Human capital in urban management
M. Mirzapour; S.S. Toutian; A. Mehrara; S. Khorrampour
Abstract
The main objective of this study is to investigate the role of strategic human resource management in crisis management with regard to the role of mediating organizational culture and intellectual capital. This study is based on the purpose of the applied type and in terms of data collection is a descriptive ...
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The main objective of this study is to investigate the role of strategic human resource management in crisis management with regard to the role of mediating organizational culture and intellectual capital. This study is based on the purpose of the applied type and in terms of data collection is a descriptive research type. The statistical population includes all 257 staff of the Governorate of Thran. The sample size is set to 225 people using Cochran equation. Simple random sampling is used as the sampling method. The data was gathered through distribution and collection of the questionnaire and the analysis has been performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Lisrel software. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling have been used to investigate study hypotheses. The results of the study hypotheses indicate a positive and significant impact of strategic management of human resources with the value of 0.21, organizational culture with a value of 0.43 and intellectual capital with a value of 0.55 on crisis management. The mediating role of organizational culture and intellectual capital variables has also been confirmed in the model.
Human capital in urban management
M. Tajpour; F. Moradi; S. E. Jalali
Abstract
In the last decades, large organizations have paid more attention to the topics such as creativity and innovation in organizational level because of changes and evolutions in the increasing competition field and unreliable environmental conditions. This research investigates the influence of emotional ...
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In the last decades, large organizations have paid more attention to the topics such as creativity and innovation in organizational level because of changes and evolutions in the increasing competition field and unreliable environmental conditions. This research investigates the influence of emotional intelligence on the organizational innovation. This research is considered application-oriented and descriptive regarding the objectives and data collection method, respectively. Statistical population of the research included 300 employees from whom 169 employees were selected as statistical sample applying simple random sampling method and Cochran`s formula. Data collection was performed on the basis of standard questionnaires of emotional intelligence and organizational innovation. Questionnaire`s stability was calculated as 0.88 applying a Cronbach`s alpha coefficient. The obtained data were analyzed by applying regression and correlation coefficients in software SPSS. Research results showed that emotional intelligence and it`sdimensions had a significant positive influence on the organizational innovation in the employees
Urban health, safety and environment (HSE)
M. Yarmohammadi; F. Razavian
Abstract
Construction projects are one of the most important economic sectors in the world. At the same time, these projects are one of the hazardous industries that cause many accidents resulting from injuries and deaths, occupational diseases, delay in time, environmental problems and other direct and indirect ...
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Construction projects are one of the most important economic sectors in the world. At the same time, these projects are one of the hazardous industries that cause many accidents resulting from injuries and deaths, occupational diseases, delay in time, environmental problems and other direct and indirect damages. While in many industries, the issue of health, safety and environment is meticulously planned as an important and structured topic, in construction projects this is not taken seriously. Therefore, the vital role of the Health, Safety and Environment staff would be meaningless without sufficient power. The current study examined the status of Health, Safety and Environment authorities in construction projects and their impact on the performance indicators of this sector. Eight indicators were identified in relation to the main research question and the relationship between Health, Safety and Environment authority delegation and the eight performance indicators. Out of these significant relationships, authority delegation had the maximum correlation (0.690) with environmental health status and the least correlation was observed with per capita disease (-0.513). The results of the data analysis showed that the terms of discretion of the Health, Safety and Environment authorities in construction projects are inadequate. Managers of this field trust authorities with higher academic degrees and give them more authority.
Human capital in urban management
A.R. Dabir; M. Azarpira
Abstract
Organizational commitment is one of the most widely researched topics in the field of organizational behavior. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of organizational commitment on individual interactions which was conducted in Municipality of Karaj. To achieve this objective, ...
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Organizational commitment is one of the most widely researched topics in the field of organizational behavior. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of organizational commitment on individual interactions which was conducted in Municipality of Karaj. To achieve this objective, the data was collected using the Standard questionnaires applying descriptive statistics and inferential statistical methods within the population consisted of 400 employees of Karaj municipality. The present research is a descriptive and co relational study and is of applied type. The results indicated that there is a significant relationship between the dimensions of employees’ individual interaction and organizational commitment in Karaj Municipality. Besides, correlation with other variables of individual engagement and commitment were not verified. At the end, it is suggested to Karaj Municipality that regarding human force as human capital and before recruiting and employment and maintenance, make attempt to identify internal and personality features of them to design required plans in the promotion of organization commitment and drive tomore exploitation.
Human capital in urban management
S. Sutiyatno
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Job satisfaction is important to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of bank employees. Moreover, quality of work-life and leadership’s communication ability are also required to increase their productivity.METHODS: This research was conducted to investigate the ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Job satisfaction is important to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of bank employees. Moreover, quality of work-life and leadership’s communication ability are also required to increase their productivity.METHODS: This research was conducted to investigate the effect of leadership’s communication ability on the quality of work-life and employees job satisfaction. A quantitative approach was adopted using a survey method with the employees of the local bank in Magelang in Indonesia used as the respondents. Moreover, data were collected using a questionnaire as the research instrument and analyzed through the means of path analysis.FINDINGS: Leadership’s communication has a positive effect on the quality of work-life with a standardized coefficient of 0.928 and sig. 0.000 < 0.05 and this means the influence is significant by 86.11%. The quality of work-life influenced the employees’ job satisfaction, with a standardized coefficient of 0.451 and sig. 0.032< 0.05 and this means the effect is significant by 20.34%. Leadership’s communication directly influenced employees job satisfaction with 0.460=21.16% and sig. 0.029 < 0.05 and indirectly through the intervening or mediating variable of quality of work-life by P2 x P3 (0.928 x 0.451= 0.4185 or 41.85%). Therefore, the total effect of leadership's communication on the employees job satisfaction were found to be 0.460 + 0.4185 = 0.8785 which means the significance of the influence is 87.85%.CONCLUSIONS: The results showed leadership’s communication influences the employees’ job satisfaction directly and also indirectly through the mediation of the quality of work Life. Communication was also observed to have a positive significant effect on the quality of work-life and this subsequently affected the job satisfaction of employees positively. The results of this research increase and improve the quality of leadership's communication patterns to enhance employee’s job satisfaction and quality of work-life.
Urban architecture, design, development and planning
S. Sultana; A.M. Khan; A. Rahman
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Though Public Spaces are the images of the social status of the community, but in case of Dhaka City (Bangladesh), there are intensely shortages of public open spaces. Recently, a number of parks and playgrounds in Dhaka South City Corporation area have been redeveloped under ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Though Public Spaces are the images of the social status of the community, but in case of Dhaka City (Bangladesh), there are intensely shortages of public open spaces. Recently, a number of parks and playgrounds in Dhaka South City Corporation area have been redeveloped under a government project. So, this research has highlighted on the state of usefulness of these redeveloped public spaces of Dhaka South City Corporation.METHODS: Amongst many types of public spaces, only parks and playgrounds had been counted for this research purpose. A mixed method approach had been opted, as it includes both qualitative and quantitative data for the assessments. Qualitative assessment with pictures of structures in public spaces had been conducted and maps of the area had been produced using ArcGIS 10.5 software. Also, statistical analysis like descriptive analysis, chi-square test, multiple regression model etc. had been conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel software which covered quantitative assessment.FINDINGS: This study found that though the visitors had been increased after redevelopment, but the quality of infrastructures and accessibility were not up to the mark even after redevelopment. These public spaces were abandoned or vacant land formerly. But these places were refurnished with new structures. But there was cave-looked boundary in every public space and the area had been restricted and locked up by the authorities. Elderly people, less-educated people, high income group people, new inhabitants of that area visited most. And also, in every demographic group, visitors have been increased after redevelopments. The selected public spaces only serve 6.44% of the Dhaka South City Corporation area in terms of walking distance (400-meter). ‘Unclean toilet’ is the major problem and almost around 65% to 85% respondents had complaints on it in most of the public spaces. Besides, Women, new inhabitants of that area, visitors who faced problems in accessibility and who can’t feel safe and secure in the public spaces have less satisfaction with these public spaces.CONCLUSION: This research has addressed the efficiency of redeveloped public spaces in Dhaka South City Corporation area. A strong community involvement in public space is beneficial to improve wellbeing. So, it was an important affair to investigate the association between the public involvement in public space and the quality of public space. The research findings may help the urban planners and policymakers in development sectors of Bangladesh.
Urban transportation systems and traffic management
A. Rasaizadi; A. Ardestani; S.E. Seyedabrishami
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the short-term strategies to manage the traffic and make a balance between travel supply and demand for the near future is the short-term prediction of traffic parameters and informing the passengers. Therefore passengers are more likely to avoid traveling during traffic ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the short-term strategies to manage the traffic and make a balance between travel supply and demand for the near future is the short-term prediction of traffic parameters and informing the passengers. Therefore passengers are more likely to avoid traveling during traffic peak hours. In this study, hourly average traffic speed and hourly traffic volume as two traffic parameters that indicate traffic state are predicted for Karaj-Chaloos road in Iran. METHODS: Since traffic data have large volume, machine learning-based models have more suitable performance than traditional models. However, it is not merely possible to discover the cause and effect relationships and the importance of features. In this study, after using the artificial neural network and K-nearest neighbor models to predict traffic parameters, to analyze the sensitivity of the results, the importance of used features is investigated. Also, the effect of passing the time over the accuracy of predictions has been examined. FINDINGS: According to the results, the highest accuracy of predicting hourly traffic volume and hourly average traffic speed is achieved by the K-nearest neighbor that is equal to 61% and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared to the historical average as a benchmark model, a significant improvement in the accuracy of predictions has been obtained by the artificial neural network and K-nearest neighbor models.
Urban social and cultural welfare
M.H. Askari; K. Gupta
Abstract
The cancerous spread of slum has been a rampant problem in urban areas worldwide. The acute shortage of housing facilities compels the poor to live in slums. Proper rehabilitation is considered as a very essential remedial measure to provide better living environment to slum peoples. This study is an ...
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The cancerous spread of slum has been a rampant problem in urban areas worldwide. The acute shortage of housing facilities compels the poor to live in slums. Proper rehabilitation is considered as a very essential remedial measure to provide better living environment to slum peoples. This study is an essential attempt to gauge the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program, which studies the changes in socio-economic and health condition of rehabilitated slum dwellers since they got rehabilitated. In order to do so, a household survey was carried comprising 240 households in two rehabilitated sites in the city of Kolkata (ward no. 107 and 114) during the month of July, 2014. The results conforms a strand of a belief that in-situ rehabilitation or rehabilitation within short distance is more effective. A rehabilitation too far away area disrupts the existing social, economic and political ties of neighborhoods. Measures have also been proposed to overcome such problems and to make the slum dwellers an integral part of urban society.
Human capital in urban management
T. Nikraftar; M. Jalali
Abstract
Many studies have found that the perceived authenticity of cultural and religious events affects event satisfaction and loyalty. Little is currently known about how perceived authenticity is affected by the facilities, such as food and the availability of information, which are independent determinants ...
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Many studies have found that the perceived authenticity of cultural and religious events affects event satisfaction and loyalty. Little is currently known about how perceived authenticity is affected by the facilities, such as food and the availability of information, which are independent determinants of satisfaction and loyalty. This study aims to examine the antecedents of event loyalty. Questionnaire data were collected from 315 tourists participated in Ashoura event. This article explores this complex relationship using empirical data collected through a survey conducted during 2017 Ashoura event. The results indicate 53% of the variance of the event loyalty followed by event satisfaction and 35% of it belongs to event perceived authenticity. In addition, the results show that the greater the perceived authenticity with the event leads to the higher the degree of satisfaction with the event as indicated by a parameter estimated as 0.56 (p < 0.01). However, the relationship between facilities and event loyalty is no significant (0.006; p > 0.01). Based on the findings, the study concluded that facilities influence tourists’ loyalty through event satisfaction and perceived existential authenticity.
Human capital in urban management
M. Sabokro; M. Tajpour; E. Hosseini
Abstract
Knowledge is a key factor and strategic resource for gaining assets and non-functional organizational capabilities. Knowledge Management is the knowledgeable process of creating, validating, presenting, distributing and using the knowledge in an organization. Successful organizations consider human resource ...
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Knowledge is a key factor and strategic resource for gaining assets and non-functional organizational capabilities. Knowledge Management is the knowledgeable process of creating, validating, presenting, distributing and using the knowledge in an organization. Successful organizations consider human resource development as a fundamental principle. This study aims to investigate the Knowledge Management Effect on Managers Skills Improvement. The present study is practical and the data collection method is descriptive. The statistical population includes 200 managers in Shiraz Municipality, out of whom 128 people were selected as the statistics sample by simple random sampling and Morgan’s table. The standard questionnaire of knowledge management variables and managers skills were used as the instruments for data collection. And Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient confirmed the questionnaire validity to be 0.92. The data analysis of the study was investigated by Partial Least Squares and Statistical Package for Social Science software. The results show that knowledge management has a positive and significant effect on human, operational and perceptual skills of Shiraz Municipality managers.
Human capital in urban management
B. Mirafshar; M.R. Babaei; E. Rostamy Roochi; A. Rashidi; V. Pourahad
Abstract
Human capital is considered as a strategic resource among the main resources of any organization and an important factor in producing and presenting services to the society. Improving the productivity of human capital is the main cause of the improvement of productivity in organizations. Management of ...
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Human capital is considered as a strategic resource among the main resources of any organization and an important factor in producing and presenting services to the society. Improving the productivity of human capital is the main cause of the improvement of productivity in organizations. Management of human capital development, focuses on the quantitative models and technics to test the productivity of the entire system. The central goal is to determine common and distinguishable indicators of human capital productivity in two levels of staff (individual) and organization (management). According to the previous researches and available managerial theories, 29 variables were selected for two main indicators in two levels of staff and organization. Due to the complexity of testing the productivity in the urban management organizations and the need to determine the variables, exploratory factor analysis test was randomly distributed and conducted among 350 people from the target society of human capital urban management (Tehran Municipality) during four phases with setting out a questionnaire consisted of 22 items in Likert scale which distributed randomly. Output of first phase supported 19 variables out of 29 first variables. In the next phase, matrix of variables (partial indicators), was formed due to the correlation coefficients and classified and defined according to two main research indicators by variance analysis in which weight of organization index and staff index were calculated 0.623 and 0.597, respectively. Therefore, programing for the improvement according to process cycle for both main indicators and other exploratory indicators was offered.
Urban management and public health
A. Lemma Tadesse
Abstract
The study was conducted with the objective of mapping landscape cover of Nechsar National park in Ethiopia to produce spatially accurate and timely information on land use and changing pattern. Monitoring provides the planners and decision-makers with required information about the current state of its ...
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The study was conducted with the objective of mapping landscape cover of Nechsar National park in Ethiopia to produce spatially accurate and timely information on land use and changing pattern. Monitoring provides the planners and decision-makers with required information about the current state of its development and the nature of changes that have occurred. Remote sensing and Geographical Information System have gained importance as powerful and efficient tools for land cover mapping of inaccessible area. Digital image classification is generally performed to produce land cover maps from remote sensing data, particularly for large areas. In this project, LANDSAT 7 ETM+ 2000 data was prepared for producing land cover map of study area, Nechisar National Park. Digital image processing techniques were conducted for the processes of radiometric and geometric correction and classification for land cover analysis. Additionally, training data for supervised classification were collected in the study area. Signature development was carried out and evaluated. Training sites were re-defined such that significant separability was obtained for all six bands of LANDSAT 7 EMT+. Finally, Supervised Classification was applied to classify the satellite image using Maximum Likelihood Classifier and five major land class cover were identified and mapped for the Nechsar National park. These are: grassland, forest land, deciduous bush land, thickets, and water bodies.
Urban architecture, design, development and planning
D.V. Ogunkan; A.T. Adeboyejo
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Against the background of the growing awareness of the need to provide empirical answers to the fundamental questions of the location of human activities, the construction of social space and the relationship between social space and physical environment, this study examines ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Against the background of the growing awareness of the need to provide empirical answers to the fundamental questions of the location of human activities, the construction of social space and the relationship between social space and physical environment, this study examines the locational implications of child streetism in selected urban centres in South-western Nigeria. METHODS:Using simple random sampling, 45 locations were drawn from the three urban centres for the purpose of data collection. The required data was collected through the instrumentation of head count and analysed using Relative Incidence of Street Children (RISC) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). FINDINGS: The results of RISC show that Oja-oba Central Mosque, Ibadan (247), Gbagi-Dugbe Market, Ibadan and Gbagi-Dugbe Motor Park, Ibadan generated highest incidence of street children. However, the results of HCA show that the problem of child streetism is most severe in Oja-oba Market (Akure); Igbona Market (Osogbo); Oja-oba Central Mosque (Ibadan). CONCLUSION: The study concludes that incidence of street children is greatly influenced by social, economic and physical attributes of locations. The study recommends physical planning measures to combat the menace of child streetism.
Urban social and cultural welfare
K. Fatehi; k. Teymournejad
Abstract
The foundation of most intellectual discourse is Western-centric to the exclusion of other views. This includes ideal patterns of social interaction, preference for aesthetic, accepted norms and values, and the concepts of dignity, respectability, morality and ethics. Such a position is culturally myopic. ...
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The foundation of most intellectual discourse is Western-centric to the exclusion of other views. This includes ideal patterns of social interaction, preference for aesthetic, accepted norms and values, and the concepts of dignity, respectability, morality and ethics. Such a position is culturally myopic. Western cultural influence colors all of them including moral precepts. The assumption is that Western-centric moral precepts are universally followed. This paper explores these concepts and discusses the dominance of Western-centric point of view in moral precepts. It describes how non-Western-centric views are different and argues that understanding non-Western-centric concepts is a useful undertaking that could expand our horizons.
Urban health, safety and environment (HSE)
S. Najafnezhad Asl; Y. Mohammadi Moghadam; S.M. Poormoosavi
Abstract
The main objective of this research is to determine the role of passive defense in urban crisis management from the perspectives of experts and urban managers Municipality of Tehran- District, 5. In order to carry out the study, an analytical-applied research method and a combination of documentary, ...
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The main objective of this research is to determine the role of passive defense in urban crisis management from the perspectives of experts and urban managers Municipality of Tehran- District, 5. In order to carry out the study, an analytical-applied research method and a combination of documentary, descriptive, analytical and case study methods are used. All managers and experts of Tehran’s municipality in the District (n=950) at all divisions and departments constitute the population of this study. 274 samples are selected using simple random sampling method. A researcher-made questionnaire is used as research tool whose validity and reliability are tested based on the views of the research supervisor, advisor, experts and managers of the municipality, and Cronbach's alpha test (a= 0787), respectively. Then, data analysis is performed using SPSS software (v21). According to the research findings, passive defense is effective in reducing damages to cities and application risk, and developing a proper pattern for urban sustainability using experts and managers perspective (p<0.05).
Human capital in urban management
A. Salehi; N.M. Yaqhoubi; A. keikha
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In recent years, the occurrence of natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, storms, and the like, has increasingly resulted in severe concerns in Iran as such disasters were unfortunate, causing human and financial losses, especially in disaster-prone areas like the ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In recent years, the occurrence of natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, storms, and the like, has increasingly resulted in severe concerns in Iran as such disasters were unfortunate, causing human and financial losses, especially in disaster-prone areas like the south of Kerman province. Thus, it is critical to focus on innovative Community-based Crisis Management approaches. The present research aims to study the effect of community-based crisis management on the resilience to disasters with the role of social capital in the south of Kerman province. Although much research has been conducted in this area in recent years, no study can be found that has simultaneously measured these three variables and from the citizens' perspective, which is the innovation of this paper. METHODS: Research data were collected using a questionnaire; thus, the research questionnaire was distributed among many citizens in the south of Kerman province. Research findings were analyzed through using LISREL.FINDINGS: The results showed that the community-based crisis management variable with an impact factor of 0.37 has a positive and significant effect on citizens' resilience. Social capital also plays a mediating role in the relationship between community-based crisis management and resilience, while having a positive and significant effect on citizens' resilience.CONCLUSION: The research findings help policymakers, managers, and crisis management experts deliver effective programs to reduce vulnerability and enhance citizen resilience of south of Kerman province against natural disasters.
Urban civil engineering and related management issues
A. Busari; J. Oyedepo; A. Modupe; G. Bamigboye; L. Olowu; J. Adediran; F. Ibikunle
Abstract
This research elucidates the trip pattern of the low-density residential zone in a semi-urban industrial cluster of southwestern Nigeria. These sets of dwellers are often times neglected in the transportation planning process with the view that it is not a residential zone. Domiciliary information gathering ...
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This research elucidates the trip pattern of the low-density residential zone in a semi-urban industrial cluster of southwestern Nigeria. These sets of dwellers are often times neglected in the transportation planning process with the view that it is not a residential zone. Domiciliary information gathering procedure was employed in the analysis with 0.82 return rates. It was backed up with the focus group discussion method. Data on Frequency of trips, per capita trip, modal choice, and socio-economic and demographic data were collected, collated, and analysed using statistical software. Accordingly, a predictive model was formulated for the trip pattern for the low-density area. This was achieved with the aid of statistical software SPSS version 21.Consequently, the results of the multiple regression models showed that both monthly income and car ownership had a significant positive influence on the work trip while only car ownership positively influences non-work trip. R2 values of 0.729 and 0.739 were obtained for the descriptive model at 95% confidence level. This established the robustness of the model, the analysis showed that monthly income and car ownership had a significant positive influence on the work trip with an R-square value of 0.729 and 0.739 for work and non-work trip respectively. This indicated that household will embark on more trips with an increase in car ownership and monthly income. However, effective transportation planning and traffic infrastructural development are recommended to meet the demands of the increased number of trips daily.
Information and communications technology in Urban Management
F. Rahmanian; N. Mehdibeigi; N.M. Yaqhoubi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Social commerce is a subset of electronic commerce and refers to transactions that are conducted through social commerce media. Social commerce creates new channels for consumers that improve not only their purchasing decisions but also their shopping experiences. The attitude ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Social commerce is a subset of electronic commerce and refers to transactions that are conducted through social commerce media. Social commerce creates new channels for consumers that improve not only their purchasing decisions but also their shopping experiences. The attitude of consumers is one of the factors that influence the behavioral intention of consumers. As long as the customer does not have confidence in the social business, he does not want to buy, and the trust that the buyer gains is based on the information, knowledge, transparency and capabilities that social business provide to customers. So, this paper aims to investigate the moderating role of attitude toward purchasing in the relationship between knowledge-based trust and citizens' social commerce and for this purpose, citizens of the east and southeast of Iran are considered as the case of study.METHODS: In terms of purpose, the present study is applied and based on the nature and method, it is descriptive-survey. The statistical population of the present study consisted of 361 citizens of the east and southeast of Iran who use social network and were selected by random sampling. Required data were collected by a questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed and analyzed by structural equation modeling and partial least squares method. FINDINGS: Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability and Spearman correlation coefficients were greater than 0.7 and Communality was greater than 0.5, which indicated the high reliability of variables in the model. Also, the Average Variance Extracted square root of all variables was greater than the correlation of them with other variables. So, Discriminant validity of the model was appropriate. Average Variance Extracted was more than 0.5, which indicated the appropriate convergent validity of the variables. According to T-value, knowledge-based trust had a significant and direct effect (0.745) on citizens' social commerce. Knowledge-based trust explained 55.5% of changes in citizens' social commerce. According to T-Value, the attitude toward purchasing had a positive (+0.106) reciprocal role in the relationship of knowledge-based trust and social commerce.CONCLUSION: The findings showed that knowledge-based trust plays a positive role in social commerce; So, strengthening knowledge-based trust can lead to improved social commerce. Also, the attitude toward purchasing is positive moderator in the relationship between knowledge-based trust and social commerce; So, in order to change from a weak attitude to a strong attitude toward purchasing, the relationship between knowledge-based trust and citizens' social commerce is strengthened.
Information and communications technology in Urban Management
S.M. Mirpour; B. Mirafshar
Abstract
The current research is trying to identify the effective modules (system modules) that form the integrated e-learning dashboard for educational processes and learning opportunities based on ISO 29990 in the municipality of Tehran. The educational process management system, which is currently providing ...
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The current research is trying to identify the effective modules (system modules) that form the integrated e-learning dashboard for educational processes and learning opportunities based on ISO 29990 in the municipality of Tehran. The educational process management system, which is currently providing classroom training services, is able to improve the situation by incorporating integrated management systems for human resources development processes. Based on the conceptual model, the construction of the four main factors, the process of management system, the learning management system, evaluation and effectiveness system, the employee competence development system are marked as the factors that included in the electronic management dashboard of learning processes are in interaction with their constructive components, which, according to the problem and research questions, they were tested in terms of factor load and their effect on each other after defining the variables in the software and recording data using factor analysis and multiple regression at a meaningful level. The most influential factors with the 0.875 was the Process Management System, and other factors with the difference in impact levels being prioritized in the next rankings. Also, the fit of the whole model was calculated based on the relevant index along with the validity of the research structure and the result were positively evaluated.
Urban transportation systems and traffic management
S.O. Olorunfemi; A.O. Adeniran
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The significance of road mobility in any nation cannot be far-fetched or beyond economic purpose, spatial interaction and social integration. It contributes enormously to the livelihood of human existence most especially by facilitating regional complementarity of trade, intervening ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The significance of road mobility in any nation cannot be far-fetched or beyond economic purpose, spatial interaction and social integration. It contributes enormously to the livelihood of human existence most especially by facilitating regional complementarity of trade, intervening opportunities, and spatial transferability. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of road transport quality on urban dwellers’ satisfaction in Kogi state, Nigeria. METHODS: The study adopted a survey research design and systematic sampling method to elucidate primary data through questionnaire from 1215 respondents. FINDING: It was revealed that the status of the road network has an influence on the transport rate charge per trip at a correlation value of 0.998 and significant value of 0.000; and on the comfort derived from the passengers at correlation value of 0.545 and significant value of 0.000. The provision of transport scheme has an influence on the transport rate charge per trip at the correlation value of 0.905 and significant value of 0.000; and on the quality of road transport comfort at a correlation value of 0.523 and significant value of 0.000. The timely response of road maintenance and sub road infrastructure maintenance has an influence on the transport rate charge per trip at a correlation value of 0.545 and significant value of 0.000; and on the quality of road transport comfort at correlation value of 0.912 and significant value of 0.000. The communication link between the agencies in charge of road transport and the people in the study area influences the compliance of road transport operators with road safety rules and regulations at a correlation value of 0.565 and significant value of 0.000. CONCLUSION: The condition of the vehicle has a great impact on the level of comfort.
Urban and municipalities management
Z. Omidi-Saravani; M. Kavoosi-Kalashami; A. Bakhshipour; I. Bagheri; C. Psomopoulos
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Establishing a good sound waste management system for a community requires a comprehensive knowledge of the current status and issues involved in present waste management system. This research was conducted to identify and prioritize waste management weaknesses in Saravan village ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Establishing a good sound waste management system for a community requires a comprehensive knowledge of the current status and issues involved in present waste management system. This research was conducted to identify and prioritize waste management weaknesses in Saravan village of Guilan province, Iran. METHODS: Data were gathered through a descriptive-analytical approach using a purposive sampling and researcher-made questionnaire method. Waste management weaknesses were prioritized by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), and Analytic Network Process (ANP). FINDING: The most important weakness of rural waste management in the study area was waste management structure, equipment, and infrastructures weakness (index C) with relative importance values of 38.1% in AHP, 37.3% in FAHP, and 38.2% in ANP approaches. The village inhabitants' weakness (index B) with relative importance values of 16.5% in AHP, 17.2% in FAHP, and 1.4% in ANP had the lowest priority among studied weaknesses. Workforce weakness (index A), and educational and cultural weakness (index D) were the second and third important weaknesses, respectively. The most important sub-indices weakness of these weakness indices were non-compliance of Rural Municipality Manager (RMM) with waste management standards, rules, and regulations; Waste disposal by the village inhabitants at the nearest site; failure to establish a solid waste fix station in the village; and lack of training and awareness of villagers about waste management. CONCLUSION: In order to establish a successful waste management system in rural areas, it is recommended to develop a comprehensive strategy that involves aspects such as; establishing proper waste management infrastructures, employment of skilled staff, and conducting training plans and motivational programs for staff and inhabitants.
Human capital in urban management
H. A. Gafari; A.R. Karbassi; A. A. Rajabi
Abstract
This study is an attempt to monitor and investigate the main elements of social harms from political, economic, sociocultural, technological, environmental and legal perspectives in accordance with the factors of PESTEL. One of the findings of the present study indicates that Iran has taken several measures ...
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This study is an attempt to monitor and investigate the main elements of social harms from political, economic, sociocultural, technological, environmental and legal perspectives in accordance with the factors of PESTEL. One of the findings of the present study indicates that Iran has taken several measures in order to fight narcotics. In poverty and unemployment, it must be admitted that casting shadow of global economic situation on Iran's economy along with failure to implement Article 44 on the Constitution have led to the fact that a considerable section of the country’s economy has remained under direct government control. It seems that broadcasting performance has been weak from cultural perspective; this issue has caused satellite networks intrusion on the culture of people. No organization instructs young generation in life skills and how to prevent from divorce. This problem together with lack of life facilities has caused many marriages to end in divorce within the first year. Considering limited financial resources, the municipality and its affiliated organizations have had a quite good performance in organizing homeless people, but it is not sufficient. Donations contributing to susceptible classes of society are assessed absolutely positive and worthwhile. Street children are considered as an increasing harm in the world and Iran. If we do not reflect on some strategies in order to address this issue, it will be converted to a social crisis. Beggary has a significant manifestation in megacities as a social harm and challenge; it is mostly assumed to be a social dilemma rather than an individual problem. It can be really influential to educate people how to behave with beggars.
Urban health, safety and environment (HSE)
V.G. Gawaikar; A.G. Bhole; R.R. Lakhe
Abstract
The case study is based on ISO 14001 and compares the validation with other certified industries. In view of the above, response has been collected to have further improvements through developed model which was prepared based on the factorization of various input and output variables which is linked ...
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The case study is based on ISO 14001 and compares the validation with other certified industries. In view of the above, response has been collected to have further improvements through developed model which was prepared based on the factorization of various input and output variables which is linked to the clauses of ISO 14001. The developed model has represented almost all the clauses of ISO 14001 considering main content of the all the clauses. Response is collected from the industries where input and output variables were sent earlier and also those involved in the implementation of the system. Evidences arrived out of case study suggests that the model questionnaire improves the environmental performance of an organization and bringing effectiveness in the system. This study will give better results after implementation of the model in any sector. Due to the implementation of model, the study has brought the improvements in ISO 14001and surrounding environment as well. The study on validation stated that by implementing the model, the industries where survey took place have achieved almost 30% improvement in environmental performance.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
O.F. Olusunmade; T.A. Yusuf; C.O. Ogunnigbo
Abstract
Management of municipal solid wastes (MSW) in most developed societies now involves the use of thermo-chemical conversion methods. This leads to energy and material recovery while also protecting the environment. However, till date most of the wastes generated in Nigeria (including plastic wastes) are ...
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Management of municipal solid wastes (MSW) in most developed societies now involves the use of thermo-chemical conversion methods. This leads to energy and material recovery while also protecting the environment. However, till date most of the wastes generated in Nigeria (including plastic wastes) are either land-filled or openly burnt. These methods are not sustainable and environmentally non-friendly. The reason is that so much space will be needed to accommodate the ever increasing wastes as a result of land-filling and open burning leads to environmental pollution and health challenges. Also, the inherent energy in plastic wastes, as a result of the fact that they have their origins from oil and gas, is not recovered for the benefit of meeting the energy requirements of the populace. Meanwhile there is serious inadequate supply of heat and electricity, the production of which could be improved if the plastic wastes are also applied for electricity and heat generation. This study estimated the amount of energy loss due to the prevailing method of disposal adopted for plastic wastes in terms of quantity of oil and electricity that could have been produced if thermo-chemical approaches were adopted for these wastes. It showed that about 17.3 million barrels of crude oil (worth about $1 billion) and 7.1 million MWh of electricity (capable of powering 4.4 million households) could be produced from the plastic wastes generated in the country. Therefore, plastic wastes should be embraced and treated as a resource rather than “wastes”.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
S. Marzouk
Abstract
Rapid population growth and increasing demand for the modern settlement has led to the increase of environmental pollution. Limestone quarry is one among the activities that affect environment and ecosystem in Pemba Island-Zanzibar. Quarrying activities brought an inevitable destruction to the environments ...
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Rapid population growth and increasing demand for the modern settlement has led to the increase of environmental pollution. Limestone quarry is one among the activities that affect environment and ecosystem in Pemba Island-Zanzibar. Quarrying activities brought an inevitable destruction to the environments ranging from excavation, soil and land degradation, loose of biodiversity and water pollution. This study reports the impact of limestone quarries on groundwater quality based on analyses of various physico-chemical parameters of groundwater. Ground water samples were collected during the wet and dry season of 2016 from nine different wells in vicinity of limestone quarries. One groundwater sample, which was located about 5 kilometers from limestone quarries, was collected as a control. The result shows that the groundwater have an elevated level of pH, total dissolved solid, Electrical Conductivity, total alkalinity, as compared to control sample. Also the concentration level of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ slightly increases in all samples from dry season to wet season. This is probably due to the mixing of surface pollution and dissolution of limestone rocks. The study revealed that the nitrate and potassium concentrations are very high in the well nearest the limestone quarries. It is likely due to percolation of fertilizer from agricultural runoff stagnated nearby limestone quarries. This study shows that a conceptual physico-chemical interpretation of the results from water samples provides information of groundwater contamination, which is mainly derived from agricultural runoff and stagnated nearby limestone quarries. This study recommends that the quarrying activities should be minimal towards the subsurface level in order to reduce the possibility of aquifer contamination.