scholarly journals Barriers to the Implementation of Sustainable Construction: Government Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28
Author(s):  
Debby - Willar ◽  
Bambang Trigunarsyah
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Construction Technology ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
North Sulawesi ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Government ◽  
Technical Planning

Sustainable construction is a way for the construction industry to achieve sustainable development by considering social, economic, environmental, and cultural issues. Policies for implementing sustainable construction in infrastructure delivery are still not clearly understood, resulting in challenging implementation by planners and contractors. This research study identifies the barriers to implementing sustainable construction in developing infrastructure projects in Bina Marga, Cipta Karya, Sumber Daya Air, and Perumahan Permukiman sectors in North Sulawesi Province. Data collection using semi-structured interviews involved 23 informants from these four sectors. The results of the study found that the barriers evenly occur throughout the life cycle of an infrastructure project in four sectors, namely: (1) the programming phase related to strategic planning documents and identification of barriers, (2) the technical planning phase related to technical understanding and competence service providers, (3) construction implementation phase related to expert consultants, service provider competence, and green construction technology, (4) utilization phase related to socialization, promotion, and education, (5) demolition phase related to mechanisms and availability of resources. The study results provide academic-based information for the government to minimize barriers to implementing sustainable construction policies throughout Indonesia.

scholarly journals Evolution of the Physical and Social Spaces of ‘Village Resettlement Communities’ from the Production of Space Perspective: A Case Study of Qunyi Community in Kunshan

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2980
Author(s):  
Lei Zhou ◽  
Liyang Xiong
Keyword(s):  
Social Space ◽  
Social Spaces ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Production Of Space ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Government Power ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Individual

Village resettlement communities (VRCs) are a special type of urban community that the government has promoted considerably during China’s rapid urbanization. This study uses the theory of the production of space as a basis to explore the processes and mechanisms of the physical and social space evolution of VRCs through a case study of Qunyi Community, one of the largest VRCs in Kunshan. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were employed in this study. Results indicate that the coupling relationship between local government power and diversified capital is the fundamental reason that promotes the production of macrophysical space. Moreover, the economic and social relationships among residents promote the reproduction of microsocial space. Landless farmers are the most important spatial producers in the microsocial space. The individual needs and cultural differences of immigrant workers also have significant effects on microspatial production. Furthermore, the production and reproduction of the physical and social spaces, respectively, of VRCs deduce the adjustment relationship among the urbanization processes of land, population, and individuals. Results also indicate that the urbanization of individuals appears to lag behind the previous two processes. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the spatial renovation and management optimization of VRCs, as well as the promotion of a new type of “people-centered” urbanization.

Perspectives on native maize conservation in Mexico: a public programme analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Vladimir Pelcastre ◽  
Eduardo García-Frapolli ◽  
Bárbara Ayala-Orozco ◽  
Elena Lazos-Chavero
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Monetary Incentives ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
Community Processes ◽  
Conservation Programme ◽  
The Government ◽  
Effective Conservation

Summary In any conservation programme, a variety of actors participate and interact in its different phases. They commonly have different perspectives and priorities regarding conservation, and diversity in the ensuing perspectives constitutes a barrier to effective conservation. In this paper, we analyse the different perspectives around the Programa de Conservación de Maíz Criollo (Programme for the Conservation of Native Maize in Mexico; PROMAC) in order to understand the possible causes that resulted in the programme not fulfilling its objectives. We used Q methodology and semi-structured interviews with farmers from a natural protected area to analyse the perspectives of the key actors who conceptualized, designed and implemented the programme and of the target population. Our research identified two different perspectives: (1) native maize can only be conserved with the support of community processes; and (2) the government, and not farmers, is responsible for the conservation of native maize. For farmers, native maize is key to their subsistence livelihoods, and they participated in the programme because of government monetary incentives. These differences contributed to dissimilar interpretations throughout the programme’s implementation phase, which, in turn, likely contributed to PROMAC failing to meet its objectives.

scholarly journals From concierge to Superman: perceptions of the contemporary hotel concierge in Edinburgh

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-254
Author(s):  
Mhairi Sumner ◽  
Bernie Quinn
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
First Century ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Personal Recommendation ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Technological World

Purpose The purpose of this study is ascertain if the hotel concierge service will continue to be relevant in a technological world where consumers have increasing access to information about their destination. To trace the origins of the hotel concierge, their route into the profession and establish whether the profession is geographically localised. Their role within the hotel, working philosophy, core values and characteristics were considered in relation to creating and delivering an experiential service encounter. Design/methodology/approach Eleven participants were selected who worked on the concierge desk in four- and five-star hotels in Edinburgh. All were male, aged between 20 and 64 years old; nine were Scottish, six of whom were from Edinburgh, one from Wales and one from England. Six respondents were members of The Golden Keys Society. A qualitative approach was adopted with semi-structured interviews designed around key themes identified in the literature review. Findings No feelings of servility or inferiority were documented in the host/guest relationship. Comparisons were made between the contextual setting and the appearance and manner of the respondents with that of a “performance”. The uniform was deemed to facilitate feelings of empowerment analogous to having superpowers. Technology has been adopted by the concierge department as a tool, but is considered to be ancillary to their personal recommendation and network of business and personal contacts and collaborators. Research limitations/implications Changes in the demographics of people travelling and discounted rates being offered in four- and five-star hotels has resulted in general perceptions of a less elite clientele. This may have implications for the future of concierge services. Practical implications The internet seems to have opened up this profession to enable concierges to effectively operate in a location they are not indigenous to. The personal recommendations that the concierge provides through their own knowledge are used in conjunction with technology, but are not in imminent danger of being replaced by it. It may prove beneficial for the hotel to provide some training for older members of staff to keep up with technological developments. This study could prove useful to service providers who aim to gain competitive advantage by elevating their level of guest service to exceed guest expectations through emulating the personalised service that the concierge can offer. Social implications The socio-cultural issues within this study are important. Internet technology is generally perceived to be the panacea of all contemporary communication ills in the twenty-first century. The authors however propose that the concierge is the last bastion of front-line service personnel who are still approached for their individual, sometimes unique, knowledge that cannot be found online. Originality/value This study contributes to an area of interest that lacks contemporary research due to the natural gatekeeping that occurs within this “closed” environment.

scholarly journals An exploratory qualitative study of the prevention of road traffic collisions and neurotrauma in India: perspectives from key informants in an Indian industrial city (Visakhapatnam)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santhani M Selveindran ◽  
Gurusinghe D. N. Samarutilake ◽  
K. Madhu Narayana Rao ◽  
Jogi V. Pattisapu ◽  
Christine Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Safety Equipment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
The Government ◽  
On The Road

Abstract Background Despite current preventative strategies, road traffic collisions (RTCs) and resultant neurotrauma remain a major problem in India. This study seeks to explore local perspectives in the context within which RTCs take place and identify potential suggestions for improving the current status. Methods Ten semi-structured interviews were carried out with purposively selected key informants from the city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Participants were from one of the following categories: commissioning stakeholders; service providers; community or local patient group/advocacy group representatives. Transcripts from these interviews were analysed qualitatively using the Framework Method. Results Participants felt RTCs are a serious problem in India and a leading cause of neurotrauma. Major risk factors identified related to user behaviour such as speeding and not using personal safety equipment, and the user state, namely drink driving and underage driving. Other reported risk factors included poor infrastructure, moving obstacles on the road such as other vehicles, pedestrians and animals, overloaded vehicles and substandard safety equipment. Participants discussed how RTCs affect not only the health of the casualty, but are also a burden to the healthcare system, families, and the national economy. Although there are ongoing preventative strategies being carried out by both the government and the community, challenges to successful prevention emerged from the interviews which included resource deficiencies, inconsistent implementation, lack of appropriate action, poor governance, lack of knowledge and the mindset of the community and entities involved in prevention. Recommendations were given on how prevention of RTCs and neurotrauma might be improved, addressing the areas of education and awareness, research, the pre-hospital and trauma systems, enforcement and legislation, and road engineering, in addition to building collaborations and changing mindsets. Conclusions RTCs remain a major problem in India and a significant cause of neurotrauma. Addressing the identified gaps and shortfalls in current approaches and reinforcing collective responsibility towards road safety would be the way forward in improving prevention and reducing the burden.

scholarly journals Nurses’ Actions to Protect Their Families from COVID-19: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 233339362110148
Author(s):  
Restuning Widiasih ◽  
Ermiati ◽  
Etika Emaliyawati ◽  
Sri Hendrawati ◽  
Raini Diah Susanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Behavior

As health service providers, nurses are at a high risk of COVID-19 infection, as are their family members who live with them. This study aimed to explore nurses’ actions to protect their families from COVID-19 in Indonesia. This qualitative descriptive study included seventeen nurses who were chosen using the snowball sampling technique. The semi structured interviews explored nurses’ actions and behavior, and comparative analysis was performed to analyze the data. The study identified four themes: nurses modified their behavior and environments to protect their families, provided supplements and nutritious food, enhanced their families’ knowledge and awareness of COVID-19, and protected their families from social stigma. Nurses play active roles in the health of their family members. The government should support nurses in their roles so that they can remain healthy while caring for COVID-19 patients, and not transmit COVID-19 to their own families.

scholarly journals Perception of Agricultural Smallholder Farmers on Public Extension and Advisory Services in Ethekwini Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal Province

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 499-518
Author(s):  
Jabulani C. Nyawo ◽  
B.C. Mubangizi
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Advisory Program ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Public ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Government

The government’s inability in South Africa to ensure that formulated programs, structures, and policies adequately accommodate smallholder farmers hinders the sector’s ability to grow and develop. This study examines the agricultural smallholder farmers’ perception of the service delivered by the extension and advisory officers. The researchers obtained the primary data from fifteen focus group discussions with the smallholder farmers and three senior government officials under the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development who willingly responded to face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Using thematic analysis, the authors found that the public extension &advisory Officers do not provide substantial support to smallholder farmers seeking access to markets. The study results also show that the agricultural smallholder farmers are dissatisfied with the public extension and advisory officers’ services. Smallholder farmers continue to experience numerous challenges, although the extension and advisory program was implemented to help farmers deal with some challenges for growth and sustainability. New results are expected to provide empirical evidence regarding the performance of extension and advisory officers on smallholder sectors’ development. Furthermore, study results can be used as guidelines for the government when considering the best approaches and capacity building for smallholder farmers.

scholarly journals The Influence of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on Primary Education Policy in Laos

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Oulath Saeng Outhay
Keyword(s):  
Education Policy ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Aid Effectiveness ◽  
Policy Outcomes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Education Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Major Donors

<p>Laos is a poor and aid-dependent country in South-East Asia. Its primary education development has depended heavily on external assistance, which has caused some scholars to argue that education policy is shaped by this influence. While major donors have played a significant role in driving Lao primary education development, NGOs are increasingly engaging in the process since Laos has adopted global commitments, particularly the Education for All goals of the Millennium Development Goals. While the Government of Laos values NGOs’ contributions as equally to those of major donors, it commonly views NGOs as ‘service providers’ and major donors as ‘policy counterparts’. The government is wary of NGOs’ mission and this has also shaped NGOs’ space in the policy arena.  This thesis has examined the extent to which NGOs have influenced Lao primary education policy since the adoption of the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness in 2006. This research draws on a social constructivist epistemology, and data collection employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, analysis of relevant policy documents, and participant observation. The interviews involved 24 participants representing government agencies, NGOs, donor organisations and education specialists. The main focus of interviews was to explore the degree of NGOs’ influence on primary education policy, the mechanisms and strategies that NGOs use to exercise their influence, and how such mechanisms and strategies have impacted on their role at policy level.  The findings indicate that NGOs have limited influence on Lao primary education policy. Although they have some influence through participating in policy dialogues, they have minimal influence on the outcomes of policy development. The fact that NGOs have limited influence on policy outcomes is attributed partly to their limited financial capacity and partly the limits of their specialised expertise to support and convince the government for policy change. The deciding factor, nevertheless, is the government’s reluctance to integrate NGOs’ advice and recommendations into Lao primary education policy due to its wariness of NGOs’ influence, particularly on politically sensitive issues.</p>

scholarly journals The Influence of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on Primary Education Policy in Laos

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Oulath Saeng Outhay
Keyword(s):  
Education Policy ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Aid Effectiveness ◽  
Policy Outcomes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Education Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Major Donors

<p>Laos is a poor and aid-dependent country in South-East Asia. Its primary education development has depended heavily on external assistance, which has caused some scholars to argue that education policy is shaped by this influence. While major donors have played a significant role in driving Lao primary education development, NGOs are increasingly engaging in the process since Laos has adopted global commitments, particularly the Education for All goals of the Millennium Development Goals. While the Government of Laos values NGOs’ contributions as equally to those of major donors, it commonly views NGOs as ‘service providers’ and major donors as ‘policy counterparts’. The government is wary of NGOs’ mission and this has also shaped NGOs’ space in the policy arena.  This thesis has examined the extent to which NGOs have influenced Lao primary education policy since the adoption of the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness in 2006. This research draws on a social constructivist epistemology, and data collection employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, analysis of relevant policy documents, and participant observation. The interviews involved 24 participants representing government agencies, NGOs, donor organisations and education specialists. The main focus of interviews was to explore the degree of NGOs’ influence on primary education policy, the mechanisms and strategies that NGOs use to exercise their influence, and how such mechanisms and strategies have impacted on their role at policy level.  The findings indicate that NGOs have limited influence on Lao primary education policy. Although they have some influence through participating in policy dialogues, they have minimal influence on the outcomes of policy development. The fact that NGOs have limited influence on policy outcomes is attributed partly to their limited financial capacity and partly the limits of their specialised expertise to support and convince the government for policy change. The deciding factor, nevertheless, is the government’s reluctance to integrate NGOs’ advice and recommendations into Lao primary education policy due to its wariness of NGOs’ influence, particularly on politically sensitive issues.</p>

scholarly journals Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services and its role in HIV/AIDS prevention and management in Nepal

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Preeti K Mahato ◽  
Peng Bi ◽  
Teresa Burgess
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Voluntary Counseling And Testing ◽  
Counseling And Testing ◽  
The Government ◽  
Most At Risk Populations ◽  
Hiv Aids

HIV/AIDS has emerged as a serious epidemic in Nepal, concentrated amongst the most-at-risk populations. Volun-tary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is a proven strategy for the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS especially in developing countries. Given that the utilization of VCT is low in Nepal, it is important to understand the barriers and challenges that Nepal is facing in the provision and utilization of these services. This study aimed to provide recommendations for policy makers to improve the utilization of VCT services in Nepal. A qualitative study of VCT health service providers and government officials was undertaken in 4 cities of Nepal. Sixteen interviews, three joint interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were then analyzed using a thematic analysis framework and major themes were identified. Various barriers including socio-cultural issues, geography, the presence of stigma and discrimination faced by people with HIV/AIDS and a lack of knowledge and awareness were identified as important factors limiting the utilization of VCT services. Current gov-ernment efforts to improve VCT service provision, although promising, require ongoing development. Systemic barriers included the sustainability of the temporary NGO VCT services, lack of staff and training, inadequate moni-toring and evaluation and limited access to services for people living in rural areas. To increase the sustainability and utilization of VCT services, the Government can intervene in a number of areas including the integration of VCT services with existing primary health care services and addressing ongoing education and quality assurance. South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 10-16 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17705

scholarly journals An Exploratory Qualitative Study of the Prevention of Road Traffic Collisions and Neurotrauma in India: Perspectives From Key Informants in an Indian Industrial City (Visakhapatnam)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santhani M Selveindran ◽  
Gurusinghe Samarutilake ◽  
K Madhu Narayana Rao ◽  
Jogi Patisappu ◽  
Christine Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Safety Equipment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
The Government ◽  
On The Road

Abstract Background: Despite current preventative strategies, road traffic collisions (RTCs) and resultant neurotrauma remain a major problem in India. This study seeks to explore local perspectives in the context within which RTCs take place and identify potential suggestions for improving the current status.Methods: Ten semi-structured interviews were carried out with purposively selected key informants from the city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Participants were from one of the following categories: commissioning stakeholders; service providers; community or local patient group/advocacy group representatives. Transcripts from these interviews were analysed qualitatively using the Framework Method.Results: Participants felt RTCs are a serious problem in India and a leading cause of neurotrauma. Major risk factors identified related to user behaviour such as speeding and not using personal safety equipment, and the user state, namely drink driving and underage driving. Other reported risk factors included poor infrastructure, moving obstacles on the road, overloaded vehicles and substandard safety equipment. Participants discussed how RTCs affect not only the health of the victim, but are also a burden to the healthcare system, families, and the national economy. Although there are ongoing preventative strategies being carried out by both the government and the community, challenges to successful prevention emerged from the interviews which included resource deficiencies, inconsistent implementation, lack of appropriate action, poor governance, lack of knowledge and the mindset of the community and entities involved in prevention. Recommendations were given on how prevention of RTCs and neurotrauma might be improved, addressing the areas of education and awareness, research, the pre-hospital and trauma systems, enforcement and legislation, and road engineering, in addition to building collaborations and changing mindsets.Conclusions: RTCs remain a major problem in India and a significant cause of neurotrauma. Addressing the identified gaps and shortfalls in current approaches and reinforcing collective responsibility towards road safety would be the way forward in improving prevention and reducing the burden.

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