ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban communications and services
S. Drobyazko; T. Hilorme; S. Nesterenko; Z. Shatskaya
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The economic consequences of the introduction of digital technologies are projected both at the level of electricity market participants and at the level of the state as a whole. As a result of the introduction of intelligent electricity metering it is possible to achieve energy ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The economic consequences of the introduction of digital technologies are projected both at the level of electricity market participants and at the level of the state as a whole. As a result of the introduction of intelligent electricity metering it is possible to achieve energy savings of 20 % and solve the problem of transparency of energy flows of the national economy (information asymmetry). The purpose of the work is to substantiate the organizational-economic management of the national integrated intelligent energy system of the country in the conditions of the digital economy.METHODS: Statistical analysis for technical-economic analysis of the functioning of the national energy system, technological forecasting and foresight for assessment of future changes in the architecture of energy systems, economic-mathematical modeling and scenario analysis for comparative assessment of future development of separate energy technologies.FINDINGS: Forecasting of development of macrotechnologies in the energy sector is carried out, points of bifurcation of competitiveness of various energy technologies are defined. Assessments of economic consequences of introduction of digital technologies in energy systems both at the level of energy market entities, and at the national level are carried out. In the presence of own generating capacity, the consumer becomes an active participant (producer) in the electricity market, which in turn reduces system technological losses and economic costs of suppliers in the expansion of energy grids.CONCLUSION: For generation companies, the effect lies in reduction of operating costs of up to USD 2 billion annually by smoothing the load schedule in Slovakia. Significant results can be achieved in the electricity distribution sector, in particular by reducing electricity losses by 50 % and reducing equipment maintenance and repair costs by 10 %. It was suggested to consider the technological platform as a business model for the digital development of the infrastructural sectors of the economy, in particular, the digitalization of the energy infrastructure. The authors developed the structure and presented the opportunities of the technological platform for the introduction of an intelligent energy system in Slovakia. Proposals for the implementation of the concept of an intelligent energy network as part of the digital transformation of the economy of Slovakia were developed.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Human capital in urban management
M. Tajpour; S.M. Razavi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Team performance is one of the ways to deal with successive changes from the point of view of experts. Therefore, continuous changes in the work environment and daily work activities require sharing ideas and the need for continuous learning and entrepreneurship. Neglecting ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Team performance is one of the ways to deal with successive changes from the point of view of experts. Therefore, continuous changes in the work environment and daily work activities require sharing ideas and the need for continuous learning and entrepreneurship. Neglecting entrepreneurship has a negative effect on companies and by neglecting entrepreneurship, it is impossible to operate effectively in a dynamic environment. Therefore, in today's competitive world, companies will lose their competitiveness. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of team performance on the internationalization of digital startups through mediating role of entrepreneurship.METHODS: In terms of the purpose, it is applied and quantitative research. The research population is estimated to be 375 employees of 101 Iranian international digital startups in the field of technology and city services, which accounted for 10% of exports between 2021 and 2022. The sample size is estimated through Cochran's formula of 190 people. To collect data, a standard 5- point Likert scale questionnaire with 22 items was used. Finally, the data were analyzed by using Smart PLS 3 software.FINDINGS: The results showed that emotional commitment, creating an environment of innovation, and knowledge sharing through mediating role of entrepreneurship have a positive and significant effect on the internationalization of digital startups. The results of the research indicate positive relationships among Emotional Commitment (2.671) and with entrepreneurship mediating (2.927), Innovative environment (2.478) and with entrepreneurship mediating (2.697), and Knowledge sharing (2.707) and with entrepreneurship mediating (3.333) concerning the internationalization of digital startups. Therefore, these hypotheses were confirmed.CONCLUSION: The team performance of employees plays an important role in the survival and success of companies in the international sector. The knowledge that companies gain from other companies, especially during internationalization, can escalate their competitiveness in the global market. The performance of the team as the primary factor of learning and innovation facilitates trust among the company's employees.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban health, safety and environment (HSE)
R. Oguntayo; S. F. Agberotimi; P. O. Ajao; O. T. Oladele; A. O. Olaseni; O. D. Ajibewa
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Environmental worry involve primarily the thoughts of some hazardous immediate and long-run side effects of degradation that happened to our ecological system. Despite the side effects of this phenomenon, psychometrics measuring environmental worry from the African context ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Environmental worry involve primarily the thoughts of some hazardous immediate and long-run side effects of degradation that happened to our ecological system. Despite the side effects of this phenomenon, psychometrics measuring environmental worry from the African context are insufficient. Therefore, the Environmental Worry Index (EWI-11) was developed to assess proximal and personal experiences of worry about climate change and environmental degradation. METHODS: This study used a qualitative method among environmental professionals and students (between the ages of 18 to 65) in a university to generate the themes and the pool of items that were used to determine the Environmental Worry Index (EWI-11). Thereafter, 925 participants were purposively selected and assessed from Ibadan city through a cross-sectional survey to ascertain the validity and reliability of this new scale. The participants were selected in Ibadan city, Nigeria. The software of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version 26.0) was used for all analyses.FINDINGS: Using exploratory factor analysis, the construct validity and Varimax rotation showed that the scale has two components (KMO = 0.892, df=91, p.00), thus showing a strong validity. The reliability dimensions and subscales have meritorious reliability (Proximal, α =.894, and Personal experience of worry, α =.671). The overall Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.894.CONCLUSION: The EWI-11 is adequate for measuring environmental worry and could be useful for experts in mental and environmental research and practice. EWI-11 is therefore recommended as a reliable and valid screening tool for environmental worry and may be acceptable across Africa and other countries as well.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Human capital in urban management
M.R. Bahadoran; H. Ghasemi; A. Farahani; M. Hoseini
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: 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 ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: 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. Many organization find their knowledge management process to be ignored by the employees. Gamification is a way of enhancing knowledge management with game design elements to increase employee’s engagement, content creation and satisfaction.METHODS: The research method was descriptive-survey and based on variance-based structural equation modeling. The statistical population included 384 employees of the sports organization of selected metropolises. The statistical sample size was determined by stratified random sampling method, 384 employees who answered the research tools: questionnaires of gamification, performance improvement and knowledge management. The validity of the instrument was confirmed by 5 professors of sports management and their reliability was calculated with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and combined reliability in the dimensions of the questionnaires, higher than 0.696 and 0.757, respectively. Data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics tests and sobel test in SPSS 22.0 and SmartPLS 2.0.FINDINGS: The relationship between research constructs with their dimensions, gamification with performance improvement and knowledge management with performance improvement of positive and significant research model (T≥2.86) and research model fit (GOF = 0.589) was evaluated as strong. As a result, managers of metropolitan municipal sports organizations can play a mediating role in the relationship between gamification and performance improvement by implementing knowledge management in the organization.CONCLUSION: According to the research results, although gamification is an effective factor in improving employee performance, but knowledge management plays a crucial role. Therefore, it is suggested that municipal sports managers pay special attention to knowledge management and gamification to improve employee performance.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
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.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban architecture, design, development and planning
H. Rahimi Jafari; A. Faez; Y. Vakil Alroaia; M. D. Hosamane
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During the past decades, architects have faced serious challenges in renovating buildings. Renovated buildings require activities that, besides energy savings and less damages to the environment, could have psychologically positive effects on customers. Renovation plays an ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During the past decades, architects have faced serious challenges in renovating buildings. Renovated buildings require activities that, besides energy savings and less damages to the environment, could have psychologically positive effects on customers. Renovation plays an important role in the development of the city of Tehran so that it can bring environmental, economic and social benefits and preserve the originality of the urban environment of this metropolis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was Evaluation of psychological factors affecting the decision of citizens to purchase renovated buildings with emphasis on maintaining urban environment.METHODS: The present study used a mixed approach to achieve a general model to investigate the effects of such factors on customers’ decision to buy renovated buildings. To validate the model, the qualitative approach was based on the Grounded Theory, and the quantitative approach used Structural Equation Modeling. In the qualitative analysis to identify the influential factors, the interview data were analyzed with ATLAS.Ti8 software version 8.0 by using the Grounded Theory coding method according to Strauss and Corbin’s approach. Finally, the effects of psychological factors on the consumer decision to buy renovated buildings were identified.FINDINGS: Perception index with two components of personality (factor loading 0.60) and experience (factor loading 0.69), learning index with two components of capacity change and behavior change with factor loading 0.56, attitude index with two components of self-esteem (0. 70) and excitement (0.76) and in the motivation index of the external motivation component (0.58) were confirmed in the final model. The indicators of needs and desires (0.31), change of status (0.42), identity (0. 32) and intrinsic motivation (0.49) were rejected and removed from the final model.CONCLUSION: The findings showed that in order to maintain the authenticity of the urban environment as well as the satisfaction of citizens, the managers of architectural companies and senior officials of urban planning can use the investigated methods to make better decisions and encourage citizens to buy renovated buildings.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Sustainable urban infrastructure
G. Aladekoyi; E.G. Olumayede; D. Malomo
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Optimization of bitumen with Polymer modification such as a shredded tier, which serves as a waste in the environment has been used for road pavement to minimize common failure mechanisms associated with roads. The objectives aimed at using a shredded tier to modified ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Optimization of bitumen with Polymer modification such as a shredded tier, which serves as a waste in the environment has been used for road pavement to minimize common failure mechanisms associated with roads. The objectives aimed at using a shredded tier to modified bitumen (STMB) in ratio10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40: 60, and 50:50, from Shredded tier were added to bitumen from Agbabu and Loda to study their performances when applied in the construction industry.METHODS: Bitumen, which was obtained from Odigbo and Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, was mixed at 3000C for two hours at different proportion with a shredded tier. Characteristics such as Penetration, Viscosity, melting point, marshal Stability, specific gravity and mechanical properties were determined.FINDINGS: Marshall Stability (kg) at 600C increased with an increase in shredded tier modified bitumen from10% to 40% improved performance in both modifications and reduced in a 50% increase. This indicated that the increased in shredded tier reduced the measured value of penetration after the attainment values of 40:60 blends. This interaction between the bitumen-tier blends has a penetration value adequately agreed with the predicted value by the penetration index model. The rheological properties from different proportions at temperatures ranging from 450C to 650C at 40% modification were observed to have the least rutting parameter at 3.9 (G*/Sin δ (kPa) in Agbabu and 2.91(G*/Sin δ (kPa) in Loda for defects accountable to paving deformation and ageing as there was a decrease in the rutting parameter with the increase in temperature generally.CONCLUSION: Generally, the values obtained for the physico-mechanical properties increased with an increase in modifiers from 10% to 40% modification in the two samples. Though, Agbabu is preferable and economical due to the percentage yield for road construction.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Information and communications technology in Urban Management
L. Tavanaei Marvi; M. Behzadfar; S.M. Mofidi Shemirani
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Smart cities have been criticized for being too technologically driven and reinforcing entrepreneurial thinking rather than focusing on citizens and social sustainability. This paper aims to “define the implementing principles for Smart Cities in Tehran as a social ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Smart cities have been criticized for being too technologically driven and reinforcing entrepreneurial thinking rather than focusing on citizens and social sustainability. This paper aims to “define the implementing principles for Smart Cities in Tehran as a social construct”. In this regard, this study tries to develop smart city indicators and suggest a set of implementing principles for smart cities, citizens, and civic organizations in Tehran. Furthermore, this paper illustrates how in-progress smart city projects are meeting the citizens' needs in 22 districts of Tehran Municipality.METHODS: The present study has used a qualitative and quantitative methodology based on theoretical frameworks. In this paper, Maslow's hierarchy of needs acts as a meta-method for defining the principles of social sustainability to implement smart city projects. First, smart sustainable cities and associated indicators were evaluated based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Second, a case study approach was utilized to assess Tehran’s smart city projects. Finally, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix techniques were used to define strategies based on internal and external environmental factors and relation to social sustainability.FINDINGS: The results indicated that promoting innovation centers and living labs to create a vibrant, active, and healthy public realm was the most effective strategy for smart city development in Tehran (Weaknesses-Opportunities8=.1.323). Two important additional strategies were “involve stakeholders and focus on people and consider urban residents not only as recipients or users of smart cities but also as designers of smart cities” (Strengths-Opportunities3=1.075) and “promote community involvement in council decision-making by developing interactive platforms” (Strengths-Opportunities8=0.884).CONCLUSION: This paper contributes knowledge on how cities such as Tehran can achieve and implement social sustainability using a smart city approach. Plans and projects for a smart city in Tehran were deemed neither realistic nor sufficiently strategic, and they are assumed to satisfy neither policymakers nor citizens. Social sustainability-based principles and strategies are necessary to incorporate citizen perspectives into Tehran’s smart city plan and policies. The present study adds several significant insights to the existing frameworks for implementing smart city frameworks in Tehran.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban architecture, design, development and planning
P. Shehu; L.S. Rikko; M.B. Azi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, Jos Metropolis, Nigeria is witnessing a strong trend toward urban growth and expansion. This phenomenon has impacted Land Use/Land Cover and efficient management of land. This paper evaluated urban growth and changes in Land Use /Land Cover and examined the land use ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, Jos Metropolis, Nigeria is witnessing a strong trend toward urban growth and expansion. This phenomenon has impacted Land Use/Land Cover and efficient management of land. This paper evaluated urban growth and changes in Land Use /Land Cover and examined the land use efficiency of the metropolis. Land Use and Land Cover changes were established from 1999 to 2022; Land consumption rate and population growth rate were determined, and computation of the SDG 11.3.1 framework was done to examine the efficiency of land use.METHODS: Data were collected through official documents, the use of remote sensing, and, geographic information systems. Satellite imageries used to determine the classes and changes in Land Use/Land Cover changes were Landsat 5 TM (1999), Landsat 7 ETM+ (2004, 2009, and 2014), and Landsat 8 ETM+ (2018 and 2022). Global positioning system was used for ground-truthing, IDRISI Taiga software was used for image classification, and ArcGIS was used for map visualization. Four classes of Land Use and Land Cover were identified: Built-up, Meadows, Mountain/Vegetation, and Water bodies.FINDINGS: Results revealed that built-up area increased consistently from 3494.007 hectares in 1999 to 16995.360 ha in 2022 leading to a substantial reduction in other land use and land cover. The study confirmed a burgeoning population growth from 780,000 in 1999 to 1,563,193 in 2022. This growth had a significant impact on urban land use management, consuming a large proportion of land from 3494.007 hectares to 16995.36 hectares in 1999 and 2022 respectively. Results revealed a high land consumption rate of 0.0962 and 0.0884 during 2018-2022 and 1999-2004. A high population growth rate (0.0414) was recorded during 2018-2022. These dynamics intensified the rate of land acquisition for urban development. The average value of the SDG 11.3.1 framework was 2.3 which is higher than 1, indicating that urban expansion is moving away from land use efficiency.CONCLUSION: The paper recommended the establishment of a Growth Management Monitoring system by the state government for effective and efficient management of land resources through a spatial plan for the metropolis. This study has provided insight into the dynamics of Jos metropolitan LULC and land use efficiency management which could be useful to policymakers, urban planners, and researchers in initiating sustainable urban development strategies and inclusive structure for its planning and management.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban and municipalities management
S. Watundu; B. Kalinda Mkenda; N. Mwelu
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The demand for travel is increasing along with the development of the urban city. Since its establishment in 1890, the same situation has been replicated in Uganda, particularly in Kampala, the capital city. The city has grown tremendously, and this has spilled over to neighboring ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The demand for travel is increasing along with the development of the urban city. Since its establishment in 1890, the same situation has been replicated in Uganda, particularly in Kampala, the capital city. The city has grown tremendously, and this has spilled over to neighboring towns. Road transport carries 99 percent of the traffic in Kampala Capital City, causing massive congestion on city roads. Increased traffic could result from residents of the city or visitors from other parts of the country. Thus, understanding societal travel behaviours of city dwellers is necessary for better planning and policy guidance. This study examines the socio-demographic determinants of urban household demand for road travel in Kampala City. METHODS: Data from the Kampala Capital City Authority’s transport and household travel habits survey were used in this study. A sampling plan developed by the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Transport Master Plan Project was followed. Households were drawn from parishes stratified by residential typology using a simple random sampling method. Based on the social economic groupings, a proportional sample of 1906 households was drawn. Data on household characteristics, personal attributes of the household head and travel habits data were obtained. Given the observed over dispersion, a Negative Binomial Regression was estimated.FINDINGS: The results show that household daily demand for travel increase with the size, age, and education level of the head. Compared to households with 1-3 members, results indicate a significant increase in the difference between the logs of the daily trips taken by 0.329 and 0.587 for households with 4-6 and above 6 members, respectively; the older the household head, the higher the difference between the logs of expected number of trips, compared to households with heads aged 15-24 years, those whose heads are aged 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 and above 54 years, the difference of the logs of the expected number of trips taken increases significantly by 0.0769, 0.149, 0.163 and 0.212 trips, respectively; household heads working in the private sector reduces the difference in the logs of daily travel by 0.0659 trips when compared to the public sector; the more educated the household head, the more trips taken daily. Households with a private car make fewer trips than those without.CONCLUSION: Sensitization programmes for reducing unnecessary and avoidable travel and family size are required. Uptake of distribution and or redistribution polices for development activities and investments to other urban centers and regions.
