The Influence of Organizational External Factors on Construction Risk Management among Nigerian Construction Companies

BACKGROUND: Substantial empirical research has shown conflicting results regarding the influence of organizational external factors on construction risk management, suggesting the necessity to introduce a moderator into the study. The present research confirmed whether rules and regulations matter on the relationships between organizational external factors and construction risk management. METHODS: Based on discouragement and organizational control theory, this research examined the effects of organizational external factors and rules and regulations on construction risk management among 238 employees operating in construction companies in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. A personally administered questionnaire was used to acquire the data. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. RESULTS: A significant positive relationship between organizational external factors and construction risk management was asserted. This study also found a significant positive relationship between rules and regulations and construction risk management. As anticipated, rules and regulations were found to moderate the relationship between organizational external factors and construction risk management, with a significant positive result. Similarly, a significant interaction effect was also found between rules and regulations and organizational external factors. Implications of the research from a Nigerian point of view have also been discussed. CONCLUSION: Political, economy, and technology factors helped the construction companies to reduce the chance of risk occurrence during the construction activities. Rules and regulations also helped to lessen the rate of accidents involving construction workers as well as the duration of the projects. Similarly, the influence of the organizational external factors with rules and regulations on construction risk management has proven that most of the construction companies that implement the aforementioned factors have the chance to deliver their projects within the stipulated time, cost, and qualities, which can be used as a yardstick to measure a good project.

Mesh fixation vs. non-fixation in total extra peritoneal mesh hernioplasty

To compare mesh fixation with non-fixation and its effect on outcome. The interventional prospective study was conducted at the National Hospital and Medical Centre, Lahore from January 2007 to December 2008. After the two-year intervention period, the patients were followed up for 5 years. The selected patients were divided into two groups. In group 1, mesh fixation was performed with metal non-absorbable tackers and in group II no fixation of mesh was performed. Patients were followed up at 6, 12, 24 and 60 months. Of the 63 patients in the study, 32[50.7%] were in group I and 31[49.2% in group II. The Mean pain score in group I was 4.7 +/- 0.683 and 4.1 +/- 0.860 in group II [p< 0.001]. Urinary retention was more common in group 1 [p>0.05], while recurrence was more common in group II [p>0.05]. Pain was significantly less in the non-fixation group, while urinary retention and recurrence were not significantly increased. Non-fixation is a viable option for total extraperitoneal mesh hernioplasty and should be preferred over mesh fixation

Presentation of cancer of the gallbladder at Mayo Hospital, Lahore

Carcinoma of the gallbladder is a progressive malignant disorder with a poor and painful prognosis and high mortality rate'. Our study highlights the enhanced presentation of the carcinoma of gallbladder in patients having cholecystectomies in general ward and its possible aetiological factors in the population of Pakistan in general and Punjab in particular. Analysis of case records and histopathology reports of 100 patients who underwent cholecystectomies was done, with the objective to determine the incidence of cancer of gall bladder and highlight the possible aetiological factors. Out of a total of 100 patients 89% were females and 11% were males. The total incidence of cancer of the gall bladder in these patients was 16% the highest yet reported in literature and if was seen that it was more common in females [13%] who are relatively quite young in age. The aetiological factors held responsible were the unmistakable association of gallstones, the delayed treatment, repeated attacks of cholecystitis, multiparty, congenital abnormalities of biliary tract and infections of the biliary system. Though various modalities of treatment have been described but bulk of the above can be controlled and prevented