Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Factors as Key Factors in Real Estate Investment Decision: Mixed Use Properties (Published)
There is no doubt that environmental, social and governance factors (ESG) plays a crucial role in real estate investment decisions especially in mixed-use properties, which is what this study reveals. The study which employed a mixed-methods approach also combines literature reviews, surveys, interviews and statistical analysis. The finding shows that Employee wellbeing, biodiversity and green space are the top ranked factors. This was followed by water conservation and energy efficiency. Identified also were other factors which include; community engagement, transportation access, waste management and community health impact. The factor analysis done reveals that these factors contribute in no small measures to overall ESG impact. To test adequacy and shericity, the analysis done in the study shows that Kasier-Meyer-Olkin’s measure of sampling adequacy and Barlett’s test of sphericity KMO measure showed appropriateness and are in the range of 0.70. The research indicated that for mixed-use development, ESG factors play a significant role in real estate investment. Therefore, it important for investors to set priority right especially on ESG factors as it concerns decision-making process even as this is expected to help in the creation of positive impacts on both the environment as well as the society while also achieving financial success.
Keywords: Environmental, Governance, Investment Decision, mix use, social factors
Network Governance, a Response to the Dilemma of Ski-Resort Sustainable Development (Published)
Regulating access to common resources and organizing their exploitation is, usually, the responsibility of local authorities and the object of local governance. However, in ski resorts, participating the private sector in territorial management could have a better impact on resource preservation due to the seasonality of ski dynamism and its impact on network efficacy. This article aims to study the concept of local network governance and to examine its influence on sustainable development. The effectiveness of this governance is illustrated by the case of Mzaar ski-resort in Lebanon.
Keywords: Governance, Network, Ski-Resort, Sustainable Development, Tourism
Challenges of Local Government Administration in Nigeria: Lessons from Comparative Analysis (Published)
Local government administration in Nigeria is classified as the third tier of government while several problems have been its recurring decimal and various reforms since 1976 haven’t been able to make the system effective and responsible to developmental challenges. Most responses to the challenges have concentrated on looking inward for respite without much success informed this the paper to examine the lessons that could be learnt from comparative local government studies from nations like United States of America, France, India and Britain. It is a descriptive study that relied on secondary data sources. The paper revealed that the challenges inhibiting efficient service delivery range from undue intervention by the state governments, the structure, corruption, over politicization of administration and staffing which were not found to be so in other systems. The study concluded that the challenges are institutional and attitudinal in nature which could be addressed given that there is the political will by the Federal and State governments. It recommended a democratized multilayer local government system, legal framework to checkmate excessive intervention by State government, enhancement of human resources capacity and accountable leadership.
Keywords: Accountability, Governance, Local Government, Service delivery, democratic participation
MOROCCAN CANNED SARDINES VALUE CHAIN-GOVERNANCE AND VALUE ADDED DISTRIBUTION (Published)
Morocco is the world’s leading producer and exporter of canned sardines. However, this product value chain encounters multiple challenges. This study explores how such a chain could create and capture a larger value added share within the European market. Surveys using questionnaires and open interviews have been carried out including a sample of relevant actors in the chain. The results show that the value chain is substantially driven by European retailers who create 68% of the total value added; while Moroccan canning industry remains relatively less wealth-building and captures less income. The improvement strategy should foster better vertical cooperation among actors, a common commercial policy and an innovative diversification of the Moroccan offer.
Keywords: Canned sardines, Governance, Income, Morocco, Value Chain, Value added