Architecture, Building and Planning - Research Publications
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ItemPhysical environment as a factor in schools’ performance and efficiency: A review of previous research(Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA), 2022-12-02)The physical environment can considerably influence the efficiency and functionalities of facilities and spaces. Some recent studies examining schools’ efficiency consider several factors such as human capital, parents' socioeconomic background, perceptions of teachers and parents towards schools, and financial status. However, very few studies have investigated the influences of schools' physical environment and facilities on their efficiency and students’ academic performance. This research aims to review the recent studies on factors influencing schools’ efficiency and student academic performance, and the importance accorded to physical environment. The research database, Scopus, is searched using combinations of relevant keywords and various studies that identify the influencing factors. A preliminary analysis of most of these studies indicates that the physical environment's influence on school performance appears peripheral. However, it was identified that physical environment, facilities, and services influence students’ academic performance directly and indirectly. One of the limitations highlighted was that many of the studies, which include the physical environment factors in examining schools’ efficiency, were based on a single country. The studies were mainly focused on the USA, and only a handful was based on Australia and the rest of the world. This paper identifies the need for more such studies that can contribute to bridging the knowledge on the efficiency drivers of the schools. A better understanding of the drivers for better school performance is needed to lead to an efficient allocation of funding, particularly for public schools in Australia.
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ItemComparative analysis of outcomes under PPP and traditional modes of delivery: A study of schools in Melbourne(Taylor & Francis, 2021-11-02)Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements are perceived as compelling alternatives to traditional infrastructure development to raise finances and improve efficiency. However, with the substantial improvement in the provision of services through traditionally developed infrastructure, the benefits of PPP implementation need to be continually evaluated. This research investigates three categories of outcomes (educational, stakeholder satisfaction, and general outcomes) for schools in Melbourne implemented under PPP arrangement to those implemented under a traditional procurement method. Data Envelopment Analysis is used to assess the efficiency of these outcomes, based on the consumption of teaching, financial and physical resources. The results indicate that there is no substantial difference between the performance of both arrangements. While the schools implemented under the PPP arrangement have provided better education outcomes, the traditional schools perform better in stakeholder satisfaction and general outcomes. The results indicate that the policymakers need to evaluate infrastructure based PPP arrangements more closely and align with the desired outcomes.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableCitizen-government negotiation: Cases of in riverside informal settlements at flood risk(Elsevier Inc., 2019-08-01)Residents of urban informal riverside settlements are regularly threatened by floods and simultaneously are facing potential eviction, particularly in multi-hazard prone cities in developing countries in Asia. Governments usually choose relocation as a preventive measure due to the high exposure of riverside communities whereas ignoring the repercussions on the resident's socio-economic conditions of these dramatical changes. However, residents, despite the vulnerabilities, aim to remain in their original homes and to pursue possibilities to negotiate with the governments and ideally achieve fair alternatives for reducing the flood risk and change the negative public image of their communities. This study explores three scenarios of which resulted in failure, success and uncertain outcomes and exposes the governance challenges for a fair citizen-government negotiation.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableCitizen-government negotiation on flood risk reduction in riverside informal settlements(Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management (DPMM), 2017-12-02)Residents of urban informal settlements located in riverside areas, mainly in low income countries, are permanently threaten by flood hazards and simultaneously are facing potential eviction and further relocation. Generally residents are moved to locations far from the city center and their workplaces. This represents an immense challenge for the continuation of their already precarious living conditions and hinders possibilities for further community development. The negative consequences of relocation has been widely studied and is considered that exacerbates uncertainty about the residents capacities to continue with their livelihood activities, produces loss of community ties, limits the access to basic amenities and results in uncertainty about residents future living and housing conditions. Governments usually choose relocation as a preventive measure due to the high exposure of riverside communities, often living in squatter conditions. However, the resident’s socio-economic dimensions of these changes are often dismissed. Therefore, residents in their attempt to remain in their original settlements pursue possibilities to negotiate with the governments, and ideally achieve impartial alternatives for reduce the flood risk and change the public image about their communities that usually are seen as insecure, dirty, and a symbol of the underdevelopment of the country. This paper explores three scenarios, the first case where residents had been relocated as a result of a massive floods caused by an unexpected strong tropical storm and the absence of community preventive measures. In the second case, the local initiatives of riverside communities which have limited external support is presented. The third case presents a case of active negotiation between residents and governments, where there is a permanent support from an NGO and active community participation. The results of this study suggest that the establishment of negotiation mechanisms are the responsibility of local communities, which despite the good intentions without external support that facilitates the process of negotiation, observe uncertainty and lack of effectiveness of their arguments against eviction.