International Journal of Human Capital in Urban Management

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The rapid growth of social media has significantly influenced tourist behavior, presenting an opportunity to promote responsible tourism. However, limited studies have explored the factors influencing tourists’ intention to use social media for responsible tourism. This study integrates the Technology Acceptance Model and Source Credibility Theory to examine key determinants affecting tourists' behavioral intentions.
METHODS: A quantitative research approach was adopted, utilizing an online survey to collect data from 400 Thai tourists using social media. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was employed to analyze the relationships between Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Expertise, and Trustworthiness on the intention to use social media for responsible tourism.
FINDINGS: The results indicate that Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Expertise, and Trustworthiness all have a significant and positive influence on tourists’ intention to utilize social media for responsible tourism. The structural model demonstrated strong explanatory power with a coefficient of determination value of 0.701, supporting the relevance of the proposed framework. These findings highlight the crucial role of social media in promoting responsible tourism and provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions and awareness campaigns to foster sustainable tourism practices.
CONCLUSION: This study provides empirical evidence supporting the integration of the Technology Acceptance Model and Source Credibility Theory in explaining social media adoption for responsible tourism. This study serves as a foundation for advancing conceptual models and frameworks to support responsible tourism.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Climate change poses significant threats to cultural heritage sites, particularly coastal regions. This study focused on the Side Ancient City in Antalya, Türkiye, examining the impacts of sea-level rise, coastal erosion, extreme temperatures, construction, and earthquakes on its historical and archaeological integrity. Unlike previous studies, this study employed a holistic risk analysis framework.
METHODS: The study integrated a literature review, field observations, GIS-based spatial analysis, and comparative case studies to assess Sides' vulnerability to climate-induced hazards. This multi-method approach enabled a more precise evaluation of risks affecting key historical structures.
FINDINGS: Sid has experienced magnitude 5-6 earthquakes in the last 120 years, a 4.45% loss of green areas in 15 years, and a 20-fold increase in built-up area, rising from 0.84% in 1953 to 16.8% in 2010 over 57 years. The average temperature increased from 17.1°C (1979) to 18.5°C (2023).
Climate change is projected to raise the sea level on the Side coast by 2-2.2 meters. Despite its tourism significance, local-scale visitor data is lacking.
CONCLUSION: The study proposed a multi-faceted adaptation strategy to mitigate risks, including coastal defence measures, improved drainage systems, climate-resilient restoration materials, and seismic retrofitting of vulnerable structures. Additionally, it recommended policy reforms and tourism management strategies to support conservation efforts. The research offered a transferable model for protecting coastal archaeological sites from climate-induced and seismic hazards by aligning site preservation with broader climate adaptation frameworks. The study contributed to global heritage conservation by highlighting the urgent need for proactive and interdisciplinary approaches to safeguard cultural landmarks against accelerating environmental change.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Effective river basin management requires understanding sediment transport dynamics and their impact on ecosystem services to mitigate soil erosion and sedimentation. This study emphasizes the novel integration of the ecosystem services framework into sediment transport modeling using the Integrated Valuation Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs Sediment Delivery Ratio model. The Haraz River basin, a critical watershed in northern Iran, faces significant erosion and sedimentation problems due to steep slopes, sporadic vegetation, and intensive land use. This study aimed to model sediment transport and assess erosion and sedimentation dynamics within the basin using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs Sediment Delivery Rate model, focusing on ecosystem services, particularly sediment retention and delivery.
METHODS: The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs Sediment Delivery Rate model was applied to the Haraz River Basin, using high-resolution land use maps, a Digital Elevation Model, and field-calibrated parameters. The study quantified soil erosion and sediment export at pixel and sub-watershed levels. The analysis considered key factors such as rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length, land cover, and management actions to estimate sediment dynamics and identify critical erosion hotspots.
FINDINGS: The results showed considerable spatial variability in sediment transport and retention across the catchment. Subwatershed 2 had the highest soil erosion potential (13,016,268 tonnes) and sediment export (1,992,277 tonnes), primarily due to steep slopes and limited vegetation cover. In contrast, sub-catchment 5 had the lowest erosion potential (60,721 tonnes) and sediment export (9,328 tonnes) due to effective land management and favorable land cover conditions. The values for erosion control and sediment retention illustrate the crucial role of vegetation in mitigating soil loss and reducing sediment input into rivers.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the complex interplay between natural and management factors in regulating erosion and sediment dynamics. Integrating Sediment Delivery Ratio modeling with an ecosystem services framework provided actionable insights for prioritizing erosion control measures in high-risk areas and improving sediment retention. Management strategies that include vegetation restoration, land use optimization, and sediment control barriers are recommended to improve watershed sustainability in the Haraz Basin.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Empowering leadership is essential for employee career success as it encourages skill development and facilitates career advancement. The absence of empowering leadership may significantly hinder employee career success within organizations. Thus, this study investigates the potential mediator roles of organizational commitment, self-efficacy, and competence for performance in the relationship between empowering leadership and career success.
METHODS: By employing a quantitative approach, this study examines the proposed model and hypotheses in the coal mining companies in Indonesia. The data are collected from 123 employees working in the coal mining operations in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, and it is analyzed using SmartPLS 3.3.3 of partial least squares structural equation modeling.
FINDINGS: The results showed that empowering leadership positively and significantly predicts organizational commitment (β = 0.706, t-statistic = 20.182), self-efficacy (β = 0.478, t-statistic = 5.308), performance competence (β = 0.593, t-statistic = 10.561), and career success (β = 0.387, t-statistic = 3.301). However, self-efficacy (β = 0.124, t-statistic = 1.068) and performance competence (β = -0.009, t-statistic = 0.097) have no impact on career success. Organizational commitment (β = 0.253, t-statistic = 4.218) is also discovered to mediate the relationship between empowering leadership and career success.
CONCLUSION: Empowering leadership plays a crucial role in guiding employees toward career success by fostering a strong sense of organizational commitment. This study explores the mediating roles of organizational commitment, self-efficacy, and performance competence, offering insights into how empowering leadership influences career outcomes. The findings advance existing theory by clarifying that while self-efficacy and performance competence are shaped by empowering leadership, they do not directly predict career success. Instead, organizational commitment emerges as the key mediator in this relationship. From a practical perspective, the results highlight the need for organizations to promote empowering leadership by training supervisors to build autonomy and trust. This leadership approach enhances employees’ emotional attachment to the organization, thereby supporting their career development. Aligning career advancement initiatives with empowering practices can enhance employee motivation and long-term success.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urban green spaces play a vital role in promoting the mental and physical well-being of city residents. While their benefits are widely acknowledged, understanding how demographic factors and travel behaviors influence this green space usage remains limited. This study aims to explore the relationship between urban green space use, user demographics, and perceived mental health benefits within urban environments.
METHODS: A quantitative survey was conducted involving 420 urban green space users. The study assessed participants' health status, physical activities, and emotional responses using structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses such as Analysis of Variance and Principal Component Analysis were employed to evaluate relationships between variables. All analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (version 27).
FINDINGS: Stress levels were found to be moderate to high, with a mean score of 3.22 on a 5-point Likert scale. Emotional well-being showed a positive correlation with reduced stress, with those experiencing emotional distress reporting higher stress levels (mean score of 4.13). Regular physical activity was associated with lower anxiety levels, with individuals engaging in physical exercise reporting an average anxiety score of 2.85 compared to 4.12 for those with minimal activity. Additionally, emotional health improved significantly, as participants reported higher confidence and peace of mind, with scores increasing from 2.75 to 4.10 after engaging in stress-reducing activities. Demographic factors influenced stress levels, with younger participants (ages 18-25) having a mean stress score of 3.45, compared to older participants (ages 45-60) who reported a mean stress score of 2.89.
CONCLUSION: Urban green space provides a significant mental health benefit by reducing stress and enhancing emotional well-being. This study highlights the critical role of UGS in urban planning for fostering resilience and promoting sustainable community development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mashhad, Iran’s main pilgrimage city, attracts numerous religious visitors every year. This status led to significant socio-economic and physical transformations, particularly around the holy shrine. The rapid growth of lodging and commercial facilities disrupted the urban fabric, reducing the quality of life for long-term residents. In the southern Samen region, the culturally rich Eidgah neighborhood suffered from neglect, poor planning, and the influx of temporary accommodations, eroding its social and cultural identity. This study aimed to identify key factors affecting residential satisfaction to encourage long-term habitation in the neighborhood.
METHODS: This research was quantitative, critical realism in approach, and grounded in the interpretivism paradigm. It was applied in its purpose, as it focuses on future studies of the Eidgah neighborhood to identify factors contributing to resident displacement and related potential issues. The data for this study were collected using library documents, environmental surveys, observations, and expert group questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed to experts with prior experience in this urban fabric or other similar historical and deteriorated neighborhoods. The analysis of the questionnaires was conducted using MICMAC software and Scenario Wizard software.
FINDINGS: Adequate security and safety of the environmentLength of residence 478. These three variables demonstrated the highest influence on sustaining habitation, underscoring their critical role in residential stability. Based on these findings, the research identified four strategic scenarios for preserving residency in the Eidgah neighborhood.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that multiple factors affect residency preservation, which can vary significantly from one city to another or even from one neighborhood to another. The identified key variables primarily play a prominent role in social-cultural, functional, perceptual, and visual dimensions. Examining these key variables within similar historical contexts can pave the way for more targeted and effective interventions in urban planning, ultimately enhancing residents' quality of life and ensuring sustainability in these areas.
 

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sustainable aquaculture offers a promising solution by merging eco-friendly fish farming with urban development strategies. Sustainable aquaculture can enhance food security by adopting innovative technologies and resource-efficient practices while minimizing ecological impact. This research explores the integration of Tilapia farming into urban management strategies in Phayao, Thailand, focusing on its economic and social implications.
METHODS: A structured questionnaire was distributed to 436 Tilapia farmers in Phayao to gather data on farm productivity, income levels, market access, and sustainability practices. The data analysis employed descriptive statistics, t-test, multiple regression analysis, and Return on Investment calculations to assess the financial viability of Tilapia farming and the influence of various socioeconomic factors on production.
FINDINGS: Key variables influencing Tilapia farming include farm size, access to quality feed, market access, pond management practices, water source, and government support. These factors are analyzed to assess their impact on profitability, sustainability, and social development. Results reveal that farm size, access to quality feed, and market connectivity are significant determinants of profitability. Furthermore, policy support and urban infrastructure are crucial to the long-term sustainability of Tilapia farming. This research illustrates how urban-integrated Tilapia farming can stimulate local economies and create careers while decreasing dependence on external food sources. All predictors showed statistical significance, with farm size (p< .001), quality feed (p< .001), market access (p< .001), and government support (p< .001) having strong effects. Pond management (p = .022) and water source (p =.041) had moderate but significant effects.
CONCLUSION: It proposes that Tilapia aquaculture could provide a scalable model for sustainable urban economies, which is useful for creating a framework of aquaculture in urban planning. Tilapia farming strengthens local food networks, enhances livelihoods, and promotes sustainable urban growth, making it a vital aspect of urban sustainability efforts in Phayao and other comparable locations.
 

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Financial Inclusion is directly related to economic growth and is an integral factor in achieving sustainable development goals. As India plans to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047, which calls for inclusive growth, the role of women and their participation in the economy becomes a significant factor in its achievement. Women have long been suppressed by patriarchal norms in a country like India, which prohibits them from availing formal financial services. However, with the development of financial technology, the gap between underserved populations and formal financial services can be reduced if used effectively. This study attempts to unravel the importance of urban financial advancements in driving financial inclusion of women's workforce in the informal sector.
METHODS: This study adopted a confirmatory quantitative survey method using Structural Equation Modeling to explore the mediating role of financial literacy between fintech and financial inclusion among women in Chennai’s informal sector. Data were collected over eight weeks through snowball sampling, using both online and in-person surveys administered in Tamil. A structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree) was used. Responses were coded by researchers, data consistency verified with an independent sample t-test, and analyses conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Analysis of Moment Structures.
FINDINGS: The findings of the study indicate that financial technology and Financial Literacy have a significant positive impact on Financial Inclusion. The study also finds that Financial Literacy mediates the impact of financial technology on Financial Inclusion. Partial mediation exists in the relationship between financial technology, Financial Inclusion, and Financial Literacy, and the impact of financial technology on Financial Literacy is strengthened with a beta estimate of 0.481 after Financial Literacy is introduced as a mediating variable as compared to 0.347 before mediation. This suggests that financial technology can provide access to financial services, but utilization of these services effectively depends on Financial Literacy.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the complementary roles of financial technology and literacy in advancing inclusion among women in India’s informal sector. While fintech improves access to services, its impact is greater when users have financial knowledge and skills. The findings emphasize the need for integrated policies combining digital tools with financial education, supporting India’s inclusive growth goals under Viksit Bharat 2047. These insights are valuable for policymakers, regulators, fintech providers, and agencies working to close gender and financial gaps.

Abstract ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aerotropolis concept has been increasingly recognized as a driver of regional economic development. However, its impact on social, agricultural, and environmental factors remained underexplored, particularly in regions surrounding newly developed international airports. This study analyzed the influence of the aerotropolis concept, which was reviewed from a regional, social, agricultural, and environmental perspective, on the economy of the Yogyakarta International Airport area.
METHODS: This study examined 10 districts and cities around Yogyakarta International Airport from 2017 to 2023. The data were analyzed using panel data regression and spatial analysis with Geo-Map Orange Data Mining. The aerotropolis concept was adopted to understand the interaction between these factors in the region's economic development around Yogyakarta International Airport.
FINDINGS: The results revealed that all variables significantly influenced GRDP (p < 0.01). A 1% increase in average schooling raised GRDP by 3.23%, population by 1.63%, and agricultural land by 0.70%. Meanwhile, a 1% increase in distance from YIA reduced GRDP by 0.69%, confirming spatial proximity's economic advantage.
CONCLUSION: Implementing the aerotropolis concept in the area around Yogyakarta International Airport created a synergy between education, demographics, and the agricultural sector, which supported dynamic and sustainable economic growth overall.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In an increasingly interconnected world, nations compete through economic and military power and strategic promotion of their ideas, values, and cultural narratives. As global influence becomes more reliant on soft power, countries face the challenge of shaping international perceptions to foster cooperation, attract alliances, and strengthen their national identity. However, in an era of information saturation and geopolitical tensions, effectively communicating a nation's core principles is more complex than ever. This paper examines the critical role of international idea promotion in shaping a country’s reputation and global standing. It argues that deliberately disseminating national values, political philosophies, and cultural identity can counter misinformation, bridge ideological divides, and enhance diplomatic relations. By understanding the mechanisms behind this process, nations can craft their global image more effectively, reinforcing trust and cooperation in an increasingly competitive international landscape.
METHODS: This study adopts a qualitative case study approach to examine the strategic promotion of international ideas and their impact on national reputation and identity. Data is collected through an in-depth analysis of selected cases where nations have actively engaged in diplomatic initiatives, international collaborations, cultural exchange programs, and strategic media campaigns to shape global perceptions. This research explores patterns, strategies, and outcomes associated with international idea promotion by focusing on specific examples. The study employs purposive sampling, selecting cases that provide rich insights into successful and unsuccessful efforts in projecting national values and narratives. The population of this study includes governmental agencies, cultural institutions, and media organizations involved in soft power diplomacy. Through qualitative content analysis, the research identifies key themes and strategies that contribute to effective global influence. This methodological approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how nations navigate the complexities of international idea dissemination.
FINDINGS: International idea promotion is crucial in shaping core values, enhancing cultural communication, and strengthening national images. It fosters cross-cultural exchanges, promotes core values like democracy and freedom, and drives policy innovation and cooperation.
CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the role of international idea promotion in strengthening core values, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and shaping national identities. Policymakers should focus on promoting values like human rights and sustainability through cultural exchanges, media outreach, and international partnerships to enhance global influence and address global challenges. These strategies can improve diplomatic ties, boost national reputation, and contribute to global development.
 

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Algerian cities, access to and use of public spaces remain strongly conditioned by cultural norms, gender stereotypes, and spatial inequalities. Women are often perceived as less legitimate users of public space, resulting in unequal access, limited visibility, and a heightened sense of vulnerability. This research explores how collective representations, particularly gendered social expectations, cultural constraints, and socio-spatial dynamics, shape women’s behaviors and restrict their appropriation of public space. Grounded in gender-sensitive placemaking, the study seeks to identify key obstacles and planning-related challenges while proposing inclusive urban strategies.
METHODS: The study adopts an anthropological and reflexive methodology, combining a literature review with mixed methods. It integrates qualitative interviews, field observations, and a structured survey of 100 women in the Ben-Boulaid alleys of Batna, Algeria. The empirical strategy was designed to investigate how cultural expectations, spatial arrangements (lighting, accessibility, urban design), and socio-economic characteristics (age, occupation, mobility) intersect to shape gendered uses of public space. This methodological framework allows for testing the assumption that these factors play a decisive role in producing spatial inequalities and limiting women’s access and autonomy in urban environments.
FINDINGS: The results show strong associations between women’s use of public space and multiple interrelated factors. A significant correlation was found between the frequency of visits and age/occupation. Cultural barriers were identified as the most influential factor limiting access, followed by inadequate infrastructure and perceived insecurity. Negative correlations were observed for perceptions of equal access (r = –0.167, p = 0.098) and women’s access to the Ben-Boulaid alleys (r = –0.189, p = 0.060), indicating exclusion from certain spatial practices. Lighting was positively correlated with reduced fear of aggression (r = 0.165). Furthermore, 72% of respondents judged current gender equality measures as insufficient. These results confirm the hypothesis and emphasize the urgent need to integrate gender indicators into urban planning practices.
CONCLUSION: This research highlights the importance of rethinking urban policies through a gender lens, incorporating women’s lived experiences and spatial needs into the design process. It calls for participatory placemaking strategies that promote safety, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity, aiming to foster public spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and equitable for all.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urbanization and rapid population growth are significant global challenges, especially in cities with outdated planning systems. Effective urban growth models, which utilize historical data, land use patterns, and population dynamics, are essential for predicting future expansion. In Kirkuk, Iraq, urban growth has occurred unregulated due to an outdated master plan, and a new plan has been introduced. However, no local studies have assessed the effectiveness of urban growth models against this plan. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating urban development in Kirkuk from 1993 to 2023 and forecasting growth to 2037 using remote sensing and Geo-spatial Information System-based models.
METHODS: This research applied two urban growth models: Cellular Automata Markov chain modeling (CA-MARCOV) and SLEUTH, to analyze urban expansion in Kirkuk. Satellite imagery from 1993, 2003, 2013, and 2023 was used for land use classification. The Cellular Automata Markov chain model used transition probability matrices derived from land use data, while the SLEUTH model incorporated urban density, road networks, and slope data for simulations. Both models were tested for accuracy by comparing predicted urban growth for 2023 with actual land use data. The study also used these models to forecast urban expansion for 2037, comparing their predictions with the city’s new master plan.
FINDINGS: The land use classification indicated significant urban growth in Kirkuk, from 41.57 km² in 1993 to 155.5 km² in 2023. The accuracy of the predictions for 202F3 showed that the SLEUTH model achieved 87% accuracy, outperforming the Cellular Automata Markov chain model, which had 76% accuracy. For 2037, the Cellular Automata Markov chain model projected urban growth to 201.43 km², while the SLEUTH model predicted a larger expansion of 219.78 km². The SLEUTH model also excluded water bodies and restricted zones (such as oil fields and airports), which were manually identified, while the Cellular Automata Markov chain model did not account for these exclusions.
CONCLUSION: The SLEUTH model provided more accurate urban growth predictions and was selected for comparison with the new master plan. The results indicated discrepancies between the SLEUTH model’s predictions and the master plan, particularly in areas experiencing rapid growth, suggesting the need for adjustments. The southeastern and southwestern regions showed alignment with the plan. These findings highlight the importance of using accurate urban growth models for sustainable planning in Kirkuk, offering valuable insights for urban development through 2037