ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban architecture, design, development and planning
M. Razmaramina; M. Nazarabadian; A.A. Pilehvar
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 24 April 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Achieving spatial-place justice in the distribution of urban services is a significant goal for urban planners. It involves ensuring fair and equitable access to resources and services in a physical space so that all individuals can benefit equally from the facilities and opportunities ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Achieving spatial-place justice in the distribution of urban services is a significant goal for urban planners. It involves ensuring fair and equitable access to resources and services in a physical space so that all individuals can benefit equally from the facilities and opportunities provided in that space. The unfair distribution of urban services has curtailed the presence of pedestrians and limited the daily mobility of citizens, making cities low-mobility environments. To address this issue, urban managers can identify local community issues, create equal opportunities, and promote public participation. By doing so, they can achieve spatial equity in local communities and provide opportunities for equality and justice. This research aims to investigate the relationship between the fair spatial-place distribution of urban services and the mobility of citizens in the Navid and Ab o Bargh areas of Mashhad.METHODS: This study utilizes a descriptive-analytical approach to investigate spatial justice. Data was collected using the spatial justice questionnaire based on the Likert scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Researchers assessed the questionnaire's reliability using Cronbach's alpha test and its validity using the content validity coefficient of the item formula. The researchers employed several statistical methods to explore the relationship and correlation between the components of spatial justice and mobility, prioritized the indicators of spatial justice by neighborhoods, and compared the prioritization of the components of spatial justice affecting mobility.FINDINGS: The results revealed a significant relationship between access to urban services and the mobility of citizens in the studied areas. As such, the positive correlation in the Ab o Bargh area was confirmed for all indicators (functional index (0.466), environmental indicator, (0.384) index aesthetic indicator (0.145). The results suggested a direct relationship between the balanced spatial distribution of urban services and enhanced mobility of citizens in the study area.CONCLUSION: Research results show a direct relationship between spatial justice and citizen mobility in the city. Spatial justice means the fair distribution of facilities and services between different urban areas and equal access to them by citizens. As a result, citizen mobility in the city is influenced by spatial justice. In other words, Inappropriate distribution of services in the city can cause social differences among citizens. The difference between privileged and underprivileged neighborhoods is in the amount of benefit from urban services. By improving the quality of research indicators in the form of policies and urban planning interventions in all neighborhoods, spatial justice can be realized.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Human capital in urban management
H.R. Nematollahi; H. Mohammadi; A. Gholipour; N. Mohammad Esmaeili
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 28 April 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Given the new cost pressures, hybrid work models, and evolving needs of employees and customers, organizations are increasingly realizing the importance of digital workforce management practices and digital transformation in achieving success. This is especially critical ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Given the new cost pressures, hybrid work models, and evolving needs of employees and customers, organizations are increasingly realizing the importance of digital workforce management practices and digital transformation in achieving success. This is especially critical for government organizations, including local governments, as digitalisation plays a crucial role in streamlining human resource activities, reducing costs, improving data management, and strengthening human resource management systems. As local governments strive to become more agile and adapt to changing needs and expectations, digitalization enables them to respond quickly and foster innovation. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the impact of digital human resource management practices and digital transformation on the strength of the human resource management system, with a specific focus on the mediating role of digital task interdependence within the Tehran municipality.METHODS: The survey data was collected from 266 employees of the Tehran municipality using a simple random sampling technique. The collected data was then subjected to statistical analysis. University professors and local government experts confirmed the content validity of the survey instrument. To evaluate the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, this study utilized average variance extracted, Cronbach's alpha, and composite reliability, all of which produced satisfactory outcomes. The data analysis was carried out using Analysis of Moment Structures, and SPSS26 software.FINDINGS: The study emphasizes the importance of implementing digital human resources management practices and digital transformation to strengthen the human resource management system in Tehran municipality. This enables human resource processes to be faster, smarter, and more efficient. Additionally, the successful integration of both old and new human resource systems, along with the effective implementation of digitalization in Tehran municipality, relies on coordination and collaboration among employees through digital platforms.CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that the implementation of digital human resource management practices and the process of digital transformation can effectively enhance human resource management systems and align the activities of human resources with strategic objectives. By embracing digital transformation and adopting digital human resource management practices, organizations can elevate the significance of human resource management and effectively communicate their intentions to employees. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that digital task interdependence fosters collaboration and coordination among geographically dispersed employees, reducing communication costs and improving access to diverse knowledge sources. Consequently, this enhances the efficiency of municipal operations and decreases response times.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban civil engineering and related management issues
N. Fidrovska; S. Dotsenko; S. Nikipchuk; M. Ostashuk; Viktoriya Nesterenko; Pavlo Yefimenko
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 May 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In urban conditions, traffic flows are equipped with various types of braking devices operating in an aperiodic cyclic braking mode with a high surface-volume temperature of their friction pairs. Theoretical and experimental studies of hydrogen wear of movable and stationary ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In urban conditions, traffic flows are equipped with various types of braking devices operating in an aperiodic cyclic braking mode with a high surface-volume temperature of their friction pairs. Theoretical and experimental studies of hydrogen wear of movable and stationary joints at variable electrical surface-volume temperatures and equivalent stresses caused by pulsed specific loads, contributing to the emergence of gradients, made it possible to establish the following: positive and negative values of the heat of transfer correspond to forces directed, towards more cold or warmer parts of the product. Hydrogen moves in the metal friction element to its more heated section. Due to the mutual mass transfer of materials of friction pairs, the sign of their polarity changes, and negatively charged external hydrogen enhances the negative electronic field of the metal friction element, and as a result, leads to intensive wear of pairs of friction elements of the brakes. The purpose of the article is to assess the electron-ion interaction during hydrogen wear on the working surfaces of metal friction elements of friction pairs of brake devices.Methods: The data was obtained on a model disc, drum, and band-shoe brake and processed using a computer program package. As a result, graphical dependences of the main parameters of the brakes on the duration of hydrogenation were obtained.FINDINGS: The research results have shown that the described main stages of hydrogen wear and destruction of a metal friction element during electrothermal-mechanical friction, as well as the influence of dislocation and double electrical layers in brake friction pairs, will be able to justify the choice of ways and methods to suppress hydrogenation and prevent the destruction of surfaces and, as a result, reduce hydrogen wear by 15% and improve the performance parameters of brake pairs by 10%.CONCLUSION: This study examined the factors affecting the wear of metal brake friction elements of urban infrastructure vehicles. Empirical results have shown that positive and negative heat transfer values correspond to forces directed, towards colder or warmer parts of the product. These results can provide important information to factory designers for more efficient development of friction pairs of friction units and researchers for further research and improvement of brake performance.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Human capital in urban management
S. Faisal
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 May 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Multiple organizational concepts are paramount in the workplace. Workplace Identity is one among them. It is a multidimensional concept that explores one's self-concept and understanding of their occupational roles. It is a concept of immense significance that directly impacts ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Multiple organizational concepts are paramount in the workplace. Workplace Identity is one among them. It is a multidimensional concept that explores one's self-concept and understanding of their occupational roles. It is a concept of immense significance that directly impacts various organizational behavior aspects, such as job involvement, employee commitment, workplace learning, and stress management. The concept is indispensable for any individual as it helps tide over the pervasive uncertainties and tribulations in any organization. The Saudi economy is in a deep transition phase. It is all set to leap forward in terms of quality and quantity. Against this backdrop, if it is to face the multiple inherent challenges successfully, it requires a healthy band of the working class who are aware of and have a relatively high level of workplace identity. However, a fair review of the literature shows that scant evidence exists about the position of Workplace identity among the Saudi working class. The proposed study intends to fill this gap in the literature. The study intends to identify the level of the important concept of Workplace identity among the Saudi workforce- both male and female. It also intends to examine the relationship with human capital.METHODS: A quantitative research design was employed for the study. Data for the study was collected randomly from Saudi Arabia and India. 210 samples were from Saudi Arabia, and 248 were from India. Regression was employed to analyze the collected data using SPSS (version 22.0).FINDINGS: The study found that human capital contributes to workplace identity as the value of the F statistic was 15.978 which is significant. In addition, the results show that females have a higher workplace identity. The results also indicate significant differences (0.01 level) between the Indian and Saudi samples in all the factors and the overall workplace identity.CONCLUSION: The study provides inputs toward future directions in making the Saudi workforce competitive and dynamic. The study's findings, which are useful for academics and practitioners, are also expected to trigger further studies in this hitherto unexplored area of organizational behavior.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Human capital in urban management
D. V. Ogunkan; A. T. Adeboyejo; D. O. Adejumobi; T. B. Giwa
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 04 May 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Street children are a global phenomenon affecting urban areas with varying degrees of severity. These vulnerable children face significant challenges, including the lack of basic rights, educational opportunities, and social integration. Substance use compounds their difficulties, ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Street children are a global phenomenon affecting urban areas with varying degrees of severity. These vulnerable children face significant challenges, including the lack of basic rights, educational opportunities, and social integration. Substance use compounds their difficulties, often serving as a coping mechanism in their harsh environment. While existing research has predominantly focused on substance use among street children in Asia and Latin America, there is a notable gap in understanding within the African context, particularly in Nigeria. This study aims to address this gap by investigating substance usage patterns among street children in Nigeria. The objective is to inform the development of targeted interventions and policies to support street children better and address the underlying causes of substance use in their communities.METHODS: Accidental sampling was utilized to recruit 384 street children from nine Data Delineated Areas in three selected cities. Data collection involved the administration of interviewer-administered questionnaires, which gathered information on socio-economic characteristics, substance knowledge, and usage among street children. The collected data underwent analysis using frequency counts, chi-square tests, and binomial logistic regression.FINDINGS: The study found that the predominant substances used by street children were alcohol (60%), nicotine (40%), and cannabis (35%). Although addiction evidence was limited, the prevalence of multiple drug and substance use was notable. The binomial logistic regression results indicated that certain demographic and situational factors were associated with a decreased likelihood of drug use among street children. Specifically, children aged 4 to 10 years (90%, P = 0.000), females (80%, P = 0.000), school attendees (70%, P = 0.000), those spending fewer than 8 hours on the street (60%, P = 0.000), those sleeping at home (70%, P = 0.000), and those from relatively stable families (60%, P = 0.0001) were less likely to engage in drug use.CONCLUSION: The study underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to address substance use among street children. By aligning urban and regional planning with general recommendations, policymakers can address the interconnected social, economic, physical planning, and educational factors contributing to substance use. Through targeted interventions and policies, stakeholders can provide effective support to street children and mitigate substance use within their communities, ultimately improving their well-being and prospects for the future.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban architecture, design, development and planning
F. Nazaruddin; P. Setijanti; A. Hayati
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 04 May 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the intricate connections that exist between place attachment, urban development meanings, and acceptance in urban peripheral settlements. The research aims to gain a better understanding of how people perceive and respond to urban development scenarios ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the intricate connections that exist between place attachment, urban development meanings, and acceptance in urban peripheral settlements. The research aims to gain a better understanding of how people perceive and respond to urban development scenarios in the periphery using the tripartite frameworks of place attachment and the disruption-response model.METHODS: Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study examines people's perceptions and reactions to four hypothetical urban development scenarios by combining qualitative interviews with key participants and then quantitative surveys administered to 256 adult residents of selected peripheral settlements in the rapidly developing city of Malang, Indonesia.FINDINGS: The findings from the qualitative phase, reveal diverse dimensions shaping the meaning of urban development, encompassing economic, social, cultural, livelihood, and environmental impacts. The survey results' exploratory factor analysis reveals latent factors that capture diverse perspectives on development scenarios, from societal and environmental harm to economic modernization and advancement. The structural equation model reveals that place attachment emerges as a significant predictor of urban development scenario meanings, although the relationship varies across different scenarios. Furthermore, the level of acceptance of urban development scenarios mediates the relationship between place attachment and interpretations, influencing perceptions of economic, social, and environmental impacts. Subsequently, the implications of these findings for existing literature were discussed.CONCLUSION: This study fills a gap in the disruption-response model by illuminating the interpretation process and showcasing the interplay of place attachment, urban development meanings, and acceptance in peripheral city settlements. Limitations of the study were discussed, and future studies were proposed.
REVIEW PAPER
Human capital in urban management
U. Udin
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 09 May 2024
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the structure of growing publications on Islamic leadership and its contribution to organizational effectiveness and long-term success using bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer. The sample population comprised all publications of the Scopus database from 2010 to 2023. In addition, ...
Read More
This study aims to analyze the structure of growing publications on Islamic leadership and its contribution to organizational effectiveness and long-term success using bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer. The sample population comprised all publications of the Scopus database from 2010 to 2023. In addition, a total of 244 publications were selected for bibliometric analysis and visualization, including original study articles, book chapters, reviews, conference papers, and other forms of literature written in English. The results showed the presence of three clusters, namely red (Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, and United Arab Emirates), green (United States, Iraq, Syrian Arab Republic, and Turkey), and blue (Iran, Israel, and China). These clusters represented regional cooperation in the exploration of Islamic leadership publications and their implications for organizational development. The results also showed that Islamic leadership was most commonly applied in education, psychology, community and health care, school, and government sectors. In addition, it was shown to be frequently related to trust, job performance, motivation, decision-making, job satisfaction, and empowerment. Islamic leadership placed great emphasis on motivation and job performance, as it ultimately recognized the importance of productive and purposeful work in employees' lives and society's overall well-being. Based on these results, Islamic leadership supported employees in achieving healthy work-life integration by encouraging time for family, worship of Allah (the God), and personal well-being.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Human capital in urban management
D. Kumar; H. l. Vasudevan
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 11 May 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The manufacturing industry is the foundation of the Malaysian economy. The manufacturing industry in Malaysia is diverse, but it has consistently demonstrated superiority in several industries, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, oil and gas, and ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The manufacturing industry is the foundation of the Malaysian economy. The manufacturing industry in Malaysia is diverse, but it has consistently demonstrated superiority in several industries, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, oil and gas, and the processing and management of palm oil and rubber. Businesses may find themselves in a very hazardous situation if their employees are dissatisfied. Improving employee performance can help an organization increase its production volume and productivity. A lack of worker satisfaction can lead to disinterest and an inability to achieve specific goals. When new employees notice a pay disparity, dissatisfaction, disengagement, and disloyalty arise. It happens when workers believe they are being mistreated or unfairly treated. Businesses must prioritize the well-being of their employees because it is more important to retain them than to let them go. To remain competitive, the organization must keep qualified or competent staff motivated. The study aims to determine the mediating effect of job satisfaction in the relationship between wages, appreciation, recognition, and promotion on employee performance among employees at a multinational semiconductor company in Melaka. METHODS: For this investigation, the quantitative method was used to analyze information using partial least squares structural equation modeling. This study's sample size is 137, based on the partial least squares structural equation modeling sample size recommendation for an 80% statistical power. Employees of multinational semiconductor companies in Melaka received 142 questionnaires. The partial least squares structural equation modeling sample size table determines the sample size in this study, which combines convenience and nonprobability sampling. The relationship between the variables is determined through hypothesis testing. partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.FINDINGS: As a result, all eleven hypotheses were evaluated based on the variables - wages, appreciation, recognition, promotion, and job satisfaction have a positive and significant relationship with employee performance. The hypotheses have been accepted with a p-value ranging from 0.005 to 0.048. For direct relationship, the hypothesis from 1-7, there is a positive correlation (t = 2.993 to t=4.521, p ≤ 0.005) between wages, appreciation, recognition, promotion, job satisfaction, and employee performance. Therefore, hypotheses 8-11 show an indirect relationship (mediating effect) that positive correlation with a significant p-value of 0.010 to 0.048 between an independent variable (wages, appreciation, recognition, and promotion), mediating variable (job satisfaction), and dependent variable (employee performance).CONCLUSION: The study provides empirical evidence and conceptual proof that the establishment of policy recommendations derived from the findings should consider Malaysian legal regulations. The management by objectives policy was implemented to improve organizational performance by establishing well-defined goals that management and employees can agree on. The management by objectives approach is a technique for inspiring workers through constructive management techniques because the management objectives approach can increase communication between management and employees. As a result, the management strategy contributes to improving employees' wages, appreciation, recognition, promotion, job satisfaction, and performance.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Human capital in urban management
V. Shcherbak; M. Lyshenko; S. Tereshchenko; V. Yefanov; K. Vzhytynska; V. Yatsenko; A. Pietukhov
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 18 May 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the context of global challenges and local conflicts, the sustainable development of united territorial communities took on special importance. Amid military conflict, united territorial communities encountered numerous economic, social, and environmental problems. This ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the context of global challenges and local conflicts, the sustainable development of united territorial communities took on special importance. Amid military conflict, united territorial communities encountered numerous economic, social, and environmental problems. This research builds on resilience and sustainable development theories and proposes that with appropriate support, united territorial communities can evolve into hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship even under conditions of conflict. The study necessitated the creation of strategies and programs for sustainable development and adaptation to new conditions, positing that united territorial communities, with proper development and support, could harness these challenges to foster significant entrepreneurial and innovative activities. The study’s objective was to analyze the potential of united territorial communities for innovation and sustainable development in conflict conditions and to develop recommendations for supporting entrepreneurship and infrastructure development.METHODS: To achieve the objective, a variety of methods were utilized, including multi-regression, multifactor, correlational, and comparative analysis. All analyses were carried out using STATISTICA software (version 13).FINDINGS: The research results confirmed the hypotheses, indicating the significant potential of united territorial communities for initiating innovative projects and developing entrepreneurial initiatives. Specifically, it was discovered that the level of institutional capability and sustainable development could increase by 43.7% with the integration of effective support programs. Crucial elements impacting sustainability were pinpointed, with investments in environmental projects showing an 85% variance, socio-demographic stability exhibiting a 92.8% variance, and the development and implementation of programs for small and medium-sized business development reflecting a 92.9% variance. This demonstrated the potential for enhancing the budget efficiency of territorial communities by up to 56.4%, representing a substantial incentive for recovery and progress in the post-conflict period.CONCLUSION: Recommendations included developing targeted programs to support innovations in the agricultural sector, tourism, and eco-initiatives, which could catalyze attracting investments and improve the quality of life in territorial communities. The importance of integrating modern technologies, supporting local entrepreneurship, and developing infrastructure were key elements for the sustainable development of united territorial communities in conflict conditions. The developed recommendations could facilitate the formation of effective development strategies for territorial communities.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Human capital in urban management
N. I. Mohamad; S. Sanusi; A. S. Othman
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 18 May 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The current organizational environment, extreme competition, and rapid change in the working environment have increased the motivation of researchers to identify important variables that can help organizations to be competitive to overcome these challenges. Therefore, this ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The current organizational environment, extreme competition, and rapid change in the working environment have increased the motivation of researchers to identify important variables that can help organizations to be competitive to overcome these challenges. Therefore, this article examines how immediate superiors use different managerial coaching, namely guidance coaching and facilitate coaching, to regulate the practice and behavior of employees. In addition, this study examines workplace motivation medium as the mediator of the relationship between managerial coaching and employees’ expertise.METHODS: The cross-sectional research design was employed to collect data from 500 employees across various policy-making agencies in Malaysia. The sample size was determined using the Raosoft formula, and 473 employees were selected using this technique. SmartPLS software was used to evaluate the measurement and structural models. This software is capable of analyzing complex study models.FINDINGS: The results of mediating structural equation modeling show two findings. First, guidance indirectly relates to employees' expertise, mediated by workplace motivation (β=0.169; t=4.683; p=0.000). Second, facilitation coaching is indirectly associated with employees' expertise, mediated by workplace motivation (β=0.167; t=3.926; p=0.000). This finding reports that a leader's ability to demonstrate managerial coaching (e.g., guidance and facilitation coaching) can enhance an employee's expertise. Consequently, this positive situation can increase employees' expertise, including practicing good attitudes, adapting to tasks, and understanding the organization's objectives and tasks, within the studied organization.CONCLUSION: The findings have recognized that facilitating coaching is a crucial managerial problem organizations must solve. Therefore, for practical contribution, organizations should establish an effective selection system based on coaching instruments to recruit leaders who already have coaching ability externally and promote potential employees as coaches internally. Other than that, organizations can provide or support formal training and education programs to help leaders become effective coaches in the future.
CASE STUDY
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
R. Thirumurugan; S. Kundhavai; D. Sivakumar; S.B. Inayath Ahamed
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 28 May 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Analyzing the flood scenario can help identify opportunities and difficulties for enhancing urban catastrophe management procedures and creating more resilient cities facing environmental threats like climate change. The primary goals of the case study were to summarize the ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Analyzing the flood scenario can help identify opportunities and difficulties for enhancing urban catastrophe management procedures and creating more resilient cities facing environmental threats like climate change. The primary goals of the case study were to summarize the key elements of the flood incidents in India between 2000 and 2016 and discuss the 2023 flood scenario in Chennai. This study also suggested technological interventions to ensure preparedness innovatively and recommended a strategic plan to address the issue that would evolve the involvement of all stakeholders in disaster management. METHODS: A flood disaster analysis was based on meta-analytic and visualization methods. The factors contributing to effective mitigation for such unexpected and unforeseen happenings were considered for elaborate discussion and highlighted in this study. The urban development initiatives and their impact, especially during flood occurrences, were kept for discussion and analysis. The methodology is more qualitative, with references as the basis of analysis and further discussion. The meta-analytic approach ensures to cover all the frames of references that are notable from the perspective of contributing to urban development since urban areas contribute a lot to a nation’s economic growth and other developmental aspects.FINDINGS: The meta-analytic review of the case study contributes to the overall 75 percent of the cases by focusing on governance-level initiatives, precautionary measures, and post-situational steps that were taken to mitigate the issue in a congenial manner. This study identified the consequences and factors that contributed to such occurrences, primarily due to certain factors relevant to urbanization and encroachment effects, as well as other contributing factors that were found common in all occurrences. A framework or model used in this study for urban recovery was also formulated by the authors of this study.CONCLUSION: These findings enable those strategic decision-makers to support the facts of such occurrences (especially in suburbs or urban areas) or any other incidents of disaster or crisis with crucial information that would pave the way for effective management of incidences and also help in framing policies with developmental perspectives in place while planning to convert suburbs to urban development shortly. The finding of the study supports the gap in overall studies based on flood occurrences and suitable remedies as well.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban transportation systems and traffic management
A. Mukherjee; A. K.M. Anwaruzzaman
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 31 May 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the most challenging aspects of city living is traffic congestion. The multitude of vehicular modes and their sheer volume coupled with inadequate road infrastructure unable to keep up with the escalated travel demand of Kolkata is a major cause of concern. Recognizing ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the most challenging aspects of city living is traffic congestion. The multitude of vehicular modes and their sheer volume coupled with inadequate road infrastructure unable to keep up with the escalated travel demand of Kolkata is a major cause of concern. Recognizing the significant toll on commuters' time and health, the research aims to identify the root causes of congestion across fifteen selected Traffic Intersection Points, explore its multifaceted impacts on the environment, economy, and society, and propose solutions to alleviate this pressing issue effectively.METHODS: This study employed a mixed-method approach. An on-site survey with 375 regular commuters in Kolkata was conducted, utilizing questionnaires and focus group discussions. The survey gathered data on travel patterns, socio-demographic information, and perceptions of traffic congestion. The Garrett Ranking method and Relative Importance Index (RII) were employed to evaluate the significance of various contributing factors, their impact on commuters, and potential solutions. Statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 26 complemented the data analysis, with cartographic visualizations providing spatial insights. Additionally, the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test validated the differences in travel times during congested and free-flowing traffic conditions.FINDINGS: The results revealed that the commuters’ average daily travel delay owing to congestion is approximately 17 minutes. Utilizing Garrett score ratings, the most significant obstacles to smooth traffic flow were identified as intersectional conflicts (66.19) and curbside parking (64.75).Following the same methodology, increased reliance on personalized vehicles (69.87) and encroached road space (64.3) were attributed to rush hour saturation, whereas political rallies (71.36) and demonstrations (59.74) contributed to unprecedented incidents. Work schedule disruptions and hearing anomalies were the most common offshoots of this hazard. Relative Importance Index (RII) scores highlighted the consensus among commuters emphasizing the economic, environmental, and social impact of congestion, with particular emphasis on enhanced fuel consumption (RII=1), decreased economic opportunities (RII=0.96), worsened pollution levels (RII=0.91), and reduced family time (RII=0.93). Congestion pricing (RII=0.88) and ride-sharing (RII=0.87) emerged as themost viable strategies to mitigate congestion. Furthermore, Garrett ratings indicated training of drivers (63.74) and road users (61.03) along with parking management (63.51) to be the most desired areas of improvisation suggested.CONCLUSION: Implementing the ‘Avoid, Shift, Improve’ framework in conjunction with a 'people-first' mentality would encourage sustainable urban living by placing a premium on public transport, land use planning, and technological improvements to reduce traffic congestion and enhance commuter well-being in Kolkata.