Volume 04 Issue 01

OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open access peer-reviewed journal

Conceptual Intelligent Building (IB) Design Framework to Improve The Level of User Comfort towards Sustainable Energy Efficient Strategies: Proposal Validation
Muhd Zaimi Abd Majid a, Hasannudin Bin Lamit b, Ali Keyvanfar c , Arezou Shafaghat d, Hamed Golzarpoor e , Hamed Ganjbakhsh f , Alireza Arianmehr g
a, c, d Construction Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, 81310, Malaysia,
b Sustainable Research Alliance (SUTRA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, 81310, Malaysia,
e University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
f Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, 81310, Malaysia,
g Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, 81310, Malaysia

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 11-15, 2012

Abstract: This study introduces an Intelligent Building (IB) design framework. The IB design framework is considered as a sustainable proposal, based on understandings on “Energy Efficiency (EE) as environmental strategy”, “User comfort as social performance”, “IB as economic platform of building performance”. The framework proposes the stepwise sequence of activities to be taken by design team. This paper is to report the design phase of framework development process.

Keywords: Intelligent Building (IB), Energy Efficient in Building, Building User Comfort, IB Design Framework, Sustainable Thinking

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Building Thoughtfulness Ontology for Sustainable Decision Making
Musarrat Jabeen a
a International Relations Department, University of Balochistan, Sariab Road, Quetta, Pakistan.

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 19-26, 2012

Abstract
Purpose
Thoughtfulness[1] has received little attention in Decision Support System (DSS); at local-regional and international levels. Based on this concern this paper focuses on developing prototype architecture of thoughtfulness ontology for decision support system that can help top level decision making. The DSS with addition of thoughtfulness is intended to be used to construct thoughtfulness in decision making.
Findings
Typically the decisions are influenced by five factors and variables that are based on self DSS, Social DSS, Organizational DSS, Political DSS and Power DSS. A ring road of thoughtfulness is required to inscribe in five of DSS’s.
Design/methodology/approach
The systemic approach is applied to assess thoughtfulness in DSS with two paradigms; one is time and the other is space. Time is defined as the impact of bygone thoughtfulness vis-à-vis relationship with human and natural environment. Space is defined as the impact of globalization[2] on thought of business and society. In this research, we propose to integrate thoughtfulness to DSS. The process will begin with extraction of key concepts and relationships between thoughtfulness, sustainable decision making. The paper will presents a case study that contains clear concepts for the thoughtfulness and sustainable decisions.
Originality/value
Thoughtfulness has not often been referred to in the realm of decision making. It is not tended to think of thoughtfulness as something that, like muscles, can be worked out and strengthened. This study emphasizes the construction of thoughtfulness. We believe it is useful for DSS in general, and present a call to arms for further research into DSS. The intended users are the top decision makers.

Keywords: Decision support system, governance system, sustainable decision making, thoughtfulness ontology

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Sidewalk Design Decision Support Tool: To Measure Built Environment Variables Influencing Resident Walking Behaviour
Hasannudin Bin Lamit a, Muhd Zaimi Abd. Majid b, Arezou Shafaghat c, Ali Keyvanfar d, Tassaduq Abbas Malik e
a Sustainable Research Alliance (SUTRA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, 81310, Malaysia.
b, c, d Construction Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia,
e Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, 81310, Malaysia

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 27-35, 2012

Abstract: The association between built environment and human physical activity is a controversial issue to the discipline of urban design, specially, to the other disciplines, including, urban planning, transportation planning, landscape architecture, architecture. Indeed, the association between built environment and physical activity has mostly been mostly considered in the community macro-scale rather that the individual micro-scale. Direct assessment of the association between built environment and individual’s walking activity as it derives from personal reactions and perceptions are still rare in urban design field of research. To date, the urban design body of knowledge grown to subtler ‘physical and environmental qualities’ that may influence personal walking behaviour. Indeed, the physical and environmental qualities as ‘perceptual qualities’ reflects basic attributes of urban design  which is needed to be considered as the concept of ‘walkability’. To implement the concept of ‘walkability’ that covers both ‘perceptual qualities’ and ‘personal reactions’ for residents living in a local neighbourhood, essentially, it needs to develop a ‘Decision Support Tool’. Indeed, this tool aids to collect and integrate professionals’ various alternative solutions and preferences. This tool contributes them to achieve more accurately the final decision regarding future sidewalk development in a targeted neighbourhood.  The current research used ‘Grounded Group Decision Making’ (GGDM) method. In fact, the output of GGDM will contribute the professionals interfere making decision for future development of a local neighbourhood based on the concept of walkability and personal reactions.  The reliable and valid output of this tool contributes local government authority professionals, practitioners, and also academic researchers to measure and evaluate the association between a targeted local neighbourhood environment and its residents’ walking behaviour in Malaysia. In contrast with previous assessment models, this model can be applied in other countries if they follow this system design procedure and convert and adopt it with their neighbourhood urban contexts.

Keywords: Walkability, Built Environment, Walking Behaviour, Group Decision Making, Decision Support Tool

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How Custom-Built Rain Simulators Counter the Effects of Failed Monsoons: An Agricultural and Hydrological Study
Tushar Agarwal a, Peeyush Khare b, Sat Ghosh c, d
a ,b  Civil Engineering Department, SMBS, VIT University, Vellore, India.
c School of Mechanical and Building Sciences, VIT University, Vellore, India,
d School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 35-42, 2012

Abstract: In this paper, we present new research results on hydrological and agricultural applications of a cost effective Rain Simulator devised by us-the first paper received world wide publicity during EGU 2011 and mainly described its fabrication, operation and uniqueness. A further careful analysis of monsoon records reveals that the years 1972, 1987, 2002 and 2009 had deficit south-west monsoon precipitations in India. This not only slowed down the country’s economy, but also saw a spurt of needless farmer suicides, which could have been averted with the use of Rain Simulators. We suggest that with government subsidies, our rain simulators, particularly suitable for cultivating crops such as cotton grown on individual plots, be used every time the nation experiences a deficit monsoon. Costing only USD 300 a piece, our simulators are affordable by an average Indian farmer (based on his purchasing power parity). This study ensured that the resultant drop size distributions for both the north-east and the south-west monsoons broadly matched recently measured rain droplet spectra. At a constant nozzle pressure (varying between 17 to 35 psi), for different cross-wind speeds (varying between 1.5 ms-1 to 4.5 ms-1), there is a critical nozzle angle at which the areal coverage is optimum at 45 square feet. This suggests that with a government subsidy, if five of these portable simulators are used, then an average Indian cotton farmland can be hydrated during lean seasons. These results can inform manufacturers worldwide to design products matching a nation’s precipitation profile.

Keywords: Rainfall Simulator, Drop size distribution, Monsoon

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A Comparison of the Motivations of Malay and Chinese Entrepreneurs in Urban Malaysia
Wei Ying Chong a
a Faculty of Business and Accountancy, Department of Policy and Strategy
City Campus, University of Malaya, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 43-52, 2012

Abstract: This study sets out to investigate the motivation of entering into a business amongst urban Malaysian entrepreneurs. In addition, this empirical research was undertaken to compare the motivations of the Malay entrepreneurs and Chinese entrepreneurs. Data was collected using a questionnaire that was conducted through face to face approach. Thirteen Likert-style questions were used to determine start-up motivations.  The mean score were calculated and compared to test for significant differences.  Results revealed that the primary motivators across ethnics were the opportunity to increase income and to prove they could do it. No significant differences were found while comparing the motivators between the Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs. A factor analysis was conducted to determine whether the thirteen motivational items could be synthesized into distinct factors. Three motivation factors were found: a family factor, an independence factor, and an intrinsic factor. Some limitation and potential future research are discussed.

Keywords: Cross-cultural comparison, Empirical Study, Entrepreneurs, Motivations, Small and medium enterprises

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Exergy Analysis of High Temperature Biomass Gasification
Ethel D. Kasembe a, Geoffrey R. John b , Cuthbert F. Mhilu c
a, b, c College of Engineering and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 53-60, 2012

Abstract: Biomass gasification is considered as one of the most promising thermo-chemical technologies but the gasifier unit renders itself to internal inefficiencies. This paper addresses the gasifier performance analysis using the exergy analysis modeling which utilizes both the first and second laws of thermodynamics. An exergy model incorporating a chemical equilibrium model is developed. Gasification is envisaged to be carried out at atmospheric pressure of 1 bar with the typical biomass feed, sugarcane bagasse, represented by the formula CH1.42 O0.65 N0.0026 at the temperature range of 800-1400K. In the model, the exergy contained in the biomass was converted into chemical exergy of the product gas, physical exergy, the rest was the unavailable energy due to process of irreversibilities (losses). The model evaluated the product gas molar concentrations and efficiency. The results from the model showed that the mole concentration of H2 increased from 9.8% to 23.7% and the formation of CO2 ranges from 5.6% to 12.1%. While this is the case for H2 and CO2, CO mole concentration is reduced from 26.9% to 17.4%.  The maximum efficiencies value obtained based on chemical energy and physical exergy was lower than the efficiency value based on chemical exergy (84.64% vs. 76.94%). This is because the sensible or physical heat (used for drying biomass) is less beneficial for the efficiency based on total exergy. Hence, the gasification efficiency can be improved by increasing the temperature with the change of equivalence ratio (ER) and with the addition of heat in the process.

Keywords: Biomass; Efficiency; Equilibrium Model; Exergy Analysis; High Temperature Gasification

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GHG Emission and Abatement Potential Assessment: The Case of Solid Waste Management System in Metro Manila, Philippines
Jovelyn Ferrer a
a Center for Sustainable Human Development, Development Academy of the Philippines
San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines.

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 61-70, 2012

Abstract: Management of solid waste has always been a problem in our society. With economic growth, lifestyle changes and population increase, challenges are expected to aggravate. The negative impacts related to solid waste management (SWM) can be considered as a local problem with global implication considering the resource, energy and greenhouse gas emission associated with it. The goal of this study is to assess the challenges of SWM in Metro Manila, Philippines in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission as well as the abatement potentials. Solid waste is recognized as an important contributor to global warming due to methane (CH4) emission from solid waste disposal sites. Through the first-order decay method, emission from the region’s solid waste disposal sites was quantified. The resulting amount of CH4 emission was used to estimate the potential of utilizing landfill gas (LFG) for energy. The estimate shows significant amount of energy that could be provided by LFG-to-energy instead of fossil fuel source. Over all GHG emission from SWM practice was also assessed through the life cycle inventory (LCI). Among the SWM elements considered are collection, transportation and landfilling. The result affirms that CH4 from landfilling has the greatest contribution to the SWM GHG emission. Although emission from the fuel consumption when collecting and transporting is very low as compared to landfilling emission, it is still important to be addressed for environmental protection and economic benefits. As the scenarios suggest, emission could be reduced if the amount of waste to be transported will be lessened and if the LFG will be recovered and used for energy.

Keywords: GHG emission, landfill, methane, solid waste management, waste-to-energy, life cycle inventory

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Sustainable Forest Governance in a Changing Climate: Impacts of REDD Program on the Livelihood of Poor Communities in Nepalese Community Forestry
Shaligram Neupane a, Krishna K. Shrestha b
a, b Urban and Regional Planning and Policy, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning
University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
b School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 71-82, 2012

Abstract: Sustainable forest governance is critical to a debate over how multi-faceted impacts of climate change can be addressed at the local community level. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) is a financial incentive-based carbon emission reduction program of the United Nations (UN) which will likely change the ways community forests in many developing countries are accessed and used. In particular, the REDD program may reduce the access and use of forest products to poor communities who are heavily dependent on forests for their livelihoods. This paper aims to investigate whether and how the REDD program affects community forestry program in Nepal, particularly in relation to the livelihoods of forest dependent poor communities. It examines conceptual and policy aspects of REDD program in respect to Nepalese community forestry policy through the literature review, and also draws upon the current research in three community forestry cases. It then focuses on the analysis of impacts of the REDD program, viz.– a) access and use of community forests for poor communities, b) benefit and costs of REDD program to poor communities, and c) benefits (or costs) sharing mechanism (i.e. who gets what, when and how?). The paper identifies issues of REDD program in relation to community forestry and local livelihoods, particularly the livelihoods of the poorer groups. The paper provides a critique of the market driven, financial incentive-based REDD program to be not sympathetic to the decentralized forest governance. Despite community forestry has proven to be more equitable than the top-down centralized approach to forest governance, we argue that REDD seems to encourage the top-down approach, and therefore it seems to be anti-community forestry. Further, it does not really safeguard the interest and need of poor and disadvantaged communities who are directly dependent on forests. The paper concludes by underpinning the need to rethink forest governance in a changing climate with due consideration of persisting poverty in many developing countries.

Keywords: community forestry, equity, forest governance, Nepal and REDD

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Factors Affecting Farmers’ Agro Tourism Involvement in Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Puvaneswaran Kunasekaran a, Sridar Ramachandran b, Zaiton Samdin c, Khairil Wahidin Awang d
a Department of Department of Social and Development Science,
Faculty of Human Ecology,University Putra Malaysia
b, c Institute of Tropical, Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia
d Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 83-90, 2012

Abstract: This paper presents a review and understanding of the concept agro tourism as a sustainable tourism product. Data drawn from Cameron Highlands, Pahang, a well established agro tourism destination in Malaysia. Agro tourism or farm tourism is a subset of rural tourism which allows the tourists to experience the farming activities. Rural tourism is based on rural environment in general whereas agro tourism is based on the farm and farmer within the rural area. This means that agro tourism operations are based on the agricultural production (e.g., a tractor ride, self plucking, fishing, milking). The misconception of agro tourism as a product that is less profitable appeared due to the existence of other dominant rural tourism products such as eco tourism and nature tourism. Inadequate previous research on the farmers’ perception of agro tourism has created a clear gap in this area. Gaps identified include inadequate research done on agro tourism practices among farmers and their attitude towards diversifying agricultural to obtain added value. Naturalistic inquiry technique was used to elicit the data from ground. The awareness and knowledge of agro tourism practice from the point of view of the farmers were captured. The understanding of the farmers’ opinion on agro tourism is essential because they are the key players of the agro tourism industry. The results also show that the farmers from the concentrated tourism areas tended to have a positive perception of agro tourism, because they were directly involved in tourism. The outcome supports the social exchange theory, where it is evident that people who obtain benefits from tourism, support tourism.

Keywords: Agro tourism; Naturalistic inquiry; Sustainable tourism

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Bureaucratic Bottlenecks And Organizational Behavior Amongst Local Government Employees In Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Adebimpe A. Adenugba a, Ojuge O. Folorunsho b
a, b Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Volume 04, Issue 01, Pg. 91-112, 2012

Abstract: In the wake of the industrial revolutions in the 18th Century, the new organized workplace which is quite a contrast of the traditional agrarian settings emerged with various challenges. These challenges bothered so much on two distinct areas, managing the heterogeneous persons at work and the work procedures itself. So the need of various structures and strategies became, imperative, thus the Max Weber bureaucratic model, as proposed by him stood out as inevitable rational model for the workplace management. This study explored related literatures and studies in order to examine the relationship between Bureaucracy and organizational behavior. The Max Weber and Alvin Gouldner theories supported by the Post –Bureaucratic theory of Heckscher and Donnellon were used as theoretical framework. The study was carried out amongst local government employees, in three local government councils out of the in Ibadan. These were Ibadan South West, Ibadan South and Oluyole local governments respectively and the total population for the study was 369employees. The main instrument for gathering data was questionnaire for 279 employees. Focus Group Discussions were conducted for 6 groups with 2 sessions (Senior and Junior) in each local government. Six interview sections were conducted in each local government. Information was also gathered through personal observation by the researchers. The information from the quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) while the quantitative data was analyzed through manual content analysis as well as ethnographic summaries. Findings revealed that the Local Government employees were aware of the set down rules and regulations of their organization – 87.8% claimed they were aware were 12.2% were ignorant. . Laid down rules and regulation affect how employees carryout their work activities; 63.4% claimed rules and regulations affected efficiency while 36.6% had a contrary opinion.  81.0% were of the opinion that the rigidity of the administrative system greatly influenced employees’ performance while 19.0% could not establish the relationship. . The rules and regulation put in place in the Local Government do not allow employees to freely make use of their initiatives in decision making; 68.8% claimed they are not allowed to use their initiatives while 35% preferred working by the rules.  The policies on employees training in the Local Government were not gender biased; however training programmes were not properly organized. In conclusion the study recommends that the Local government should revisit the rules and regulations guiding employees work with a view to loosening the rigidity of some of them especially pertaining to lessening the vertical structures that cage employees to use their initiate vis-a—vis their innovations. Local government buildings and offices should be refurbished and equipped with modern technology so as to create good working environment for employees, to boost work performance. A lasting programme of total re-habilitation of Local Government work operation resources; capital, land, material needs and human resources should be put in place as a matter of urgency

Keywords: Bureaucracy, Employees. Local Government, Organization, Organizational behavior

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