Ethiopia Institute of Technology- Mekelle

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    Challenges and Coping Strategies in Fire Protection Acceptance for Super High-Rise Projects: A Case Study of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Headquarters Building Project
    (Mekelle University, 2026-01-10) Wang Ximan
    This study examines the challenges and coping strategies in achieving fire protection acceptance for super high-rise buildings (200 meters and above) through a case study of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Headquarters project in Addis Ababa. An embedded single-case study design was employed, utilizing mixed methods to investigate the critical barriers affecting compliance in international contexts. Primary data were collected from 18 key stakeholders, through semi-structured interviews, complemented by project document analysis. Data triangulation was conducted to address three objectives: identify systemic barriers in cross-border fire safety compliance; evaluate the effectiveness of coping strategies implemented in the CBE project; and develop a standardized framework to improve inspection outcomes in overseas super high-rise projects. The findings indicate that regulatory misalignment between international standards, specifically the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and evolving Ethiopian standards accounted for 68% of approval delays. Additionally, technical conflicts contributed to an average critical path delay of 8.2 months, highlighting the complexities of coordinating fire safety compliance across multiple stakeholder groups and jurisdictions. This study contributes to institutional and stakeholder theory by demonstrating how isomorphic pressures influence acceptance outcomes in complex construction projects. Practically, it proposes an integrated framework comprising a decision matrix, a standardized checklist, and a coordination model. Retrospective application of this framework to the CBE project suggests potential reductions in approval timelines by 30–40% and cost savings of $5–8 million per project. These findings offer actionable guidance for practitioners, regulators, and policymakers seeking to improve fire protection compliance efficiency and risk management in super high-rise developments, particularly in emerging economies.
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    Business and Legal Measures for Managing Defects in Contractor Contracts: A Case Study Approach to Public Building Construction Practices in Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2026-01-10) Zhang Lifeng
    This study critically examines the business and legal measures for managing construction defects in public building projects in Ethiopia, using the Supreme Court building project as a case study. Despite the prevalence of defects, limited research has investigated the effectiveness of contractual, legal, and financial mechanisms in addressing these challenges. The study surveyed 15 key stakeholders, including project managers, contractors, subcontractors, legal experts, and client representatives. Findings indicate that construction defects are widespread, primarily caused by poor workmanship, inadequate supervision, design flaws, low-quality materials, and contractor negligence. Both patent (visible) and latent (hidden) defects are common, highlighting persistent quality management issues. While contractual tools such as Defects Liability Periods (DLPs) and retention payments are frequently included, their effectiveness is constrained by weak enforcement and unclear liability allocation. Legal remedies, including damages and indemnities, face procedural delays that reduce their practical impact. Dispute resolution predominantly relies on litigation, although stakeholder preferences are increasingly shifting toward faster, collaborative approaches such as mediation and adjudication. The study concludes that improving defect management requires an integrated approach combining clear contractual frameworks, strengthened enforcement mechanisms, alternative dispute resolution, financial risk instruments, and capacity building for stakeholders. Implementing these measures is expected to enhance contractor accountability, reduce disputes, and improve the quality and sustainability of Ethiopia’s public building projects.
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    Challenges and Impact of Procuring Mechanical & Electrical Materials in Ethiopian Market on Project Execution (Case A: NOC National Oil Headquarter Building and Case B: Shegole Bus Station)
    (Mekelle University, 2026-01-10) Zhao Wenjian
    The procurement of Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) materials is a critical determinant of project success in Ethiopia’s construction sector, yet it poses significant challenges that adversely affect schedule, cost, and quality. Although procurement issues in developing economies are widely recognized, a specific research gap exists regarding M&E materials—distinguished by their technical complexity, certification requirements, and high import dependency. This study addresses this gap by investigating procurement challenges and their impacts through a comparative analysis of two project strategies: import-dependent versus locally sourced. Using a qualitative case study design with embedded quantitative analysis, the research examines the NOC National Oil Headquarter Building Project (import-based) and the Shegole Bus Station Project (locally sourced), supplemented by a survey of ten construction firms. Findings indicate that dependence on imported M&E materials introduces substantial risks, including customs delays, foreign currency shortages, and supply chain disruptions. In the NOC project, these factors led to a 4–5-month overall delay, with M&E procurement accounting for 82% of schedule overrun and a 12.3% cost overrun. Conversely, the Shegole project, using locally sourced materials, showed greater resilience, experiencing only a 2-month delay and a 3.4% cost variance, with challenges related mainly to weather and local market fluctuations. The study concludes that Ethiopia’s reliance on imported M&E components creates systemic vulnerabilities. To address this, the thesis proposes targeted recommendations: project managers should adopt hybrid sourcing and early procurement planning; policymakers should streamline customs and support local manufacturing; and suppliers should pursue quality certifications and collaborative forecasting. This research contributes context-specific insights to construction supply chain management in emerging economies, offering a practical framework to improve procurement efficiency and reduce external dependencies in Ethiopia’s infrastructure development.