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Atomic layer deposition process modeling and experimental investigation for sustainable manufacturing of nano thin films

- Pan, Dongqing, Guan, Dongsheng, Jen, Tien-Chien, Yuan, Chris

  • Authors: Pan, Dongqing , Guan, Dongsheng , Jen, Tien-Chien , Yuan, Chris
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Atomic layer deposition; ; , Density functional theory , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213957 , uj:21218 , Citation: Pan, D. et al. 2016. Atomic layer deposition process modeling and experimental investigation for sustainable manufacturing of nano thin films.
  • Description: Abstract: This paper studies the adverse environmental impacts of atomic layer deposition (ALD) nano-manufacturing technology on ALD of Al2O3 nano-scale thin films. Numerical simulations with detailed ALD surface reaction mechanism developed based on Density Functional Theory (DFT), and atomic-level calculations are performed to investigate the effects of four process parameters including process temperature, pulse time, purge time, and carrier gas flow rate on ALD film deposition rate, process emissions and wastes. Full-cycle ALD simulations reveal that the depositions of nano-thin-films in ALD are in essence the chemisorption of the gaseous species and the conversion of surface species. Methane emissions are positively proportional to the film deposition process. The studies show that process temperature fundamentally affects the ALD chemical process by changing the energy states of the surface species. Pulse time is directly related to the precursor dosage. Purge time influences the ALD process by changing the gas-surface interaction time, and higher carrier gas flow rate alters the ALD flow field by accelerating the convective heat and mass transfer in ALD process.
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Considering sustainability in project management decision making; an investigation using Q-methodology

- Silvius, A.J.G., Kampinga, M., Paniagua, S., Mooi, H

  • Authors: Silvius, A.J.G. , Kampinga, M. , Paniagua, S. , Mooi, H
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Project , Project management , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/239178 , uj:24568 , Citation: Silvius, A.J.G. et al. 2015. Considering sustainability in project management decision making; an investigation using Q-methodology.
  • Description: Abstract: Sustainability is one of the most important challenges of our time. Projects play a pivotal role in the realization of more sustainable business practices and the concept of sustainability has also been linked to project management. However, how managers of projects consider sustainability in their operational daily work is still to be explored. This paper uses Q-methodology to investigate the consideration of sustainability aspects in the decision making processes of project managers. The research question was How are dimensions of sustainability considered in the decision-making processes of project managers in relation to the triple constraint of time, cost and quality? Based on the Q-sort of selected respondents, the study found that the consideration of sustainability principles is underrepresented, compared to the triple constraint criteria. However, the analysis of the individual Q-sorts revealed four distinct perspectives that differ significantly in their consideration of sustainability principles and triple constraint criteria.
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Context and strategy : managing Sanlam for and in change, 1945-2013

- Adri, Drotskie, Verhoef, Grietjie

Critical planning considerations for PPP road project sustainability : a case study approach

- Okoro, Chioma, Musonda, Innocent, Agumba, Justus

  • Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Public-private partnerships , Road infrastructure , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/278514 , uj:29890 , Citation: Okoro, C., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J. 2018. Critical planning considerations for PPP road project sustainability : a case study approach.
  • Description: Abstract: Road transport projects are complex and laden with risks and uncertainties which influence their success or otherwise; even more so, with projects involving the private sector. Private investors decide to proceed with projects based on projections of costs and benefits potentially accruing to a proposed project, which ultimately reflect the success or failure of the project. However, the risks associated with roads delivered through public-private-partnerships (PPP) are grave and if strategies are not put in place to reduce or mitigate the chances of their occurrence, the expected performance of the projects may not be realised. The current paper aims to identify critical feasibility considerations to ensure sustainability of PPP road projects. A thematic content analysis of extant literature and case study illustrations was undertaken. Journal and conference articles were sourced from databases including Academic Search Complete, ASCE Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, Taylor and Francis, Google and Science Direct. Findings revealed that joint decision-making and concessionaire selection procedure and considerations were the most important feasibility factors for PPP road projects sustainability. These factors should be taken cognisance of at the feasibility stage to ensure that mechanisms are put in place in order to realise expected project performance.
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Environmental influences on sustainability dimensions in the South African construction industry

- Mewomo, Modupe Cecilia, Aigbavboa, Clinton Ohis, Esther, Thobakgale Machela

Evaluating the sustainability of Rea Vaya System through measuring the service quality

- Lengana, Omphemetse, Mabaso, Phindile, Mavuso, Bhenkumuzi, Thaba, Sebonkile

  • Authors: Lengana, Omphemetse , Mabaso, Phindile , Mavuso, Bhenkumuzi , Thaba, Sebonkile
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: SERVQUAL Model , Sustainability , BRT System
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/288806 , uj:31319 , Citation: Lengana, O. et al. 2018. Evaluating the sustainability of Rea Vaya System through measuring the service quality.
  • Description: Abstract: This study aimed at assessing the sustainability of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system through assessing how the seven elements of service quality affects the commuters’ satisfaction with the service rendered by the Rea Vaya system, and the impact on its sustainability. The rationale for this assessment was to determine whether the system will continue to operate at a low cost for its customers, offer a high quality service that retains commuters and thus, sustaining Rea Vaya’s profitability in the future. A quantitative research method was used for this study, the method allows numerical data collection and enables the study to analyse data. The use of a quantitative data collection method helped in answering the primary and secondary objectives. A questionnaire was used as a means of collecting data handed out to BRT users at selected bus stations on specific routes in Johannesburg. The target population consisted of all users of the Rea Vaya BRT system. Rea Vaya transports an average of 16 000 commuters every day (Rea Vaya, 2009). The sampling unit can be found at five of the fifty-eight Rea Vaya stations currently operational. Data analysis included getting a summary of the mass of data that will be collected and presenting the results to communicate important findings.
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Exploring challenges impeding sustainable supply chain practices in mining sector

- Mulongo, Ndala Yves, Kholopane, Pule

  • Authors: Mulongo, Ndala Yves , Kholopane, Pule
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Mining industry , Challenges , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/243732 , uj:25194 , Citation: Mulongo, N.Y. & Kholopane, P. 2017. Exploring challenges impeding sustainable supply chain practices in mining sector.
  • Description: Abstract: Growing pressures from various players such as governments, non-governmental organizations, and customers have impelled business corporations to address the economic, environmental, and social issues associated with their supply chain activities. Consequently, the concept of sustainability has become a buzzword among scholars and industry practitioners. Although, the concept of sustainability is attaining high level of importance in Europe, America, and Asia due to its ability of ensuring environmental sustainability, in Africa the integration and application of sustainability’s concept is facing several challenges. To date, several studies were conducted to investigate the barriers affecting sustainability practices in mining sector at country’s level. However, an investigative study regarding the barriers of sustainability practices in mining sector of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which involve fifteen African countries is missing, this paper aims at filling this gap. The data were collected through a quantitative approach. At least 1 423 participants were involved in the survey. The findings revealed that the major barriers blocking the development of Sustainable Supply Chain in mining industry of SADC region include Lack of commitment on environmental deterioration, lack of communication and knowledge sharing, Ineffective monitoring and control system, lack of effective policy and legislation direction, high cost associated with the implementation of SSCM, Poor Supplier Commitment, lack of green practitioners, poor senior managements’ commitment, lack of recycling activities. Lack of Political commitment and support, Lack of managerial support and practical tools, and inadequate individual capacity.
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Exploring patterns of sustainability stimuli of project managers

- Marnewick, Carl, Silvius, Gilbert, Schipper, Ron

  • Authors: Marnewick, Carl , Silvius, Gilbert , Schipper, Ron
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Sustainability , Stimulus patterns , Project manager
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397872 , uj:33093 , Citation: Marnewick, C., Silvius, G. & Schipper, R. 2019. Exploring patterns of sustainability stimuli of project managers. Sustainability 2019, 11, 5016; doi:10.3390/su11185016
  • Description: Abstract: Sustainable project management is becoming important and the sustainability concepts of people, the planet and profit needs to be incorporated into any type of project. This article focuses on the behavior of the project manager per se and the stimuli patterns that motivate them to adhere to sustainable project management. Three stimuli patterns are used i.e., intrinsically motivated, pragmatic and task driven. To determine which of these patterns influence a project manager, a quantitative pair-wise comparison was used. Twelve statements were used in a pair-wise comparison resulting in a combination of 66 questions. A sample of 101 project managers was analyzed to determine the stimuli patterns. The results indicate that the most prevalent stimulus pattern is the intrinsically motivated pattern with the other two patterns equally important. The results are consistent across gender, age and types of projects as well as industries. It can be concluded that for this study, project managers incorporate sustainability because they feel that it is something they should do. The motivation to consider sustainability is dominated by their behavioral beliefs and the characteristics of the project, or the opinion of others, do not play a large role. This research contributes to the larger body of knowledge with regards to sustainable project management and specifically to the human behavior of project managers. This research addresses the gap that currently exists in current literature where the focus is on the product’s sustainability and sustainable processes.
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Exploring responsible project management education

- Silvius, Gilbert, Schipper, Ron

Facilities ensure sustainability in golf clubs in Gauteng

- Sao Joao, E.A., Spowart, J., Taylor, A.

  • Authors: Sao Joao, E.A. , Spowart, J. , Taylor, A.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Hospitality , Facilities , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214464 , uj:21284 , Citation: Sao Joao, E.A., Spowart, J & Taylor, A. 2016. Facilities ensure sustainability in golf clubs in Gauteng.
  • Description: Abstract: The visual aspects of the golf club facilities should create a desire in guests to return. The facilities of any hospitality establishment are referred to as the unrecognised champion that silently welcomes the guest to an area of comfort and safety. But these facilities are equally important to the employees who need to work within the walls, utilising equipment and systems in order to complete their daily tasks. Guests and employees do not look at the hospitality environment in the same way but the importance of maintenance and renovation of these facilities should not be underestimated. The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between golf facilities and sustainability. An explorative, mixed methods research design was used. The results indicated how the facilities contribute to the sustainability of the establishment. The facilities are the first feature of the golf /country club that the member sees. This requires constant upkeep and frequent renovations to attract contemporary members. The study contributes to the literature in the South African hospitality sector and established that there was a positive link between the golf facilities and sustainability.
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Incorporating sustainability into IT project management in South Africa

- Clinning, Grant, Marnewick, Carl

  • Authors: Clinning, Grant , Marnewick, Carl
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Sustainability , Project management , IT project management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/238095 , uj:24406 , Citation: Clinning, G. & Marnewick, C. 2017. Incorporating sustainability into IT project management in South Africa. South African Computer Journal 29(1), 1–26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18489/sacj.v29i1.398. , ISSN: 1015-7999 (Print) , ISSN: 2313-7835 (Online)
  • Description: Abstract: The concept of sustainability is becoming more and more important in the face of dwindling resources and increasing demand. Despite this, there are still many industries and disciplines in which sustainability is not actively addressed. The requirement of meeting current and future needs is not an issue from which IT projects are exempt. Ensuring sustainability requires managing sustainability in all activities. The field of IT and sustainability is one in which literature is appearing, but at a slow pace and this leaves many unanswered questions regarding the state of sustainability in IT projects and the commitment of IT project managers to sustainability. In not knowing what the state of sustainability is, potential shortcomings remain unknown and corrective action cannot be taken. Quantitative research was conducted through the use of a survey in the form of a structured questionnaire. This research was cross-sectional as the focus was to assess the state of sustainability at a single point in time. IT project managers were randomly sampled to get an objective view of how committed they were to sustainability. This research made use of a project management sustainability maturity model to measure the extent to which sustainability is incorporated into IT projects. The findings are that IT project managers are not committed to sustainability. While the economic dimension yielded the best results, they were not ideal, and it is in fact the social and environmental dimensions that require the most attention. This lacking commitment to the social and environmental dimensions is not limited to select aspects within each dimension, as each dimension’s aspects are addressed to a similarly poor extent. This research suggests that sustainability needs to become a focus for IT project managers, but for this to happen, they require the relevant project management sustainability knowledge.
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Maturity of sustainable development within information systems projects

- Marnewick, Carl

  • Authors: Marnewick, Carl
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Sustainability , Information systems , Capability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/236183 , uj:24165 , Citation: Marnewick, C. 2017. Maturity of sustainable development within information systems projects.
  • Description: Abstract: Sustainability or sustainability development has been a major topic of discussion over the last couple of years. Project management is also a discipline that is starting to focus on sustainability, but the focus is more on the environmental aspect of the project itself. Information systems (IS) projects do not have such a major impact on the environment as construction and engineering projects do. Should project managers that are implementing these ‘soft’ projects be concerned about sustainability? There is currently little or no knowledge about sustainability within the IS domain and whether sustainability is incorporated at all within IS projects. A structured questionnaire was adapted based on previous studies. It was circulated to the project management community within South Africa and a total of 1 099 responses were received. The responses covered all industries and for the purpose of this article, 387 IS projects (35.2% of the total projects) were analysed to determine the level of project management sustainability maturity. The objective of the study was to determine the level of capability regarding sustainability.
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On productivity of abrasive water jet machining for miniature gear manufacturing

- Gupta, Kapil

  • Authors: Gupta, Kapil
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Quality , Productivity , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/411272 , uj:34554 , Citation: Kapil Gupta 2020 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 709 044100 , DOI:10.1088/1757-899X/709/4/044100
  • Description: Abstract: Quality, productivity, and sustainability are three major indicators to evaluate the performance of any manufacturing process. Abrasive water jet machining (AWJM), which is an advanced or nonconventional machining process possess numerous benefits over conventional and other advanced processes for manufacturing of precision engineering components. Material removal rate directly indicates about the process productivity, and often finds contradictory to quality and sustainability. This paper reports the productivity of AWJM process while manufacturing miniature gears of brass. It is a part of experimental investigation conducted to manufacture high quality miniature brass gears using AWJM process. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array based experimental study where a total of nine experiments with two replicates each was conducted to evaluate the effect of AWJM parameters on miniature gear quality, process productivity and sustainability. AWJM parameters were optimized to enhance material removal rate and an optimum value of 18.80 mm3 /min was obtained. Furthermore, AWJM was identified as a superior to conventional machining processes for manufacturing of miniature gears.
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Political ecology of water resource governance in Ghana : towards sustainable pathway for decentralization and participatory water supply in rural communities of the Savannah Region

- Bazaanah, Prosper

  • Authors: Bazaanah, Prosper
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Political Ecology , Water Resource Governance , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/417812 , uj:35399 , Citation: Bazaanah, P. (2020). Political ecology of water resource governance in Ghana: Towards a sustainable pathway for decentralization and participatory water supply in rural communities of the Savannah Region. Int. J. Polit. Sci. Develop. 8(6) 252-279 , ISSN: 2360-784X , DOI: 10.14662/IJPSD2020.160
  • Description: Abstract: This rural-driven study utilized the liberal political framework to examine the political ecology of water resource governance as a sustainable pathway for decentralization and participatory water supply in rural communities of the Savannah Region. Methods utilized were quantitative, while the ontology and epistemology adopted the post-positivist approaches. Cross-sectional and probability approaches were used to draw a sample of 450 respondents. Self-designed questionnaires were administered while correlation and descriptive statistics were used for analysing the data. With 95% confidence interval and error margin (e) = 0.05, the decision rule for hypotheses test was stated as ‘accept null hypothesis (Ho) if p-value is greater than (˃) the alpha level (α)= 0.05 and do not accept the null hypothesis if the significant level (p-values) are less than or equal to (≤) the critical value (i.e. alpha level, α = 0.05)”. Results showed rural water systems continue to experience incessant cycle of failure, necessitating rehabilitation with resources which should have been used to provide water systems to first time beneficiaries. Training and logistical support, appropriate technologies, human resources, policy enforcement and financial capacities for engendering participatory governance have either been erratic or completely unavailable. Meanwhile, time limitation, family/occupational commitments, finance, social inequalities, knowledge levels and walking distance to decision centres, significantly influenced household’s participation in decision making on water in the communities. Since the “p-values” of the listed variables were generally less than (˂) the alpha level (α = 0.05), the null hypothesis (HO) was ruled out. Decentralized and participatory initiatives are required to transform the Community Water and Sanitation Agency into a professional, non-profit seeking and community-based public utility service-oriented organization. An effective approach for sustaining water delivery is by promoting participatory self-governance and co-management of water systems. This require a shift from the current ineffective Community Management Model (CMM) into a liberal political ecological governance model, with emphasis on synergizing international, national, local government, civil societies and community management efforts and exploration of their comparative advantages. This model should enable the decentralization of financial, human resources, administrative capacities and empowerment of the local communities to participate effectively in public water services delivery.
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Privatization of urban public spaces and its impact on sustainable cities and social inclusion

- Ntakana, Khululekani, Mbanga, Sijekula

  • Authors: Ntakana, Khululekani , Mbanga, Sijekula
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Privatization , Inclusivity , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/405690 , uj:34077 , Citation: Ntakana, K. & Mbanga, S. 2019. Privatization of urban public spaces and its impact on sustainable cities and social inclusion.
  • Description: Abstract: The privatization of urban public spaces (UPS) raises questions about the sustainability of urban settings and the impact that privatization has on social inclusion and access to urban land and well developed public spaces. This paper reports and discusses findings from a critical review of local and international literature on the privatization of UPS. Although cities partner with the private sector in the planning, development, maintenance and management of UPS in attempt to build socially cohesive, environmentally friendly, and economically competitive cities, the review findings reveal that privatization is associated with the decreasing ‘publicness’ of UPS and shortcomings in the fulfilment of social and political responsibilities. Some of these shortcomings are the result of cities using privatization as a vehicle for economic development and financial revenue and not necessarily incorporating all sustainability attributes in terms of city planning and development. This paper argues that local authorities, city planning decision makers and the interests they are pursuing, influence the sustainable and socially cohesive design of cities.
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Prospective inclination of research and engineering education

- Agbenyeku, Emmanuel Emem-Obong, Muzenda, Edison, Msibi, Innocent Mandla

  • Authors: Agbenyeku, Emmanuel Emem-Obong , Muzenda, Edison , Msibi, Innocent Mandla
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Sustainability , Engineering education , Sociotechnical systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/123934 , uj:20853 , Citation: Agbenyeku, E.E., Muzenda, E & Msibi, I.M. 2016. Prospective inclination of research and engineering education.
  • Description: Abstract: The roles of Engineers are generally vital as their knowledge and expertise play a pivotal part in societal improvement, offer empowering ideas, innovations and initiatives that motivate financial and economic progress, enrich social and physical infrastructures, and also stimulate transformations that advance quality and standard of living. Concurrently, there are enormous challenges weighing on all facets of research and development (R&D), industry and manufacturing owing to globalization and circulated manufacturing. On this note, the corporate and commercial setting of manufacturing enterprises are categorized by incessant modification and growing intricacies. Most companies are in dire need of dynamic technical solutions as well as handling composite socio-technical systems geared towards substantially contributing to the sustainable growth and development of manufacturing and the environment. For this reason, in the ever changing industrial and business world of Engineering, Health delivery, Environment, Transportation, Logistics and Supply chain amongst others, researchers and graduates are profusely required once they display the ability to comprehend both composite technological processes and the resourceful arts and social skills. Thus, through the proficient technical and communication skills of engineering managers, various team-based activities are successfully supervised and executed. As such, aiming at the crucial role of engineering in solving simple to compound global problems make the career attractive to all gender of students.
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Regenerative sustainability in South Africa through mixed in-come housing development

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku, Aigbavboa, Clinton O.

  • Authors: Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku , Aigbavboa, Clinton O.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Regenerative sustainability , Mixed-income housing programme , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceeding
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/92523 , uj:20238 , Citation: Thwala D. W. & Aigbavboa, O.C. 2016. Regenerative sustainability in South Africa through mixed in-come housing development.
  • Description: Abstract: The provision of adequate and regenerative sustainable housing remains a key priority for the South Africa government. The South African Government has since 1994 initiated and implemented several housing delivery programmes and subsidy mechanisms to eliminate the incidence of ‘slum housing’, its associated poverty and destructive effect to the ecological environment. This include the mixed housing programmes which has been allude to have positive social impact and the potential for interaction between different social spheres and income groups, reduction of negative area effects (for example, low aspirations and low-level crime), a mix of different people from various backgrounds in the local community, attracting and supporting a higher level of services, provision for a change in household composition in one neighbourhood and the creation of additional employment opportunities through higher disposal income in the area. All this attributes steams from the fact that sustainable housing and environmental development requires a new understanding to effectively and synergistically address the pressing issues of sustainability which include climate change. In South Africa, housing development is no longer regarded as simply ‘a roof over one’s head’, but housing development is seen as a crucial role player in achieving regenerative sustainable development – as envisaged by the idea of sustainable housing. Hence this article aims to reveal the effectiveness of the mixed-income integrated development programme, and to access how the programme create sustainable regenerative environment for the occupants of the mixed-income housing. The data used in this article were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained through the survey method, while the secondary data was derived from the review of literature. The primary data for the study was collected through a structured questionnaire survey distributed to a sample of 80 mixed-income households in Fleurhoff in Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Findings from the questionnaire survey revealed that the programme makes better environment and has been effective through the creation better neighbourhood, urban revitalization and improvement of the occupants’ quality of life. The article closes with recommendations on how mixed-income housing can be better adapted to support the regenerative sustainability process and the improvement of the human environment.
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Renewable energy: deployment and the roles of energy storage

- Masebinu, S. O., Akinlabi, Esther Titilayo, Muzenda, E., Aboyade, A. O.

  • Authors: Masebinu, S. O. , Akinlabi, Esther Titilayo , Muzenda, E. , Aboyade, A. O.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Energy storage , Environment , Renewable energy , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/93707 , uj:20381 , Citation: Masebinu, S.O. et al. 2016. Renewable energy: deployment and the roles of energy storage.
  • Description: Abstract: Hydro energy still remains the highest RE contributor to electricity generation globally, nevertheless, trends in solar and wind energy has shown increasing investment in RE. Though a decline in investment was observed between 2012 and 2013, yet investment in RE exceeded that of non-RE in the excess of $80 billion dollar. In 2014, investment increased by 16%. As developed countries get saturated with RE technologies, developing countries are now the focus for investment. Wistfully, path dependency problem, lack of adequate infrastructure and policy framework have been highlighted as the major barrier to RE deployment in developing countries. Also, lack of harmonised government agency for RE implementation, incentives and educational gap are the institutional and social barriers. Energy Storage (ES) is being promoted as the “game changer” with capability of smoothening the variability associated with the two RE technologies, wind and solar, with the highest deployment rate. Recent developments are indicative of cost reduction for ES. This paper therefore presents a concise and holistic review of renewable energy (RE) technologies for electricity generation and assess the roles of ES in mitigating intermittency associated with their generation profile.
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Rhetoric or Practice Planning in the midst of a multitude of demands and expectations

- Mbinza, Zenzile

  • Authors: Mbinza, Zenzile
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Planning , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference Proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/15841 , uj:15708 , Mbinza, Z, 2012. Rhetoric or Practice? Planning in the midst of a multitude of demands and expectations. Planning Africa Conference, 17 – 19 September, 2012, Durban International Convention Centre.
  • Description: Abstract Planning has lost its soul. The ebb and flow of spatial economics, the only determinant of successful places and/or regions, dictates ritual to the detriment of innovation, ingenuity and in some instances, logic. The plethora of rules, programmes and processes that plague planning have rendered it (planning) redundant and reactive. In this way, planning has increasingly alienated its original purpose: to sensitise the environment to humankind’s needs to the environment’s abundant opportunities in the midst of the environment’s fragility and sensitivity. Contemporary challenges including civil wars, global warming, climate change and rampant economic recessions are nothing short of catastrophic considering mankind’s higher intellectual capacities. Rather than being the conduit for change, planning, through rules and numerous protocols, has tamed its protagonists to such an extent that it has systematically mechanised its agents into narrow-minded thinking pawns. Planning proponents need to rediscover the very purpose of planning: to imagine better alternate futures and to continuously seek the means of attaining these futures. Planning’s interdisciplinary nature requires flexibility unparalleled to any other profession whose aims are to improve societies livelihoods and the sustainability of human settlements. This paper seeks to redefine the role of planning in society. In addition, it aims to explore and rationalise planning in such a way that lessens its bureaucracy and habitualness. Thus, the role of the ordinary citizen in planning is questioned and garnered for. Lastly, entrenched modes of thinking, at least as far as planning is concerned, are challenged and alternative, more proactive approaches suggested. I will conduct a cross analysis of contemporary planning tools and procedures. It is envisaged that this cross analysis will elucidate the shortcomings or gaps in planning in solving contemporary settlement and societal issues. The gaps identified will act as justifications for the need to change our approach to implementing planning tools and in reorganising our thinking in planning generally.
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Sport tourism as a local economic development enhancer for emerging destinations

- Nyikana, Siyabulela, Tichaawa, Tembi M.

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