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Powering Change: A Methodology for Prioritizing Locations When Burying Power Lines to Minimize Wildfire Damage in Communities
Get PDFPurpose: Overhead power lines can spark and cause extremely devastating wildfires. This has happened with power lines from utility companies such as Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). One method of preventing widespread wildfires is to bury power lines underground. When planning to bury lines, utility companies must evaluate where power lines should be buried to minimize collateral damage from wildfires while enhancing infrastructure strength. This research paper advances a novel methodology for identifying and prioritizing the ideal locations for underground power lines.
Methodology: Using California as a case study, I examine low, medium, and high wildfire risk locations in PG&E’s, SCE’s, and SDG&E’s jurisdictions. I determine which locations should be prioritized regarding the construction of underground lines by looking at the following factors in geographic information system (GIS) mapping: overhead power lines, critical infrastructure, past wildfire activity, population density, disadvantaged communities, and thermal hotspots.
Findings: The results reveal the importance of considering variables like population and infrastructure density when mitigating wildfire risk with underground power lines, expanding the evaluation beyond typical factors like dry vegetation.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: My methodology can be used by utility companies in order to conserve resources and time due to the structured approach. Doing so will also expedite the process of burying power lines which minimizes the impact of wildfires caused by overhead lines
Technological Innovation in Corporate Governance and Internal Audit Performance: The Moderating Role of Digital Skills and Knowledge of Internal Auditors among Ghanaian Listed Companies
Get PDFPurpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of technological innovations in corporate governance on internal audit performance, with a focus on the moderating role of digital skills and knowledge among internal auditors in Ghanaian listed companies.
Methodology: We employed an explanatory research design, using a mixed method approach. The data were collected from 300 principal officers of listed companies in Ghana, with a response rate of 74.3%. We utilised thematic analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) in XLSTAT for data analysis.
Findings: Technological innovations in corporate governance significantly improve internal audit performance in risk management, compliance, controls, and resource optimisation. The digital skills and knowledge of internal auditors positively influence this relationship, promoting the adoption of technology. While firms in Ghana derive benefits from technological innovations, blockchain and big data adoption remain limited by infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, and regulatory uncertainty.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: We recommend that regulatory clarity be established through BoG, SEC, and ICAG frameworks on blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity, drawing lessons from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Professional bodies and universities should embed emerging technologies into training and curricula, while financing challenges are best addressed through public–private partnerships
Climate-Resilient Urban Energy: Integrating Governance, Finance, Digital Twins, Circular Water–Energy, and Nature-Based Solution
Get PDFPurpose: Show how governance, finance, digital twin (DT)/AI analytics, circular water–energy, nature-based solutions (NbS), and equity can jointly drive low‑carbon, resilient, just urban energy transitions in emerging regions.
Methodology: PRISMA review (2014–Q1 2024) screened 500, retained 80 studies/policy records. Dual coding (kappa >0.78). Meta‑ranges kept metrics with ≥3 consistent studies. Thematic triangulation mapped enablers, barriers, and gaps across Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia to generate contextual performance and sequencing insights.
Findings: Efficiency, combined with distributed renewables and demand response, cuts emissions by 18–42%. DT/predictive analytics reduce district energy intensity by 5–12% and O&M by 10–25%. Circular measures lower utility energy intensity 8–22% and offset 20–40% potable demand. NbS cut peak runoff 20–55%, inundation depth 10–25%, heat island 0.5–2.5°C. Equity actions reduced the energy burden by 5–18% and prioritized flood exposure by 20–40%. Enablers: polycentric coordination, interoperable data, blended finance, standardized metrics, ethical AI, just transition framing.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Meta-range synthesis clarifies performance bands linking technical gains with resilience and equity outcomes. Regional DT/AI maturity and circular leverage points inform sequencing in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, underscoring the need for synchronized data governance and integration. Adopt interoperable data and AI charters; expand blended, performance‑linked finance tied to resilience and equity KPIs; incentivize leak analytics, modular digestion, reclaimed cooling; mandate equity and anti‑displacement audits; build DT validation capacity; apply equity‑adjusted valuation
Improving OFDM Maximum Transmission Rate Uplink Based on the Cognitive One-Way Af-Relay Networks via Genetic Algorithm
Get PDFIn wireless communication systems the demand for spectrum resources are increasing rapidly due to increasing spectrum utilization that causes scarceness of the spectrum frequency bands, the Cognitive Radio Network is considered the best solution for this problem, and its cooperated network if it merges with Relay technology. The resource allocation for an OFDM (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) with N subcarrier-based-cognitive AF (amplify and forward) for relay network and relay selection is proposed in this paper, the Objective Function is to Maximization the sum transmission rate over the sub-carriers of the secondary user under the Interference constraints from the secondary users (SUs) to the primary users (PUs) and the power constraints for both (the secondary users and relays). The subcarrier allocation and power allocation for the secondary network with relay selection were solved by using a Genetic algorithm
A Robust Multivariate Logistic Regression Model for Smart Parking Occupancy Prediction
Get PDFPurpose: This study developed an enhanced multivariate logistic regression (MLR) model integrated with robust ordinary least squares (ROLS) techniques to address parking occupancy prediction challenges in rapidly urbanizing environments. Focusing on developing country contexts with infrastructure constraints, the research targeted three limitations of conventional approaches: vulnerability to data anomalies, insufficient interpretability, and poor adaptation to resource-limited settings.
Methodology: Employing design science research (DSR) methodology, the study utilized parking datasets from Kaggle and GitHub repositories. Comprehensive preprocessing included ROLS-based outlier treatment and temporal/environmental feature engineering. The model incorporated SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) for interpretability and underwent hyperparameter optimization via grid search. Evaluation employed an 80-20 train-test split with accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC-ROC metrics.
Findings: The ensemble model achieved superior performance (R²=0.9007, MSE=0.00878, accuracy=91.56%) compared to standalone MLR (84.31% accuracy) and ROLS (MSE=0.00872) implementations. Key predictors included historical occupancy patterns, temporal variables, and weather conditions. SHAP analysis confirmed the model\u27s operational transparency while maintaining computational efficiency.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Implementation in real-time smart parking systems through IoT networks is recommended. Future research should pursue: 1) cross-regional validation studies, 2) dynamic pricing algorithm integration, and 3) enhanced anomaly detection mechanisms. The study provides a theoretically grounded yet practical solution optimized for developing urban contexts
Beneficiaries’ Participatory Planning as a Strategy for Effective Project Implementation: A Case of Rwanda Tubura Project
Get PDFPurpose: Engaging local stakeholders is an important part of development work because it makes sure that the necessities and concerns of the local community are thought about and dealt with. Beneficiaries provide ideas during the planning phase of any project, and others add technical skills during the execution phase. The general objective of this study was to assess the effect of beneficiaries’ participatory planning as a strategy for effective implementation of Rwanda Tubura Project. The specific objectives were to establish the effect of beneficiaries in project planning on effective implementation of Rwanda Tubura Project, assess the effect of beneficiaries in decision making on effective implementation of Rwanda Tubura Project and investigate the effect of beneficiaries’ engagement on effective implementation of Rwanda Tubura Project.
Methodology: Target population of this study was 217 project staff of Rwanda Tubura Project including project coordinators, administrative staff and project mentors. The Solvin formula was employed for sample size determination due to its straightforward and practical approach. Utilizing this formula with the given dataset resulted in a sample size of 141. Cluster sampling entails the selection of participant groups, referred to as clusters, from the overall population. The study utilized the following instruments for data collection: a survey, interviews, and a review of relevant documents. To conduct data analysis, the researcher employed the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical methodology.
Findings: The coefficient of multiple determination (R-squared) was 0.671, signifying that approximately 67.1% of the variability in the dependent variable (effective implementation of Rwanda Tubura project) is explained by the combination of these predictors (beneficiaries’ engagement, decision making, and project planning). This indicates a strong correlation between the predictors and the dependent variable. Project planning (β=0.257, t= 3.073, p=0.003), Decision making (β=0.383, t= 4.878, p=0.000), and Beneficiaries’ engagement (β=0.254, t= 3.243, p=0.002) indicate that for every one-unit increase in these variables, there is a corresponding increase in the effective implementation of Rwanda Tubura project. Furthermore, the Significance values (Sig. 0.003, 0.000, 0.002) associated with beneficiaries’ participatory planning as strategy variables were all notably below the typical significance level (0.05), demonstrating their strong statistical significance and emphasizing their significant roles in contributing to the effective implementation of Rwanda Tubura project.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theoretical framework of this study concentrated on three theory namely participatory development theory, stakeholder theory and goal setting theory. Rwanda Tubura Project recommended to adapt effective implementation, strengthen project planning with comprehensive risk assessments and adaptive alignment. Also, Rwanda Tubura Project should establish a structured feedback mechanism for inclusive planning. Moreover, Rwanda Tubura Project should delegate decision-making authority to enhance on-the-ground responsiveness and efficiency. Rwanda Tubura Project should implement strong and continuous feedback mechanisms to assess beneficiary needs and create direct involvement platforms for beneficiaries in decision-making
Equity Investments and Financial Performance of Insurance Companies in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: Insurance firms are financial institutions that are important to the effective deployment of capital as well as the mobilization of contractual savings. The funds that insurance companies raise for their investments comes from insurance premiums. To optimize the utility of the assets they invest in, it is necessary to create a methodical and logical way of assessing investment alternatives. Nonetheless, a number of factors influence investment alternatives. The study sought to establish the effects of equity investment on financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya.
Methodology: The study applied causal research design in all the 55 insurance firms in Kenya. Census study was conducted for a period of 10 years between 2014 and 2023.Secondary data from IRA publications as well as the companies’ websites. Panel regression analysis correlation analysis and diagnostic tests were employed to analyze data and test the hypothesis.
Findings: From the results, equity investment revealed beta values of 0.50041 and p-value 0.000, Panel regression results revealed a positive and significant effect between equity investment and financial performance of insurance firms in Kenya.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the findings and conclusions, the study recommended that insurance companies to think about investing in other developing nations with thriving capital markets in order to increase their financial performance. By doing this, the companies will be able to take advantage of market possibilities and reduce their vulnerability to shifts in local markets. The recommendations of the study to the Capital Markets Authority was to rely on the findings of the study when developing benchmark guidelines on the minimum holding on various investment alternatives and to develop new policies to guide the assets management within the insurance industry to ensure that public funds are well-protected and the firms achieve value on their returns
Fund Liquidity and Financial Performance of Collective Investment Schemes in Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: Investment schemes in Kenya have a very low contribution to the country’s GDP as compared to other countries. Further, the investment schemes in Kenya have underperformed below the set benchmarks and which raises concerns as to what attracts the under-performance of these firms. It is not clear whether the fund liquidity affect investment schemes performance, and which can enhance the ability of the investment schemes to reach their set benchmarks. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of fund liquidity on financial performance of investment schemes in Nairobi County in Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study applied census study. The target population for this study was 25 investment schemes registered and licensed to operate in Nairobi County by the capital market authority of Kenya. The study used secondary data collection form to collect the data. The data was coded and imported into STATA software for analysis. Data presentation was done by use of tables and figures. Panel data regression and correlation analysis was used for inferential analysis. Test of hypothesis was done at 95% confidence interval.
Findings: The study findings of the panel regression model indicated a positive and significant effect between fund liquidity and financial performance of investment schemes in Nairobi County.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended strategies to improve inventory management and selling redundant assets to improve cash flow. Eliminating surplus equipment can provide a small amount of capital while also reducing the average cost of maintenance. Lastly, switching the short-term debt to long-term options to gain smaller monthly payments creates more time to pay off the overall debt
Dynamic Capabilities and Competitive Advantage of International Schools in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Dynamic Capabilities on the competitive advantage of international schools in Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to establish the influence of knowledge management capabilities, information communication technology capabilities, organizational assets and learning capabilities on the competitive advantage of international Schools in Kenya.
Methodology: The research design used was descriptive survey. The target population included the 42 schools offering different international curriculum in Nairobi-County. A sample of 168 respondents was randomly selected for this study, comprising of one school principal, one Head of Section, one head of department and one senior teacher from each of the school. The researcher used questionnaires to collect primary data. Qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with aid of SPSS Version 24. The findings were presented using tables,bar graphs and pie charts.
Findings: The study found that knowledge management capabilities significantly influenced the competitiveness of international schools in Kenya (r=0.877, p=0.000; β1=1.122, p=0.000). Information communication technology capabilities also had a significant positive impact on competitive advantage (r=0.705, p=0.000; β2=1.060, p=0.000). Organizational assets were positively correlated with competitive advantage (r=0.705, p=0.000; β3=0.965, p=0.000). Learning capabilities also significantly influenced competitive advantage (r=0.618, p=0.000; β4=0.877, p=0.000).
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study advances dynamic capabilities theory by contextualizing it within international education, informs policy on strategic resource development for global competitiveness, and guides school leaders in enhancing adaptability, innovation, and market positioning to sustain competitive advantage in Kenya’s international school sector
Emirates\u27 AI Innovation Challenge: Enhancing Customer Experience through Personalized In-Flight Services
Get PDFPurpose: This research explores the efforts of Emirates Airline in addressing a challenge to create personalized in fight amenities through an open artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. It is the central aim to investigate how AI can be strategically leveraged to raise the passenger experience in line with the airline’s long term business goals.
Methodology: The way a study is framed is within a theoretical framework pertaining to Porter’s (1990) Competitive Strategies framework and Schilling’s (2005) Innovation Funnel model. These frameworks are utilized to examine the correspondence between AI-based offers and Emirates’ pronounced goal, customer inclinations, along with its working adaptability.
Findings: Based on our implementation of the AI personal service package, it was revealed that there were three major advantages. The first was that it substantially increased the customer satisfaction because of its services they offer that is caters to individual preferences. Secondly, the service delivery system improvement increased the operational performance of the airline by reducing inefficiency.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research based on the findings recommends that airlines would increasingly adopt use of AI based personalization as a core part of their innovation strategy. With each new AI capability, the aviation sector has to realize AI as ’stuff to do better operations’, but also ’fuel to extend markets and to build customer delight’.