Urban Planning
amir pourdadash; akbar Asghari Zamani; Iraj Teymuri
Abstract
Considering the challenges ahead in the way and type of management of free zones, including non-democratic management structure, unstable income, achieve a bright future for the Aras Free Zone, it is necessary to identify and outline the key drivers. The current research, with the perspective of future ...
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Considering the challenges ahead in the way and type of management of free zones, including non-democratic management structure, unstable income, achieve a bright future for the Aras Free Zone, it is necessary to identify and outline the key drivers. The current research, with the perspective of future research, tries to identify the vital factors affecting the state of good governance in Aras Free Zone and investigate the effect of these factors on each other. This research, in terms of practical purpose and from library methods, survey, its nature is based on new methods in future research with an analytical and exploratory approach, using quantitative and qualitative models and analysis methods and structural cross-effects, such as Micmac and Delphi method. has benefited Based on this, during numerous discussion sessions and opinion gathering of experts and expert group of Aras Free Zone, 15 people as a statistical sample of the target population, 60 items or variables were identified in the form of 8 main indicators of good urban governance. Then, the above variables were weighted in the form of a 60x60 matrix of cross-effects by the elite group and defined in the Mic Mac software. What can be understood from the state of the dispersion map of the variables is the instability of the system. Therefore, according to the ranking of the direct and indirect effects of the variables and their scoring, the number of 21 variables that had more weight in both cases were identified as the main drivers of good urban governance in the free zone. Among the variables, citizens' and officials' trust in each other has the highest score and the most vital factor affecting good urban governance in Aras Free Zone, and administrators' adherence to the law, strategic vision, and social justice are ranked in the next ranks.
Urban Planning
Fereshte Rezaee; JAMILE TAVAKOLINIA; Mozaffar Sarrafi
Abstract
IntroductionDuring the past century, the city management system has faced shortcomings due to weaknesses in civil and local institutions, absence of a well-defined organizational position within the national hierarchy, and lack of participation in planning as a result of centralized, top-down administration. ...
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IntroductionDuring the past century, the city management system has faced shortcomings due to weaknesses in civil and local institutions, absence of a well-defined organizational position within the national hierarchy, and lack of participation in planning as a result of centralized, top-down administration. Today, as a metropolitan city that is supposed to play an international role in the region and a national role in the country, Tehran is facing numerous problems and issues that stem from underdeveloped local communities and absence of good urban governance. Consequently, the present study seeks to address the role of NGOs as an institutional capacity in realizing and improving the governance process in line with increasing the participation of local communitiesMethodologyConducted with the purpose of examining the role of NGOs in realizing good urban governance in Tehran metropolitan city, this research employed the survey method and field studies. Data collection was carried out via distributing questionnaires among the sample population. The hypotheses of the study were then tested using statistical softwares such as the SPSS. The questionnaire included 35 items, out of which 10 and 25 items were specified to measure variables of NGOs and good urban governance, respectively. In this regard, 5 items were considered for each component of good urban governance which included participation, reliability, transparency, accountability, and efficiency. The scale of the study was validated by extracting the components of variables under measurement from the existing literature. Subsequently, they were localized using the comments of experts. Content validity and measurement scale were evaluated through qualitative reasoning. That is, the questionnaire used in this study had 3 content validities as the variables under measurement were derived from related research and constructs in questionnaires were correctly perceived by the sample population. To pretest the designed questionnaire, they were distributed among 10 experts and professors; next, following the correction and balancing of a few points, they were distributed among 30 individuals within the initial sample population; given the comments of this group, the relevancy of questions was ensured in relation to the sample population. Ultimately, the final questionnaire was designed and used for data collection.Results and DiscussionThe hypotheses were examined and the results are explained below:In the main hypothesis, it was stated that “NGOs play a role in realizing good urban governance in Tehran metropolitan city.” The significance level of F statistic value in regression test showed that NGOs are capable of playing a role in realization of good urban governance in Tehran metropolitan city at 95% significance level. Findings suggest that in order to realize good governance in cities as local environments, it is necessary to utilize capacities present in the constitution, century-long experiences of consultative localism (city association, Islamic council), and global experiences in the area of NGOs. Indeed, addressing the management of cities through a participatory approach requires an efficient framework which, according to the experiences of developed countries, is the good urban governance; an approach that is recommended by the UN as the global policy trustee in line with offering development. Accordingly, by increasing the social capital and accountability of local managers, emotional refining of the citizens, attracting social elites and guiding them in managing urban affairs, and providing social solidarity in Tehran metropolitan city, NGOs have provided the means for realization of good urban governance.In the first secondary hypothesis, it was stated that “NGOs play a role in realizing “participation” in Tehran metropolitan city.” The significance level of F statistic value in regression test showed that NGOs are capable of playing a role in realization of participation in Tehran metropolitan city at 95% significance level. In affairs such as participation and delegation of authorities, urban management needs to mitigate legal ambiguities and increase localized educational and research centers. Subsequently, the government can play an effective role in this process by carrying out a set of sociocultural actions such as producing educational contents for schools and universities, instructing teachers, judges, government staff, and law enforcement personnel, teaching the principles and frameworks on the importance of utilizing the participation of NGOs through media and particularly the IRIB, reviewing the current rules and regulations in Iran, and modifying bureaucratic procedures. Governments can also increase the authorities of civil institutions such as the NGOs and mitigate urban management issues with the help of the local citizens as local governments, using the indices of good urban governance.In the second secondary hypothesis, it was stated that “NGOs play a role in realizing “reliability” in Tehran metropolitan city.” The significance level of F statistic value in regression test showed that NGOs do not play a role in realization of reliability in Tehran metropolitan city at 95% significance level. Findings suggest that NGOs currently do not occupy a suitable position in Iran; accordingly, any collective movement considered as voluntary activities are at a declining level throughout the society. Therefore, despite the considerable willingness of individuals to participate in such activities, factors such as low levels of trust and reliability in the society and absence of common positive values has resulted in these activities to remain as mere mental desires rather than practical, objective actions. In these circumstances, NGOs cannot be expected to be significantly effective on the area of reliability.In the third secondary hypothesis, it was stated that “NGOs play a role in realizing “transparency” in Tehran metropolitan city.” The significance level of F statistic value in regression test showed that NGOs do not play a role in realization of transparency in Tehran metropolitan city at 95% significance level. There is an insignificant percentage of individuals within NGOs who believe in the effectiveness of these organizations on the transparency of the authorities; subsequently, an inconsiderable extent of willingness is shown to carry out activities in NGOs in line with establishing transparency among government authorities. It appears that in the current conditions, NGOs do not have a considerable effectiveness in realizing good urban governance due to issues that obstruct their activities along with the risks of engaging in political areas. As a result, to achieve success in increasing transparency, the entire government and non-government bodies and sectors including schools, universities, newspapers, the IRIB, and other mainstream media should work in harmony.In the fourth secondary hypothesis, it was stated that “NGOs play a role in realizing “accountability” in Tehran metropolitan city.” The significance level of F statistic value in regression test showed that NGOs are capable of playing a role in realization of accountability in Tehran metropolitan city at 95% significance level. By attracting social elites and guiding them in managing urban affairs, NGOs have managed to elevate the spirit of questioning among the members of the society; in addition, these elite individuals have managed to get their questions across to the government using modern communication tools including social networks. This has led to urban authorities to be held accountable, hence properly realizing this important aspect of good governance.In the fifth secondary hypothesis, it was stated that “NGOs play a role in realizing “efficiency” in Tehran metropolitan city.” The significance level of F statistic value in regression test showed that NGOs do not play a role in realization of efficiency in Tehran metropolitan city at 95% significance level. Such lack of effectiveness can be attributed to a number of reasons including structural inadequacies in NGOs, weak social trust in these organizations, economic issues present in voluntary activities, and absence of professional functions in NGOs in shaping the civil society.ConclusionResults showed that in general, NGOs do play a role in realizing good urban governance in Tehran metropolitan city; however, despite their effective roles in actualizing components of participation and macro accountability, they do not seem to have an adequate role in realizing components such as reliability, transparency, and efficiency. Ultimately, it should be pointed out that the structure of urban management in Tehran at local levels requires enhancing the role of NGOs and participation of local communities and multilevel and multi-agent governance in line with efficient and effective urban management whilst reinforcing indices of good urban governance including participation, reliability, transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Reinforcing good urban governance against a government-centered urban management approach requires a strong political will at the higher echelons of governance, particularly their belief in such pattern of administration.
Urban Planning
forough andesta; shahrivar rostaei
Abstract
Introduction
The expansion of urbanization and the problems resulting from urban life have made it increasingly necessary to pay attention to useful strategies and solutions to optimize the lives of citizens. With the introduction of democratic concepts and approaches over the last decades, new patterns ...
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Introduction
The expansion of urbanization and the problems resulting from urban life have made it increasingly necessary to pay attention to useful strategies and solutions to optimize the lives of citizens. With the introduction of democratic concepts and approaches over the last decades, new patterns of governance have emerged. Good urban governance movement has been one of these new forms. This model is defined as a participatory process that is associated with citizen participation and changing the roles and functions of local government. In this regard, the NBN program, entitled "Neighbors Building Neighborhoods," has been one of the most successful ways of urban management and good governance in the past ten years in Rochester, New York. In this program, all citizens try to organize their living environment. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the implementation of participatory urban governance (NBN program) in District 2 of Tabriz metropolitan.
Methods: The method of present study is descriptive-analytical. To collect the required data, library resources (for theoretical foundations) and questionnaire (for scientific research) were used. It should be noted that the statistical population of this study was calculated to be 382 people, according to the Cochran's formula and the population of District 2 of Tabriz metropolitan. Also, the used questionnaire included 19 five-option questions with a closed answer and its items are measured based on the Likert scale. The validity of the questionnaire was obtained using the face validity and its reliability was obtained at 0.826 using Cronbach's alpha method, indicating the desirable reliability of the questionnaire.Then, the data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using LISREL software and one-sample t-test in SPSS software, and the indicators influencing the implementation of participatory urban governance (NBN program) were evaluated and prioritized. LISREL software was used to estimate and test structural equation models and to examine and analyze linear relationships between latent variables and observed variables. This program uses correlations and covariance between observed variables to estimate the values of factor loads, variances, and errors of latent variables. In the quantitative stage of study, the relationship between latent variables was examined using the structural equation method and a model was presented using LISREL software. In the field method, as stated, the questionnaire tool was defined and used for each latent variable and observed variables. To analyze the data through the structural equation model, the data obtained from the questionnaires were entered into the SPSS statistical software and were encoded. The data encoded in the LISREL program were retrieved and analyzed.
Results: Based on the results of LISREL software and the t-value, indicating the priority of indicators in LISREL software, the collective agreement indicator with a value of 10.72 was ranked first. In fact, when there are different opinions and ideas in a society, there will be different actors, so it is better to guide the city management and different interests and preferences in the society towards a broad consensus that considers the best and most benefit for groups. In other words, the city is the arena of different groups and interests and they are sometimes in conflict with each other. Collective agreement means moderation and creating an agreement of different interests. Transparency indicator with a T-value of 7.28 was ranked second. It means that lack of transparency and secrecy in urban affairs increases the possibility of corruption in decision-making. However, transparency prevents its spread. Citizen participation indicator, which means power to influence citizens in decision-making and involving them in power with the T-Value value of 6.1, was ranked third. Justice indicator, which means creating suitable opportunities for all citizens to improve their welfare status, the effort for fair allocation of resources and participation of the deprived people in expressing their opinions and decisions with the T-value of 5.18, was ranked fourth. Evaluating the status of indicators in SPSS software and their significance level indicated that significance level of all indicators is less than 0.05. It means that the mean indicators differ from the theoretical mean of 3, and since the values of the two upper bound and lower bound columns are negative, it can be stated that the mean of the indicators is lower than the theoretical mean of 3. Hence, with 95% confidence interval and significance level of less than 0.05, it can be stated that District 2 of Tabriz metropolitan is not in a good position to implement participatory urban governance (NBN program).
Conclusion: One of the most successful models in the area of urban management is the "good urban governance" model, which is a participatory urban management system. In this model, three institutions of civil society, private sector and government participate in all relevant decisions. This approach in urban management is based on the citizen-oriented and fair development is to influence all forces having interest and power in the management of urban affairs and to meet all the needs of these groups. In fact, it can be stated without the active participation of citizens, urban governance will not be realized and urban management will remain in a static framework with a one-sided and dominant power in making decision on city issues. Thus, citizen participation is the driving force of urban management. In this regard, the NBN program is one of the most creative and effective approaches to contemporary urban management and governance, which has been used in Rochester, New York for about two decades. In this program, people participate in all relevant decisions together with the government. This approach, called "neighbors building neighborhoods", can be one of the most serious steps in decentralizing centralized management and urban "top-down planning" and rural areas and movement towards decentralized participatory governance and "bottom-up planning."
The present study was an attempt to evaluate the factors influencing the implementation of participatory urban governance (NBN program). The results of data analysis in the LISREL program environment show that the model has a good fit. Among the indicators, according to their T-Values, the "collective agreement" indicator was ranked first, and the indicators of transparency, citizenship participation and justice were ranked second, third, and fourth, respectively. Also, based on the results of data analysis in SPSS and one-sample t-test and significance level, the mean of indicators with the theoretical mean and the values of upper and lower bounds, which are negative in all indicators, it can be stated that the factors affecting the implementation of participatory urban governance (NBN program) are in an unfavorable situation.
Urban Planning
Mohammad Reza Rezaei; Sohrab Moazzen
Abstract
The development of urbanization and cities sprawling growth have led to increasing problems and shortages in urban management in recent decades. One of the most emphasized approaches to improvement urban managements performance and solution to urban issues and problems is using Neighborhood Management ...
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The development of urbanization and cities sprawling growth have led to increasing problems and shortages in urban management in recent decades. One of the most emphasized approaches to improvement urban managements performance and solution to urban issues and problems is using Neighborhood Management plan or "citizens self- management" approach in urban management. In Tehran metropolis, with the contribution of urban management and interaction among other units and subdivisions, there has been conducted some appropriate projects to constitute and support the activities of neighborhood counseling units to use the capacity of participants and contribution of citizens and considering the priorities and local requirements one of which is the "neighborhood management" in this respect. The present article following this subject that, first of all, do neighborhood management have succeeded in achieving it’s goals? Secondly, how is Tehran urban management of region 1, 12 and 16 based on the indices of Good Urban Governance? Finally, is there any relation between performance of neighborhood management and capacity of achievement Good Urban Governance approach in urban management? The research methodology is descriptive, analytic and data are collected doing survey methods by questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS. The results show that neighborhood management have not succeeded in achieving it’s goals; urban management of study area is inappropriate situation based on the indices of Good Urban Governance; and finally there is a significant relation between performance of neighborhood management plan and a capacity to realization of Good Urban Governance in urban management in study area.
