New optimism will buoy Uganda-Tanzania energy sectors

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Employment Opportunities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pipeline Project ◽  
Western City ◽  
Pipeline Route ◽  
Activist Groups

Significance With a budget of USD3.5bn, the 1,400-kilometre pipeline project linking the western city of Hoima in Uganda to Tanzania’s Tanga port should bring significant economic benefits to both countries. However, questions remain over how the project will be funded, amid intense pressure on banks from activist groups over environmental concerns. Impacts The process of compensating landowners along the pipeline route is ongoing and is expected to proceed smoothly. The construction process will create employment opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labourers. The construction phase will also see an influx of expatriates into both countries.

Tourism sustainability: economic benefits and strategies for preservation and conservation of heritage sitesin Southeast Asia

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kar Yee Chong ◽  
Ann Selvaranee Balasingam
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Adaptive Reuse ◽  
Heritage Tourism ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Heritage Management ◽  
Employment Opportunities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Multiplier Effects

PurposeThis paper aims to provide empirical insights about the economic benefits as well as the useful strategies to preserve and conserve heritage sites in Southeast Asia. The benefits of heritage tourism include high tourist arrivals and receipts, the multiplier effects within the industry and creation of employment opportunities for the local community.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used systematic literature review of secondary data to discover the benefits and strategies for preserving and conserving heritage sites. The data were obtained from peer-review journals, documentary analysis, industrial report, working paper and books.FindingsThis paper provides empirical insights about the economic benefits as well as the useful strategies to preserve and conserve heritage sites in Southeast Asia. The benefits of heritage tourism include high tourist arrivals and receipts, the multiplier effects within the industry and creation of employment opportunities for the local community. The strategies proposed include stakeholder collaboration and involvement, stakeholder empowerment and the adaptive reuse approach.Practical implicationsThis research is useful for sites’ managers as local stakeholders are highly motivated in participating in the decision-making process on the future development of heritage sites. Involving and empowering stakeholders in heritage management programs increase the stakeholders’ values and willingness to participate in heritage preservation program. In addition, the implementation of adaptive reuse approach enables the conservation of heritage originality and values.Originality/valueThis paper has discovered three benefits and three strategies toward positive heritage management. Stakeholders’ involvement and collaboration is the easiest way to promote heritage management programs and empower stakeholders. Finally, adaptive reuse program is the hardest approach, but the most beneficial approach in maintaining the value and rejuvenating the heritage sites.

Construction material supply risk management using Asian option contracts: the case of a pipeline project

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 3395-3414
Author(s):  
Mohammad Vahdatmanesh ◽  
Afshin Firouzi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Scenario Analysis ◽  
Price Risk ◽  
Asian Option ◽  
Steel Pipeline ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Price Fluctuations ◽  
Option Contracts ◽  
Pipeline Project ◽  
Total Price

PurposeSteel price uncertainty exposes pipeline projects that are inherently capital intensive to the risk of cost overruns. The current study proposes a hedging methodology for tackling steel pipeline price risk by deploying Asian option contracts that address the shortcomings of current risk mitigation strategies.Design/methodology/approachA stepwise methodology is introduced, which uses a closed-form formula as an Asian option valuation method for calculating this total expenditure. The scenario analysis of three price trends examines whether or not the approach is beneficial to users. The sensitivity analysis then has been conducted using the financial option Greeks to assess the effects of changes in volatility in the total price of the option contracts. The total price of the Asian options was then compared with those of the European and American options.FindingsThe results demonstrate that the Asian option expenditure was about 1.87% of the total cost of the case study project. The scenario analysis revealed that, except for when the price followed a continuous downward pattern, the use of this type of financial instrument is a practical approach for steel pipeline price risk management.Practical implicationsThis approach is founded on a well-established financial options theory and elucidates how pipeline project participants can deploy Asian option contracts to safeguard against steel price fluctuations in practice.Originality/valueAlthough the literature exists about the theory and application of financial derivative instruments for risk management in other sectors, their application to the construction industry is infrequent. In the proposed methodology, all participants involved in fixed price pipeline projects readily surmount the risk of exposure to material price fluctuations.

An optimal scheduling policy for upgraded software with updates

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adarsh Anand ◽  
Subhrata Das ◽  
Mohini Agarwal ◽  
Shinji Inoue
Keyword(s):  
Cost Analysis ◽  
Optimization Model ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Release Time ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Software Upgrades ◽  
Stop Time ◽  
Combined Use

PurposeIn the current market scenario, software upgrades and updates have proved to be very handy in improving the reliability of the software in its operational phase. Software upgrades help in reinventing working software through major changes, like functionality addition, feature enhancement, structural changes, etc. In software updates, minor changes are undertaken which help in improving software performance by fixing bugs and security issues in the current version of the software. Through the current proposal, the authors wish to highlight the economic benefits of the combined use of upgrade and update service. A cost analysis model has been proposed for the same.Design/methodology/approachThe article discusses a cost analysis model highlighting the distinction between launch time and time to end the testing process. The number of bugs which have to be catered in each release has been determined which also consists of the count of latent bugs of previous version. Convolution theory has been utilized to incorporate the joint role of tester and user in bug detection into the model. The cost incurred in debugging process was determined. An optimization model was designed which considers the reliability and budget constraints while minimizing the total debugging cost. This optimization was used to determine the release time and testing stop time.FindingsThe proposal is backed by real-life software bug dataset consisting of four releases. The model was able to successfully determine the ideal software release time and the testing stop time. An increased profit is generated by releasing the software earlier and continues testing long after its release.Originality/valueThe work contributes positively to the field by providing an effective optimization model, which was able to determine the economic benefit of the combined use of upgrade and update service. The model can be used by management to determine their timelines and cost that will be incurred depending on their product and available resources.

Load testing and health monitoring of monolithic bridges with innovative reinforcement

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kexin Zhang ◽  
Tianyu Qi ◽  
Dachao Li ◽  
Xingwei Xue ◽  
Zhimin Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continuous Rigid Frame Bridge ◽  
Rigid Frame ◽  
Steel Strand ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Load Tests ◽  
Rigid Frame Bridge ◽  
Strengthening Method

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate effectiveness of the strengthening method, the construction process monitoring, fielding-load tests before and after strengthening, and health monitoring after reinforcement were carried out. The results of concrete strain and deflection show that the flexural strength and stiffness of the strengthened beam are improved.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes prestressed steel strand as a way to strengthen a 25-year-old continuous rigid frame bridge. High strength, low relaxation steel strand with high tensile strain and good corrosion resistance were used in this reinforcement. The construction process for strengthening with prestressed steel strand and steel plate was described. Ultimate bearing capacity of the bridge after strengthening was discussed based on finite element model.FindingsThe cumulative upward deflection of the second span the third span was 39.7 mm, which is basically consistent with the theoretical value, and the measured value is smaller than the theoretical value. The deflection value of the second span during data acquisition was −20 mm–10 mm, which does not exceed the maximum deflection value of live load, and the deflection of the bridge is in a safe state during normal use. Thus, this strengthened way with prestressed steel wire rope is feasible and effective.Originality/valueThis paper describes prestressed steel strand as a way to strengthen a 25-year-old continuous rigid frame bridge. To investigate effectiveness of the strengthening method, the construction process monitoring, fielding-load tests before and after strengthening and health monitoring after reinforcement were carried out.

Consumers’ redemption behavior of recommended mobile coupons in social network sites

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 2477-2500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Tang ◽  
Fen Liu ◽  
Shan Liu ◽  
Yunfeng Ma
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Social Recommendation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coupon Redemption ◽  
Mobile Coupons ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Trust Propensity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the key factors that affect consumer redemption intention toward mobile coupons recommended in social network sites (SNS). Design/methodology/approach A research model that integrates recommendation trust, positive utilities, and negative utilities of coupon redemption is developed. With the important role of trust in social recommendation taken into consideration, the key drivers of recommendation trust were analyzed in the model. Data were collected from 210 users with mobile coupon recommendation experience in one of the largest SNS (i.e. WeChat) in China. The authors used partial least squares technique to analyze the model. Findings Recommendation trust and positive utilities (economic benefits and perceived enjoyment) positively affect the intention of mobile coupon redemption. Perceived risk, as a negative utility, negatively influences coupon redemption intention. In addition, swift trust (structure assurance, perceived similarity, trust propensity, and expertise of the recommender), knowledge-based trust (familiarity with the retailers), and emotion-based trust (social tie strength) are key drivers that promote recommendation trust. Originality/value While prior research investigated mobile coupon redemption behavior in which coupons were issued by merchants, limited research analyzed consumer responses toward mobile coupons in social recommendation. This study examines the effects of recommendation trust, positive utilities, and negative utilities on mobile coupon redemption in the context of social recommendation and recognizes the key drivers of recommendation trust.

Growth prospects, market challenges and policy measures: evolution of mobile broadband in Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shehzad Hanif ◽  
Shao Yunfei ◽  
Muhammad Imran Hanif
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mobile Broadband ◽  
Broadband Service ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
The Government

Purpose The paper aims to explore the long-term prospects of mobile broadband adoption in a developing country. The supply-side and demand-side policy measures are recommended to counter the challenges to broadband adoption. Design/methodology/approach Methodologically, this study uses document analysis to explain secondary data including growth statistics, trade literature and previous scholarly research. Based on the growth statistics of broadband and the informed market insights, the research discusses the prevailing market threats and recommends counter measures to improve the long-term prospects of broadband propagation. Findings The growth of mobile broadband is settling down in Pakistan due to various barriers like cost, literacy, security and unavailability of local content. Collaborative efforts are required by the government, the service providers and the people to enhance the adoption of broadband service and secure economic benefits of the broadband. Practical implications The research offers useful implications for managers and policymakers in Asian and African developing countries; the policy measures discussed here may serve as guidelines for them in the design of their own policies regarding broadband supply and demand. Originality/value The study makes an effort to examine the broadband growth in a developing country on the basis of both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The research endeavors to fill the gap on the particular scholarship of research covering potential uptake of broadband services and the effects of constraining elements to broadband adoption in a developing country.

scholarly journals Examining the antecedents and consequences of gratitude

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Fazal E. Hasan ◽  
Gary Mortimer ◽  
Ian N. Lings ◽  
Larry Neale
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Perceptions ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
Marketing Investments

Purpose This study aims to propose the emotional response of gratitude as a mediating mechanism to explain the relationship between perceptions of a service organisations’ relationship marketing investments, customer cynicism and reciprocity and overall satisfaction. Further, the study seeks to test the significance of the mediation effects of these constructs on customer overall satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Using theories from service marketing and consumer psychology, this study develops and tests a customer gratitude model (CGM). Field surveys based on existing measures were used to elicit data from 1,104 respondents. The measures were validated and subsequently the CGM was tested to establish the veracity if the nomological network presented. Findings Results indicate that perceived relationship marketing investment exerted an indirect effect on gratitude through the mediating effect of reciprocity and cynicism. Further, perceived relationship marketing investments impacted overall satisfaction through its mediating effect of gratitude, and gratitude explained the indirect influences of reciprocity and customer cynicism on overall satisfaction. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to services marketing literature by examining the emergent role of gratitude between customer perceptions of service organisations and pro-organisational attitudes, like overall satisfaction. Practical implications This research encourages service organisations to implement relationship-building strategies, beyond that of purely economic benefits, that seek to enhance the emotion of gratitude, which will lead to greater overall customer satisfaction. Originality/value Despite emphasising relationship longevity between customers and service organisations, literature has not yet focused on the role of gratitude. The CGM provides valuable insights for further inquiries.

The value of having a first-tier football club in the municipality (even) when tangible benefits are absent

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-238
Author(s):  
Christian Gjersing Nielsen ◽  
Line Bjørnskov Pedersen ◽  
Rasmus K. Storm
Keyword(s):  
Contingent Valuation Method ◽  
Team Sports ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Football Club ◽  
Sports Clubs ◽  
Public Subsidy ◽  
Professional Team Sports

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine citizens’ willingness to pay (WTP), in relation to having a professional first-tier football club in a medium-sized Danish municipality, when tangible economic benefits such as economic growth and/or inbound migration produced by these are absent. Design/methodology/approach Using the contingent valuation method on survey respondents, the study examines factors affecting WTP using binary logistic regression and interval regression and further extrapolates the WTP from the sample to the municipal population. Findings Citizens significantly value having a first-tier football club in their municipality even when tangible benefits are absent, although a large proportion of respondents stated to be against the municipality being financially involved in professional team sports clubs (PTSC). WTP is largely driven by interest in sports and the local football club. It is argued that the findings cannot be generalized across contexts. Research limitations/implications There can be circumstances where public subsidy of PTSCs is beneficial to economic welfare. However, authorities should be careful in their evaluation of whether to subsidize PTSCs. Originality/value The study expands on existing research by informing respondents about the lack of tangible benefits produced by PTSCs, hereby focusing on WTP on an informed basis.

An ageing well collaboration: opportunity or wicked problem

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-27
Author(s):  
Lois Marjorie Hazelton ◽  
Laurence Murray Gillin ◽  
Fiona Kerr ◽  
Alison Kitson ◽  
Noel Lindsay
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Wicked Problem ◽  
Wealth Creation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Structure

Purpose Within the “wicked” concept of ageing, this paper aims to primarily model an integrated approach to identifying and evaluating opportunities that deliver innovative outcomes in Ageing Well Practice, Health and Economic Policy and Research Actions using a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset. The strategic focus is on a “Boomer” (user)-driven and facilitated Network – that brings together health professionals, research specialists, technologists, ageing well providers, “encore” career specialists, life-style providers, community groups, wealth creation specialists and industry innovators to streamline the progression of identified concepts to valued users and markets and enhance the economy. Design/methodology/approach Using the unit of analysis for innovation, i.e. the “added-value” as perceived by the user and not simply a product or a technology, the identified “opportunity-outcome” will embed a new service concept or intervention, which embraces and promotes ageing well, independent living or resident-centred care in the community and delivers direct and indirect economic benefits. Findings The authors model a point of differentiation in facilitating existing ageing well policies in the community, through a focus on an integrated and multi-dimensional collaborative framework that can deliver user value and contributes to community and economic benefits. Research limitations/implications Generalising results without a commercial business case from this single strategic viewpoint requires caution. The positive outcomes from this innovation collaborative concept can be used to guide further policy development and business investment in ageing well needs. Practical implications Such an integrated innovation collaborative structure provides the capacity to identify ageing well opportunities, to contract enterprises, both SMEs’ and larger companies, for development of the opportunities into user-valued outcomes, to network venture resources and deliver these outcomes to a sustainable market of ageing well citizens. Social implications The Ageing Well Innovation collaborative framework identifies practical ways to integrate new concepts of ageing participation to be realised by the increasing number of “Boomers”. It provides a self-managing process for linking individuals, public and private parties to maximise information and ideas flow, and engagement of the skilled resources in the Boomer group. Originality/value The innovation collaborative structure proposed is not simply novel but is a targeted focus on entrepreneurship and innovation applied strategically to the needs of ageing boomers and community needs. The added-value is in the demonstrated enhancement to effective innovation outcomes in community ageing and the economy.

Interagency collaboration for graduate employment opportunities in Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-291
Author(s):  
Peter Ntale ◽  
Jude Ssempebwa ◽  
Badiru Musisi ◽  
Muhammed Ngoma ◽  
Gyaviira Musoke Genza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Future Research ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Employment Opportunities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Graduate Employment

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify gaps in the structure of organizations that hinder collaboration of organizations involved in the creation of graduate employment opportunities in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachData was collected from staff and leaders of 14 organizations that were purposely selected to represent government, private, and civil society organizations. These organizations were selected based on their mandates, which touch on the employability of university graduates in the country in very direct ways. This was a cross-sectional survey design—based on a self-administered questionnaire, key informant interviews, and documentary analysis.FindingsOrganizations were found to have “Tell”/directive decision-making, high power distance between employees, and jobs were not coded in a way that gives employees freedoms to interact and build collaborative relationships. Finally, rules and regulations were very restrictive, disorienting employee's abilities to collaborate.Research limitations/implicationThis research concentrated on the gaps that exist in the structure of organizations from which the results point to inadequate relational, interactional, inclusive, and democratic space among different stakeholders. It would be useful for future research to examine the extent to which the structure of organizations not only impacts collaboration but also measures the level to which it affects organizational performance.Practical implicationsThe knowledge economy of the twenty-first century demands for collaborative engagements with different stakeholders if they are to survive the competitive business environment. Collaborative engagement helps in the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources, development of more coherent services, facilitation of innovation and evaluation, avoiding duplication of work, and minimizing conflicts and competition while creating synergy among partners.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies, which have examined employability of graduates from a supply side perspective, this study investigates organizations from both the supply and demand perspectives and identifies synergy that is as a result of bringing organizations to work together.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document