A decision-making framework for the sustainable redevelopment of abandoned public buildings in Nigeria.

Ogunnusi, Mercy Oluyomi

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to examine the sustainability of infrastructure in Nigeria in line with the arrays of abandoned projects and recommend a sustainable solution to enhance their redevelopment. Hence, in contrast to previous studies, a model was developed to improve the decision-making process by the policymakers within the government. The research investigates the causes of abandoned infrastructure in Nigeria and sustainable solutions for redevelopment through actions of literature review, questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interview. A sequential explanatory mixed method approach integrating the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) technique was employed to identify the optimum ideal solution in addressing this abandonment. In addition, a decision-making model was developed with the five sustainability attributes (social, economic, environment, political, and technical - SEEPT), four alternatives (refurbishment, conversion, demolition and procurement) and ten criteria (project preparation and coordination, social sustainability, energy efficient, waste generation, preservation of historical value, investment, profitability, structural integrity and foundation, government regulations and policies, and carbon dioxide emission) as a support to enhance the decision-making process. Underpinned with mathematical calculations and formulas, the validated model presented the flexible identification of the optimum solution (as refurbishment) during the decision-making process. The evaluation of alternatives against criteria and attributes represented a dynamic decision-making system. Moreso, further identification of political and technological sustainability presented a novel sustainability consideration within the study. Lastly, the need for innovative tools presented the opportunity for the development of the model and the eventual selection of refurbishment through the application of the model by the participants. This research argued that the integration of this model enhances the identification of possible solutions of addressing abandoned infrastructure in Nigeria. It also maintains that appropriate model configuration can stimulate appropriate decision-making processes. The TOPSIS Model (TOPMod) developed in this research with embedded mathematical calculations and formulae presents an innovative approach for addressing decision making of abandoned infrastructure redevelopment. The 5Rs concepts present a qualitative approach to addressing the wastage of abandonment.

Citation

OGUNNUSI, M.O. 2023. A decision-making framework for the sustainable redevelopment of abandoned public buildings in Nigeria. Robert Gordon University, PhD thesis. Hosted on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2440211

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 21, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 21, 2024
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2440211
• Keywords: Redevelopment projects; Redevelopments; Sustainability; Sustainable development; Abandoned infrastructure; Nigeria
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2440211
• Award Date: Nov 30, 2023