There are differences in the definitions of Alternative Building Materials (ABM) and differences in the terminologies that are used in describing ABM by different researchers in the construction industry. ABM is a generic term, which is characterised of or relating to a class or group of building materials, not really specific. It encompasses building and construction materials that in literature are referred to by different names such as alternative materials, local building materials, unconventional building materials, alternative residential construction materials, sustainable building materials, indigenous building materials, vernacular building materials, green building materials, environmentally responsible building materials, eco-friendly building materials, etc. The research employed systematic literature review and content analysis to generate and analysedall the necessary information as the methodology. A working (operational) definition of Alternative Building Materials is being offered as building materials that are an alternative to conventional building materials in the form of total or partial substitution of the materials or its constituents for the purpose of reducing the cost, addressing environmental issues or dealing with lack of conventional materials. The characteristics of ABM have been identified to include low or no chemical emissions that can lead to poor indoor air quality, recycled content (post-consumer and preconsumer), no CFC, HCFC, or other ozone depleting substances content, low embodied energy, locally produced, possibility of repairs and replacements with local means and social acceptability amongst others. Some of the benefits of utilizing ABM include; low embodied energy (often leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions), ease of construction, widespread availability and low cost.

Construction projects are subject to various uncertainties that impact on achieving the project objectives. This is most apparent in the case of PPP projects due to the number of contracting parties with conflicting interests. Effective risk management in such projects becomes crucial. This paper presents a conceptual framework for managing risks in PPP projects for housing development in Nigeria. The purpose of the conceptual framework is to use it for further studies. The conceptual framework is based on extensive review of

Studies have shown that project risks are responsible for the failure of most Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects. The study examined the critical risk factors associated with PPP housing projects. Data for the research was obtained through a questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and mean ratings. Corruption and bribery among contracting parties (0.681), Exchange rate volatility (0.621) Availability of development funds (0.599) and Change in government (0.580) were the critical risk factors identified. The study also indicated that project cost is highly influenced by lack of development funds and changes in interest rates. The quality of PPP housing projects in Abuja was found to be influenced by partner selection risks. The study suggested a competitive, transparent, and efficient bid process to eliminate corruption, workable strategies for ensuring the availability of development funds at a cheaper rate and adopting mixed strategy in which government continues to provide social housing to the low-income class while providing the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

Research methodology is an important and indispensable element in research design. However, designing research strategy such as case study has proven to be a difficult task among research students. Case study is one of the most frequently used qualitative research methodology in the field of construction management; however the design and implementation of case study remains a complex and contentious issue among researchers. Consequently, many students select case study strategy without understanding the array of factors that can affect the outcome of their research. This paper presents a practical, experience-based, step-by-step guide to select, conduct and complete a case study research in construction management. The paper justifies the rationale for adopting case study, explored the various stages in designing case study spanning from the theoretical framework, constructing research themes, data collection and analysis through to validity and reliability issues. This paper contributes in expanding the knowledge of upcoming researchers in the built environment on the design, applications, advantages, disadvantages as well as limitations of case study in construction management researches. The study recommends the research design for students undertaking construction management related studies.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) has gained wide acceptance as a strategy for housing provision in many countries. However, the level of success varies from one country to the other due to economic, political and cultural variations. This study examines PPP in housing in Bauchi State in Nigeria using Unity Housing Estate as a case study with the view to examine its performance and to suggest possible measures for improving the effectiveness of the concept. Methods of data collection used were semi-structured interviews and direct observation. Interviews responses were tape-recorded in addition to note taking which were subsequently transcribed and validated. The model of PPP used in the area was the Design-Build-Finance arrangement in which the private party takes the responsibilities for the design, finance and construction of the housing units. The houses were far beyond the affordability level of the target beneficiaries. Some of the challenges depicted were lack of political will, corruption among government agents and private sector developers, insincerity of contacting parties and unavailability of development fund. The study suggests among others, attitudinal change among stakeholders to ensure the success of PPP housing, the need to establish and empower relevant institutions that will help in fighting corruption.