Influencing sustainability by controlling future brownfields in Africa: a case study of Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 102-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikiale Gebreslase Gebremariam ◽  
Yuming Zhu ◽  
Naveed Ahmad ◽  
Dawit Nega Bekele
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Brownfield Redevelopment ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The increasing African population and economic growth leading to urbanisation continues to increase the need to redevelop brownfields as a strategy of encouraging sustainable development of cities, in particular in Ethiopia. However, the adoption of brownfield redevelopment in Ethiopia is at initial stage. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the framework based on grey-incidence decision-making approach to manage brownfields in African countries by taking Ethiopia as case example. The grey-incidence decision-making model integrates multiple factors such as economic, social, environmental, technical and associated risks and provides an effective decision-making and management tool for environmental practitioners and government agencies. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaires were used to collect data on terms and definitions of brownfield. The questions were prepared on the basis of currently used definitions developed by a number of developed countries. Moreover, this study utilises a grey-incidence decision-making approach to help in management and decision-making for the implementation of brownfield redevelopment projects (BRPs) in the remediated sites. Findings Standard definition of brownfield and essential guidelines for brownfield redevelopment is proposed for Ethiopian context. The research findings were tested and verified using literature data and survey from major stakeholders. In addition, the grey-incidence decision-making approach is applied for the evaluation of BRPs in the remediated sites. A framework is proposed to control future brownfields for African countries by taking Ethiopia as a case example. Originality/value This research stresses the significance of an urban structure to address sustainable development, and the need to consider redevelopment of brownfields and identify the potential for a specific government policy framework. This research provides the best opportunity for Ethiopia by devising an urban land policy and create a strategy to contribute social, economic, financial and environmental benefits. It also provides a foundation to solve environmental issues by involving all major stakeholders, including community citizens, environmentalists and government agencies, and it also serves as guidelines to transform brownfields into Greenfields; and finally, it contributes to achieve the 2030 UN global goals.

Examining perspectives and dimensions of clean development mechanism

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pravesh Aggarwal ◽  
Rupesh Aggarwal
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Clean Development Mechanism ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Stakeholders ◽  
Development Mechanism

Purpose This paper aims to critically evaluate the working of the clean development mechanism (CDM) particularly in developing and least developed countries in the light of recent developments. Design/methodology/approach Part I of the paper delves upon various international rules governing the CDM. Part II of the paper draws out the rationale behind the introduction of the CDM under the Kyoto Protocol so as to provide a basis for its critical assessment in actual practice, as dealt with in Part III. Finally, the paper makes a concluding remark and suggests a way forward. Findings It is submitted that the CDM suffers from a gamut of concerns, which need to be adequately addressed. The business-centric approach followed by the investors of CDM projects has been a major reason behind denial of social, economic and environmental benefits pertinent for attaining sustainable development in the developing countries. The urge to derive economic benefits resulting from their investment has made the developing countries more competitive but turn a blind eye to reduced standards maintained for sustainable development. Besides, long-term benefits arising out of such projects, along with greater public participation of local stakeholders in CDM activities, have usually taken a backseat. A need is there to involve the CDM in the agricultural sector, which would have long-term benefits. Besides, it is required to enhance local stakeholder consultation, which ensures that people affected by a CDM project can give a timely, meaningful input to a proposed project. In the 80th meeting of the CDM Executive Board, held in Bonn, it was further decided that the complaints of the local stakeholders shall be given effect through subsequent changes in the project design of the CDM pipeline, along with their consultation before the real start of the project. Greater participation will also be ensured through increased publically available data on CDM projects. Originality/value The paper is original and brings out some valuable suggestions to improve the working of the CDM.

Ranking the strategies for Indian medical tourism sector through the integration of SWOT analysis and TOPSIS method

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 668-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Puneeta Ajmera
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Medical Tourism ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Individual Factors ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
Decision Matrix ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indian Medical ◽  
Multiple Attribute

Purpose Organizations have to evaluate their internal and external environments in this highly competitive world. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis is a very useful technique which analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of an organization for taking strategic decisions and it also provides a foundation for the formulation of strategies. But the drawback of SWOT analysis is that it does not quantify the importance of individual factors affecting the organization and the individual factors are described in brief without weighing them. Because of this reason, SWOT analysis can be integrated with any multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) technique like the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), analytical hierarchy process, etc., to evaluate the best alternative among the available strategic alternatives. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In this study, SWOT analysis is integrated with a multicriteria decision-making technique called TOPSIS to rank different strategies for Indian medical tourism in order of priority. Findings SO strategy (providing best facilitation and care to the medical tourists at par to developed countries) is the best strategy which matches with the four elements of S, W, O and T of SWOT matrix and 35 strategic indicators. Practical implications This paper proposes a solution based on a combined SWOT analysis and TOPSIS approach to help the organizations to evaluate and select strategies. Originality/value Creating a new technology or administering a new strategy always has some degree of resistance by employees. To minimize resistance, the author has used TOPSIS as it involves group thinking, requiring every manager of the organization to analyze and evaluate different alternatives and average measure of each parameter in final decision matrix.

scholarly journals Determinants of mortgage price affordability: a study of Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 734-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
DeGraft Owusu-Manu ◽  
David John Edwards ◽  
Erika Anneli Pärn ◽  
Richard Ohene Asiedu ◽  
Alex Aboagye
Keyword(s):  
Market Failure ◽  
Urban Housing ◽  
Mortgage Market ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Developmental Factors ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Survey Results

Purpose While mortgage markets have gradually emerged in many African countries, substantial barriers still hinder their growth and expansion. Affordability has been widely cited as a prominent issue that doggedly remains at the core of urban housing problems. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the determinants of mortgage price affordability. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered using semi-structured questionnaires obtained from a sample drawn from three major West African mortgage financing institutions. Respondents rated the variables using a five-point Likert item rating. The survey results were analysed using exploratory factor analysis. Findings In total, 11 variables that influence mortgage affordability were categorised within five principal components, namely, economic factors, financial factors, property characteristics, developmental factors and geographical factors. Practical implications The results provide insightful guidance to policymakers and practitioners on how to mitigate affordability issues within Ghana’s fledgling mortgage market. Failure to address the mortgage price affordability conundrum will place enormous pressure upon social housing and rental accommodation. Originality/value The research findings expand existing frontiers of knowledge by investigating and reporting upon the determinants of mortgage price affordability. The work also engenders wider debate on the need to establish mortgage packages targeted at low-to-middle-income earners. The culmination of analysis and debate will provide a robust basis for developing a future housing policy framework.

“Does the poor matter” in pro-poor driven sub-Saharan African cities? towards progressive and inclusive pro-poor tourism

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regis Musavengane ◽  
Pius Siakwah ◽  
Llewellyn Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
African Cities ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to question the extent to which Sub-Saharan African cities are progressing towards promoting pro-poor economies through pro-poor tourism (PPT). It specifically examines how African cities are resilient towards attaining sustainable urban tourism destinations in light of high urbanization. Design/methodology/approach The methodological framework is interpretive in nature and qualitative in an operational form. It uses meta-synthesis to evaluate the causal relationships observed within Sub-Saharan African pro-poor economies to enhance PPT approaches, using Accra, Ghana, Johannesburg, South Africa, and Harare, Zimbabwe, as case studies. Findings Tourism development in Sub-Saharan Africa has been dominantly underpinned by neoliberal development strategies which threaten the sustainability of tourism in African cities. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to three Sub-Saharan African countries. Further studies may need to be done in other developing countries. Practical implications It argues for good governance through sustainability institutionalization which strengthens the regulative mechanisms, processes and organizational culture. Inclusive tourism approaches that are resilient-centered have the potential to promote urban tourism in Sub-Saharan African cities. These findings contribute to the building of strong and inclusive Institutions for Sustainable Development in the Sub-Saharan African cities to alleviate poverty. Social implications These findings contribute to the building of strong and inclusive institutions for sustainable development in the Sub-Saharan African cities to alleviate poverty. Originality/value The “poor” are always within the communities, and it takes a community to minimise the impact of poverty among the populace. The study is conducted at a pertinent time when most African government’s development policies are pro-poor driven. Though African cities provide opportunities of growth, they are regarded as centres of high inequality.

scholarly journals Foreign direct investment and policy framework: New Granger causality evidence from African countries

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 557-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafiu Adewale Aregbeshola
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Direct Investment ◽  
Direct Investment ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Monetary Policies ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Developed Countries ◽  
Improved Technology

The strategic importance of foreign direct investment in the contemporary economies has been tremendous.While various countries (developed and developing economies) have benefitted from the direct and spillovereffects of FDI, which range from improved technology and knowledge diffusion through to individual andcorporate capability enhancement, FDI outflow remains largely channelled to the developed countries, andthe rapidly developing countries in Asia and South America. Evidence suggests that the developmentenhancingeffects of FDI are felt more highly in the developing economies, such as economies in Africa.However, FDI inflow to the developing economies has been very low. Using data generated from the AfricanDevelopment Indicators (ADI) between 1980 and 2008 in econometric estimations, this paper finds thatgovernment policies (especially fiscal and monetary policies) play significant roles in facilitating FDI inflow tothe African countries studied. The study thereby suggests an improved regulatory framework to make Africamore attractive to inflow of FDI.

Capital flight and extent of corruption control in the least corrupt African countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 469-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thales Pacific Yapatake Kossele ◽  
Magalie Gabriella Ngaba Mbai-Akem
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Economic Environment ◽  
Capital Flight ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corruption control on capital flight in the least corrupt African countries. Design/methodology/approach Using panel data covering the period of 1996-2010. Findings The results show that the extent of corruption, the total natural resources rent are statistically significant and affect positively the capital across the pooled, random and fixed effects. Inflation and economic growth are also found to have a negative impact on capital flight. Moreover, the exchange rate has a negative and significant effect on capital flight. Practical implications The findings of this study suggest that the extent of corruption control by responsible institutions can be considered as one of the most effective weapons in the fight against capital flight in the least corrupt African countries. Social implications The paper recommends to the government of the least corrupt countries in Africa to create an enabling political and economic environment for investor’s attractiveness. This, in turn, will reduce the occurrence of capital flight and lead to the sustainable development. Originality/value The findings of this study suggest that the extent of corruption control by responsible institutions can be considered as one of the most effective weapons in the fight against capital flight in the least corrupt African countries. The paper recommends to the government of the least corrupt countries in Africa to create an enabling political and economic environment for investor’s attractiveness. This, in turn, will reduce the occurrence of capital flight and lead to the sustainable development.

A multicriteria assessment model for countries’ degree of preparedness for successful impact investing

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
pp. 2455-2471
Author(s):  
Teresa León ◽  
Vicente Liern ◽  
Blanca Pérez-Gladish
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Multiple Criteria ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Less Developed Countries ◽  
Impact Investing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Decisions ◽  
Decision Making Processes

Purpose In recent years there has been a significant acceleration in the market growth of social impact investing. Policy makers, regulatory bodies and national decision-makers should base their decision-making processes on multiple criteria. These criteria are, by nature, imprecise, ambiguous and uncertain. The purpose of this paper is to provide decision-makers with a mathematical tool which aids them in their decision-making processes identifying the degree of appropriateness of less developed countries in terms of potential success of investment in vaccination campaigns. Design/methodology/approach In this work, the authors have developed a decision-making tool within the framework of multiple criteria decision making and Fuzzy Logic, which aims to aid decision-makers for vaccinations campaigns in less developed countries. In particular, the authors have proposed a Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution-based method which is able to work in fuzzy environment in order to assess and rank countries based on their fuzzy degree of appropriateness for impact investing in vaccines. Findings The impact investing market provides capital from private sources to address many pressing global challenges such as access to basic services as health. Governments have, therefore, an essential role in supporting the development of this market by improving the risk/return profile of investments through access to credit facilities, tax credits or subsidies or defining the regulation of the supply of investments, provision of technical assistance to investing private companies and co-financing. The proposed framework permits funding decision making taking into account the degree of preparedness and adequacy for impact investing in vaccines of the selected countries. Research limitations/implications Impact investing can play a key role in the reduction of immunization gap offering suitable strategies for both, governments and private investors for the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, in order to make good financial decisions managers should take into account not only health, income, education and other social criteria but also the degree of basic preparedness of the countries in order to ensure the success of the immunization campaigns which means taking into account availability of basic infrastructures, access to electricity, political stability among other criteria. Practical implications However, in order to make good financial decisions managers should take into account not only health, income, education and other social criteria but also the degree of basic preparedness of the countries in order to ensure the success of the immunization campaigns which means taking into account availability of basic infrastructures, access to electricity, political stability among other criteria. Originality/value The proposed model will allow public and private decision makers to make better investment decisions in terms of effectiveness as the provided ranking of countries candidates for the investments is more realistic and takes into account more decision dimensions.

Sustainable efficiency assessment of private diagnostic laboratories under uncertainty

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 1069-1103
Author(s):  
Niloufar Ghafari Someh ◽  
Mir Saman Pishvaee ◽  
Seyed Jafar Sadjadi ◽  
Roya Soltani
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Diagnostic Laboratory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Indicators ◽  
Sustainable Development Indicators ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Decision Making Unit ◽  
Medical Diagnostic

Purpose Assessing the performance of medical laboratories plays an important role in the quality of health services. However, because of imprecise data, reliable results from laboratory performance cannot be obtained easily. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of interval network data envelopment analysis (INDEA) based on sustainable development indicators under uncertainty. Design/methodology/approach In this study, each medical diagnostic laboratory is considered as a decision-making unit (DMU) and an INDEA model is used for calculating the efficiency of each medical diagnostic laboratory under imprecise inputs and outputs. The proposed model helps provide managers with effective performance scores for deficiencies and business improvements. The proposed model with realistic efficiency scores can help administrators manage their deficiencies and ultimately improve their business. Findings The results indicate that uncertainty can lead to changes in performance scores, rankings and performance classifications. Therefore, the use of DEA models under certainty can be potentially misleading. Originality/value The contribution of this study provides useful insights into the use of INDEA as a modeling tool to aid managerial decision-making in assessing efficiency of medical diagnostic laboratories based on sustainable development indicators under uncertainty.

scholarly journals Sustainable Development of African Countries: Minding Public Life, Education, and Welfare

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danyang Li ◽  
Guosheng He ◽  
Hui Jin ◽  
Fu-Sheng Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Development Policies ◽  
The World ◽  
The Status ◽  
Life Education

Sustainable development (SD) has increasingly played a key background role in government policymaking across the world, especially for the least developed countries in Africa. Therefore, the purpose of our research is to study the SD of African countries in public life, education, and welfare, and then to help policy makers better monitor the status of sustainable development and formulate development policies in these aspects. We firstly propose a new method to assess the SD in public life, education, and welfare. Then we assess the SD status in 51 African countries as well as other countries in the world. After that, we also make a comparison between African countries and the countries in other continents.

Multi-utility framework: blockchain exchange platform for sustainable development

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques Bou Abdo ◽  
Sherali Zeadally
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Blockchain Technology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design a sustainable development platform for water and energy peer-to-peer trading that is financially and economically feasible. Water and other resources are becoming scarcer every day, and developing countries are the neediest for an immediate intervention. Water, as a national need, is considered to be one of the most precious commodities, but it is also one of the main causes for conflicts in the 21st century. Rainwater harvesting and peer-to-peer trading of the harvested water is one of the most convenient, scalable and sustainable solutions but faces organization challenges such as the absence of suitable business models motivating normal users to sell their generated resources (such as water and energy), currency and financial settlement complexities and single utility markets. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes a multi-utility trading platform based on the blockchain technology which can address the challenges faced by peer-to-peer trading for resources such as energy and water. Findings This paper presents a peer-to-peer multi-utility trading platform that solves the shortcomings of existing utility frameworks reported in the current literature. Originality/value This proposed platform meets the needs of developing countries as well as rural areas of developed countries. The open nature of the proposed design makes it suitable for adoption and use by various stakeholders.

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