Mr Abubakari Malik | Sustainable Construction Practices | Best Researcher Award
Student/Member, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Malawi
Abubakari Malik is a passionate researcher and academic currently pursuing an MSc in Infrastructure Development and Management at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). He has a BSc in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Abubakari has experience in research, project monitoring and evaluation, construction economics, and community leadership. He has contributed to several scholarly works, particularly focusing on sustainable construction practices, digital technologies like BIM, and risk management in construction projects. Abubakari’s professional journey includes teaching roles at MUBAS, project monitoring with the Ghana Education Trust Fund, and internships with reputable firms in the construction industry. His work reflects a deep commitment to addressing the challenges in infrastructure development, particularly in developing countries.
Profile
Strengths for the Award
Abubakari Malik demonstrates a strong academic and professional background, making him a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ongoing MSc in Infrastructure Development and Management at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) shows his commitment to academic excellence, with a focus on sustainable construction practices. His research interests in sustainable construction, digital technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Twin, and construction risk management align well with the needs of the construction industry in developing countries. Abubakari has contributed to high-impact publications, including journal articles and book chapters on sustainable procurement practices and infrastructure development. His previous professional experience, including roles in project monitoring, quantity surveying, and teaching, adds a practical dimension to his research, showcasing a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise. His multidisciplinary approach and leadership potential make him a standout researcher in the field.
Areas for Improvement
While Abubakari has shown promise in his academic and professional journey, there are areas where he could further strengthen his profile. Expanding his research scope to include broader case studies from various countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, could enhance the global relevance of his work. Additionally, greater involvement in collaborative international research projects would further elevate his visibility in the global research community. While his current publications are commendable, increased frequency in publishing in high-impact journals could help to solidify his standing as a leading researcher in infrastructure development. Developing stronger networks with industry experts and policymakers could also amplify the practical impact of his research findings.
Education
Abubakari Malik is currently pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) in Infrastructure Development and Management at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), with an expected graduation in March 2025. His research focuses on assessing the sustainability of construction practices in building infrastructure projects in Malawi. Prior to this, Abubakari completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana, in 2021. During his undergraduate studies, he specialized in construction economics and the measurement of onsite labor productivity. His academic background equips him with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for sustainable development in the construction sector, emphasizing the integration of modern technology, efficient management practices, and sustainability in infrastructure projects.
Experience
Abubakari Malik has diverse professional experience in academia, research, and the construction industry. At the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), he serves as a Staff Associate in the Department of Civil Engineering, where he prepares course materials, delivers lectures, and administers exams. Before joining MUBAS, he worked as a Project Monitoring Officer with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), where he was responsible for monitoring educational infrastructure projects and compiling reports for management decisions. Abubakari also interned as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor with A&QS Consortium and AESL in Ghana, where he gained hands-on experience in measuring construction works, preparing bill of quantities, and writing site reports. His early career also includes teaching at Our Home International School in WA, where he taught mathematics, science, and English.
Awards and Honors
Abubakari Malik has been recognized for his academic excellence throughout his educational journey. He graduated with Second Class Upper Honors in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). His dedication to research and sustainable infrastructure development has earned him several opportunities to contribute to international publications, including journal articles and book chapters. Abubakari has been commended for his contributions to the academic community at MUBAS, where he is actively involved in both teaching and research. Additionally, his involvement in high-impact projects, including the monitoring of educational infrastructure projects for GETFund, has enhanced his reputation in the field of construction economics and project management.
Research Focus
Abubakari Malikโs research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable construction practices, digital technologies, and infrastructure management. He is particularly focused on the sustainability of construction practices in Malawi, where he is conducting research as part of his MSc thesis. Abubakari is also exploring the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Twin technologies in improving construction project outcomes, especially in terms of efficiency, cost management, and environmental sustainability. His research contributes to understanding the drivers of sustainable procurement and risk management in infrastructure projects, especially in developing countries. Through his work, Abubakari aims to improve the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
Publications
- “Sustainable Construction Practices in Building Infrastructure Projects: The Extent of Implementation and Drivers in Malawi” ๐๐๏ธ
- “Challenges of Sustainable Procurement Practices in Northern Ghana” ๐ฌ๐ญ๐
- “Development and Infrastructure in Developing Countries: A 10-Year Reflection” ๐๐
Conclusion
Abubakari Malik has demonstrated impressive academic achievements, practical experience, and a research focus that addresses significant challenges in infrastructure development, particularly in developing countries. His research on sustainable construction practices and the use of digital technologies positions him as a future leader in the field. With a solid foundation in both theoretical research and industry practice, Abubakari is well on his way to making meaningful contributions to the field of construction and infrastructure management. While there is room for growth in terms of publication frequency and international collaboration, his current work shows great promise, and he is deserving of consideration for the Best Researcher Award.