https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/1206 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:57:54 GMT 2026-04-20T12:57:54Z https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/10080 ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF CLIENTS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PERFORMANCE (A CASE OF LEGA TAFO TOWN) SINBONE ABEBE SORI; Dr. LUCY FELEKE The construction industry is inherently complex, involving multiple actors (clients, contractors, and consultants) whose coordinated efforts determine project success. While contractors and consultants have received considerable attention, the influence of clients on project performance remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. This study assessed the role of clients and their impact on the performance of building construction projects in Lega Tafo Town, Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire with 58 items was distributed to 50 respondents, of which 40 were returned (80% response rate). Data were analyzed using SPSS v.20, applying both descriptive and inferential statistics. Respondents ranked clients’ financial attributes, clear definition of project scope and objectives, and resource availability as the top three client-related factors influencing project outcomes. Finance emerged as the most critical factor, reflecting the reality that delayed disbursements or inadequate funding often result in stalled works, contractual disputes, and time overruns. Similarly, unclear scope was identified as a recurring source of rework and cost escalation, while resource availability determined the efficiency of execution. Analysis of clients’ involvement across project phases revealed that participation is highest during the planning phase, where strategic decisions on budget, design, and scope are made, but much lower during operation and maintenance, which weakens long-term project sustainability. Regarding impacts, the three most significant client-related effects were time extensions due to delays in decision-making, reworks from design changes, and budget increases, all of which directly link to clients’ managerial capacity and early planning practices. Correlation and regression analyses showed strong positive relationships between client-related factors, level of involvement, and overall project performance. Importantly, client involvement level was found to be the most influential predictor of performance. This underscores that in contexts like Lega Tafo, where institutional and financial capacities are often limited, active and informed client participation across all phases is crucial for improving construction outcomes and ensuring lifecycle sustainability. Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/10080 2025-09-12T00:00:00Z https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/10079 ASSESSMENT OF CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT CLAUSES USED IN STATE OWNED CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS A CASE OF JIMMA MUKTAR ALI OUMER; MAMUYE BUSER Due to its forward and backward links with other sectors, the construction industry contributes significantly to the economy of any nation by creating jobs and wealth. Unfortunately, a lot of projects in developing nations suffered from incredibly significant cost overruns, delays in completion, and poor quality. Among other things, one of the contributing elements in the construction industry is problems with contract terms. Consequently, the quality required to achieve its criteria is lacking in domestic contract administration and construction management processes. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to identify gaps in the local construction contract conditions in Ethiopia and to identify clauses that have had an adverse effect on the sector's development. The data collection method integrated questionnaire survey, interview and desk study. Samples for the study have been randomly selected from a clustered group of public employers, domestic consultants, and domestic contractors who are actively participating on construction works. In this thesis, a descriptive and inferential statistical analysis method has been used. Interpretation and discussions were made based on results from the analysis. As a result, the price adjustment clauses are not sufficient to compensate the current soaring prices. Besides, termination is not exercised as per the contract provisions whereas claim substantiation and dispute resolution lack a balance of risk favoring the employer in most cases. In addition, another finding reveal that the civil procedure code Art. 315(2) hinders arbitration practices for administrative contracts. Some concepts such as experienced contractor need to be expressed in a more clear and concise manner to reduce subjectivity. Furthermore, local contract forms lack suitability to manage construction projects efficiently. Finally, the study concludes that the performance of the local construction industry, construction management, and contract administration procedures fall short of the criteria set by contract rules. This study further provides recommendations on how to improve the existing prevailing situations of the local construction sector in general and construction management practices in particular. Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/10079 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/10078 PHOTOCATALYTIC PERFORMANCE OF GRAPHENE BASED ZINC SULFIDE NANOCOMPOSITES UNDER VISIBLE LIGHT: EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL APPROACH TOFIK ACHALU, PROFESSOR FEKADU GASHAW; DR. MULUALEM MEKONNEN This study aims to investigate photocatalytic potential of graphene based ZnS nanocomposite under experimentally and computationally approach. The synthesis of graphite, GO and rGO used acid treatment, tour method, and chemical treatment, respectively. It used waste dry cell graphite rods for graphene source. Solution growth synthesis approaches were used to produce ZnS nanoparticles and ZnS/rGO nanocomposites. XRD, FTIR, DRS, PL, TGA, RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY and SEM-EDX characterization techniques were utilized for analysis. The experimental findings shown the successful synthesis of exfoliated black-brown rGO, light yellow ZnS nanoparticles, and a ZnS/rGO nanocomposite. Graphite shows a strong peak at a diffraction angle of 26.50, shifted to a lower angle of 25.20 in the case of rGO. Prominent peaks shown at 488 nm when excited at 280 nm for rGO. The transition from rough graphite sheets to smooth, flake-like surface morphology property of rGO was observed. The optical band gaps measured at 3.68 eV for ZnS decrease in to 3.051 eV for the ZnS/rGO nanocomposite because increase rGO concentration. The lower bandgap can be attributed to the formation of a nanocomposite. Similarly, TGA showed three stages of mass loss, and FTIR confirmed the presence of rGO in ZnS/rGO nanocomposite. The photocatalysis experiments were used 0.04 grams of ZnS/rGO, 80 ml MB (15ppm) solution with a pH of 12 under 300 w hydrogen lamp for 90 minutes. Regarding photocatalytic efficiency, ZnS/rGO-12wt % nanocomposites exhibited degradation percentages of 96.99 %. However, ZnS nanoparticles demonstrated a photodegradation efficiency of 70.74%. The enhanced photocatalytic activity shown at ZnS/rGO-12wt % nanocomposite. The photocatalyst shown good stability, with a degradation efficiency of 92.6 % and 86.8 % in first cycle and second, respectively. ALL the experimental results of ZnS/rGO nanocomposites show significant potential for photocatalysis application. Theoretical calculations used the CASTEP module in MATERIAL STUDIO to study the electronic and photocatalytic properties of ZnS/G heterostructures. The theoretical results suggest that the ZnS/G heterostructure exhibits enhanced adsorption capabilities as compared to ZnS. 3×3×1 graphene supercell with a 2×2×1 ZnS with 2.63% mismatch, the calculated band structures reveal a bandgap of 0.3 eV for ZnS/G and 2.7 eV for ZnS. Additionally, the major peaks of absorption coefficients of 8.6 × 10⁴, 17.8 × 10⁴ cm⁻¹ and 28.7 × 10⁴ cm⁻¹ which is indicating a reduced optical bandgap. The findings confirm that ZnS/rGO nanocomposite and ZnS/G heterostructures offer improved photocatalytic efficiency compared to ZnS catalysts. Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/10078 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/10077 ASSESSMENT OF FACILITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT IN SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA REGION: THE CASE OF BONGA TOWN PUBLIC BUILDING Birhanu Godeto Goba, Dr Getachew Kebede, Facility management encompasses the planning, operation, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructures to ensure sustainability, usability, and safety. Public buildings, such as government offices, universities, and hospitals, significantly contribute to environmental degradation through greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste production, and energy consumption. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection. A total of 74 questionnaires were distributed to administrative staff, environmentalists, and facility managers from Bonga University, Bonga Hospital, and local government facilities. Key data collection tools included structured questionnaires designed to assess facility management practices, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with environmental regulations. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, with Cronbach's alpha confirming the reliability of the responses. Key findings revealed critical issues: 80.95% of organizations demonstrated non-compliance with facility management policies, highlighting a significant governance gap. Furthermore, waste management practices indicated that only 11.1% of organizations engaged in recycling initiatives, while the majority relied on landfilling (41.3%) and waste burning (33.3%). These practices, compounded by inadequate indoor air quality controls and insufficient environmental education, intensify environmental inefficiencies. To address these challenges, targeted interventions such as implementing water-saving technologies, enhancing recycling initiatives, promoting sustainable materials, and adopting energy-efficient systems are essential. The findings provide actionable recommendations for decision-makers and policymakers in Bonga town to reduce environmental impacts and foster long-term sustainability. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/10077 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z