Examining the sustainability impacts of mega sports events : fuzzy modelling as a new integrated appraisal system

Dodouras, S 2005, Examining the sustainability impacts of mega sports events : fuzzy modelling as a new integrated appraisal system , PhD thesis, Salford : University of Salford.

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Abstract

Sustainable development is recognised as being a complex concept and this is often its main deficiency. A critical review of existing integrated assessment tools identified that current valuation methods give weak signals on integration, adding to the complexity of operationalising sustainable development. To bring about sustainability, professions from different discipline backgrounds have to work together effectively. These factors heighten the need for clear multidisciplinary communication at all stages of a development. Systems thinking based on the concepts of fuzzy logic can provide the basis for complex situations to be examined and approached as qualitatively as possible and thereby could be useful in improving communication and promoting sustainable development. To achieve this aim, literature review and case study research methods were employed. The former provided a critical basis for considering sustainability issues, integrated assessment tools and mega sports events. Such events provide a suitable case study - the 2004 Olympiad - in which the issues of complexity and multidisciplinary communication can be explored. The latter combined data processing of primary sources collected over three decades, as well as the elaboration of a questionnaire survey and a series of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including academics, civil servants, members of the Olympics organising committee and representatives of other agencies. The modelling process included transcribing and ff*i verification of the interview data using NVivo -1.1. Data exploration and interpretation led to the development and comparison of several fuzzy maps using Inspiration^-7.5. These models were copied to Microsoft®Word-2000 and the subsequent analysis revealed that the functionality of fuzzy modelling could comprehensively analyse data and effectively communicate the potential outcomes. The participative, temporal and qualitative nature of this model could, henceforth, improve the planning and decisionmaking processes. This means that the model can be considered as a new integrated appraisal system, providing a common language and a shared vision.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Contributors:	James, P (Supervisor)
Schools:	Schools > School of Environment and Life Sciences Schools > School of the Built Environment > Centre for Urban Processes, Resilient Infrastructures & Sustainable Environments
Depositing User:	Institutional Repository
Date Deposited:	03 Oct 2012 13:34
Last Modified:	04 Aug 2022 11:26
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/26640

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