OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open access peer-reviewed journal
Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism Development: Comparative on Methods and Applications
Masitah Muhibudin a, Badaruddin Mohamed b
a, b Sustainable Tourism Research Cluster, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 12-20, 2012.
Abstract: In general, sustainable development is a concept that promotes the protection of resources in the future. The issues of sustainable development has been discussed and promoted worldwide in various fields including tourism. The elements of sustainable have been enforced to be considered in every development stage. Meanwhile, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) has promoted the application of sustainable indicator since the early 1990s as essential instruments for policy-making, planning and management processes at destinations. Despite growing number of revenue to local community and business operators, tourism brings other challenges towards the environmental protection. Each destination has limited resources that can be consumed by tourism activities. For example, the increased numbers of tourists will have negative consequences in its natural resources in which pressure from tourism activities, would lead to damage on physical and ecological features. As a result, various actions have been taken by the respective authorities to solve the problem by identifying various tools to measure the sustainability such as; Impact Assessment, Environmental Auditing (EA), Carrying Capacity (CC), Sustainable Tourism Benchmarking Tool (STBT), Certification and Eco-Labeling, and others. However, are those methods suitable for every type of tourism development? Recognizing the importance of sustainable elements in tourism development, this paper aims to review on previous studies or practices related with sustainable tourism. The review would comprise the framework, assessment approaches, criteria, indicator and others. However, there are arguments concerning on the assessment methods, which present more on theoretical rather than practical suitability which will be discussed further. On the other hand, the discussion also will be focused on the approaches that has been developed or practiced by few countries including Malaysia. It is perhaps through the discussions, we are able to have a better understanding of the complexities of approaches in measuring the sustainability in tourism development.
Keywords: assessment tools, indicators, sustainable tourism development
Religions Quest for Peace: A Comparison between Islém and Christianity
Ahmad Faosiy Ogunbado a, Asia Musad Al-Otaibi b
a, b ISTAC, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Persiaran Duta,
Taman Duta, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 20-29, 2012.
Abstract: There had been conflict between the adherents of different religions or faiths longtime ago. In some cases, the adherents of two or more religions managed to live together in peace and harmony but with few grievances, which sometimes may not lead to violence. This paper intends to look into the concept of peace in two major religions, which have many adherents across the globe i.e IslÉm and Christianity. The paper looks into the meaning and importance of peace in IslÉm. Following the same trend, it ex-rays the meaning and importance of peace in Christianity. As a means of questing for peace, both religions call for tolerance. That is to say, tolerance is one of the virtues that both religions strongly encouraged. The paper therefore, studies this virtue from both religions perspectives. It concludes that both religions really quest for peace and gives some suggestions for way forward in order for peace and tranquility to prevail in our societies. The research methodology utilized is qualitative method. It is a library-oriented research, where information and data are taken from books, magazines and other literature. Moreover, the sacred books of both religions (the Qur’Én and Bible) are used as primary sources.
Keywords: Christianity, IslÉm, peace, religion, tolerance and virtue.
An Investigation of the Influence of Flooded Household Environments on Maternal Health of Flood Plain Dwellers in Makurdi, Central Nigeria
Arc Irene D. Mngutyo a
a Geography/Urban and Regional Planning Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 30-39, 2012.
Abstract: Flooding negatively affects the quality of household environments. Studies indicate that household environments are decisive on health, more so maternal health. Makurdi town located in the Benue valley is experiencing increased seasonal flooding attributed to climate change and anthropogenic factors. This study has investigated the effect of flooded household environments on maternal health of flood plains dwellers in Makurdi. Structured questionnaires were administered on 20 female flood plain dwellers randomly sampled in the residential neighborhoods of Wadata, Akpehe, Idye, Logo, low level and Wurukum, giving a total of 120 respondents. The household environment was assessed using five parameters namely water supply, cooking environment, surrounding environment, household waste disposal and sleeping environment. These parameters were used as variables and tested for correlation with women who have given birth. Results indicate that in the flood plains, 82% of the women have children and one in every four pregnancies is lost. The cooking environment in the flood plain households is classified as fair, human waste disposal environment is classified as average while generated wastes environment is poor. The sleeping environment and water supply environments in the flood plains are classified as good. Women who are having children correlated with the sleep environment shows a positive relationship (+ 0.011). Surrounding environment correlated with women who are producing children shows a positive relationship (+ 0.033). Productive women in the flood plains correlated positively (+0.056) with the cooking environment. With the waste environment there was a negative correlation (-0.098) and the water supply environment correlated with productive women indicates also a positive relationship (+0.68). This research demonstrates that maternal health is compromised in floodplain environments in Makurdi and Improving household environments should be crucial and should be taken into consideration when policy decisions are taken concerning planning for these areas.
Keywords: Cities, Developing Nations, Flooding, Household Environment, Maternal health.
Measuring Poverty Through Capabilities: Preliminary Results of a Research in Italy
Maurizio Norcia a, Antonella Rissotto b, Elisa Noci c
a, b Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies – CNR, Via San Martino della Battaglia, Rome, Italy.
c Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Educazione, Università Roma , Italy.
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 40-47, 2012.
Abstract: Our intervention will be focused on a research on poverty that the National Research Council has been conducting for three years. Poverty has been considered from a multidimensional perspective, taking into account, in addition to the traditional aspects of income and consumptions, also socio-psychological aspects, such as, for example, people’s subjective perception of their own status, impoverishing factors, and social capital. As a preliminary step for a new data collection that has been completed, the researchers of the NRC have defined a list of dimensions related to well-being and deprivation, from the point of view of senian capabilities’ approach. The presentation will show preliminary analysis of data, which have mainly focused on the definition of profiles related to specific socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and what emerges from their answers.
Keywords: Capabilities, functionings, poverty, socio-economic status perception, multidimensional approach
Words on Poverty: Preliminary Research Results in Italy
Maurizio Norcia a, Antonella Rissotto b, Elisa Noci c
a, b Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies – CNR, Via San Martino della Battaglia, Rome, Italy.
c Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Educazione, Università Roma, Italy.
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 48-56, 2012.
Abstract: This study analyses the attributions of causality and the representations about poverty and wealth in order to better understand people’s perception and to suggest adequate and shared interventions. The data we analyzed refer to a 2009 research which has been carried out on a sample of 2000 participants in Italy. A Principal Component Analysis has allowed the identification of three components relating to internal, external and metaphysical attributions for the phenomena of poverty and wealth. Following analysis have showed significant relations between attributions and factors like real economic status (income), perceived socio-economic status, sex, education level, political orientation and media use. The second step has consisted in comparing respondent’s perception of the phenomenon (his representation of impoverishing factors, related to himself or to others) and his attributional style, focusing on possible relations between the outcomes of this comparison and other socio-economic categories. In this way we have been able to focus on hypothetical “trends” of attributions, analyzing the dynamic of beliefs as the suggested scenario becomes closer and closer to the individual.
Keywords: Causal attributions, poverty, socio-economic status perception, multidimensional approach
Environmental Conscious Behaviour among Male and Female Malaysian Consumers
Ramly Zuraidah a , Hashim Nor Hashima b , Kalthom Wan Yahya c ,
Siti Aishah Mohamad d
a Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
b,c,d Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang, Kampus Jengka, Lintasan Semarak,
Bandar Pusat Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia.
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 56-66, 2012.
Abstract: This paper aims to investigate gender differences in perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE), environmental concern (EC) and environmental conscious behavior among Malaysian consumers. A survey has been developed and administered with total sample of 319 achieved across the country. Statistical analysis using SPSS is employed to examine the comparison between the two groups. Results from independent t-test shows that there was significant difference between male and females in PCE than EC. In addition, findings reveal female consumers are more positive than their male counterparts when they engage in environmental conscious behavior. Likewise, results indicate PCE is the most significant predictor of environmental conscious behavior among both male and female Malaysian consumers. These findings may assist Malaysian policy makers in making decisions related to environmental education and protection as well as for marketers to fine-tune their target consumers with environmentally focused promotional campaigns and marketing programmes
Keywords: Environmental Concern, Ecologically Conscious Consumer, Perceived Consumer Effectiveness, gender.
Potential of Rainwater Harvesting Implementation in Malaysia from Multiple Economic Impacts Measures
Nurul Farhana Mohd Rais a , Sarajul Fikri Mohamed b
a, b Department of Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 83100 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 66-72, 2012.
Abstract: Rapid urbanization induced by population growth will face water shortages due to increase demand of water and it is expected to be more severe in the future. According to the National Water Resources Report 2000-2050 by the Economic Planning Unit, the demand for treated water would grow between 2% and 3.5% annually for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, thus the major cities in Malaysia possibly will face a water crisis situation. It was also mentioned that in 2014, these cities will face an expected water deficit of 476 m/l/d when demand exceeds supply. Rainwater harvesting (RHW) is one of the promising, but challenging system and its approach into a building as an effective way to minimize the use of treated water can help to cope with water deficit. Due to limited knowledge and promotion on this system, the RWH practice is unpopular in this country despite the high total rainfall amount in Malaysia. A proper design with economic impact characteristic will significantly give good effect not only to a project, but also the opportunity it represents. This paper is to identify the importance of RWH system in sustainable development and its potential of utilization benefits for new development. The significant of RWH on environmental and economic impacts are also discussed.
Keywords: Economic impact, Rainwater harvesting system, Sustainable development, Water shortages.
Potentials of Boutique Hotel: The Case of Penang Island, Malaysia
Sharareh Khosravi a, Izatul Yussof b, Azizi Bahauddin c, Badaruddin Mohamed d
a, b, c, d Sustainable Tourism Research Cluster (STRC), USM, Penang, Malaysia.
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 72-80, 2012.
Abstract: Recently, Malaysian contemporary hotel industry is experiencing an increased differentiation of new products’ offerings due to a high level of demands. This study aims to investigate what are the factors attracting guests to boutique hotels, to define how such factors fulfil guests’ special inclinations, and finally to understand the potential of boutique hotels as attractions in Penang Island/ Malaysia. The study’s methods included a review of the literature and a survey of boutique hotel consumers in Penang Island. The findings supported those of previous studies and may assist boutique hotels’ owners and operators to satisfy guests’ needs more effectively. Moreover, practical suggestions are made for boutique hotel operators and those wishing and willing to enter the market. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study may help the Tourism Ministry of Malaysia and other relevant associations to finalize an adequate grading system for boutique hotels, and gain substantial insight in order to market and promote this particular segment of the accommodation industry in Malaysia.
Keywords: Potential, Boutique Hotels, Hotel attributes, Penang Island
Malaysia Malay Religious Dilemma in a Multifaith Atmosphere
Hj Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani bin Ahmad Sabri a
a Department Of General Studies, College of Art & Sciences,
Universiti Utara Malaysia, UUM, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia.
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 80-92, 2012.
Abstract: This paper attempts to offer a new understanding of some fundamental aspects nature of Malay and Islam identity, using Malaysia as a case study. I first sketch the history of the region and it heir to Hindu and Buddhist traditions and also to three European colonial systems of government and administration (Portuguese, Dutch and British). Second, I point out how state-led mediates essential of the peninsula “Malay” as territorial and indigenous (bumiputra) appears to have led to the inclusion and exclusion of the pre and post-colonial migrant at various moments in the process of negotiating Malay identity, making of the Malay-Muslim ethnicity. Finally, I argue and maintain that the process of “othering” in multicultural Malaysia seems triggered by “ontological insecurity “and “de-traditionalisation”, as pointed out by Anthony Giddens (1990), and the hegemonic construction of Malay identity dilemma. To understand the conflict of religions in Malaysia, one has to understand the link between religion and the state, and the pluralistic nature of Malaysian society and one must begin with data from the area rather than with some Middle Eastern and theological formulations of Islam.
Keywords: Apostasy, Conflict, Inter-faith relations. Islam, Malay, Malaysia, Religious pluralism.
The Enhancement for Better Sustainable Corporate Properties in Nairobi, Kenya
Ahmed Abukar a, Rozilah Kasim b
a, b University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Malaysia
b Office for International Affair, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Volume 04, Issue 08, Pg. 94-98, 2012.
Abstract: This paper has discussed on the improvement of sustainable corporate properties in Kenya. The methodology used for this paper is document review. A formalized technique of data collection involving the examination of existing records or documents. Critical literature review was made regarding Fortune 500 and similar companies around the world,” says Eric Bowles Vice President and Director of Research for Core Net Global. “These findings reinforce what we are hearing from clients every day: more and more companies are recognizing the business case for sustainability, and their corporate real estate departments are charged with making it happen to a large extent,” said Ben Breslau, Vice President, Director of Occupier Research at Jones Lang LaSalle. Document review informed the research process to varying degrees. The findings show that there is significant progress of project in line with built environment of construction and manufacturing sectors. Investment opportunities in this sector range from urban renewal and construction of middle and low income housing to income housing to the manufacturing and supply of building materials and components. H Young & Co (EA) is one of East Africa’s leading construction groups with numerous civil engineering, road construction, structural steel works and electrical mechanical installation projects. Future research is necessary to be done in other sectors of the economy regarding corporation’s real estate.
Keywords: corporate properties, Kenya, sustainability