Poor Planning Research Articles

Living in a hot city: thermal justice through green open space provision

Jakarta's environmental problems, the increasing temperature, and the intensifying urban heat island effect (UHIE) add weight to the deteriorating quality of life in the city. Nevertheless, chronic exposure to heat, especially experienced by inhabitants in tropical cities, receives less attention. It is often seen as a low-onset event that requires no immediate action and is not as noticeable and apparent as other heat events, such as heat waves. This slow onset environmental hazard disproportionately affects the population in the lower socio-economic condition. With their low access to cooling infrastructure, the disadvantaged people of Jakarta live and work in an environment prone to extreme heat exposure. Poor urban planning and design contribute to the intensifying urban heat in Jakarta and exacerbate the impacts of heat by providing mitigating and managing urban heat in the city. Using the Multiple Stream Framework (MSF) lenses, we analyse how and why the issue of urban heat is currently being prioritized in Jakarta and how the provision of green open space contributes to thermal justice in Jakarta. The issue is examined by analyzing urban planning policy through government strategy documents and interviews with key stakeholders. The findings reveal that while there is a growing awareness of urban heat issues in Jakarta, they are often overshadowed by other strategic issues in the policy arena. The research underscores the significance of incorporating urban heat issues into urban policy agendas and promoting equitable distribution of green open space in Jakarta.

Can Strategically Prioritizing Ransomware Protection and Implementing Specific Recommended Actions Potentially Reduce the Effects of a Ransomware Attack on an Organization?

The purpose of this research study was to explore what can be learned by prioritizing for ransomware and data loss protection during organizational strategic planning to mitigate the negative effects of these events while identifying specific actions and recommendations organizations can take to mitigate the effects of ransomware and associated data loss. The problem addressed was that many organizations have become or will become victims of massive data losses caused by ransomware attacks because ransomware security controls and data loss prevention are not prioritized during strategic planning (Breckenridge, 2020). The methodology used was a qualitative metasynthesis which examined six case studies that were chosen as a representative set of organizations that have experienced common effects that are often felt in the aftermath of either a ransomware attack, poor strategic planning for cybersecurity controls, or data loss. The findings show the emergence of several themes including a common lack of strategic planning, the inability to recognize network anomalies leading to malware installations that resulted in data breaches, the lack of or misuse of security controls, and the heavy consequences suffered as a result of not putting effort into preventing the data breaches. Additional examination focused on the need for a proactive approach to data loss prevention which demands the attention of organizational leadership at the highest levels.

Improving Municipal Billing System and Revenue Generating Strategy : Chivi Rural District Council Case Study

Municipalities, in general, experience difficulties in own revenue generation. However, this problem is most severe among rural district councils as they tend to have relatively smaller revenue bases, a culture of non-payment on the part of ratepayers, poor service delivery, inefficient billing systems, poor planning and poor debtor’s management. As a result, rural district councils in Zimbabwe including the Chivi Rural District Council (CRDC) are facing self-sustainability concerns due to financial difficulties. There is overwhelming evidence in research to support the notion that properly planned billing systems have a positive impact on revenue generation among municipalities. On the other hand, poorly planned billing systemswill lead to financial difficulties. A case study approach is designed. Secondary data wasgathered in addition to primary data was collected through questionnaires withCRDC employees and ratepayers. Secondary data was collected through existing CRDC and government reports and documents, and the relevant Acts of Parliament. This found that customers had neutral perceptions of the service quality subconstructs of assurance, reliability, empathy and tangiblesat the CRDC. Further, customers had merely high neutrality almost negative perception of the service quality construct of responsiveness. A statistically significant neutral relationship was found between assurance, reliability, responsiveness, empathy, and tangibles with overall customer satisfaction. The reliability had the highest influence on customer satisfaction, followed by tangibles, responsiveness, empathy, and assurance, respectively. In practical perspective, the study recommends better ways of revenue collection to the municipality. Further the study adds to the debate in literature in Pecking Order Theory.

Waterfront City Management to Realize Low Carbon Landscape in Pekanbaru City, Indonesia

Poor regional spatial planning makes the lack of water catchment functions and green open spaces result in environmental problems, particularly in Pekanbaru City, Indonesia. The solution is to utilise the potential of the Siak River and its historical heritage through waterfront city (WFC) management. Structuring a WFC based on a low-carbon concept can solve environmental problems by significantly reducing carbon emissions. This study aims to inventory, map, and evaluate the condition of the existing landscape, analyse public perceptions, and develop recommendations for a WFC with a low-carbon landscape concept. The methods used are historic urban landscape analysis, spatial analysis with land evaluation, community perception, and the preparation of recommendations. The results showed that the management of historical and cultural heritage is still poor. Based on the evaluation of land suitability, the WFC area has the potential to develop tourism, settlement, conservation, and pond areas with varying degrees of suitability according to the function of the area and several limiting factors. Through public perception, the level of enthusiasm of respondents is very high for applying the low-carbon landscape concept. Recommendations are made with the 15-Minute City Strategy through zoning and management programmes, namely tourism, mixed-use, conservation, and cultural preservation.

Preview of Causes, Frequency, Extent, Magnitude and Intensity of Flooding in Nigeria

This study previewed causes, frequency, extent, magnitude, intensity and charted a course of mitigating flood in Nigeria. This Study revealed the causes of flooding to include: climate change, unending rainfall, excess water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, river overflow, expansion of floodplains and poor planning. In 2022 flooding affected 7 million Nigerians, 2 million internally displaced, 5,000 physically injured, 5,900 houses destroyed. The 2012 flood had the highest number of occurrences of 18 incidences, in 17 each in 2015 and 2017, in 2018 and 2019, 12 incidences. 2014 and 2016, had 1 incidence. These frequent floods were recorded in 31 out of the 36 and the FCT, severe in Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Niger, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano, Jigawa and Lagos States. The extent of flooding includes shortage of food supply, farmlands washed away; economy, health, social life and environment were also affected. Corpses floated in floods, the country was at high risks of waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid fever. However, the benefits of flooding include rendering terrorists incapable in some states; deposit rich, fertile alluvium, replenish irrigation channels, filter pollutants, nourish lands to support ecosystems and fertile areas for farming. This Study recommended that individuals should not build houses in floodplains; government should maintain dams; flood management policy and collaboration between agencies. Experts should develop awareness, enlightenment, educational and legal framework to checkmate flooding in Nigeria.

CHALLENGES IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Purpose- The purpose of this study is to research some of the major problems and challenges in the construction industry that need to be addressed and solved by various stakeholders. Factors influencing technology use in building construction project management Inadequate risk management, lack of structure, poor communication, unrealistic expectations/bad forecasting, delayed cash flow and limited skills. Methodology- The study employs a quantitative study to explore the construction industry for building a competitive advantage. Findings- The analysis reveals that the construction industry faces various challenges that can impact project delivery, productivity, and overall performance. there are some common problems in the construction industry. Construction projects often encounter cost overruns due to factors such as inaccurate initial estimates, changes in project scope, unforeseen site conditions, and fluctuations in material and labor costs. Budgetary constraints can lead to financial strain and project delays. Delays in construction projects can occur due to factors like poor project planning and management, inclement weather, labor shortages, regulatory approvals, and issues with subcontractors or suppliers. These delays can result in increased costs, contractual disputes, and dissatisfaction among project stakeholders. Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, and ensuring worker safety is a critical concern. Failure to comply with safety regulations, inadequate training, lack of safety protocols, and inadequate risk assessments can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Effective communication and collaboration among project teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors, are essential for successful project delivery. Inadequate communication, misinterpretation of project requirements, and lack of coordination can lead to errors, rework, and delays. Maintaining high-quality construction standards is crucial, but the industry often faces challenges in ensuring consistent quality control. Conclusion - based upon the analysis findings it may be concluded that the difficulties can turn to competitive advantage with better strategic planning, risk management, and management of resources. The construction industry has a very important role in many countries for Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth. Keywords: construction industry, competitiveness, opportunities, JEL Codes: M11, M10, O10

Health system governance assessment in protracted crisis settings: Northwest Syria

BackgroundSince the withdrawal of government forces from Northwest Syria due to the conflict, several national initiatives have aimed to create alternative governance approaches to replace the central governmental system. One of the recent initiatives was the formulation of so-called ‘Central Bodies’ as institutional governance structures responsible for thematic planning and service provision; for example, the referral unit is responsible for planning and delivering medical referral services. However, the governance and administrative rules of procedures of these bodies could be immature or unsystematic. Assessing the governance of this approach cannot be condoned, especially with the urgent need for a methodical approach to strategic planning, achieving strategic humanitarian objectives, and efficiently utilizing available resources. Multiple governance assessment frameworks have been developed. However, none were created to be applied in protracted humanitarian settings. This research aims to assess the extent to which the existing health governance structure (central bodies) was capable of performing the governance functions in the absence of a legitimate government in Northwest Syria.Methods and materialsA governance assessment framework was adopted after an extensive literature review and group discussions. Four principles for the governance assessment framework were identified; legitimacy, accountability and transparency, effectiveness and efficiency, and strategic vision. Focus Group Discussions were held to assess the levels of the selected principles on the governance thermometer scale. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed using NVivo 12 and SPSS 22 software programs, respectively.ResultsThe level of the four principles on the governance thermometer scale was between the lowest and middle quintiles; ‘very poor or inactive’ and ‘fair and requires improvement’, respectively. The results indicate that the governance approach of Central Bodies in NWS is underdeveloped and summons comprehensive systematic development. The poor internal mechanisms, poor planning and coordination, and the absence of strategic vision were among the most frequent challenges to developing the approach.ConclusionHumanitarian actors and donors should pay more attention to health governance approaches and tools in protracted crises. The central bodies must improve coordination with the stakeholders and, most importantly, strategic planning. Establishing or utilizing an independent planning committee, with financial and administrative independence, is crucial to maintain and improving contextual governance mechanisms in Northwest Syria.

Genesis and prospects of the shortage of specialist physicians in Italy and indicators of the 39 schools of hygiene and preventive medicine.

In Italy, the number of physicians decreased in recent years due to retirements not being replaced by young specialists. To address this shortage of medical personnel, proper planning is needed, taking into consideration the number of accesses in medical schools and residency contracts. The main objective of this study is to deepen the data on the number of physicians, provide a prospective picture and make some suggestions for future planning. Materials and Methods: Estimates of the number of physicians, contracts, assignments, and abandonments for specialist schools are based on data from the General Medical Council, the Ministry of University and Research, Eurostat and the "Associazione Liberi Specializzandi". Results: Estimates of the number of physicians for the period 2023-2032 predict the minimum availability of active doctors between 2028 and 2029. While there has been an increase in the number of contracts for residents in recent years, there are concurrently high dropout rates and non-assignment of contracts, varying across Schools of Specialization. An examination of the available data for the 39 Schools of Specialization in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine shows lower than-average abundance rates. Conclusions: In recent decades, poor planning and early retirement have led to a shortage of doctors, particularly specialists, that will not be resolved until after 2030. Proposed solutions to this 'health emergency' include importing doctors from abroad, delaying the retirement age, recruiting junior doctors to the National Health Service and changing the distribution of junior doctor contracts.

A STUDY ON EMPLOYEE ABSENTEESIM AT UNIFY TECHNOLOGIES

In the Indian IT industry, absenteeism is a common occurrence. Both employers and employees need to pay quick attention to this important matter. Absenteeism is a regular pattern of skipping out on a task or commitment. It's erroneous to believe that absenteeism is always the result of indolence or people who aim to avoid work whenever possible. This essay aims to shed light on avariety of absenteeism-related factors, such as personal problems, a poor work environment, occupational diseases, poor production planning (flow of work), poor working and welfare conditions, a shortage of trained laborer’s, job insecurity, the collective bargaining process, a strictcontrol system, a lack of supervisory support, a lack of interest, a lack of a cohesive and cordial culture, etc. The present research is to focus on absenteeism and measures to reduce for successfulgrowth of the company.

Identifying Factors Influencing Time and Cost Overruns in Public Construction Projects in Bhutan

Construction industries worldwide are impacted by time and cost overruns, resulting in significant financial loss and failure to complete projects on time. Clients, contractors, and consultants can plan properly for public construction projects if they have a better understanding of cost and time overruns. The Construction Development Board (now Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority) is the lead agency regulating and overseeing the government construction projects in Bhutan. However, in recent four years, from July 2017 to June 2021, about 50% of the total 2111 government construction projects experienced time and cost overruns, and the total financial loss was Nu. 2,578.86 million. Therefore, study was designed to examine the factors causing delays and cost escalations in the construction project implemented by government during the financial year July 2017 to June 2021. Thus, this study explores identifying factors influencing time and cost overruns to avoid time delays and financial losses. The primary data was collected through the questionnaire survey from engineers of 20 Dzongkhags and 4 Thromdes. The secondary data was collected from the CDB's annual reports, the Construction Association of Bhutan (CAB), and the National Statistics Bureau (NSB). The data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics method, and the relative importance index (RII) was calculated to rank the factors identified from literature reviews. The research results show that financial issue was the critical factor causing delays and cost escalation in the government construction project in Bhutan. Followed by the issue of delays and cost overruns due to shortage of local construction materials, inadequate experience of the contractor, poor site planning, shortage of skilled workers, unrealistic schedule, design change, contractual issues, and project manager competence.

Development Strategies for Africa: Lessons from Asia, Europe, USA and Canada

The study analyzed development strategies for Africa with specific emphasis on lessons from the developed countries of Europe, Asia, the United States of America, and Canada. Development is akin to a sustainable livelihood, hence, the need for a country to devise means for the achievement and maintenance of accelerated improvements in the holistic affairs of the people and their environs. The objectives of the study were to analyze major development strategies suitable for African countries, identify challenges of development strategies in African countries and proffer solutions to ameliorate them. The Economic Theory of Modernization was adopted for the study. The qualitative research methodology which is mainly descriptive was adopted for the study through the use of secondary sources of data like internet sources, textbooks, journals, etc. It was discovered that primary exports and diversification, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); planned use of external aids, natural resources economics, and domestic resource mobilization, constitutes major development strategies for the underdeveloped and developing countries of Africa. It was also discovered that problems of unorganized vision and plans, corruption, poor funding, ineffective tax administration system and poor plan implementation and evaluation limit the success of development strategies in African countries. It was recommended that special funds for development plans should be independent of the general budget and agencies of implementation and evaluation should be created for any development plan or programme.

Urban Vulnerability Analysis Based on Micro-Geographic Unit with Multi-Source Data—Case Study in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China

This study introduces a novel approach to urban public safety analysis inspired by a streetscape analysis commonly applied in urban criminology, leveraging the concept of micro-geographical units to account for urban spatial heterogeneity. Recognizing the intrinsic uniformity within these smaller, distinct environments of a city, the methodology represents a shift from large-scale regional studies to a more localized and precise exploration of urban vulnerability. The research objectives focus on three key aspects: first, establishing a framework for identifying and dividing cities into micro-geographical units; second, determining the type and nature of data that effectively illustrate the potential vulnerability of these units; and third, developing a robust and reliable evaluation index system for urban vulnerability. We apply this innovative method to Urumqi’s Tianshan District in Xinjiang, China, resulting in the formation of 30 distinct micro-geographical units. Using WorldView-2 remote sensing imagery and the object-oriented classification method, we extract and evaluate features related to vehicles, roads, buildings, and vegetation for each unit. This information feeds into the construction of a comprehensive index, used to assess public security vulnerability at a granular level. The findings from our study reveal a wide spectrum of vulnerability levels across the 30 units. Notably, units X1 (Er Dao Bridge) and X7 (Gold Coin Mountain International Plaza) showed high vulnerability due to factors such as a lack of green spaces, poor urban planning, dense building development, and traffic issues. Our research validates the utility and effectiveness of the micro-geographical unit concept in assessing urban vulnerability, thereby introducing a new paradigm in urban safety studies. This micro-geographical approach, combined with a multi-source data strategy involving high-resolution remote sensing and field survey data, offers a robust and comprehensive tool for urban vulnerability assessment. Moreover, the urban vulnerability evaluation index developed through this study provides a promising model for future urban safety research across different cities.

Life cycle assessment of municipal solid waste management in Kathmandu city, Nepal – An impact of an incomplete data set

Few studies have been done about engineered facilities related to waste collection, treatment, and disposal in the waste management sectors across Nepal. The decision support system is not well established, resulting in poor planning and execution of waste management. Available data for performing a life cycle assessment (LCA) is limited. We used an LCA model to investigate waste management options for Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. We also tested the hypothesis that exclusion from the LCA model of variables for which there was no data would make no difference in the management rankings. The assessment was based on three scenarios: business as usual, including collection, transportation, and landfilling; recycling; and conjunctive disposal comprised of composting and landfilling. The LCA methodology we used includes detailed unit processes and quantified values of various resources and emissions to compute the impact level on the environment. The contribution of the collection, transportation, landfilling, and recycling was calculated as global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, and fuel energy consumption for each scenario. Scenario 3 ranked higher than scenarios 1 and 2 based on available data. The results were based on the environmental burden of metric tons of municipal solid waste handled at landfills, regardless of what was recycled and composted. Scenario 3 yielded minimum environmental impacts and was a cost-efficient option. Using a range of literature values for the missing variables, it was shown that the excluded variables made no difference in the scenario rankings. The study successfully employed the LCA as a decision-making tool in waste management in Kathmandu, which can be useful for other cities in developing countries.

The Role of Project Health Check Reports in Identifying Indicative Factors of a Troubled Project

Government-sponsored projects in Iraq significantly improve the economic situation and provide services but face high rates of troubling blocks. This work aims to identify indicative factors of the Troubled Project using periodic health check reports based on a literature review and interviews with Iraqi experts. As a result, a questionnaire was prepared that included four sections. The first is personal information; the second section is information about knowing the level of institutions’ implementation of project management through prepared documents. The third section is about indicative factors for the project's trouble, including 25 workers; the fourth section is about the questions in the periodic reports to check the project's health. Findings show that the following factors affect the troubled projects: inaccurate initial budget and schedule estimates; poor project scope description; poor team communication; poor planning and definition of the project; lack of a risk management plan and disregarding risk indicators; high rate of rework, and ineffective documentation of project plans with a high relative importance index that ranges from 0.91 to 0.81. Thus, the institutions' activation of the project examination reports with the proposed questions with a relative importance index ranging from 0.88 to 0.77 helps identify the main factors for the troubled projects.

Evaluation of Design Process of Commercial Construction Project Based on Lean Design Concept

To determine design reliability, this study paper evaluates the design process of commercial construction projects. To streamline design efforts, decrease needless design errors, and boost design reliability, a new design workflow will be developed using commercial building concepts. The suggested procedures will give team members input on the state of the design and enable ongoing development. One of the pioneering applications of the lean methodology to building project design will be the proposed processes. Labour overruns, inadequate monitoring, and control, a lack of competence on the part of the contractor's key staff, poor planning or scheduling, and poor planning and monitoring of the refurbishment project were the top 5 variables influencing the commercial construction design process.

Pengaruh Kecerdasan Emosional terhadap Literasi Keuangan serta Implikasinya terhadap Perencanaan Keuangan Mahasiswa

The rise of various symptoms of financial problems among students has serious impacts. Poor financial planning is indivisible from the impact of emotional intelligence and the level of money related proficiency. Financial planning must be managed properly and planned to achieve the desired life goals, so that financial planning can be said to be healthy. In this regard, a study investigating strategy was utilized with a quantitative approach, using Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling. From the results of the study it was found that there was a positive and significant influence between emotional intelligence on financial literacy, financial literacy on financial planning, and also emotional intelligence on financial planning. In addition, financial literacy is considered capable of mediating the impact of emotional intelligence on financial planning. And for the contribution of the indirect effect, which was 40%, it was greater than the direct effect, which was 28.6%. For further research, additional variables such as financial attitudes can be used, where this financial attitude is a person's discipline regarding how to manage finances which can later complement models that affect financial planning in expansion to the autonomous factors utilized in this way of thinking.

Accuracy of Structure-from-Motion/Multiview Stereo Terrain Models: A Practical Assessment for Applications in Field Geology

We assess the accuracy of Structure-from-Motion/Multiview stereo (SM) terrain models acquired ad hoc or without high-resolution ground control to analyze their usage as a base for inexpensive 3D bedrock geologic mapping. Our focus is on techniques that can be utilized in field projects without the use of heavy and/or expensive equipment or the placement of ground control in logistically challenging sites (e.g., steep cliff faces or remote settings). We use a Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey as a basis for the comparison of two types of SM models: (1) models developed from images acquired in a chartered airplane flight with ground control referenced by natural objects located on Google Earth scenes; and (2) drone flights with a georeference established solely from camera positions located by conventional, differentially corrected Global Navigation Satellite systems (GNSS). We find that all our SM models are indistinguishable in scale from the LiDAR reference model. The SM models do, however, show rigid body translations and rotations, with translations generally within the 1–5 m size of the natural objects used for ground control, the resolution of the GNSS receivers, or both. The rigid body rotations can be attributed to a poor imaging plan, which can be avoided with survey planning. Analyses of point densities in various models show a limitation of Terrestrial LiDAR point clouds as a mapping base due to the rapid falloff of resolution with distance. In contrast, SM models are characterized by relatively uniform point densities controlled by camera optics, the numbers of images, and the distance from the target. This uniform density is the product of the Multiview stereo step in SM processing that fills areas between key points and is important for bedrock geologic mapping because it affords direct interpretation on a point cloud at a relatively uniform scale throughout a model. Our results indicate that these simple methods allow SM model construction to be accurate to the range of conventional GNSS with resolutions to the submeter, even cm, scale depending on data acquisition parameters. Thus, SM models can, and should, serve as a base for high-resolution geologic mapping, particularly in a steep terrain where conventional techniques fail. Our SM models appear to provide accurate visualizations of geologic features over km scales that allow detailed geologic mapping in 3D with a relative accuracy to the decimeter or centimeter level and absolute positioning in the 2–5 m precision of GNSS; a geometric precision that will allow unprecedented new studies of any geologic system where geometry is the fundamental data.

Land Use Conflicts and Planning Implications: Insights from Kumbo, Cameroon

As actors compete over land for varied reasons, conflicts linked to the multiplication of incompatible land uses have witnessed an increase. This validates the need for renewed evidence on the trigger mechanisms and manifestations of land use conflicts. To close this knowledge gap, this paper examines land use conflict dynamics and their planning implications in Kumbo – Cameroon. The paper further explores the manifestations of land use conflicts, and examine planning options to stem such conflicts. Data for this study was obtained through a random survey of 394 respondents. This was further complemented by interviews and focus group discussions. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the logit model. This was further buttressed through spatial analysis using Arc GIS 10.8. The logit results reported that informal economic activities tend to increase the likelihood of land use conflicts in Kumbo. Furthermore, the analysis showed an intricate direct relationship between poor planning and implementation of policies, and increasing land use conflicts in Kumbo. In the wake of an expected increase in land use conflicts, this paper suggests pragmatic solutions aimed at relocating and realigning compatible land uses in this community.

Environmental concentrations, characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in water and sediment along the Western Cape coastline, South Africa

Plastic debris is accumulating in all environments globally and South Africa’s poor waste management plan has led to an increase in plastic contamination throughout the country. Information about microplastics (MPs) in urban and rural coastal environments in South Africa is poor. The aim of this study was to determine coastal MP concentrations in water (particles/L) and sediment (particles/kg). Sampling took place in summer of 2020 during low tide at 14 sites, along the coast of the Western Cape, South Africa. MPs were extracted and analysed based on shape, color, size and polymer type (using an ATR-FTIR). An ecological risk assessment was done to assess the potential risks posed by MPs in all sample types. Sediment MP concentrations (185.07 ± 15.25 standard error particles/kg) were higher than water (1.33 ± 0.15 particles/L). Gordon’s Bay (site 12) had the highest MP concentrations in sediment samples (360 ± 36.74 particles/kg), identifying harbors as the main source for MP contamination. Kalk Bay (site 9) displayed the highest concentration in water samples (4.97 ± 0.18 particles/L), suggesting that the source of MPs are from stormwater outfall pipes and human activities. Filaments were the most dominant MP shape (89%) for all samples, with black/grey (water) and transparent (sediment) being the most dominant colors (31% and 31% respectively). Dominant sizes were 1000–2000 μm in water and 2000–5000 μm in sediment. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (29%) was the most dominant polymer type recorded in water samples and natural fibres (mainly cotton) (32%) recorded in sediment. Based on the risk assessment, MPs recorded at Mouille Point (site 6) poses the greatest ecological risk associated with polymers. MP concentrations reported in this study provide a baseline for future studies along the Western Cape coastline of South Africa.

Effects of e-learning technologies on university librarians and libraries: a systematic literature review

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify the effects of emerging technologies in e-learning on university librarians and libraries. The study also intended to identify emerging technologies in e-learning and challenges being faced to implement e-learning technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe preferred reporting items for the systematic review and meta-analysis method was applied as the research methodology for conducting the study. A total of 25 core studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct a systematic literature review. The data were analysed through a thematic approach.FindingsThe results of the study revealed that e-learning technologies assist library professionals to strengthen their expertise and support them in initiating smart library services to deliver customer-focused services. A shortage of skilled manpower, the unavailability of adequate IT infrastructure, a lack of technical support, copyright issues, poor planning and ineffective library leadership are major challenges to implementing emerging technologies in e-learning.Originality/valueThe study offers theoretical implications by adding valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It has a societal impact as it has offered recommendations and practical solutions for the successful adoption of emerging technologies in e-learning. The study also offers managerial implications to develop fruitful policies for implementing e-learning technologies for the innovative sustainable competence development of library manpower and implementation of smart library services.