exploring student perceptions on sustainability considerations in procurement decisions in zambia Dr Sambo Zulu [Leeds Beckett University, UK] Dr Franco Muleya [Copperbelt University, Zambia]
Introduction Construction industry seen as a key driver in the sustainability agenda Governments, industry, organisations, companies are pushing the agenda Recognises opportunities in the Zambian construction industry [ZCI] Agues: That as the construction industry develops: a sustainable approach should be considered. Aim: To explore perception of sustainability in the ZCI Focus: Examining the influence of sustainability in procurement decision: A students perception. How presentation will benefit audience: Adult learners are more interested in a subject if they know how or why it is important to them. Presenter’s level of expertise in the subject: Briefly state your credentials in this area, or explain why participants should listen to you.
Why students Decision makers of tomorrow Universities are seen as key drivers in sustainability skills development training leaders of tomorrow Many studies on student perceptions on sustainability issues Including comparative studies between countries/universities/years of study etc Sustainability considerations: The triple bottom-line>> Environmental, social & economic Most studies show an environmental bias in perceptions This study is focused on procurement decision making Lesson descriptions should be brief.
Sustainable Procurement Sustainability is seen as a key consideration in procurement E.g. Supplier selection literature 70’s and 80’s focused on cost performance, Early 90’s considered life cycle assessment, Late 90s the notion of flexibility. 2000’s importance of environmental sustainability. Example objectives At the end of this lesson, you will be able to: Save files to the team Web server. Move files to different locations on the team Web server. Share files on the team Web server.
Methodology Questionnaire Survey Course n Percentage BSc Architecture 22 18% BSc Building 26 22% BSc Civil Engineering 16 13% BSc Quantity Surveying 11 9% BSc Planning 25 21% BSc Real Estate 21 17% Total 121 100% Questionnaire Survey University students on various built environment programs Year n Percentage Year 3 49 41% Year 4 33 27% Year 5 39 32% Total 121 100%
Results: Perception of triple-bottom line All Year of study Course Sustainability Dimension Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Arch Bldg Civil QS Plng RE Environmental 3.20 3.21 3.15 3.28 3.50 3.80 3.40 3.10 2.80 2.70 Economic 4.00 4.19 4.18 3.62 4.40 4.20 3.7 4.10 Social 3.70 3.69 3.55 3.77 3.60 4.30 3.63 3.56 3.36 3.93 3.84 3.45 3.73 3.35
Results: Procurement decision factors Construct Statement Code Economics Profitability would be a major determining factor Profit Price would be a major determining factor Price Environment The impact on the environment would be a major concern Social Meeting Industry standards on sustainability Standards I would be concerned about its impact on future generations Future Sustainability concerns would be a major factor Sustainability I would be concerned about the impact on immediate users Users Meeting minimal legal requirements Legal Only suppliers/contractors who have a documented sustainability policy should be involved Suppliers
Results: Procurement decision factors Construct Year All Course 3 4 5 Arch Bldg Civil QS Plng RE Economics Profit 4.20 4.10 4.52 4.11 4.00 4.15 4.06 4.18 4.40 Price 4.01 4.04 3.85 3.95 4.27 4.24 3.73 3.96 3.86 Environment 3.59 3.87 3.26 4.31 Social Standards 3.94 4.23 3.88 3.63 3.41 3.50 4.12 Future 4.35 3.55 3.51 3.45 4.29 3.64 3.33 Sustainability 3.52 3.74 3.43 Users 3.78 4.07 3.58 3.24 3.27 3.76 Legal 3.70 3.61 3.79 3.92 3.60 3.48 Suppliers 3.39 3.12 3.18 3.32 4.47 3.00 3.20 3.05
Conclusion Many studies on student perception find an environmental predominance This study: the predominant context is an economic dimension However differences are observed between different cohorts The study did not pursue reasons for the perception Next step: Comparison with data from UK university using same research instrument
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