Sound Planning Research Articles

Performance Evaluation of Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank

In several Indian states and union territories, regional rural banks operate on a regional scale. These banks offer both traditional and cutting-edge financial services. One of the most crucial facets of the banking industry is finance. An organization's ability to manage finances is unlikely to be successful without sound financial planning. One of the biggest states in terms of land area in India is Uttar Pradesh, where a sizable population resides in the rural parts of the east. Given that Eastern Uttar Pradesh is less developed than Western Uttar Pradesh, Regional Rural Banks are crucial to the region's development.

FranchiseGlobal.com Business Development Strategy: Analysis Using Financial Planning at FranchiseGlobal.com

This research aims to analyze the business development strategy of FranchiseGlobal.com through a comprehensive financial planning approach. As a digital platform offering franchise and business opportunities, FranchiseGlobal.com aspires to become the leading and innovative online franchise media. The research analyzes short-, medium-, and long-term financial planning to achieve profitability and business sustainability. A qualitative descriptive method and thematic analysis were employed for data analysis. The study examines key financial planning elements, including revenue planning, cost management, capital requirements, and five-year financial projections. The results show that sound financial planning can help the company achieve profitability targets within five years, indicated by a positive NPV, IRR above 10%, and a payback period of less than four years. The company's projected revenue growth is expected to remain stable through diversification of revenue streams and efficient capital management. The study concludes that appropriate financial strategies will be a crucial foundation for FranchiseGlobal.com to become Indonesia's leading digital franchise platform.

Economic analysis of shipping route planning in deep-sea mining operations under uncertain shipping market

Deep-sea mining is an emerging interdisciplinary and cross-domain research topic. As commercialization of deep-sea mining advances, economic analysis of the maritime transportation of minerals is critical to forming sound commercial plans. This paper proposes an approach for the economic analysis of shipping route planning in deep-sea mining operations, considering the varying capacities of the proposed mobile offshore minerals units (MOMUs) and the limited capacity. Capital expense (CAPEX), operational expense (OPEX), and voyage expense (VOYEX) are taken into account according to the arrangement of mineral transportation vessels (MTVs) with different capacities of MOMUs and fluctuating shipping prices. Monte Carlo Simulation is used to analyze the uncertainties of the total cost for MTVs with respect to CAPEX, OPEX, and VOYEX. A case study of the shipping route from the Chinese contract area in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is presented to interpret the proposed approach. The derived results demonstrate that 120,000 tons is the most economically viable MOMU size, saving at least 1.9 % of the total cost. These savings are mainly due to better scheduling, speed, and resilience to market prices. The proposed approach can support economic feasibility for deep-sea mining projects and provide investors with more specific operational measures to make well-informed decisions.

Financial Literacy and Retirement Readiness:A Case Study of the Namibian Police Services

Retirement preparedness is a priceless process during one’s tenure of employment because no individual can continue working during his or her lifetime. However, the low levels of financial literacy among retired Namibian police officers compromises sound retirement planning. Financial stress upon retirement is particularly problematic for police officers in Namibia, and this study examined the nexus between financial literacy and retirement planning. The research was qualitative, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the personal experiences and challenges faced by retirees. There were interviews with 26 participants, purposively selected from retired Namibian police officers. In addition, five key informants in the human resources department of the Namibian Police services then corroborated information collected. Purposive-sampling enabled the research to target individuals with direct experience of retirement from the Namibian Police Service. Thematic analysis indicated that upon retirement, police officers found themselves in dire poverty, with no sustainable income sources. The process of determining pension amounts was opaque resulting in the police officers failing to determine the income gap they would face after retirement. There were no financial literacy training programmes for the police officers resulting in their failure to make sound investments during employment period. Therefore, the study recommended that the Namibian Police Services should implement financial literacy programmes, encourage officers to make sound investment decisions, and ensure that retirement becomes an attractive part of one’s lifetime

"Stadtklanggestaltung" - The importance of urban sound design in the field of administrative noise control

Cities sound. They can be loud, quiet, monotonous, or vibrant and exciting. How urban spaces sound in detail depends on the respective framework, which includes the urban planning and the different activities of the residents. The focus dealing with sounds of the cities in acoustic engineering lies mainly on the topic of noise. In fact, environmental noise has a negative impact on our health and reduces the quality of life. But the sound of cities is much more than just noise. Harmonious and appealing city sounds have a positive effect on well-being; it promotes orientation, and it can help to strengthen social and cultural bonds. Therefore, it is important to consider the sound of the city from the planning stage. This contribution sets out to show the possibilities of including planning tools within the concept of "Stadtklanggestaltung" (Urban Sound Design) into the field of administrative noise control and how the soundscape standardization sets a supporting framework to implement them in practice. Specific urban sound design and planning can make a significant contribution to developing high-quality urban places and to preventing possible conflicts in relation to controversial urban sound situations.

Natural and anthropogenic factors that determine the activity of geological processes of the Abakan agglomeration

Relevance. As a result of the construction and operation of buildings and structures within the Abakan agglomeration, there is an activation of existing and the formation of new engineering and geological processes accompanied by accidental destruction of constructions. In order to minimize economic and socio-environmental damage, timely development of scientifically sound urban planning and architectural planning solutions is necessary. It would take into account the results of design studies of engineering protection of the territory from dangerous manifestations of engineering and geological processes. Generalization of the available survey results in order to typify the engineering and geological conditions of the urban area will optimize the construction development of urban areas, develop reliable schemes of engineering protection against the manifestations of dangerous engineering and geological processes. Aim. To establish natural and anthropogenic factors that determine the activity of dangerous geological processes in the territory of the Abakan agglomeration. Methods. Collection, systematization and analysis of available territorial geological, hydrological, hydrogeological, environmental information, results of engineering surveys. Results and conclusions. At a qualitatively new level, a set of maps has been compiled on the factors that determine the development of dangerous geological processes. The authors have carried out a GIS analysis of morphometric indicators of the relief of the agglomeration territory: maps of the steepness and exposure of the slopes were constructed. The analysis of the collected data made it possible to establish the regional characteristics of the components of the geological environment and propose a zoning scheme for the territory for its construction development and engineering protection. The authors identified four taxa during zoning: territories favorable for construction that do not require significant engineering training; territories conditionally favorable for construction, requiring preliminary engineering training; territories conditionally unfavorable for construction, requiring significant costs for engineering training; territories unfavorable for construction. The boundaries of the taxa are based on the analysis of the geomorphological features of the territory. The conducted research was performed for the agglomeration territory for the first time.

Unraveling the Collapse: A Study of Failed Startups in India

The Indian startup ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth in a relatively short period, driven by a combination of factors such as government initiatives, improved access to capital, demographic strengths, and rapid technological advancements. Despite ongoing challenges, the resilience and creativity of Indian entrepreneurs continue to foster innovation and inspire optimism for the future. Startup failures in India highlight the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach that includes sound business planning, strategic resource management, and a resilient entrepreneurial mindset. With the right mix of policies, infrastructure, and investment, India is well-positioned to become a global hub of innovation, generating employment, boosting economic growth, and addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues through entrepreneurship. This paper examines the key factors contributing to the recent struggles of startups in India, focusing on 12 companies.

Impacts of Land Use Changes on Landscape Patterns and Ecosystem Service Values in Counties (Villages) in Ethnic Regions of China: A Case Study of Jianghua Yao Autonomous County, Hunan Province

This study, using Jianghua Yao Autonomous County in Hunan Province as a case, systematically analyzes the response of ecosystem service value (ESV) to land use and landscape pattern changes by employing landscape-level indices and landscape-type-level indices. The findings provide a reliable basis for scientifically formulating land use planning and ecological protection policies in ethnic regions, thereby promoting regional ecological security and sustainable development. This study reveals that (1) the land use structure in the county underwent significant changes between 2000 and 2020, with grassland and shrubland areas decreasing substantially by 71.66% and 78.41%, respectively, while urban and arable land areas increased significantly by 228.30% and 15.84%, respectively. Particularly under the scenario of prioritizing economic development, these changes led to increased landscape fragmentation and a decline in ecosystem service value (from CNY 296.571 billion in 2020 to CNY 287.959 billion in 2030). (2) In contrast, the scenarios of ecological protection and sustainable development significantly enhanced the region’s ecosystem service value by increasing forest and water area, effectively maintaining the stability of the landscape pattern. These findings provide important evidence for the formulation of scientifically sound land use planning and ecological protection policies, contributing to the dual goals of economic development, tourism growth and ecological protection in Jianghua Yao Autonomous County and similar regions.

Using Immersive Planning Tools to Reimagine Virtual Libraries

Immersive technologies (e.g., Virtual Reality) can both reproduce existing spaces or help bring imagination to life. When considered in relation to the needs of the users, these technologies can facilitate rewarding experiences that encourage repeated usage. However, poorly motivated experiences may result in expensive mistakes. One rewarding experience has been through the creation of immersive sound planning tools to help Professionals of the Built Environment (e.g. urban plannersand designers) consider sound in their work (Yanaky et al., 2023). Using a user-centered design process, we developed a Virtual Reality planning tool, City Ditty. A first evaluation indicated that users, regardless of their experience, could complete both a sound-awareness learning phase and implement their own soundscape designs in under an hour. Feedback was positive, suggesting value for its use in public consultations and participatory approaches towards creating healthier, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Could City Ditty be used to help rethink and prototype new forms of virtual libraries? Libraries host a wealth of information and contribute community space. They also act as community hubs for classes, games, storytelling, community events, etc. Yet, digitally reproducing a navigable 3D library space without consideration for the medium will reproduce the inconveniences of existing spaces, while failing to take advantage of the new medium. Could similar methodologies help engage library users to conceptualize together the future of virtual libraries? How might different users want to utilize immersive virtual libraries? We place this discussion in the context of a hype cycle for emerging technologies to understand potential timelines for change.

Uncovering habitat associations and thresholds—insights for managing breeding waterfowl in Eastern Canada

ContextUnderstanding how habitat influences species abundance is crucial in developing ecologically sound wildlife conservation management plans. Exploring habitat associations and ecological thresholds in species’ responses allows for better conservation and management on a landscape-scale.ObjectivesThis work aimed to identify habitat drivers and response thresholds of waterfowl and waterbird species’ densities in eastern Canada to support key landscape-level decisions for habitat conservation and wetland management.MethodsWe developed predictive abundance models for 17 species across eastern Canada from 2001 to 2015 using data from four regional surveys and identified areas where prioritizing enhancement of wetlands would increase the breeding density of five priority waterfowl species.ResultsHabitat associations and spatial abundance patterns varied across species, but most species responded strongly to forest composition, agriculture, and wetland features. Threshold effects occurred and varied among species, yet generally once 14% of a plot was covered in wetlands, positive effects of increased wetland diminished for most species. Our results allow for the targeting of investments in increasing wetland area along portions of eastern Canada that provide the best opportunities to increase breeding densities for priority waterfowl species.ConclusionsUnderstanding species-habitat associations and response thresholds allows for landscape management and planning and prioritization of limited resources. We suggest that management and wetland enhancement efforts for waterfowl in eastern Canada should be guided by predictive models and response thresholds of key habitat attributes to best prioritize actions that will have the biggest positive impact on multiple species.

Brain-Drain in Health Sector: Towards Sustainable Healthcare Development in Nigeria: A Study of Selected State Hospitals in Ogun State.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of brain drain in the health sector on sustainable healthcare development in Ogun State, Nigeria, focusing specifically on selected state hospitals. The research was conducted across several state hospitals with the entire medical staff forming the target population. Utilizing a random sampling strategy, data were collected from a sample of 278 healthcare professionals, determined through Taro Yamane sampling techniques from a population of 912. Data collection was facilitated through a systematically designed containing 26-item questionnaire employing a four-point Likert scale. The reliability instrument was confirmed with a Cronbach alpha statistic, while its validity was assessed using component factor analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and inferential statistics were derived using simple linear regression analysis. The findings reveal a significant brain drain phenomenon, driven by factors such as inadequate remuneration, subpar working conditions, and limited professional growth opportunities. This has resulted in a critical shortage of healthcare providers, negatively impacting the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in Ogun state. The regression analysis further illustrates a strong correlation between brain drain and the deterioration of healthcare service delivery, which in turn hampers the region's progress towards sustainable healthcare development. The study recommends that the level of poverty must be reduce in the country; high pay incentives must be adequately provided by the government; initiatives that support youth in realizing their full potential must be developed; and a sound macroeconomic plan must be Implemented.

Special Issue - Digitalisation and governance, legislative oversight, and service delivery in Africa

African governments remain seized with the permanent goal of achieving development and a better standard of living for their citizens. Government is responsible for formulating public policies that address societal issues and delivering much needed basic services such as water, sanitation, electricity and waste removal, all of which are crucial to the affirmation of human dignity and facilitating an acceptable standard of living. The delivery of basic services is also crucial to creating an enabling environment for local economic development because businesses need such services to function and continue executing economic activities in a given subnational jurisdiction. Moreover, governments can enable economic development through sound development planning, policymaking, resource allocation, implementation, and the monitoring, review and evaluation of the performance of such plans and policies vis-à-vis their goals of economic stimulation. The process of digitalisation as a product of the Third and Fourth Industrial Revolutions presents important opportunities for governments to improve the efficiency of their processes and systems and drive socio-economic change.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ПОПРОЦЕССНОГО БЮДЖЕТИРОВАНИЯ В ЦЕЛЯХ КОНТРОЛЯ ЗАТРАТ И ПОВЫШЕНИЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ БИЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕССОВ КОМПАНИИ

The article discusses the issues of organizing sound budget planning of company expenses. Particular attention is paid to the problem of forming budgets for indirect costs. As a tool for determining their value, the ABB method (Activity based budgeting) is proposed, based on a functional cost analysis of costs and an assessment of the planned amount of resource consumption, depending on the level of each type of activity necessary to implement the production program and achieve a given level of income. Recommendations are given for the implementation of process-based budgeting techniques. The advantages of using the ABB method for the purposes of effective control of resources and financial results of activities are highlighted.

Long-term complications and management of dental trauma in the adult patient - Part 2: discoloured, displaced and missing teeth.

The second paper in this two-part review series aims to outline the long-term complications of dental trauma in the adult patient in relation to discoloured, displaced or missing teeth. A brief overview of the cause of discolouration is outlined, followed by assessment and management options. These can include bleaching, veneers, or crown restorations to mask the discolouration. Displacement of teeth from the socket can occur due to luxation injuries. Management can include simple digital manipulation, surgical repositioning, or orthodontic extrusion based on the severity of extrusion and the time from injury. Teeth can be lost early or in the long-term following dental trauma and associated hard and soft tissues deficiencies may also ensue. Replacement options can include a removable partial prosthesis, resin-retained bridge or dental implants. Often, hard and soft tissue augmentation procedures may be required to address any defects and rebuild lost anatomical contours. A thorough assessment followed by the development of a sound management plan which takes patients' general and local factors into account can ensure a predictable and successful treatment outcome. This would end in an aesthetically pleasing and a functionally stable result for the patient.

Road traffic noise pollution and prevalence of ischemic heart disease: modelling potential association and abatement strategies in noise-exposed areas.

In many developing countries with surging vehicular traffic and inadequate traffic management, excessive road traffic noise exposure poses substantial health concerns, linked to increased stress, insomnia and other metabolic disorders. This study aims to assess the linkage between sociodemographic factors, traffic noise levels in residential areas and health effects using a cross-sectional study analyzing respondents' perceptions and reports. Noise levels were measured at 57 locations in Srinagar, India, using noise level meter. Sound PLAN software was employed to generate noise contour maps, enabling the visualization of noise monitoring locations and facilitating the assessment of noise levels along routes in proximity to residential areas. Correlation analysis showed a strong linear relationship between field-measured and modelled noise (r2 = 0.88). Further, a questionnaire-based survey was carried out near the sampling points to evaluate the association of ischemic heart disease with traffic noise. Residents exposed to noise levels (Lden > 60dB(A)) were found to have a 2.24 times higher odds ratio. Compared to females, males reported a 16% higher prevalence of the disease. Multi-faceted policy strategies involving noise mapping initiatives, source noise standards, traffic flow urban mobility optimization, smart city initiatives and stringent litigatory measures could significantly reduce its detrimental impact on public health. Finally, this study envisions a region-specific strong regulatory framework for integrating noise pollution mitigation strategies into the public health action plans of developing nations.

Developing an efficient planning process for heritage buildings maintenance in Iraq

Abstract Heritage buildings and sites are significant assets for any country, they hold values of the past to the new generation. This research focuses on the problem of deterioration and demolition of heritage buildings due to negligence or aspiration for more profitable projects, which will lead to the loss of valuable heritage buildings. Assuming that this problem can be solved initially from the planning stage, this research aims to enhance the planning process for heritage buildings by specifying the main factors that affect the planning process for the maintenance work and developing a framework of sequential steps for planning process activities to help in creating an efficient plan. The research evaluates the current situation of heritage building conservation in Baghdad, Iraq as a case study, by classifying the relevant categories into maintenance and non-maintenance categories, which describe the reasons that led to the deterioration of numerous local heritage buildings. The results found in this research specify the main factors that lead to an efficient plan that are budget, methods and techniques, level of skills of the workers, schedule, and required materials. A framework for a successive conservation plan is suggested to be adapted, including a series of sequenced processes to get a sound plan. Finally, some recommendations are suggested to develop planning for heritage building conservation, like reevaluating the legislations and laws to enhance the heritage sector, serious work to make the heritage sites take place in the community activities, paying maximum care to the heritage sector by the governmental authorities, and using modern tools in planning in addition to other recommendations.

Optimization of Financial Management for Enhancing the Electric Vehicle Market in Medan, Indonesia

Abstract The global shift towards sustainable transportation, exemplified by the increasing adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), represents a vital response to contemporary environmental and energy challenges. This study investigates the determinants of consumers’ Desire to Purchase EVs within the unique context of the Medan market, where consumer preferences and market dynamics differ from more globally examined settings. Additionally, it explores the mediating roles of Consumer Awareness Campaigns and Local Industry Partnerships in shaping purchase intent. Through a comprehensive survey of 832 respondents in Medan, Indonesia, the study reveals crucial insights. Government incentives, including tax breaks and rebates, emerge as influential factors, significantly increasing consumers’ inclination to adopt EVs. Equally vital is the accessibility and availability of charging infrastructure, which is pivotal in bolstering consumer confidence in EVs. Consumer perceptions and attitudes have a significant bearing on purchase intent, with positive perceptions regarding environmental benefits, cost savings, and driving experiences contributing to the heightened desire for EV ownership. Effective financial management strategies also play a positive role, emphasizing the significance of sound financial planning and resource allocation. Further-more, this research emphasizes the instrumental role of Consumer Awareness Campaigns in shaping purchase intent. These campaigns are a powerful tool for elucidating the multifaceted advantages of EV ownership, encompassing environmental consciousness, economic feasibility, and enhanced driving experiences. Local Industry Partnerships within the Medan EV market equally contribute to heightened purchase intent, reflecting the synergistic effects of collaborative initiatives.

A Study of Retirement Preparedness among Malaysian Female Millennials

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of financial literacy, financial stress, financial management practices, saving behaviour, household size and income adequacy, on Malaysian female millennials’ retirement preparedness. A total of 268 questionnaires were self-administered and collected from Malaysian female millennials residing and working in the Klang Valley aged between 26 to 41 years old using a purposive stratified sampling method. Regression analyses were performed using SPSS software to determine the influence of variables investigated on retirement preparedness. Findings indicate that financial literacy level (β = 0.154, t-statistic = 2.669), financial stress level (β = 0.108, t-statistic = 2.207), saving behaviour (β = 0.281, t-statistic = 5.713) and household size (β = 0.242, t-statistic = 2.616), have significant positive effects on retirement preparedness. Income adequacy (β = – 0.298, t-statistic = – 2.595) on the other hand, is significantly and negatively associated with retirement preparedness, while financial management practices are found to have no influence. This study contributes to extant literature by examining the increasingly significant segment of the working population in our country. Hence, our findings should provide more insights to interested stakeholders in designing new or improving existing financial planning programs or mechanisms, particularly those related to retirement to better promote sound retirement planning among Malaysian female millennials.

Are West Africa's policy, planning, and regulatory frameworks missing the harmonization piece of the power pooling-renewable energy puzzle?

Sound policy, planning and quality regulation are cornerstones to co-creating national markets conducive to the implementation of an efficient regional electricity market. This study examines the policy, planning and regulatory substance and processes in the West African Power Pool, focusing on four countries, namely Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mali. Through its specialized institutions, the region seeks to leverage shared resources and complementarities to scale up sustainable electricity generation and enhance cross-border electricity trade. The study, however, reveals half-hearted renewable energy (RE) policies, weak RE investment planning and inconsistent regulation on the one hand, and on the other hand, a lack of harmonization of regulatory frameworks which are often misaligned with the regional vision. This translates into missed opportunities to attract the necessary investments in sustainable power infrastructure, particularly from the private sector, and to mutually develop a regional market capable of tackling the long-standing challenge of access to reliable and affordable electricity amid the climate crisis. This can be reversed if countries are fully committed and duly equipped to improve their policies and planning processes, and adjust and harmonize their regulatory frameworks under the guidance, support, and leadership of the regional entities.

Analysis of the relationship between forest patch degradation, land uses, and terrain variables in a protected landscape in Ghana

Due to the implications of deforestation on global climate and environmental changes, concerns for forest patch degradation have grown in recent times. Recent studies have concentrated on assessing general land use and land cover changes, but in this study, we are interested in modeling the association between degraded patches of forest cover, land uses, and landscape's terrain characteristics. We use methods from landscape ecology, remote sensing, geo-information systems, and statistics to predict the association between degraded forest patches and related factors. Our findings show that forest patches within 1 km from agricultural land use are more likely to be degraded (AOR = 1.42, C.I. = 1.141–1.760, p = 0.002). Similarly, our results further reveal that forest patches within 1 km from human settlement footprints have a higher likelihood of being degraded (AOR = 1.38, C.I. = 1.083–1.768, p = 0.009). Our results demonstrate a need for the creation and enforcement of sound land use planning and management strategies that would adequately protect forest patches from the influence of agricultural land use and human settlement development.