Using system dynamics principles for conceptual modelling of smart city development in South Africa

Published ArticleSouth African cities are in the process of transition in the changing scenario and need a change in the planning perspective for their sustainable development. The concept of smart city offers opportunities for such development to many middle sized cities of South Africa. Therefore, in this paper conceptual modelling for development of smart cities in South Africa is attempted based on systems concept. The conceptual models are built by using the principles of system dynamics methodology and based on causal feedback relationships among the various factors under different smart characteristics of a city such as, smart economy, smart people, smart governance, smart mobility, smart environment and smart living. The causal feedback loops and interrelationship among various parameters illustrate the dynamicity and influence of parameters on one another, which would able to assist in evolving plausible policy interventions for developing smart cities in South Africa. It is concluded that the modelling approaches presented here could guide the policy makers and city planners to evolve robust and responsive policy interventions for developing smart cities in the changing scenario

Adoption of Integrated Pest Management Practices in Paddy and Cotton: A Case Study in Haryana and Punjab

The study has examined the adoption of IPM practices on cotton in Punjab and on paddy in Haryana and has assessed the impact of key socio-economic and institutional factors on IPM adoption. The Poisson count regression models have been used to analyze technology adoption. The awareness generation about technology through formal crop-specific IPM training provided by the farmers’ field schools has been found extremely effective in wider adoption of IPM in the study areas. Hence, investment in IPM education through these programmes will have long-term beneficial impact. Regarding effectiveness of extension services, the study has not shown (frequency of meeting extension personnel) any statistically significant impact on IPM adoption rates. Mixed evidence has been observed about the relationship between farm-size and adoption of IPM practices. In the case of paddy, a negative relationship has been observed, while the cotton has shown a positive relationship. The study has concluded that a higher gross value of crops does not appear to have a positive impact on IPM technology adoption in cotton.Crop Production/Industries,

Cultural influences and the mediating role of socio-cultural integration processes on the performance of cross-border mergers and acquisitions

This article has been made available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund.This paper reports findings from a longitudinal case study (2005–2011) of a merger between an Austrian and a German energy provider. I develop a model of socio-cultural integration processes based on an analysis of critical incidents expressed in 71 problem-centred interviews and observations with acquired and acquiring employees at four different points of time: immediately before the takeover and during the first negotiation talks, and one, three and six years after the takeover. The findings suggest that the relationship between national and organizational cultural differences and M&A outcomes is mediated by socio-cultural integration processes defined in terms of the formation of interpersonal relationships, trust and shared identity. Based on these findings I formulate specific propositions and build an evidence-based model of M&A socio-cultural integration processes that guides future research and practice

Assessment of traffic congestion in the central areas of Kimberley city

Published ArticleTraffic congestion is a challenge leading to undesirable consequences in most of the cities of the world. Many large and medium cities of South Africa, specifically the central business districts (CBD) are facing this challenge and are severely affected by this mobility problem. One such city, Kimberley, because of its unique physical, spatial, road network, economic characteristics and requirement of the mobility of heavy vehicles in addition to the normal city traffic faces typical traffic congestion challenges in its CBD area, particularly during the peak hours, which warranted this investigation. So, the objective of this paper is to assess the degree of traffic congestion (Level of Service (LOS)) in the roads of CBD area and explores a possible mechanism to ease the problem. A survey research methodology and application of relevant empirical models were employed to assess the level of traffic congestion and observe possible solutions to ease the traffic conduct this investigation. Findings revealed that there is appreciable level of traffic congestion in some of the roads of the CBD area of the Kimberley City, specifically during the peak hours, which needs strategic intervention. A reengineering solution, such as, traffic diversion from the congested roads to the underutilised or least congested roads could assist in easing the traffic congestion, increase in speed and reduction in travel time resulting into optimal utilisation of all the roads in the CBD area of the city

Perspective impacts of information technology industry in development of Pune City in India

Published ArticleThe emergence of Information Technology (IT) is increasingly influencing the socio-economic and physical landscape of cities. It has also resulted in development of predominantly IT based industrial cities. These cities have the opportunities and challenges with respect to the development of their socioeconomic, infrastructural and environmental conditions because of the influence of the IT based industrial activities. This article therefore pertains to the analysis of the perspective impacts of IT industry and allied activities on the development of an emerging IT industrial activity based city. For this purpose, Pune, an emerging IT city in India was considered as a case study. Survey research methodology and a system dynamics modelling approach were employed to measure the influential socio-economic, infrastructural and environmental parameters of the city by considering the city as a system. This research shows that the location of IT industry and associated functions contribute significantly towards the socio-economic development of a city in terms of IT industry export, State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP), per capita SGDP, employment generation, to name some relevant aspects. However, there would be a reduction in satisfaction level of the infrastructure and an increase in environmental stress in the system, which needs strategic attention. Further, the model results and scenarios can facilitate evolving of feasible policy and strategic guidelines for the wholesome development of such cities

A mechanism for lean and sustainability : the case of infrastructure projects in South Africa

Published ArticleStakeholders in the construction sector are placing a much stronger emphasis on the importance of attaining sustainability within the industry. While much efforts has been deployed towards attaining sustainable development through infrastructural projects, the methods used by most stakeholders for projects procurement hinders the attainment of criteria for sustainability. The proposed research will thus explore how to evolve a mechanism for promoting lean sustainable construction with infrastructure projects in South Africa. The study is primarily to assess the components of the framework required for the integrative implementation of lean and sustainability concepts in an infrastructure project. The study is qualitative in nature, based on interpretative theoretical framework that is grounded in literatures in the field of built-environment. Emergent findings indicate that a case study approach and specifically, qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) research approach provide answers to the research questions, which are domiciled in a complex socio-technical environment. The evolution of the mechanism shall focus on lean construction and sustainability methods / tools that support the elimination of wastes in work processes, work methods, work culture and materials issues, thereby promoting energy and resource efficiency. It is expected that the framework that will leads to continuous improvement in the areas of energy and resource efficiency, minimization of emission (Co2) from the built environment, improvement in stakeholders working relationships and social benefits to the community, among others

Indicative planning perspectives for development of Bloemfontein as a smart city in South Africa

Published ArticleIn this paper an evaluation of smart socioeconomic, physical and environmental characteristics of Bloemfontein city of South Africa was done to understand the current scenario of the city and evolve perspective indicative planning guidelines for transforming the city into a smart city. The evaluation was done based on 74 smart indicators, and 30 factors under six characteristics, such as, smart economy, smart people, smart governance, smart mobility, smart environment and smart living. For this purpose, survey research methodology with analysis of primary and secondary data and review of the current Integrated Development Plan of the city was followed. The investigation of the various indicators revealed that although the city is lagging behind in most of the characteristics, yet provides ample opportunity to develop it as a smart city, if smart city concept and smart growth principles are employed in city development process

Enzymatic Trans-esterification of Phospholipids to Aceto-phospholipid: A Good Surface Active Emulsifier and the Role of Phospholipid in Drug Delivery System

Aceto-phospholipids were prepared enzymatically by incorporating the acetate group at sn-1 or sn-2 position with out acetylating the amine group of phospholipids. There are a sharp change in surface properties after acetylation. At the same time the emulsifying properties of aceto-phospholipids is also remarkable than original soy phospholipids. We have got the separate droplet size distribution pattern of water in oil type of emulsion in presence of different aceto phospholipids compare to original soy phospholipids. The emulsification properties of newly prepared aceto-phospholipids were explained from the HLB values. The biological activities of the aceto-phospholipid were also highlighted here using some reported articles

A mechanism for waste reduction in structural design process in South Africa construction

Published ArticleStructural design process (SDP) consists of three processes of inception; preliminary design and detail design. Each of these processes is laden with wastes that adversely affect project performance. Therefore, this study seeks to identify such wastes so as to develop a mechanism for its effective management. To achieve this, action research study will be conducted in some consulting engineering firms situated in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It is expected that the results will provide the platform for the development of a suitable mechanism for reduction / elimination of wastes in structural design process

Universality or Non--Universality of Absorption Cross Sections for Extended Objects

The calculation of absorption cross sections for minimal scalars in supergravity backgrounds is an important aspect of the investigation of AdS/CFT correspondence and requires a matching of appropriate wave functions. The low energy case has attracted particular attention. In the following the dependence of the cross section on the matching point is investigated. It is shown that the low energy limit is independent of the matching point and hence exhibits universality. In the high energy limit the independence is not maintained, but the result is believed to possess the correct energy dependence.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figure