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When it comes to a firm's growth, profitability and profit maximization are sensitive matters that cannot be neglected, due to the fact that profit and profit maximization are the main aims for any building construction business. Thus, the study intended to explore the profit maximization opportunities available for small and medium size building contractors (SMSBCs) in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania; by exploring the profit maximization strategies employed; examining the challenges faced by these contractors that affect realization of profit maximization; and proposing profit maximization measures, that can be employed by the SMSBCs in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. This designed survey study, employed the SMSBCs in Dar-Es-Salaam Tanzania, as a unit of analysis, which involved building contractors from Class IV, V, VI and VII, as study population and unit sample. Moreover, the descriptive design survey study involved probability sampling as a sampling technique. Literature review; open and closed ended questionnaires, were used in collecting primary and secondary qualitative and quantitative data. In collecting data, total of 94 questionnaires were distributed, whereby 78 (84.3%) were returned. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed charging for all amendments and change orders; dropping of low performers; minimization of waste on site; timely execution of works on site; proper tendering procedures; improving construction productivity; reliable chain of supplies; and requiring more site job experience, as the most important opportunities employed by SMSBCs. Furthermore, the critical challenges revealed were; non-payment of debts; taxes and license; lack of capital equipment; low share of work opportunities; delays caused by clients; as well as uncertainty and unexpected climate conditions. The study concluded that; most of the contractors use all the opportunities to maximize their profits in construction projects. Most of them have survived because, they continued maintaining professionalism when it comes to work despite having low share of work/ tender opportunities. Also, corruption is one of the critical factors that affects the industry, hence hindering the contractor's growth. With the new reform and government systems, this factor has reduced to some extent as compared to how businesses were operated before, but not completely eliminated. The overall satisfaction of the profits and growth of these SMSBCs has been reduced by government reforms and policies, despite the government effort to fight corruption. When it comes to taxes and license fees, most of the contractors are irritated with constant need to pay for cost/license of operations or the presence of both withholding tax and Skills Development Levy(SDL) imposed to them when conducting business. Lastly, the study recommended; introduction of proper taxation policies; centralization of government agencies responsible for collecting annual payment f...

Owing to health and security hazards posed by concentration of EMR (electromagnetic radiations) from wireless transmission devices such as antennas and WiFi, it is time for building specialists to consider EMR shielding in general designs. Such a venture needs understanding of shielding behavior of various building materials in their isolated and combined forms. While shielding properties of several industrial materials are known, much remains to be understood from traditional materials. This article contributes to the knowledge of SE (shielding effectiveness) of the latter materials. It has tested the buildings of the 19th CE STZ (Stone Town of Zanzibar). The coral stones, mud, and mangrove pole buildings of this historic town were found to be effective in shielding the radiations, nearly the same as renowned buildings of the Roman Empire.

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Human resource is the key component for any organization's success. It is crucial for organization to manage their human resources effectively and to their satisfaction, so that they stay longer without leaving the organization. Job satisfaction is identified as one of the factor that causes turnover intention of human resources in any organization. The study evaluates the job satisfaction of quantity surveyors in building construction firms of Dar-Es-salaam, Tanzania; with objectives being; to identify factors influencing job satisfaction; to determine level of job satisfaction; and to recommend interventions that can be applied to improve job satisfaction of quantity surveyors in building construction firms. The study considered a descriptive design where quantity surveyors employed by Class I to IV building construction firms were used, as a unit of analysis. In collecting data, a total of 55 questionnaires were distributed, whereby 42 were returned. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study revealed the major factors influencing job satisfaction of quantity surveyors, in order of importance, which includes; the working condition; organization commitment; pay; selfsatisfaction of work done; job recognition; appreciation; relationship with co-workers; training and development opportunities; job security; job feedback; and job involvement in decision making and responsibilities. Furthermore, findings indicated that; the overall level of job satisfaction of quantity surveyors in building construction firms, is an average level of satisfaction with the mean score value of 3.02 and mode of 4.00. Moreover, it revealed that; quantity surveyors in building construction firm, have low level satisfaction in terms of job involvement in decision making and responsibilities; feedback and communication; job security; level of supervision; training and development opportunities; and the company's promotion policies. Various interventions recommended to improve job satisfaction of quantity surveyors in building construction firms includes; adequate recognition of the work by the quantity surveyors in the construction firms should be fully appreciated, and encroachment by other professionals should be highly discouraged. Advancement opportunity in career progression and professional development should be encouraged to improve quality service delivery. The work to be done by quantity surveyors should have clear goals, while objectives and interference by other professionals should be checked.