Sustainable Projects Research Articles

Prioritizing sustainability of renewable energy projects in Morocco

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the electricity generation potential of different renewable energy sources in Morocco, as well as to propose a novel decision support model to prioritize renewable energy alternatives. The aim is to provide recommendations that support Morocco’s energy transition strategy and assist policymakers in devising future sustainable energy policies. Design/methodology/approach The paper integrates the analytic hierarchy process with expert feedback to prioritize five renewable energy alternatives – solar photovoltaics (PV), concentrated solar panels (CSP), wind, hydro and biomass – specific to the Moroccan context. The model uses 14 sub-criteria clustered into four main categories: economic, technological, socio-political and environmental. The criteria were weighted based on inputs from local energy sector experts to capture the distinct priorities and contextual specificities of Morocco’s renewable energy landscape. Findings The study’s findings emphasize the dominance of economic criteria among Moroccan experts. Solar PV emerged as the most suitable option due to its cost-effectiveness and alignment with Morocco’s policies to support solar energy, followed by hydropower and wind. CSP and biomass ranked lowest due to high costs and limited viability. Research limitations/implications This study highlighted the need for quality data to support informed decision-making, as well as for a centralized database to facilitate access to consistent information on renewable energy projects. Practical implications It is recommended that policymakers prioritize mature and cost-effective technologies by establishing supportive regulatory frameworks and expanding investments in hybrid renewable energy infrastructures. Originality/value In addition to introducing the Analytic Hierarchy Process model for the first time within the Moroccan context, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research draws recommendations to assist Moroccan policymakers in devising future sustainable policies for the energy sector.

A Framework for Using GenAI to Support Student Engagement in Interdisciplinary Learning from Self-determination Theory

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an interdisciplinary field, including mathematics, sciences, psychology, linguistics, sociology, and engineering (Bisconti et al., 2023; Chen, 2020; Zhuang et al., 2020). The development of its technologies requires experts from various disciplines. In education, generative AI (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT and Dall-E facilitate interdisciplinary learning by breaking down barriers between disciplines and enabling students to see connections across different disciplines, resulting in a more holistic understanding of complex concepts. The tools enable students from different disciplines to collaborate on projects by combining their diverse knowledge and skills (Chiu, 2023, 2024; Chiu et al., 2023). For example, in STEAM education, students who are weak at coding can develop simple applications by asking GitHub Copilot, which generates specific code suggestions including variables, classes, and methods based on their situations. Those who are poor in art designs, can ask t Dall-E to generate visuals, fostering an interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, students can use the tools to complement the knowledge gaps they have because they have instant access to information and resources related to other disciplines (Kusters et al., 2020; Peters et al., 2023). Students become more adaptable, open, flexible, and innovative in their thinking. These enhance critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving skills in students. This interdisciplinary learning using AI also fosters a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas, which are essential skills for success in the AI era, better preparing students to address real-world problems and excel in a variety of disciplines. Most related current studies focus on how GenAI affects assessment and essay-based assignments (Chiu, 2024; Xia et al., 2024). However, student engagement in using GenAI tools in completing interdisciplinary learning remains unclear. Student engagement is a multi-dimensional concept generally considered to include behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and agentic components (Chiu, 2021; Fredricks, 2011), which can be explained by self-determination theory (SDT) through needs satisfaction (autonomy: feel having choices; competence: feel capable; relatedness: feel relevant) (Chiu, 2021; Ryan and Deci, 2020). This mixed-methods study investigated how GenAI tools engage students in interdisciplinary learning from SDT perspectives. The two main research questions are: RQ1: How is needs satisfaction related to student engagement in interdisciplinary learning? RQ2: How do GenAI tools satisfy students three SDT needs?. The participants were 310 university students from various academic major backgrounds (sciences: 72; engineering: 78; social sciences: 79; art: 76; others: five). All of them attended a 3-hour workshop on how to use GenAI in completing a project under the topic of sustainability. The participants tried different GenAI tools, and discussed how they completed the project. A questionnaire with validated itemswas used to examine how GenAI tools satisfy their needs for competency in a sustainability project (RQ1) (Chiu, 2024). Three iterative cycles of group interviews were conducted with randomly selected 30 participants to understand the roles and affordances of GenAI in interdisciplinary learning (RQ2). The quantitative findings suggested that during interdisciplinary learning, GenAI can satisfy student needs by fostering classification and generalization skills (grouping knowledge), encouraging unpacking model and solution skills (revising thinking), and providing alternative intelligence (inspiring with new ideas). The qualitative findings from this study were used to propose a framework for using GenAI to support interdisciplinary learning. The framework also visualizes the roles and affordances of GenAI in the learning.

A Quantified Methodology for Evaluating Engineering Sustainability: Ecological Footprint Measurement Modeling

With the gradual increase in public awareness of ecological environmental protection, how to manage the increasingly tight supply of natural ecological energy and resources and the more evident greenhouse effect, how to properly treat and deal with the relationship between people, engineering and the ecological environment during the construction phase of engineering projects as well as how to evaluate the degree of environmental friendliness and sustainable development ability of engineering projects will become an urgent issue. Stakeholders in engineering projects must seriously consider these vital issues. Existing studies on the evaluation of engineering–ecology sustainable development capacity mainly focus on the regional and industry levels, with less research focusing on the sustainability of individual engineering projects; furthermore, they are primarily concentrated on the qualitative evaluation perspective. In order to refine these shortcomings, based on the viewpoint of the ecosystem of construction projects, this paper integrates the concept of whole life cycle with the ecological footprint measurement model and defines the notion of the ecological footprint of the whole life cycle of construction projects. Subsequently taking the above concept as the foundation and making the ecological footprint of various activities throughout the life cycle of a construction project a specific study object, the research establishes the ecological footprint measurement model of the whole life cycle of the project, and comprehensively evaluates the impacts on the surrounding environment, which include the consumption of energy resources, CO2 and the absorption of solid wastes across the whole life cycle of the project. We then measure the sustainable development ability of engineering projects by comparing the ecological footprint with the ecological carrying capacity of a certain surrounding region. Finally, the practicability and reliability of the model is verified through the example’s application. Thus, the results of the study have significant theoretical and practical implications: (1) the introduction of the ecological footprint addresses the gap about the quantitative evaluation of the sustainability of individual engineering projects from a micro perspective; (2) it compensates for the shortcomings of other evaluation methods that only evaluate a single element, such as only CO2, resources, energy or solid waste and so on; and (3) stakeholders can use the measured model to quantitatively assess the sustainability of new projects or urban renewal projects, providing strong support for project feasibility studies and project-establishment.

Why anti-corruption projects and programmes fail in some African countries: a case study of an anti-corruption project that drowned in corruption and the lessons learned

Purpose The pandemic of corruption in Africa reflects the more general climate of the lack of both ethical leadership and appropriate anti-corruption systems found throughout most of the continent. The purpose of this study is to examine the manner in which corruption was perpetrated in an anti-corruption project that was intended to produce outcomes to reduce and control said corruption, in a sub-Saharan Africa country, for sustained development outcomes, including progress in meeting the sustainable development goals. Design/methodology/approach Based on a field experience, and drawing on the active participant observation research methodology, buttressed by open-ended interviews, this work provides a qualitative analysis and assessment case study of corruption in the implementation process of the anti-corruption project. Findings It is shown that corruption remains a significant barrier to positive development outcomes, especially in those environments where certain social norms and collectivist behaviour are prominent. In such environments, special systems need to be in place for project implementation success even in cases where a project itself is designed to reduce and control that corruption. Key lessons learned include the imperatives of recruiting qualified and ethical personnel and the importance of country ownership, political will and persistent project monitoring including by the citizen beneficiaries of sustainable development projects. Originality/value The paper’s value is the insights it provides through the mapping of the key lessons learned for successful implementation of projects and systems to control corruption and improve ethical behaviour in Africa and beyond.

Utilizing the Achievements of Data Acquiring Solution and Cloud Service Platform for China-Africa Cooperation on Satellite Remote Sensing Application

Abstract. This study examines the collaborative approach in China-Africa satellite remote sensing initiatives based on solutions of satellite data acquiring, sharing and application experiences. It specifically addresses the data coverage requirements and current coverage scenarios of China's natural resources land satellites in Africa. By establishing the China-Africa Cooperation Centers on Satellite Remote Sensing Application, adopting a multi-level distributed technology center model, and implementing cross-continental remote sensing cloud services through an internet-based cloud platform, this initiative aims to enhance the direct utilization of satellite data in Africa. Furthermore, strategic satellite observation window designs tailored to seasonal changes have increased the frequency of valid coverage over the entire African continent to at least once a year. Such advancements pave the way for real-time monitoring applications, particularly in crucial areas such as sustainable development projects and disaster response efforts. Therefore, the study also provides some useful case studies that are anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Optimal performance selection of sustainable mobility service projects based on IFSS ‐ Prospect theory ‐ VIKOR: A case study of electric vehicle sharing program

Optimal performance selection of sustainable mobility service projects based on IFSS ‐ Prospect theory ‐ VIKOR: A case study of electric vehicle sharing program

Framework for crowdfunding sustainable development goals projects using blockchain

Framework for crowdfunding sustainable development goals projects using blockchain

Circular Design Strategies and Economic Sustainability of Construction Projects in Nigeria: The Mediating Role of Organizational Culture

The need to incorporate circularity into construction is a global concern. The current linear consumption of construction materials is economically unsustainable in the midst of growing financial fears. The goal of this study is to probe the effects of circular design strategies (CDS) on the economic sustainability of construction projects (ESCP) based on the mediating role of two dimensions of organizational culture (OC). The paper observed the mediating effects of OC in the association between CDS and ESCP under the premise of the circular economy (CE) theory. The Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was deployed to analyze 359 survey feedbacks obtained from Nigerian construction firms. This paper's key contribution is the confirmation of CDS's significant influence on ESCP and the partial effects of OC on ESCP in the Nigerian construction sector. Additionally, Hierarchical Culture (HC) diminishes the relationship between CDS and ESCP. This demonstrates the necessity for construction companies to create and embrace a more inventive culture—like the Development Culture (DC)—in order to promote circular practices and ultimately support the financial viability of building projects in Nigeria.

A Spatial Decision-Support System for Wind Farm Site Selection in Djibouti

The escalating energy demand in Djibouti requires the investigation of renewable energy sources, with wind energy emerging as a promising solution. To ensure the long-term efficiency and sustainability of wind energy projects, it is imperative to determine suitable sites for wind farm construction. When selecting a suitable site for a wind farm, there are multiple criteria to consider, such as wind velocity, ground slope, and distance to urban areas. Nevertheless, the current body of the literature reveals that no previous research has been conducted to explore an approach which involves multiple criteria to determine suitable sites for wind farms in Djibouti, as opposed to solely considering wind energy potential. This study proposes a spatial decision-support system to address the research gap in the selection of wind farm sites. Seven criteria are simultaneously evaluated in this system, including wind velocity, changes in wind direction, ground slope, distance to urban areas, distance to road network, distance to energy transmission networks, and land use. The CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) method is used to objectively calculate the weights of the criteria. According to the results of performing the CRITIC method, wind velocity and distance to energy transmission networks were determined to be the most important criteria, while ground slope and land use were determined to be the least important criteria in comparison to others. A final suitability map showing the possible locations of wind farms in Djibouti was generated by considering the said criteria and their respective weights. The final suitability map reveals that the most suitable sites for the development of wind farms in Djibouti are located in the northeastern area between Obock and Khor-Angor, the southeastern area encompassing Lakes Ghoubet and Bara, and the southwestern area stretching from Lake Abbe to the Hanlé region. Using the proposed spatial decision-support system, decision makers would be empowered to make strategic and well-informed decisions when selecting the most suitable site for a wind farm in Djibouti.

HIV risk perception and PrEP uptake among black MSM in Mississippi.

Rates for HIV are disproportionately higher for Black men who have sex with men (MSM) compared to other MSM in the U.S. While there is evidence that low perceived risk of HIV infection may increase HIV vulnerability, few studies have examined this relationship among Black MSM in the Southern U.S. where the HIV rates are the highest in the country. This study examined the association between perceived HIV risk and PrEP adoption among Black MSM in a medium-size city in Mississippi. Data were drawn from a subsample of the "ACCELERATE!" intervention, an innovative and sustainable community-driven project to improve health outcomes among Black MSM. The outcome of interest was PrEP uptake, a binary variable derived from responses to the question "Have you taken PrEP in the last year?". The perceived risk of HIV, an independent variable, is measured by self-report of an individual's assessment of their vulnerability of contracting HIV defined as low versus high risk. Covariates included age and socio-environmental factors (health insurance, incarceration and discrimination) Sample characteristics were provided using means and standard deviations for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Exact logistic regression was used to assess the association between perceived HIV risk and PrEP adoption, adjusting for covariates. A total of 84 HIV negative Black men with a median age of 30 (min = 18, max = 69) years were available for analyses. Approximately 16% of participants reported experiencing incarceration and 57% reported experiencing discrimination. Seven out of ten respondents reported having low perceived risk, and 28.6% (24/84) reported having high perceived risk for HIV. There were 73 participants (86.9%) who reported PrEP use in the last year. We observed a higher proportion of participants with high perceived risk that reported lower uptake of PrEP. After adjusting for age, socioeconomic variables, and risky sexual behaviors, higher levels of perceived risk of HIV were associated with decreased odds of PrEP uptake (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04-0.94, p = 0.040). The role of HIV risk perception on PrEP adoption is complex among Black MSM in Mississippi. Higher levels of perceived risk of HIV were associated with lower odds of PrEP adoption among Black MSM. This inverse relationship between HIV risk perception and PrEP adoption suggests social- and structural- factors play a critical role in decision-making on PrEP initiation among Black MSM in Jackson. In addition, further longitudinal studies are needed to understand the complex interactions between perceived risk and PrEP use.

Enhancing Project Performance Through Quality (Toyyib) Dimensions: An Empirical Study in Jordan's Construction Industry

This study investigates the impact of key project quality (Toyyib) dimensions—Feasibility, Conformity, Durability, and Serviceability on project performance within Jordan's construction industry. Drawing from existing literature, the study highlights the critical link between quality management practices and enhanced project outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), data collected from 204 managers within Jordan’s construction firms reveal a significant positive relationship between effective quality management and improved project performance. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive quality audits and robust quality control mechanisms in minimizing delays, reducing costs, and achieving project objectives. This research contributes to both theoretical perspectives and practical applications in construction management, advocating for the integration of systematic quality dimensions to drive competitive advantage and sustainable project success.

Climate-Driven Sustainable Energy Investments: Key Decision Factors for a Low-Carbon Transition Using a Multi-Criteria Approach

Currently, the need for a clean transition has made the upscaling of sustainable energy investment projects imperative. This paper addresses the increasing importance of sustainable energy investment projects in the context of climate change and the urgent need for a global energy transition. Given the complexity of decision-making in this field, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is employed to assess the main criteria considered by project developers and financial institutions. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, eight criteria are identified and evaluated. Results highlight differing priorities between project developers and investors, emphasizing the need for adaptable approaches to accelerate sustainable energy investments. The study underscores the importance of understanding diverse stakeholder preferences and priorities in formulating effective strategies and managing associated risks to effectively promote sustainable energy projects. Future research should focus on real-life case studies and policy assessments to further enhance the understanding of sustainable energy investment dynamics.

Climate Finance: Pioneering Pathways to Sustainability

Climate finance is a progressive financial tool to foster sustainability and address climate change mitigation and adaptation challenges. This study delineates the notion of climate finance and sustainability, illustrating their confluence and its impact on social welfare, ecological quality, and economic well-being. Climate financing involves distributing resources to environmentally sustainable enterprises and projects designed to harmonize economic growth with sustainability. Furthermore, developed nations have committed to offering financial assistance to developing nations to confront the problems presented by climate change. This paper aims to decode the confluence of climate finance and sustainability. Moreover, it underscores the significance of climate financing in tackling environmental issues, reaching carbon neutrality, and eventually realizing sustainable development. The finding indicates that climate finance is essential for addressing climate change and achieving sustainability, highlighting the significant role of developed nations and the private sector in closing the funding gap required for investments in climate-resilient projects and infrastructure. Consequently, this can generate possibilities for people and nations to earn carbon credits, which are tradable in carbon markets, thereby securing financial benefits.

Catálogo de directrices de sostenibilidad para soportar el desarrollo y operación de software sostenible desde la ingeniería de requisitos

Sustainability constitutes one of the major challenges of today's society, in particular the sustainability of ICTs and more specifically of software. Requirements engineers need guidelines to successfully address sustainability in software projects. With this goal in mind, the CRETS4DevOps method has been designed to manage requirements in DevOps environments while promoting sustainability, especially technical sustainability. CRETS4DevOps encompasses a catalog of sustainability requirements, which helps in the reuse of expert knowledge in order to address the management of software quality attributes that result in sustainability, namely: modularity, scalability, flexibility, reusability, maintainability, reliability, security, interoperability and efficiency. This catalog is intended to assist practitioners both in software development and operation as well as in a sustainability audit. A tool to support CRETS4DevOps is currently being developed as a plug in for Microsoft Azure DevOps.

Optimizing public investments: A Sustainable Economic, Environmental, and Social Investment Multi-criteria Decision Model (SEESIM)

One of the most important aspects for the economic and social growth of a country is high efficiency of public investments. This imperative has never been more critical, especially in the context of Europe and Italy, where the integration of environmental, economic, and social goals is essential to address the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century. This research introduces the Sustainable Economic, Environmental, and Social Investment Model (SEESIM), a novel multi-criteria decision-making framework designed to ensure the sustainability of projects as their validity over time, especially from a National Recovery and Resilience Plan perspective. Utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), SEESIM integrates environmental, economic, and social criteria as useful tool to evaluate a project in the post-funding phase, ensuring a balanced approach to efficiency and sustainability. The model is adaptable to various regional contexts, providing a transparent and replicable methodology for assessing the impacts and costs of public investments. An experimental scenario demonstrates SEESIM’s utility in guiding investment decisions, highlighting its potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of public resources in achieving long-term sustainability goals. SEESIM represents a pivotal advancement in sustainable development strategies, offering a comprehensive tool for integrating multi-dimensional sustainability criteria into public investment decisions.

Sustainable Project Management in the Automotive Industry

Sustainable Project Management in the Automotive Industry

Towards Environmental Sustainability: The Impact of External Debt and Government Expenditure on Carbon Emissions in Somalia

This study aims to assess the effect of external debt and government expenditure on carbon emissions in Somalia. To do so, the study employed a rigorous econometric approaches such as autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL), Fully modified least square (FMOLS), and Dynamic least square (DOLS). Findings demonstrated that external debt (LNED) positively and significantly affects carbon emissions. Results revealed that a 1%, or a point increase of external debt, rises 0.29% into the emitted emissions. Moreover, the study found that the long-run coefficient of government expenditure (LNGE) positively correlates with emissions. However, a 1% increase in total government expenditure significantly increases CO2 emissions by 0.05% in the long run. So, regarding the positive correlation between external debt, government expenditure, and carbon emissions, the study suggests that the government should strategically use its expenditures and external debt to fund environmentally sustainable projects. This approach aims to reduce carbon emissions while promoting sustainable development and balancing economic growth with ecological conservation.

The Financial Risks in Toll Road Development in Indonesia: Challenges and Development Strategies for the Probowangi Toll Road

Probolinggo-Banyuwangi toll road, which crosses mountainous areas in East Java. Toll road construction in areas with varying topography often faces significant technical and environmental challenges, which can affect costs, completion time, and project sustainability. This study uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive method to evaluate risk factors that impact project finances, such as construction costs, dependence on funding sources, interest rate fluctuations, and traffic volume predictions. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, while secondary data was obtained from financial planning documents and related project topography. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression with a path analysis model. The results of this study are expected to identify key variables that influence financial risk and provide recommendations for effective mitigation strategies. This research is expected to contribute to the development of policies and financial risk management practices for similar infrastructure projects in the future.

Optimum Use of Recycled Waste Materials as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate in Portland Cement Concrete Mixes

This study explored the independent utilization of five common waste materials - rubber, plastic, glass, slag, and sewage sludge ash (SSA) - as partial replacement of fine aggregate in Portland cement concrete (PCC) mixes. The main objective was to determine an optimum substitution range for each waste material that would offer well performing concrete in terms of workability, compressive strength, and durability. To this end, multiple concrete batches were prepared, incorporating each waste material at four different levels: 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of fine aggregate. Then, concrete samples (100-mm diameter × 200-mm tall cylinders) were cast from each batch and were moisture-cured for 7, 14, and 28 days prior to testing. Also, the chemical composition of each waste material was identified using FTIR spectroscopy to understand its impact on the development of concrete strength. While most waste led to the diminished strength gains at all substitution rates, the addition of glass, slag, and SSA contributed positively to the strength development at specific replacement levels: 5% for glass, 10 - 15% for slag, and 5 – 15% for SSA. Furthermore, these additions of glass and slag exhibited comparable workability and durability although SSA did not exhibit comparable workability and durability. The findings of this study can hold significant implications for environmental sustainability and cost effectiveness in construction projects.

ECOLOGICAL NICHES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR REFORESTATION OF PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS, KHAYA SENEGALENSIS AND ISOBERLINIA DOKA IN THE CLASSIFIED FORESTS OF NORTHERN COTE DIVOIRE

Deforestation in Cote dIvoire, particularly in the Pale and Pouniakele classified forests, threatens biodiversity and essential ecosystem services. This study explores the potential of Pterocarpus erinaceus, Khaya senegalensis, and Isoberliniadoka to restore degraded ecosystems through reforestation projects, using maximum entropy modeling. The objective is to analyze the ecological niches of these species in order to optimize reforestation strategies. The results show that Pterocarpus erinaceus has a high tolerance to climate variations, with an average AUC of 0.878, and a concentrated distribution in the central and northern savannahs. The main factors influencing its presence are the standard deviation of temperatures (47%) and humidity (15.4%). Khaya senegalensis, on the other hand, is well adapted to open environments with low vegetation cover and high climate variability. Its mean AUC of 0.893 indicates a robust prediction, with areas of presence in the central-eastern part of the country. Major contributions include temperature standard deviation (21.4%) and NDVI (18.5%). Finally, Isoberliniadoka shows greater sensitivity to stable climatic conditions, with a mean AUC of 0.848 and a presence limited to northern regions, where forest cover (32.1%) and mean temperature (39.7%) are the dominant variables. Ecological differences are observed between species, mainly influenced by climate variability and vegetation density. This implies the importance of adapting reforestation programs to the environmental specificities of each species. This study offers practical recommendations to improve the sustainability of reforestation projects in Cote dIvoire, taking into account local ecological challenges.