortest duration without determine to the use of types of foundation.  Hence the need for adequate use of types of foundation cannot be overemphasized.  The study then undertake the foundation failure and its effect in building significantly to ascertain the extent of the application i.e. problem/success involved with the use of the foundation.  A questionnaire was administered and data collected from selected building located in Nasarawa State which were presented in tables, analyzed and interpreted accordingly to degree of responses.  Base on analysis, it was discovered that appropriate use of foundation schedule of construction works is essential due to its positive impact (cost and time saving) toward effective project delivery.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0      BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

A building can be define as a structure broadly consisting of walls, floors and roof erected to provide space for different use such as residence, education, business, workshop, manufacturing, hospitalization, entertainment etc which the load is acting on the foundation.

Base on this, man required different types of building for his activities, houses, bungalow and flats for his living, hospitals and health center for his health care, schools, college and universities for his education, bank, shops, offices, buildings and factories for production, railway building, bus station and air terminals for transportation.

In this case, the building design has traditionally been the responsibility of architect though the building construction has been the responsibility of the builders.

Building like all structure, are design to certain load without deforming excessively, the load are the weight of people and object. The weight of the rain and snow and the pressure of wing called live load and dead 1.4GK + 1.6GK equal to the total load of the building itself.

A foundation of a building or structure is that part of the substructure which is in direct contract with and transmits the load to the ground.  The substructure is that of a building or artificial sub soil level and which supports super structure. 

Also, the structural element that connect the building bridges and other elements to ground are called “foundation”.  These elements are very important because, the safety and reliability of the structure can’t be better than that of the foundation. Uzokwe, O.A. (2001) “Rising Incidence of Building Collapse in Nigeria: Any Remedy?” Nigeria World 1999-2010.

Strength and stability from part A of (1995) schedule 1 to the building regulations are as regards loading:  That the building shall be so constructed that the combined dead, imposed and wind load are sustained and transmitted to the ground safely and without causing deflection or deformation of any part of the building or such movement of the ground as will impair the stability of any part of another building and as regards ground movement of the subsoil cause by swelling, shrinkage or freezing will not impair the stability of any part of the building.

A foundation should be designed to transmit the loads of the building to the ground so there is at most, only a limited settlement of building into the ground.

A building whose foundation is not sound rock will suffer no measurable settlement where as a building on soil will suffer settlement into the ground by the compression of soil under the ground.

1.1      FUNCTIONS OF BUILDING

To build means making use of building material to create a space that will fulfill a particular function.  The building as a structure must fulfill the following conditions:

-         Satisfy the need for which it was built (function).

-         Must resist the loads coming to it i.e. (must be stable).

-         Must continue to fulfill its function (durability)

-         Must be achieved with the minimum use of resources (economy).

Tattersall, N. (2009 June, 28). “ Nigeria Building Collapse Kills at Least Five-Rescuers”. Daily Sun Newspapers, Retrieved from http://www.Dailysun.ng

Buildings are constructed to serve a range purposes viz:

For shelter, to have a conducive place for work for schools, industries, entertainment and all you think of.

Buildings are produced by the coordination of the inputs of a group of people, under the provisions of a guiding law, called the building regulations.  A building is broadly divided into two parts:

1)        Substructure

2)        Superstructure

The portion of the building below the ground is the substructure and the portion above is the superstructure.

1.2      STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

In the building construction industry, some indigenous building contractors have to struggle to complete project work on time without considering the types of foundation and the soil types.

Whenever priorities are not given to key aspect of building construction work or project work such as scheduling of activities, monitoring of day to day task.  Hence the consequences of no or improper use of foundation types or materials for the construction of foundation, it will eventually lead to foundation failure of such project or building.

1.3          AIM AND OBJECTIVES

1.3.1  AIM

The aim of this research work is to identify delivery  of foundation failure and its effects in building for project delivery.

1.3.2  OBJECTIVES

For the achievement of the above aim, the objectives are:

i)                  To identify the cause/effect of foundation failure in building

ii)                To identify the Mother Nature earth/human activities in foundation failure.

iii)             To identify the causes of settlement in foundation

1.4      METHODOLOGY

Two methods of data collection were used (primary and secondary).  Therefore, in the pursuit of this research work, the following sources were used:  textbooks, internet and questionnaires and related materials.

1.4.1  ANALYSIS

In data analysis, tables of analysis were to analyze the data collected using questionnaires and the responses are expressed in percentages.

1.5      SCOPE AND LIMITATION

1.5.1  The scope of this research work covers foundation failure and its effect in building be used for construction project by some indigenous building contractors.

ERADICATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA THROUGH SMALL SCALE BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF EMPLOYMENT AS CASE STUDY

ERADICATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA THROUGH SMALL SCALE BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF EMPLOYMENT AS CASE STUDY

CHAPTER ONE

1.0   INTRODUCTION

        Agricultural activities and little form of trading activities had been a means of livelihood of people in different parts of Nigeria before the advent of the white men.

        The coming of the white men into Nigeria brought change to this. Better ways of farming were introduced, economic activities came to being and grew, commercial activities expanded, the Christian religion was introduced in different parts of the country and political activities were introduced and grew too. All these activities called for the need to employ personnel into one position or the other. During this period, the word unemployment was not given birth to. Even after independence, in the 1960s and 1970s, undergraduates do not need to apply for employment. Employers usually woo them by depositing offers of jobs in their hall of residence for those interested to choose from as soon as they finish writing their degree examinations. During the period of oil boom, economic activities were generated in abundance and these made plenty of jobs available.

        But nowadays, things have changed. We have move from this age of economic growth and development to economic recession, which has contributed to the high rate of unemployment. How to alleviate or possibly eradicate unemployment is a thing of concern to all. That is why the government of Nigeria has established some institutions to encourage the setting up of small scale industries and to finance the already existing one. Some of the establishments are: The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Industrial Development Centre, People’s Bank of Nigeria ;(PMB), small scale industries credit schemes, Small and Medium Enterprise Scheme (SMES), Nigeria Bank for commerce and Industry (NBCI), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative Bank Limited (NACB), National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Family Economic Advancement Programme(FEAP) and lots more. This is so because small scale business has been recognized to be the bedrock of industrial, economic growth and development of any nation. All these efforts made by the government are aimed at eradicating unemployment in Nigeria.

        This research work is to examine how well and how far small scale business introduction and encouragement can be a source or means livelihood for the unemployed and the degree of government’s enlightenment; and level of finding in order to terminate unemployment.

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

        Assistance on employment with emphasis on self-reliance and entrepreneurship, being the unique assignment of the directorate has called for unusual boldness and creativity.

        In the early 80s, the worldwide economic depression causes a rapid deterioration in Nigeria’s economy. Industrial output shrank to an ultimate low level and commercial activities were consequently reduced leading to the loss of employment opportunity for millions of Nigerians.

        The unemployment situation in Nigeria had reached a desperate and an alarming proportion at the end of 1985.

        On 26^th March 1986, the president appointed a committee to deliberate on strategies for dealing with mass unemployment under the auspices of the federal ministry of employment, labour and productivity. The report of the committee as it became popularly known was approved by the federal government in October, 1986. Based on its recommendations, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE] was established in November 22, 1986 and its initial care programmes were formally launched in January 30^th, 1987 by the Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral, Augustus Aikhomu, on behalf of the president and commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

        It now becomes matter of interest knowing the achievement so far in eradicating or alleviating unemployment in Nigeria through small scale businesses.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

        The following are the problem area of interest to the researcher:-

• How small scale business can provide job opportunities for groups or individuals.
• What are the various types of unemployment, their causes and the solution.
• What are the prospects in undertaking small scale business entrepreneurship?
• How an effective small scale business be undertaking?
• How to avoid unemployment?

1.3   OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

        This study is being carried for the following purposes:

1. To create enthusiasm in many people to become potential entrepreneurs.
2. To give proper understanding on how to start small scale enterprise through feasibility studies.
3. To awaken people’s awareness on the role of National Directorate of Employment (NDE] and how to get good employment opportunity through it.
4. To bring about reduction on the rate of dependence on government and large firms for salary.
5. To give researcher and others, better understanding on how to eradicate unemployment through small scale business entrepreneurship.
6. To show the benefits of understanding small scale business entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood.
7. To recommend possible solutions.

1.4   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

        The significance of this study is to enlighten people on the importance of undertaking small scale business entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood thereby avoiding unemployment situation. This is to say that, it is a good means of livelihood to the entrepreneur, as well provide employment for others employed by him.

        Another essence of the study is that, it reduces the rate of dependency on the government and large firms for employment.

        When successful small scale business enterprises are established, economic growth and development are achieved.

1.5   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

(i)     Will small scale business create job opportunity?

(ii)    Is the welfare of the unemployed an issue of great concern     at National Directorate of Employment?

 (iii)   Has National Directorate of employment been able to reach    her goals and objectives?

(iv)   Has National Directorate of Employment been encountering   problems while performing her duties?

1.6   STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS

        Hypothesis is a proposition which can be tested in order to determine its validity. A hypothesis is a tentative answer to a research problem.

        Therefore, the following hypothesis is formulated:

Ho:  Small scale business would not create job opportunity.

Hi:   Small scale business would create job opportunity.

Ho:  Welfare of the unemployed is not an issue of great concern     at N.D.E.

Hi:   Welfare of the unemployed is an issue of great concern   at     N.D.E.

Ho:  National Directorate of Employment has not been able to       reach her goals and objectives.

Hi:   National Directorate of Employment has been able to     reach her goals and objectives.

Ho:  National directorate of employment has not been    encountering problems while performing its duties.

Ho:  National directorate of employment has been encountering   problems while performing its duties.

Ho:  Entrepreneurship development would not reduce crime.

Hi:   Entrepreneurship development would reduce crime.

1.7   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

        This study will attempt to identify how unemployment can be alleviated or eradicated in Nigeria through small scale business entrepreneurship.

        As this relates to National Directorate of Employment (NDE), it also embraces how N.D.E. helps the unemployed in raising funds and giving trainings through its schemes as means of livelihood.

1.8   LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

        It is pertinent to note that the researcher was confronted with one problem or the other that limited the work to what I have endeavoured to present so far. These limitations are in three broad categories viz: The questionnaires were not received completely, some received were partly filled and some of the respondents are biased in their response as they are unwilling and unable to disclose some needed information they termed secrete.

1.9   DEFINITION OF THE KEY CONCEPTS

1. Economic Recession: This is a period of economic decline in a country with reduced trade and industrial activities and many people unemployed.
2. Economic Growth: Is an increase in the national income or total volume of production of goods and services in a country without improving the standard of living of the inhabitants of the country.

• Economic Development: This refers to as an increase (Expansion) of the national income or total volume of production of goods and services of a country accompanied by improvements in social, political and economic lives of the people inhabiting that country.

1. Unemployment: This refers to the situation whereby factors of production are unengaged or not utilized in productive activities that can earn them income. (Paul Kofi Tawiab, 1989).
2. Entrepreneur: China (1993:54) defined it as a person who is able to look at the environment, identify opportunities to improve the environment, marshal resources and implement action to maximize the opportunities”.
3. Small Scale Business: The Government small scale Industrial Development scheme defines small business as any manufacturing, processing or service industry with a capital investment not exceeding N150,000 in machinery and equipment. (Akirinade 1989).

    The central Bank on its part insists that any business whose turnover is above N500,000 does not qualify to be described as a small business (Jegede 1990).

• Livelihood: Is a means earning income to obtain the necessities of life by an individual to care for self, family and others.
• Employers: Those who employ people to work for them.

1. Personnel/employees: Those people employed in an organization or the staff.
2. Alleviate: To reduce or lessen.
3. Eradicate: To remove or destroy completely.

• Monopoly: This is a situation whereby there is only one producer or supplier of a product or service in a market.
• Creativity: Conception of idea or imagination to create something.
• Gestation Period: Time or period of growth and development before gains.

1. Tentative: Uncertain

• Prospect: The possibility of occurrence.

1.10   ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

        This work is segmented into five parts referred to as chapters for the sake of uniting and systematic approach. It is chronologically stated below:-

        The introductory chapter is designed to explain the various stages I underwent in the course of writing this project: Background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, significance of the study, research questions, statement of hypothesis, scope of the study, limitation of the study and definition of the key concept.

        The second chapter deals with review of literature. Here, the researcher explained the meaning, types, causes and problems of unemployment. The chapter also comprises the meaning, types and importance of small scale business. As well as starting up a small scale business and problems associated with small business operation and solutions.

        The third chapter explains the research methodology. It shows (outlines) how I was able to obtain the information that gives this project framework.

        The fourth chapter covers data presentation and analysis.

        While the last chapter of the project comprises: the summary of finding, conclusion, recommendation and references (Bibliography).

CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOUR: IMPLICATION FOR MARKETING FIRMS

CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOUR: IMPLICATION FOR MARKETING FIRMS

(A CASE STUDY OF UAC FOODS PLC, ABUJA BRANCH)

ABSTRACT

The topic of this research work: “Consumer Buying Behaviour: Implication for Marketing Firms.  A Case Study of UAC Foods Plc Abuja”.  The project work tries to review detail the understanding of how consumer generally behave.  To make the research complete, data were collected through the use of questionnaire.  The sample used for this research was 12 respondents randomly choosing from the UAC Foods Plc. 

CHAPTER ONE

1.0     INTRODUCTION

          The aim of marketing is to meet and satisfy target consumers needs and wants, the field of consumer behavior studies how individuals, groups and organizations select, buy, use and dispose of goods, services, ideas or experience to satisfy their needs and desires.

          Consumers make many buying decisions every day.  Most large companies research consumer buying decision in good details to answer question about what consumers’ buy, where they buy, how much they buy, where they buy and why they buy.  Marketers study actual consumer purchases to find out what they buy, where and how much, but learning about the why of consumer buying behavior is not so easy. Consumer may say one thing but do another, this is because the actions and reactions of those consumers only vary but quite unpredictable, their wants are ever changing in nature and this has accounted for different experiences in the market.

          In understanding consumer behavior, one has to note the nature and acts of purchasing itself.  Purchasing activities are quite complex and consumer not only collect information and determine the selection criteria but also reach decision concerning the attribute of the product, styles, size, colour and retail agent.

          The study of consumer behavior is so complex that even the behavior scientists have divergent views in this regard.

          The buying behaviors of a consumer depend on some factors as rate of consumptions, seasonality nature of goods, economic conditions as well as characteristics of the said product.  How consumers generally buy remain the key task facing the marketers to enable them design effective marketing programmes.

1.1     HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

          United Africa Company (UAC) Food was incorporated in 18 centuries known as Royal Niger Company and later it was changed to UAC.  In early 19 centuries still partly owned by British and some wealthy Africans.  It means operation then was to assist the bourgeoisies that is the British owner in transferring of cash crops such as palm oil, timber etc to the British empire.

          Subsequently, in 1973 the indigenization decree gave room to many Nigerians to be part owner of the conglomerate thereby making it a public liability company with no restriction with the cash capital.

          The company’s corporate headquarter which is still been known as Niger House is situated in the heart of Lagos. After the indigenization decree the new management gave room for additional division such as the African Timber and Palmwood (ATP), King Way Stores,  Kings Way Randavo, Tractor and Equipment, Niger Motors known as General Motors (GM), Perabin (Part Electrical Refrigeration and Air-conditioning).

          Other subsidiaries such as Grand Cereals and Mill Nigeria Limited (GCMNL) Chemical and Allied Product Limited (CAPL), Private Pharmaceutical Products (PP & P), Prudent Bank.

          Fully owned UAC Foods are Mr. Biggs, General Motors (GM) formally Niger Motors, Ikogosi Warm Spring Water (Cossy Water), UNDC (Proper Division).

          All of the above are what make up UACN Plc out of all these divisions some have parked up due to poor performance and financial difficulties and others resold.

          United African Company (UAC) core business areas include food processing and production, motor vehicles assembling, air conditioning maintenance and services and refrigeration, property development, banking services and marketing of all the produce.  UAC have companies scattered around all the looks and crane of Nigeria.

i.                   Ice-cream plant Onitsha

ii.                 Gala Factory Ojota

iii.              Bread Factory Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Suleja

iv.              Meat Factory Lanlate (Eruwa) Oyo State.

v.                 Ikongosi Warm Spring Water Ekiti State.

vi.              Grand Cereal and Swam Water both in Jos.

vii.            UAC end product ranges from fast moving consumer goods such as Mr. Bigg’s varieties, Gala, Supreme ice cream, Satis, Cocon chips, Funtime Plantain chips, Bumpus Park, Delite, Cocktail Gala, Vengs Ways fish rolls.

viii.         General Motors (GM) include Isuzu Tiger, Isuzu NPR Kocliak, Trust T and A, marketing of caterpillar parts and earth moving equipment such as caterpillar brand.

Grand Cereal include pure cotton seed oil, animal feed, vital feed and others.

          All these combined together are various brands of product from UAC and this is what is it a leading conglomerate in Nigeria.

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

          Generally speaking, consumer buying behavior imposes numerous threats to marketing firms.  These difficulties stems from the fact that firms in bid to market their products/services, must strives to understand the buying patterns of consumers.  These problems form the entire trust of this project work.

          The expectation is that at the end of this work, firms would have adjusted their marketing pattern to accommodate the every changing, pattern of consumer, these problems include:

1)      The problem of understanding who the occupants of the market are.

2)      What consumers generally buys, how, where, when and they even buy at all.

3)      That problem of knowing the influences in the consumer buying decision.

4)      The problem generated by various forces at work in the consumer buying environment economics, socio-cultural and psychological factors.  Again, this project work is embarked upon to proffer solution to these problems.

1.3     OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

          The objectives of the study hold great interest for us as consumer and marketers.

          It is important for us as marketers to recognize why and how individual make their consumption division and the factors influencing their buying behavior.

          This project work will help to educate the researcher and as well enhance his knowledge about consumer buying behavior and no doubt marketers who understand consumer behavior have great competitive advantages to the market place.

1.4     STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS

          It serve as a guide towards the realization of the aims and objectives of this research work.  The researcher has these basic facts which she will put to test.

          These facts shall be denoted by:

Ho:    For Null hypothesis

Hi:     For Alternative hypothesis

HYPOTHESIS I

Ho:    Consumer buying behavior has no impacts on marketing firms.

Hi:     Consumer buying behavior has a lot of impacts on marketing firms.

1.5     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

          The significance of study of this nature cannot be over emphasized.  The topic seeks to be of relevance to marketers, organization as well as individual who stands to benefit from the research work.

          This research work would benefit prospective readers and future researchers who may wish to use this work as a reference point to understanding why and how individual make their consumption decision.

1.6     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

          This research work is carried out so as to understand the buying behavior of the consumer as well as factors influencing their decision, but due to time and financial constraints, the researcher limited herself to United African Company (UAC) as the case study of this research work.

1.7     LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

          In the course of making this research work, the researcher experienced the following constraints.

1)      Secrecy: The secrecy of an organization was a constraint because all organizations will agree to give out required information because of fear they may have against competitors.

2)      Time and Financial Constraints were the greatest obstacles to research work, no time for gathering information as required for project.  Therefore, the researcher make use of the limited resources under investigation also affect.

1.8     DEFINITION OF TERMS

CONSUMER:  Person who buy goods and uses services.

CONSUMERISM:  The belief that a society or individual benefit from using a large quantity of goods and services.

BUYING:  The ability to obtain.

BEHAVIOUR:  Individual psychological make up and the influence of others.

INFLUENCE:  The power of affect action, character and beliefs.

PERCEPTION:  Process by which individual become aware (through sense of sight, hearing).

MOTIVATION:  Drives, urges or desire.