The CIB (International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction) Programme Committee has recently appointed CUT Professor, Fidelis Emuze, as the new Coordinator of CIB TG59 for the next five years. 

CIB TG59 is an important task group that focuses on the most valuable resource in construction - People in Construction.  Prof. Fidelis Emuze is an Associate Professor, and Head of the Department of Built Environment in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). He also heads the Unit for Lean Construction and Sustainability, which is addressing construction research topics regarding lean construction, health and safety (people and well-being issues), supply chain management, and sustainability in the built environment. 

As an active member of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM), the academic interest of Prof. Emuze is viewed from the construction management perspective. The fundamental goal of the task group (TG59) is to improve the lives of the people in the industry, and bridge the gaps between employers, government, workers and researchers in both developed and developing countries. CIB TG59 will also continually foster dialogue and collaboration, create forums and platforms where constructors can actively participate and share ideas, source funding, intensify research and build relations. Asked about his plans in his new role, Prof. Emuze said he plans to continue addressing people’s issues in the construction industry where their actions affect business and project performance. “As someone involved in the development of developing countries, my view is that as people continue to anchor the completion of projects, stakeholders should see their interests as a priority and value. Personally, I have benefited from the CIB TG69 activities around the globe and would continue to do so. 

For CUT, this appointment opens a new frontier for knowledge exchanges that will involve established and early career academics as well as students keen on interdisciplinary comprehension of ideas.” Prof. Emuze extended his appreciation and acknowledgment to the former coordinators of the task group, Prof. John Smallwood and Prof. Theo Haupt for their significant contributions. “This is a new beginning in the new era and my wish is to continue with the good work done so far and take the CIB TG59 events to another level to ensure that important international exchange of knowledge and evident improvement in the construction industry continues to add value to the people.” 

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Prof. Emuze is an Associate Professor, and Head of the Department of Built Environment, as well as Head of the Unit for Lean Construction and Sustainability (ULCS) at CUT.