CIB’s Programme Committee recently approved Professor Abimbola Windapo as Joint Coordinator of TG81 – Global Construction Data Task Group of the CIB, where she has been a member since 2010. She joins Professor Stephen Gruneberg in the leadership role. Windapo’s appointment will be ratified at the March CIB Board meeting. Her personal statement is as follows:
I have regularly participated in workshops/seminars and presented papers at conferences organised by the Task Group. Furthermore, I contributed a chapter titled “Determination of Construction Activities Causing Cost Overruns” to a book on Global Construction Data published by the Task Group in 2019.
I have found the TG81 to be an excellent and active research network that comprises of academics and policymakers in the field of construction data. I am interested in seeing this vital body that involves discussion and debate on the sourcing and compilation of credible and verifiable construction data that is useful in policy formulation, construction practice and research continue. That is why I am delighted and honoured to take on the role of joint coordinator.
I have several years of practice and research experience in the construction industry starting in 1987 when I began working for a multinational construction company Bouygues Nigeria Limited as studies and planning engineer after graduating from the University of Ife with a degree in Building. While working on numerous high-profile projects, I completed a Master’s in Construction Management from the University of Lagos in 1990. My experience from practice and research has shown that the construction industry lacks valid and reliable construction data. Policy and decision making at country level that guides investment and operations depend on country-specific studies based on adequate data that has integrity.
My vision as joint-coordinator of the TG81 in addition to the work that is currently being done by the group is to establish and maintain a global construction database of relevant statistical information from CIB members that will be published annually. Other plans are to prioritise research in the area of global construction data, work on the publication of books, hosting of conferences, workshops and seminars to discuss data sources – what construction data is being used to inform policy and practice? What construction data is adding value? Part of my plan is to organise regional comparisons to understand and benchmark the global construction industry. Valid and reliable construction data is critical because policymakers can use the information to establish the impact of investment in infrastructure on economic growth and the GDP.
I am enthusiastic about joining Professor Stephen Gruneberg in steering the TG81 of the CIB and playing an active role in the sourcing and verification of information for use by policymakers, practitioners, researchers and students towards improving decision-making and the quality of research in Construction Management. I will bring my vision, experience and enthusiasm to TG81, to ensure its continuous growth, influence and impact.
