A critical review of standards to examine the parameters of Child-Friendly Environment (CFE) in parks and open space of planned neighborhoods : a case of Lucknow City, India
- Agarwal, Mohit Kumar, Sehgal, Vandana, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Agarwal, Mohit Kumar , Sehgal, Vandana , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Child-friendly environment , Planned neighborhood , Parks and open space standards
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479771 , uj:43408 , Citation: Agarwal, Mohit Kumar, Vandana Sehgal, and Aurobindo Ogra. 2021. A Critical Review of Standards to Examine the Parameters of Child-Friendly Environment (CFE) in Parks and Open Space of Planned Neighborhoods: A Case of Lucknow City, India. Social Sciences 10: 199. https://
- Description: Abstract: The creation of cities has been one of the most phenomenal achievements of human endeavor. Adults are the major stakeholders for such achievements but the children are helpless and representationless. The current research paper aims at understanding the issues faced by the children in the rapidly urbanized world where the lack of child-friendly environments/open spaces for their outdoor activities is cause for concern. The research paper looked at various national and international norms, standards, and practices of parks and open spaces to identify various child-friendly environmental parameters. The research adopted the Delphi method as a tool for the validation of child-friendly environment parameters. It also used children’s drawings and essays to understand children’s perceptions about the child-friendly environment. It is observed that present government norms and policies do not adhere to those parameters. The research found that Lucknow city does not meet the defined quantitative norms and standards as laid out by the national norms and standards for open spaces and parks. The quality dimensions for planning a child-friendly environment are weakly addressed by cities and neighborhoods. The city neighborhoods lack the physical, cognitive, perceptional, emotional, and social dimensions of a child-friendly environment. There is a need to adopt suitable norms and standards with measurable parameters as part of various dimensions and implement these in creating a child-friendly environment in planned neighborhoods.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Agarwal, Mohit Kumar , Sehgal, Vandana , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Child-friendly environment , Planned neighborhood , Parks and open space standards
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479771 , uj:43408 , Citation: Agarwal, Mohit Kumar, Vandana Sehgal, and Aurobindo Ogra. 2021. A Critical Review of Standards to Examine the Parameters of Child-Friendly Environment (CFE) in Parks and Open Space of Planned Neighborhoods: A Case of Lucknow City, India. Social Sciences 10: 199. https://
- Description: Abstract: The creation of cities has been one of the most phenomenal achievements of human endeavor. Adults are the major stakeholders for such achievements but the children are helpless and representationless. The current research paper aims at understanding the issues faced by the children in the rapidly urbanized world where the lack of child-friendly environments/open spaces for their outdoor activities is cause for concern. The research paper looked at various national and international norms, standards, and practices of parks and open spaces to identify various child-friendly environmental parameters. The research adopted the Delphi method as a tool for the validation of child-friendly environment parameters. It also used children’s drawings and essays to understand children’s perceptions about the child-friendly environment. It is observed that present government norms and policies do not adhere to those parameters. The research found that Lucknow city does not meet the defined quantitative norms and standards as laid out by the national norms and standards for open spaces and parks. The quality dimensions for planning a child-friendly environment are weakly addressed by cities and neighborhoods. The city neighborhoods lack the physical, cognitive, perceptional, emotional, and social dimensions of a child-friendly environment. There is a need to adopt suitable norms and standards with measurable parameters as part of various dimensions and implement these in creating a child-friendly environment in planned neighborhoods.
- Full Text:
Creating a child-friendly environment : an interpretation of children’s drawings from planned neighborhood parks of Lucknow City
- Agarwal, Mohit Kumar, Sehgal, Vandana, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Agarwal, Mohit Kumar , Sehgal, Vandana , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Urbanization , Child psychology , Child-friendly environment
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/483109 , uj:43832 , Citation: Agarwal, M.K.; Sehgal, V.; Ogra, A. Creating a Child-Friendly Environment: An Interpretation of Children’s Drawings from Planned Neighborhood Parks of Lucknow City. Societies 2021, 11, 80. https:// doi.org/10.3390/soc11030080
- Description: Abstract: The urban environment is a product of many tangible and intangible factors for communities, involving activities, spaces, and users of different age groups. Stakeholder consultation has become an essential part of envisaging any urban space. In general practice, mostly adults’ opinions and suggestions are taken into account, and children are sidelined, even if the issues are related to children. Children are an integral part of the present urbanizing world and are some of its most sensitive and affected users. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes three P’s: provision, protection, and participation. The third, participation, is a crucial dimension of creating a healthier environment, but it has largely been neglected. The drawing technique is among the methods to gather information directly through the children’s participatory approach. It has been observed that children prefer to express themselves by drawing rather than answering questions and find it easy and enjoyable. This research incorporates drawing as a methodological tool for identifying children’s expectations and understanding their preferences about their ideal neighborhood park. A total of 80 children aged between 6 and 15 years from planned zones of Lucknow city were selected for the research. The results derived from the content and co-relation data analysis techniques highlight that children emphasized physical, perceptional, cognitive, emotional, and social parameters for developing a child-friendly environment in parks and open spaces.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Agarwal, Mohit Kumar , Sehgal, Vandana , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Urbanization , Child psychology , Child-friendly environment
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/483109 , uj:43832 , Citation: Agarwal, M.K.; Sehgal, V.; Ogra, A. Creating a Child-Friendly Environment: An Interpretation of Children’s Drawings from Planned Neighborhood Parks of Lucknow City. Societies 2021, 11, 80. https:// doi.org/10.3390/soc11030080
- Description: Abstract: The urban environment is a product of many tangible and intangible factors for communities, involving activities, spaces, and users of different age groups. Stakeholder consultation has become an essential part of envisaging any urban space. In general practice, mostly adults’ opinions and suggestions are taken into account, and children are sidelined, even if the issues are related to children. Children are an integral part of the present urbanizing world and are some of its most sensitive and affected users. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes three P’s: provision, protection, and participation. The third, participation, is a crucial dimension of creating a healthier environment, but it has largely been neglected. The drawing technique is among the methods to gather information directly through the children’s participatory approach. It has been observed that children prefer to express themselves by drawing rather than answering questions and find it easy and enjoyable. This research incorporates drawing as a methodological tool for identifying children’s expectations and understanding their preferences about their ideal neighborhood park. A total of 80 children aged between 6 and 15 years from planned zones of Lucknow city were selected for the research. The results derived from the content and co-relation data analysis techniques highlight that children emphasized physical, perceptional, cognitive, emotional, and social parameters for developing a child-friendly environment in parks and open spaces.
- Full Text:
Creating a child-friendly environment : an interpretation of children’s drawings from planned neighborhood parks of Lucknow City
- Agarwal, Mohit Kumar, Sehgal, Vandana, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Agarwal, Mohit Kumar , Sehgal, Vandana , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Urbanization , Child psychology , Child-friendly environment
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/482862 , uj:43801 , Citation: Agarwal, M.K.; Sehgal, V.; Ogra, A. Creating a Child-Friendly Environment: An Interpretation of Children’s Drawings from Planned Neighborhood Parks of Lucknow City. Societies 2021, 11, 80. https:// doi.org/10.3390/soc11030080
- Description: Abstract: The urban environment is a product of many tangible and intangible factors for communities, involving activities, spaces, and users of different age groups. Stakeholder consultation has become an essential part of envisaging any urban space. In general practice, mostly adults’ opinions and suggestions are taken into account, and children are sidelined, even if the issues are related to children. Children are an integral part of the present urbanizing world and are some of its most sensitive and affected users. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes three P’s: provision, protection, and participation. The third, participation, is a crucial dimension of creating a healthier environment, but it has largely been neglected. The drawing technique is among the methods to gather information directly through the children’s participatory approach. It has been observed that children prefer to express themselves by drawing rather than answering questions and find it easy and enjoyable. This research incorporates drawing as a methodological tool for identifying children’s expectations and understanding their preferences about their ideal neighborhood park. A total of 80 children aged between 6 and 15 years from planned zones of Lucknow city were selected for the research. The results derived from the content and co-relation data analysis techniques highlight that children emphasized physical, perceptional, cognitive, emotional, and social parameters for developing a child-friendly environment in parks and open spaces.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Agarwal, Mohit Kumar , Sehgal, Vandana , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Urbanization , Child psychology , Child-friendly environment
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/482862 , uj:43801 , Citation: Agarwal, M.K.; Sehgal, V.; Ogra, A. Creating a Child-Friendly Environment: An Interpretation of Children’s Drawings from Planned Neighborhood Parks of Lucknow City. Societies 2021, 11, 80. https:// doi.org/10.3390/soc11030080
- Description: Abstract: The urban environment is a product of many tangible and intangible factors for communities, involving activities, spaces, and users of different age groups. Stakeholder consultation has become an essential part of envisaging any urban space. In general practice, mostly adults’ opinions and suggestions are taken into account, and children are sidelined, even if the issues are related to children. Children are an integral part of the present urbanizing world and are some of its most sensitive and affected users. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes three P’s: provision, protection, and participation. The third, participation, is a crucial dimension of creating a healthier environment, but it has largely been neglected. The drawing technique is among the methods to gather information directly through the children’s participatory approach. It has been observed that children prefer to express themselves by drawing rather than answering questions and find it easy and enjoyable. This research incorporates drawing as a methodological tool for identifying children’s expectations and understanding their preferences about their ideal neighborhood park. A total of 80 children aged between 6 and 15 years from planned zones of Lucknow city were selected for the research. The results derived from the content and co-relation data analysis techniques highlight that children emphasized physical, perceptional, cognitive, emotional, and social parameters for developing a child-friendly environment in parks and open spaces.
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Evaluation of physical and chemical properties of South African Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) for concrete use
- Iloh, Patrick, Fanourakis, George C., Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Iloh, Patrick , Fanourakis, George C. , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Chemical properties , Physical properties , Particle gradation
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/460475 , uj:40978 , Citation: Iloh, P., Fanourakis, G.C. & Ogra, A. 2019. Evaluation of physical and chemical properties of South African Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) for concrete use. Sustainability 2019, 11, 193; doi:10.3390/su11010193
- Description: Abstract: The foundry industry in South Africa forms one of the greatest industries in the manufacturing sector. It produces waste foundry sand (WFS) that ends up in landfill sites. Around 80% of the WFS could be utilized as a substitute for sand in concrete. The utilization of WFS will benefit the industry, as raw materials (natural sand alternative) and energy are conserved, while costs of disposal are lowered. Soil pollution, as well as water and air resources, will be minimized and the foundries’ competitiveness will be improved. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of five WFSs (two clays and three chemically bonded molding sands) from Gauteng, South Africa were analyzed. The samples were investigated with a view to determine their conformity with applicable engineering criteria when used as a replacement, to various extents, of the fine aggregate. The main properties investigated included physical properties (particle gradation, moisture content, un-compacted bulk density, specific gravity, loss on ignition, clay content, and fineness modulus) and the chemical properties (X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), pH). The sands generally did not meet the standards pertaining to grading requirements. However, the chemical test results showed the composition of these sands to be comparable with results from other investigations and suitable for use as a natural sand replacement in concrete.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Iloh, Patrick , Fanourakis, George C. , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Chemical properties , Physical properties , Particle gradation
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/460475 , uj:40978 , Citation: Iloh, P., Fanourakis, G.C. & Ogra, A. 2019. Evaluation of physical and chemical properties of South African Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) for concrete use. Sustainability 2019, 11, 193; doi:10.3390/su11010193
- Description: Abstract: The foundry industry in South Africa forms one of the greatest industries in the manufacturing sector. It produces waste foundry sand (WFS) that ends up in landfill sites. Around 80% of the WFS could be utilized as a substitute for sand in concrete. The utilization of WFS will benefit the industry, as raw materials (natural sand alternative) and energy are conserved, while costs of disposal are lowered. Soil pollution, as well as water and air resources, will be minimized and the foundries’ competitiveness will be improved. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of five WFSs (two clays and three chemically bonded molding sands) from Gauteng, South Africa were analyzed. The samples were investigated with a view to determine their conformity with applicable engineering criteria when used as a replacement, to various extents, of the fine aggregate. The main properties investigated included physical properties (particle gradation, moisture content, un-compacted bulk density, specific gravity, loss on ignition, clay content, and fineness modulus) and the chemical properties (X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), pH). The sands generally did not meet the standards pertaining to grading requirements. However, the chemical test results showed the composition of these sands to be comparable with results from other investigations and suitable for use as a natural sand replacement in concrete.
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Characterisation of five different South African waste foundry sands to determine their suitability for use in concrete
- Iloh, Patrick I., Fanourakis, George C., Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Iloh, Patrick I. , Fanourakis, George C. , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Chemical properties , Gradation , Physical properties
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246219 , uj:25518 , Citation: Iloh, P.I., Fanourakis, G. & Ogra, A. 2017. Characterisation of five different South African waste foundry sands to determine their suitability for use in concrete.
- Description: Abstract: South Africa, like many other countries is witnessing the fast growth of the construction industry. Concrete is one of the key materials used for the development of infrastructures. Sand as one of the natural resources and major concrete components is depleting universally. At the same time, the solid waste generated from industries is gaining momentum and increasing drastically. Researchers have indicated that Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) has the potential properties for use as fine aggregate in concrete. The full/partial replacement of sand in concrete with WFS not only makes concrete manufacturing economical, but also helps in reducing disposal problems and promote sustainable construction. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of five WFS’s from Gauteng, South Africa were analysed (two green and three chemically bonded moulding sands). The samples were investigated with a view to determine their conformity with applicable engineering standards when used as fine aggregate. The physical and chemical properties evaluated were particle gradation, specific gravity, moisture content, clay contents, bulk density, XRF and pH. The physical and chemical results of the five WFS’s analysed indicate acceptable variations in chemically bonded moulding sand. The green sands proved unacceptable for use as fine aggregate for concrete use due to their: clay contents, poor grading which cannot be blended with other sand, and due to the presence of fine and silt particles which can cause bleeding and segregation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Iloh, Patrick I. , Fanourakis, George C. , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Chemical properties , Gradation , Physical properties
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246219 , uj:25518 , Citation: Iloh, P.I., Fanourakis, G. & Ogra, A. 2017. Characterisation of five different South African waste foundry sands to determine their suitability for use in concrete.
- Description: Abstract: South Africa, like many other countries is witnessing the fast growth of the construction industry. Concrete is one of the key materials used for the development of infrastructures. Sand as one of the natural resources and major concrete components is depleting universally. At the same time, the solid waste generated from industries is gaining momentum and increasing drastically. Researchers have indicated that Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) has the potential properties for use as fine aggregate in concrete. The full/partial replacement of sand in concrete with WFS not only makes concrete manufacturing economical, but also helps in reducing disposal problems and promote sustainable construction. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of five WFS’s from Gauteng, South Africa were analysed (two green and three chemically bonded moulding sands). The samples were investigated with a view to determine their conformity with applicable engineering standards when used as fine aggregate. The physical and chemical properties evaluated were particle gradation, specific gravity, moisture content, clay contents, bulk density, XRF and pH. The physical and chemical results of the five WFS’s analysed indicate acceptable variations in chemically bonded moulding sand. The green sands proved unacceptable for use as fine aggregate for concrete use due to their: clay contents, poor grading which cannot be blended with other sand, and due to the presence of fine and silt particles which can cause bleeding and segregation.
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A place-based approach to spatial transformation : a case study of transit oriented development (TOD), Johannesburg
- Ndebele, Robert, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Ndebele, Robert , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Spatial transformation , Corridor development , Transit Oriented Development , Social spaces
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4936 , ISBN 978-0-86970-781-4 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13036
- Description: The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) model is increasingly gaining momentum and becoming widely adopted by many cities in addressing a wide range of spatial development challenges within their communities. Development of this nature advocates for a return to a city form that is compact, higher in density, and supported by strategic nodes that promote public transit ridership and nonmotorized transport options over auto use. These elements fundamentally constitute the building blocks of TOD. In the wake of this increasing global awareness for TOD, this paper presents empirical findings of TOD perceptions in three nodal areas located along the Louis Botha development corridor in City of Johannesburg (COJ). Premised on a mixed methods approach, the paper provides an insight into current development typologies in the said corridor while equally interrogating the perceptions of residents toward TOD planning and implementation thereof. The paper also deliberates on the nexus between TOD and place making, out of which a mutually inclusive relationship is established. While the findings of this study reflect a rather poor public awareness of TOD and place making, several other points have been identified. Continued revitalisation programs and design improvements are required. Also, issues of parking planning and management will ultimately require a renewed focus in light of the anticipated Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) service along Louis Botha corridor. The paper culminates in the formulation of a set of TOD key determinants derived from the data analysis exercise. Though not necessarily intended to be standard reference points, the paper emphasizes the importance of these determinants in corridor oriented development.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndebele, Robert , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Spatial transformation , Corridor development , Transit Oriented Development , Social spaces
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4936 , ISBN 978-0-86970-781-4 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13036
- Description: The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) model is increasingly gaining momentum and becoming widely adopted by many cities in addressing a wide range of spatial development challenges within their communities. Development of this nature advocates for a return to a city form that is compact, higher in density, and supported by strategic nodes that promote public transit ridership and nonmotorized transport options over auto use. These elements fundamentally constitute the building blocks of TOD. In the wake of this increasing global awareness for TOD, this paper presents empirical findings of TOD perceptions in three nodal areas located along the Louis Botha development corridor in City of Johannesburg (COJ). Premised on a mixed methods approach, the paper provides an insight into current development typologies in the said corridor while equally interrogating the perceptions of residents toward TOD planning and implementation thereof. The paper also deliberates on the nexus between TOD and place making, out of which a mutually inclusive relationship is established. While the findings of this study reflect a rather poor public awareness of TOD and place making, several other points have been identified. Continued revitalisation programs and design improvements are required. Also, issues of parking planning and management will ultimately require a renewed focus in light of the anticipated Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) service along Louis Botha corridor. The paper culminates in the formulation of a set of TOD key determinants derived from the data analysis exercise. Though not necessarily intended to be standard reference points, the paper emphasizes the importance of these determinants in corridor oriented development.
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E-government perspectives : evolution, strategies and practices
- Ogra, Aurobindo, Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: e-Government , E-democracy , e-Governance
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13020
- Description: The United States is one of the leading global leaders in e-Government and has consistently emerged as one of the top 10 countries from 2003 to 2012 on E-Government Development Index (EGDI). The paper focuses on theoretical insight and perspectives on different aspects of e-Government from the days of its evolution. The paper provides an insight of e-Government perspectives and discusses evolution of e-Governance, policy frameworks and strategies, dimensions of e-Government dominance at federal, state and local level, critical success and failure factors in the United States.
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- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: e-Government , E-democracy , e-Governance
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13020
- Description: The United States is one of the leading global leaders in e-Government and has consistently emerged as one of the top 10 countries from 2003 to 2012 on E-Government Development Index (EGDI). The paper focuses on theoretical insight and perspectives on different aspects of e-Government from the days of its evolution. The paper provides an insight of e-Government perspectives and discusses evolution of e-Governance, policy frameworks and strategies, dimensions of e-Government dominance at federal, state and local level, critical success and failure factors in the United States.
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Making great places in slums/ informal settlements
- Mpe, Reabetsoe, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Mpe, Reabetsoe , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Slums , Informal settlements , Community development , Place making , Human settlements , Urban transformation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4925 , ISSN 978-0-86970-781-4 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13025
- Description: According to UN-Habitat (2007) “a slum is a heavily populated urban informal settlement characterized by substandard housing and squalor”. The word slum is generally used to describe low-income settlements with deprived conditions. (UN-Habitat, 2006). There is no universally agreed definition of the word slum. As conditions differ from country to country, different scholars from various countries define the term “slum” differently. Definitions mainly include: illegal, poorly-constructed settlements without basic services, even when some of them are relatively more different and have proper structures? An informal settlement can be defined as stated by Huchzermeyer and Karam (2006) as those settlements that were not planned by nor have formal permission to exist from government. Srinivas (1991) defines informal settlement/ slums as an area where the urban poor resides and usually have no access to tenure rights and are forced to ‘squat’ on vacant land either private or public. While slums/ informal settlements differ in size and other characteristics in different counties, but what most slums/informal settlements share in common are the lack of reliable basic services such as the supply of clean water, electricity, timely law enforcement and proper services. (UN-Habitat 2007). Place making is a described as an approach that is used to inspire and encourage communities to create their own space/ places. Place making is how we collectively shape our public realm to maximize shared value (Project for public spaces, 2009). The focus on place making was intended to remind planners of the human aspect of city-building and the ultimate goal is to create places that people use, that inspire social interaction and promote community stewardship (Urban Strategy Inc., 2008). This paper highlights critical determinants of place making in slums/informal settlements. In the context of slums/ informal settlements, firstly it covers what great places are and what constitutes as a great place. Secondly it covers the characteristics of a great place/ place making and how we can upgrade slums/ informal settlements in to great places. Lastly what is the perception of communities of great places and what they think is needed to make their settlement a “great place”. The paper is based on a research study of Kaya Sands slums/ informal settlements of Midrand, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mpe, Reabetsoe , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Slums , Informal settlements , Community development , Place making , Human settlements , Urban transformation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4925 , ISSN 978-0-86970-781-4 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13025
- Description: According to UN-Habitat (2007) “a slum is a heavily populated urban informal settlement characterized by substandard housing and squalor”. The word slum is generally used to describe low-income settlements with deprived conditions. (UN-Habitat, 2006). There is no universally agreed definition of the word slum. As conditions differ from country to country, different scholars from various countries define the term “slum” differently. Definitions mainly include: illegal, poorly-constructed settlements without basic services, even when some of them are relatively more different and have proper structures? An informal settlement can be defined as stated by Huchzermeyer and Karam (2006) as those settlements that were not planned by nor have formal permission to exist from government. Srinivas (1991) defines informal settlement/ slums as an area where the urban poor resides and usually have no access to tenure rights and are forced to ‘squat’ on vacant land either private or public. While slums/ informal settlements differ in size and other characteristics in different counties, but what most slums/informal settlements share in common are the lack of reliable basic services such as the supply of clean water, electricity, timely law enforcement and proper services. (UN-Habitat 2007). Place making is a described as an approach that is used to inspire and encourage communities to create their own space/ places. Place making is how we collectively shape our public realm to maximize shared value (Project for public spaces, 2009). The focus on place making was intended to remind planners of the human aspect of city-building and the ultimate goal is to create places that people use, that inspire social interaction and promote community stewardship (Urban Strategy Inc., 2008). This paper highlights critical determinants of place making in slums/informal settlements. In the context of slums/ informal settlements, firstly it covers what great places are and what constitutes as a great place. Secondly it covers the characteristics of a great place/ place making and how we can upgrade slums/ informal settlements in to great places. Lastly what is the perception of communities of great places and what they think is needed to make their settlement a “great place”. The paper is based on a research study of Kaya Sands slums/ informal settlements of Midrand, South Africa.
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Next generation citizen centric e-services
- Sharma, Vikas, Gutto, Diya, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Sharma, Vikas , Gutto, Diya , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Service delivery channels , Self service delivery , e-Governance
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4937 , ISBN 978-1-905824-44-1 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13037
- Description: The emergence of new technology calls for fundamental rethinking and transformational shifts in the way we look at government functions and its service provisioning to the public. Governments are increasingly being solicited to take on the roles of a facilitator and enabler – to collaborate with the public, private and community sectors in creating new digital channels and solutions to be closer to citizens and businesses. This paper deliberates on the role of the Mauritian Government for creating a society of the future for citizens. To build a one stop shop model for public services, Government is required to view itself through different lenses: citizen-centricity, internal-external balance and sustainable outcomes. Servicing citizens digitally has been a successful model across developed countries. This model has to be embraced and adapted locally under Public and Private Partnerships.
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- Authors: Sharma, Vikas , Gutto, Diya , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Service delivery channels , Self service delivery , e-Governance
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4937 , ISBN 978-1-905824-44-1 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13037
- Description: The emergence of new technology calls for fundamental rethinking and transformational shifts in the way we look at government functions and its service provisioning to the public. Governments are increasingly being solicited to take on the roles of a facilitator and enabler – to collaborate with the public, private and community sectors in creating new digital channels and solutions to be closer to citizens and businesses. This paper deliberates on the role of the Mauritian Government for creating a society of the future for citizens. To build a one stop shop model for public services, Government is required to view itself through different lenses: citizen-centricity, internal-external balance and sustainable outcomes. Servicing citizens digitally has been a successful model across developed countries. This model has to be embraced and adapted locally under Public and Private Partnerships.
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Place making in tourism-led local economic development (LED) : a case study of Coffee Bay, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Sitinga, Sinovuyo Babalwa, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Sitinga, Sinovuyo Babalwa , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Coastal Tourism , Community development , Community engagement , Sustainable development , Tourism - South Africa - Coffee Bay , Local Economic Development
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4938 , ISSN 978-0-86970-781-4 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13038
- Description: On the East Coast of South Africa, on the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, lie the shores of Coffee Bay town. This small predominantly rural beach town beams with multitude of tourism potential. The town prides itself for its magnificent beach, hotels, and tourism activities like: horse riding, hiking and boasts of other tourism facilities and attractions. Besides tourism potential this small town faces number of challenges. The majority of the town’s economically active population is illiterate, unemployed and lives under the poverty line. The town on its own is a pot of gold; however, the community needs to be more involved in the decision making for developments within the town, as well as encouraging of pride of citizenship. This would ensure maximum benefit for residents, in terms of economic growth, access to opportunities, betterment of livelihoods, etc. In the pursuit of Tourism-led Local Economic Development (LED) oriented growth in Coffee Bay, the place making determinants becomes central in order to address the number of challenges faced by the local communities. Place making determinants and processes applicable to the area entails optimal use of resources that are unique to an area, for the economic (increased investment in the area, rise in tourists coming in, improved environments for fishing, establishment of a fully functional and beneficial fishing industry), social (improved well-being of local residents), community (infrastructure and livelihood within the town) and otherwise benefits. The paper discusses the place based tourism-led approaches in the context of rural communities and highlights the key determinants of place making process in a rural centric tourism-led local economic development. The research is based on mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative) and brings out the discussion on: essence, self-sufficiency, sustainability and inclusion of communities based on locally available assets, potential and resources.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sitinga, Sinovuyo Babalwa , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Coastal Tourism , Community development , Community engagement , Sustainable development , Tourism - South Africa - Coffee Bay , Local Economic Development
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4938 , ISSN 978-0-86970-781-4 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13038
- Description: On the East Coast of South Africa, on the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, lie the shores of Coffee Bay town. This small predominantly rural beach town beams with multitude of tourism potential. The town prides itself for its magnificent beach, hotels, and tourism activities like: horse riding, hiking and boasts of other tourism facilities and attractions. Besides tourism potential this small town faces number of challenges. The majority of the town’s economically active population is illiterate, unemployed and lives under the poverty line. The town on its own is a pot of gold; however, the community needs to be more involved in the decision making for developments within the town, as well as encouraging of pride of citizenship. This would ensure maximum benefit for residents, in terms of economic growth, access to opportunities, betterment of livelihoods, etc. In the pursuit of Tourism-led Local Economic Development (LED) oriented growth in Coffee Bay, the place making determinants becomes central in order to address the number of challenges faced by the local communities. Place making determinants and processes applicable to the area entails optimal use of resources that are unique to an area, for the economic (increased investment in the area, rise in tourists coming in, improved environments for fishing, establishment of a fully functional and beneficial fishing industry), social (improved well-being of local residents), community (infrastructure and livelihood within the town) and otherwise benefits. The paper discusses the place based tourism-led approaches in the context of rural communities and highlights the key determinants of place making process in a rural centric tourism-led local economic development. The research is based on mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative) and brings out the discussion on: essence, self-sufficiency, sustainability and inclusion of communities based on locally available assets, potential and resources.
- Full Text:
The role of 6Ds : density, diversity, design, destination, distance, and demand management in transit oriented development (TOD)
- Ogra, Aurobindo, Ndebele, Robert
- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo , Ndebele, Robert
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Transit oriented development , Density , Demand management , Design , Diversity , Distance
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13157
- Description: This paper reflects on the efficacy of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and the primary components that constitute it. These components are widely recognized as manifesting themselves through the concept of “6Ds": Design, Diversity, Density, Distance, Destination, and Demand management. The paper thus investigates the main aspects that underlie these “Ds" and how they can equally be taken up in TOD initiatives. The development of efficient and sustainable transport systems has become a key mitigation method for major traffic problems such as congestion, poor mobility and access to services, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The primary argument of this papercentres on the premise that the application of “6Ds" through TOD can go a long way in addressing current challenges thatconfront urban transport within cities. Using a case study, the paper contextualizes one of the “6Ds" and subsequent conclusions are drawn thereof in the form of key determinants.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo , Ndebele, Robert
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Transit oriented development , Density , Demand management , Design , Diversity , Distance
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13157
- Description: This paper reflects on the efficacy of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and the primary components that constitute it. These components are widely recognized as manifesting themselves through the concept of “6Ds": Design, Diversity, Density, Distance, Destination, and Demand management. The paper thus investigates the main aspects that underlie these “Ds" and how they can equally be taken up in TOD initiatives. The development of efficient and sustainable transport systems has become a key mitigation method for major traffic problems such as congestion, poor mobility and access to services, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The primary argument of this papercentres on the premise that the application of “6Ds" through TOD can go a long way in addressing current challenges thatconfront urban transport within cities. Using a case study, the paper contextualizes one of the “6Ds" and subsequent conclusions are drawn thereof in the form of key determinants.
- Full Text:
Tourism web analytics : a case study of Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand, India
- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Tourism - India , Information and Communications Technology (ICT) - Tourism
- Type: Book chapter
- Identifier: uj:4959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13060
- Description: The State of Uttarakhand is the 27th State of India, and is popularly known as 'the abode of the Gods'. Tourism forms one of the major contributors to states economy. The state is world known for its historical, cultural and natural attractions. The two regions of the state namely: Garhwal and Kumaon regions offer unique natural and cultural tourism assets in areas of natural landscape, pilgrim destinations, adventure tourism, health tourism and other forms of tourist attractions. The key entities managing the tourism affairs in the state is looked primarily by the Department of Tourism, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), and two regional entities namely: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). Tourism brings direct effect on social, cultural, educational and economic sectors. The tourism branding has become utmost importance to key stakeholders like: tourism ministries / departments, city agencies, private sector operators/ agencies, and other community based organizations. It is commonly observed that there is a varied level of inconsistency both in terms of tourism content information as well as its delivery channels. The role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), internet and other forms of delivery channels has become very important to multitude of stakeholders like: visitors, travellers, and researchers. The web analytics has become one of the preferred tools for measuring business and market opportunities through internet data and web traffic. The paper provides a web content analysis of tourism sector from Garhwal and Kumaon region and highlights the key issues related to tourism content. The web content analysis includes but is not limited to tourism product analyses, internet delivery channels, user interfaces, institutional system, branding strategies and among others. The paper identifies the key gaps and opportunities towards strategizing an integrated institutional approach for tourism branding in the state. The paper explores the tourism web analytics results of official tourism websites from Garhwal and Kumaon by using online analytic tools and discusses on tourism content, delivery channels, user interfaces, levels of sophistication, level of information & access to visitors / travellers and among other tourism aspects. The paper compares the tourism web content and web analytics of two regions and provides a model for business development based on the lessons learnt from two case studies and perspectives from selected international regions.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Tourism - India , Information and Communications Technology (ICT) - Tourism
- Type: Book chapter
- Identifier: uj:4959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13060
- Description: The State of Uttarakhand is the 27th State of India, and is popularly known as 'the abode of the Gods'. Tourism forms one of the major contributors to states economy. The state is world known for its historical, cultural and natural attractions. The two regions of the state namely: Garhwal and Kumaon regions offer unique natural and cultural tourism assets in areas of natural landscape, pilgrim destinations, adventure tourism, health tourism and other forms of tourist attractions. The key entities managing the tourism affairs in the state is looked primarily by the Department of Tourism, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), and two regional entities namely: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). Tourism brings direct effect on social, cultural, educational and economic sectors. The tourism branding has become utmost importance to key stakeholders like: tourism ministries / departments, city agencies, private sector operators/ agencies, and other community based organizations. It is commonly observed that there is a varied level of inconsistency both in terms of tourism content information as well as its delivery channels. The role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), internet and other forms of delivery channels has become very important to multitude of stakeholders like: visitors, travellers, and researchers. The web analytics has become one of the preferred tools for measuring business and market opportunities through internet data and web traffic. The paper provides a web content analysis of tourism sector from Garhwal and Kumaon region and highlights the key issues related to tourism content. The web content analysis includes but is not limited to tourism product analyses, internet delivery channels, user interfaces, institutional system, branding strategies and among others. The paper identifies the key gaps and opportunities towards strategizing an integrated institutional approach for tourism branding in the state. The paper explores the tourism web analytics results of official tourism websites from Garhwal and Kumaon by using online analytic tools and discusses on tourism content, delivery channels, user interfaces, levels of sophistication, level of information & access to visitors / travellers and among other tourism aspects. The paper compares the tourism web content and web analytics of two regions and provides a model for business development based on the lessons learnt from two case studies and perspectives from selected international regions.
- Full Text: false
ICT reforms and citizen service delivery : lessons from municipal ICT applications
- Joseph, Meera K., Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Joseph, Meera K. , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: ICT reforms , Citizen service delivery , ICT applications for e-governance , ICT for development
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/18553 , uj:16013 , Citation: Joseph, M.K. & Ogra, A. 2013. ICT reforms and citizen service delivery : lessons from municipal ICT applications. COGIT 5:25-32.
- Description: Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Joseph, Meera K. , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: ICT reforms , Citizen service delivery , ICT applications for e-governance , ICT for development
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/18553 , uj:16013 , Citation: Joseph, M.K. & Ogra, A. 2013. ICT reforms and citizen service delivery : lessons from municipal ICT applications. COGIT 5:25-32.
- Description: Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text: false
Metropolitan housing development in urban fringe areas - a case study of three metropolitan cities of South Africa: Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane
- Ogra, Aurobindo, Onatu, George
- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo , Onatu, George
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Metropolitan housing development - South Africa - Gauteng , Housing - South Africa - Gauteng
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13029
- Description: Purpose: The metropolitan cities of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane plays an important role in the economy of the Gauteng province in South Africa. The region constitutes to 22.4 percent of the total population of South Africa and has a strong presence and contributes in areas of manufacturing sector, financial and business services, retail and wholesale trade, etc. The rapid urban population, increase in the informal settlements and socio-economic opportunities has resulted to considerable urban sprawl in and around the urban fringe areas of these metropolitan cities. The urban fringe areas of these metros often come under the influence of rapid urbanization process and pressures. Coupled with the economical and potential land dynamics and lack of priority of spatial development guidelines, these areas attract rapid and haphazard development from communities and developers. Research Design/ Methodology: This research is based on a qualitative approach through a comprehensive literature review that included content analysis of key documents on housing sector such as Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), Municipal Annual Reports, Growth Development Strategies, and among other sectoral documents on housing sector. Some of the key priority issues considered in the housing sector included: eradication of housing backlogs, spatial restructuring of housing, provision of choice in terms of location, tenure and housing typology. Findings: The current paper discusses the approaches of metropolitan housing development processes in three metropolitan cities of South Africa from Gauteng region, namely: Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. The paper discuss the existing housing sectoral scenario along with the fringe areas in three cities with focus on: formal and informal settlements, housing segregation and the backlogs, current institutional arrangements, role of public private participation, and scope for alternate mechanisms. The paper concludes in discussion on sustainable development options for housing development in urban fringe areas.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo , Onatu, George
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Metropolitan housing development - South Africa - Gauteng , Housing - South Africa - Gauteng
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13029
- Description: Purpose: The metropolitan cities of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane plays an important role in the economy of the Gauteng province in South Africa. The region constitutes to 22.4 percent of the total population of South Africa and has a strong presence and contributes in areas of manufacturing sector, financial and business services, retail and wholesale trade, etc. The rapid urban population, increase in the informal settlements and socio-economic opportunities has resulted to considerable urban sprawl in and around the urban fringe areas of these metropolitan cities. The urban fringe areas of these metros often come under the influence of rapid urbanization process and pressures. Coupled with the economical and potential land dynamics and lack of priority of spatial development guidelines, these areas attract rapid and haphazard development from communities and developers. Research Design/ Methodology: This research is based on a qualitative approach through a comprehensive literature review that included content analysis of key documents on housing sector such as Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), Municipal Annual Reports, Growth Development Strategies, and among other sectoral documents on housing sector. Some of the key priority issues considered in the housing sector included: eradication of housing backlogs, spatial restructuring of housing, provision of choice in terms of location, tenure and housing typology. Findings: The current paper discusses the approaches of metropolitan housing development processes in three metropolitan cities of South Africa from Gauteng region, namely: Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. The paper discuss the existing housing sectoral scenario along with the fringe areas in three cities with focus on: formal and informal settlements, housing segregation and the backlogs, current institutional arrangements, role of public private participation, and scope for alternate mechanisms. The paper concludes in discussion on sustainable development options for housing development in urban fringe areas.
- Full Text:
Mobile GIS for construction quality managers and surveyors
- Arora, Nishant, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Arora, Nishant , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Quality survey managers , Construction management , ArcGIS
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/384559 , uj:6273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8913
- Description: In any mega construction project, quality survey managers play a vital role in judging quality of work done by different contractors and sub-contractors. Usually a quality survey manager uses a hard copy form to records the survey information and for reporting to the client. Typically, this entire process takes a week’s time or even more, there is no workflow in place for recording information and analyzing trends in irregularity by the quality managers. The requirement to capture and report quality survey observations in real time evoked a need to research on mechanism for recording the observations using smart phone and existing GIS infrastructure without any development on smart phone and mobile devices. An integrated solution using an editable ArcGIS Server feature service and ArcGIS online web maps was developed in order to perform the quality survey. The paper describes the mobile GIS solution for construction projects. The solution allows recording observations in a real time environment through a user-friendly interface and workflow driven process. It also allows users to capture the picture and attach it to an editable feature service. The client can view this information in real time using ArcGIS online or in the enterprise geodatabase. The use of the Esri online ensures restrictions on accessibility of the content and takes advantage over other application because no programming or development is required. In addition, the information is stored in Oracle database and used for analysis in future, based on the changing reporting requirements. The developed solution saved on time, money and is easy to use and deploy.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Arora, Nishant , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Quality survey managers , Construction management , ArcGIS
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/384559 , uj:6273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8913
- Description: In any mega construction project, quality survey managers play a vital role in judging quality of work done by different contractors and sub-contractors. Usually a quality survey manager uses a hard copy form to records the survey information and for reporting to the client. Typically, this entire process takes a week’s time or even more, there is no workflow in place for recording information and analyzing trends in irregularity by the quality managers. The requirement to capture and report quality survey observations in real time evoked a need to research on mechanism for recording the observations using smart phone and existing GIS infrastructure without any development on smart phone and mobile devices. An integrated solution using an editable ArcGIS Server feature service and ArcGIS online web maps was developed in order to perform the quality survey. The paper describes the mobile GIS solution for construction projects. The solution allows recording observations in a real time environment through a user-friendly interface and workflow driven process. It also allows users to capture the picture and attach it to an editable feature service. The client can view this information in real time using ArcGIS online or in the enterprise geodatabase. The use of the Esri online ensures restrictions on accessibility of the content and takes advantage over other application because no programming or development is required. In addition, the information is stored in Oracle database and used for analysis in future, based on the changing reporting requirements. The developed solution saved on time, money and is easy to use and deploy.
- Full Text:
Mobile GIS for construction quality managers and surveyors
- Arora, Nishant, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Arora, Nishant , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Construction projects - Quality control , Quality survey managers , Geographic information systems , ArcGIS
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6276 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9588
- Description: In any mega construction project, quality survey managers play a vital role in judging quality of work done by different contractors and sub-contractors. Usually a quality survey manager uses a hard copy form to records the survey information and for reporting to the client. Typically, this entire process takes a week’s time or even more, there is no workflow in place for recording information and analyzing trends in irregularity by the quality managers. The requirement to capture and report quality survey observations in real time evoked a need to research on mechanism for recording the observations using smart phone and existing GIS infrastructure without any development on smart phone and mobile devices. An integrated solution using an editable ArcGIS Server feature service and ArcGIS online web maps was developed in order to perform the quality survey. The paper describes the mobile GIS solution for construction projects. The solution allows recording observations in a real time environment through a user-friendly interface and workflow driven process. It also allows users to capture the picture and attach it to an editable feature service. The client can view this information in real time using ArcGIS online or in the enterprise geodatabase. The use of the Esri online ensures restrictions on accessibility of the content and takes advantage over other application because no programming or development is required. In addition, the information is stored in Oracle database and used for analysis in future, based on the changing reporting requirements. The developed solution saved on time, money and is easy to use and deploy.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Arora, Nishant , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Construction projects - Quality control , Quality survey managers , Geographic information systems , ArcGIS
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6276 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9588
- Description: In any mega construction project, quality survey managers play a vital role in judging quality of work done by different contractors and sub-contractors. Usually a quality survey manager uses a hard copy form to records the survey information and for reporting to the client. Typically, this entire process takes a week’s time or even more, there is no workflow in place for recording information and analyzing trends in irregularity by the quality managers. The requirement to capture and report quality survey observations in real time evoked a need to research on mechanism for recording the observations using smart phone and existing GIS infrastructure without any development on smart phone and mobile devices. An integrated solution using an editable ArcGIS Server feature service and ArcGIS online web maps was developed in order to perform the quality survey. The paper describes the mobile GIS solution for construction projects. The solution allows recording observations in a real time environment through a user-friendly interface and workflow driven process. It also allows users to capture the picture and attach it to an editable feature service. The client can view this information in real time using ArcGIS online or in the enterprise geodatabase. The use of the Esri online ensures restrictions on accessibility of the content and takes advantage over other application because no programming or development is required. In addition, the information is stored in Oracle database and used for analysis in future, based on the changing reporting requirements. The developed solution saved on time, money and is easy to use and deploy.
- Full Text:
Transparent and open governance : web content analysis of metropolitan infrastructure development and investments information at local level – a comparative study of four metropolitan cities of South Africa and India
- Ogra, Aurobindo, Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: e-Governance , Municipal services , Transparency in government , Web content analysis
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/378116 , uj:6056 , ISBN 978-0-620-54069-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10469
- Description: The efficient municipal service delivery, expectations and perceptions of citizens are one of the important issues which are central to any municipality across various parts of the world. Among these issues, the transparency and accountability, management of funds for local development attracts special interest among citizens, organization, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in the development process. The vicious cycle of financial constraints and poor service delivery often results into diversion of funds from earmarked development areas to the areas demanding priority attention. These issues still remain unaddressed and hidden in the absence of appropriate transparent and open government accessibility at internal as well as external levels within the municipal context. The paper highlights key findings from selected metropolitan cities of South Africa and India by doing exploratory comparative analysis about to what extent are the municipal websites addressing the issues of transparent and open governance. The assessment of municipal websites is focused on the issues of access to information on development funds and projects at local level to citizens and other stakeholders. The web content analysis on selected cities provide a background for discussion on the areas of concern to address the key gaps and initiatives for enabling transparent and open governance through municipal websites.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ogra, Aurobindo , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: e-Governance , Municipal services , Transparency in government , Web content analysis
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/378116 , uj:6056 , ISBN 978-0-620-54069-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10469
- Description: The efficient municipal service delivery, expectations and perceptions of citizens are one of the important issues which are central to any municipality across various parts of the world. Among these issues, the transparency and accountability, management of funds for local development attracts special interest among citizens, organization, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in the development process. The vicious cycle of financial constraints and poor service delivery often results into diversion of funds from earmarked development areas to the areas demanding priority attention. These issues still remain unaddressed and hidden in the absence of appropriate transparent and open government accessibility at internal as well as external levels within the municipal context. The paper highlights key findings from selected metropolitan cities of South Africa and India by doing exploratory comparative analysis about to what extent are the municipal websites addressing the issues of transparent and open governance. The assessment of municipal websites is focused on the issues of access to information on development funds and projects at local level to citizens and other stakeholders. The web content analysis on selected cities provide a background for discussion on the areas of concern to address the key gaps and initiatives for enabling transparent and open governance through municipal websites.
- Full Text:
Geospatial and e-Governance readiness assessment : a case study from India and South Africa
- Singh, Satyendra, Ogra, Aurobindo
- Authors: Singh, Satyendra , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: e-Governance , Web GIS , Electronic governance , Geospatial technology , Internet in public administration
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6066 , ISSN 978-3-943321-00-5 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10668
- Description: E-governance and Geospatial technology adoption in the context of service delivery of municipalities is meant to have transparent, efficient and responsive government. In this globalised world, the technology adoption and its application is emerging at a very rapid pace. However, world over municipalities are facing enormous challenges to have effective municipal service delivery with changing scale of cities and changing socio economic background state of its citizens. The prime objective to implement E-governance and Geospatial Technology is usually cost cutting and also minimizing the complexities of procedure by possible business process reengineering. Municipalities are entrusted to provide efficient service delivery to its citizens and subsequent technology adoption however they still have issues like digital divide, affordability etc. The municipalities are keeping abreast of latest technologies and implementing them to enable greater facilitation of its services and at the same time increasing the accessibility of its services to the citizens. The concomitant advantage could be empowering people through so called “disintermediation” or eliminating middleman between government and its citizen. Just to mention a small example, implementing online property tax assessment and collection system could eliminate element of corruption in form of “middleman” and also improve on service delivery or consumer convenience especially in developing countries. The paper discusses and evaluates the dimensions of e-Governance and Geospatial adoption at select municipalities in India and South Africa and their readiness level for further change. The scope of this Geospatial and e-Governance Adoption is kept within the context of GIS and web enabled services, which further leverage transparency, responsiveness and accountability. Based on this overview of Geospatial and e-Governance Adoption level study, the paper identifies the lessons learned from the qualitative analysis of the Geospatial and e-Governance adoption levels for strengthening the areas of planning, governance and service delivery services to the citizens.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Singh, Satyendra , Ogra, Aurobindo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: e-Governance , Web GIS , Electronic governance , Geospatial technology , Internet in public administration
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6066 , ISSN 978-3-943321-00-5 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10668
- Description: E-governance and Geospatial technology adoption in the context of service delivery of municipalities is meant to have transparent, efficient and responsive government. In this globalised world, the technology adoption and its application is emerging at a very rapid pace. However, world over municipalities are facing enormous challenges to have effective municipal service delivery with changing scale of cities and changing socio economic background state of its citizens. The prime objective to implement E-governance and Geospatial Technology is usually cost cutting and also minimizing the complexities of procedure by possible business process reengineering. Municipalities are entrusted to provide efficient service delivery to its citizens and subsequent technology adoption however they still have issues like digital divide, affordability etc. The municipalities are keeping abreast of latest technologies and implementing them to enable greater facilitation of its services and at the same time increasing the accessibility of its services to the citizens. The concomitant advantage could be empowering people through so called “disintermediation” or eliminating middleman between government and its citizen. Just to mention a small example, implementing online property tax assessment and collection system could eliminate element of corruption in form of “middleman” and also improve on service delivery or consumer convenience especially in developing countries. The paper discusses and evaluates the dimensions of e-Governance and Geospatial adoption at select municipalities in India and South Africa and their readiness level for further change. The scope of this Geospatial and e-Governance Adoption is kept within the context of GIS and web enabled services, which further leverage transparency, responsiveness and accountability. Based on this overview of Geospatial and e-Governance Adoption level study, the paper identifies the lessons learned from the qualitative analysis of the Geospatial and e-Governance adoption levels for strengthening the areas of planning, governance and service delivery services to the citizens.
- Full Text:
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