Deng, Y and Poon, S W (2014) Mega-event flagships in transformation: Learning from Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 12(4), pp. 440-460.
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to seek a greater understanding of the conceptualization of mega-event flagship (MEF) development as a point of departure to forge the much-needed organizational capacities in these regions. An MEF constitutes a temporarily themed venue for a mega-event and a transforming force on corresponding urban renewal. The unfailing demand for MEFs from emerging hosts after historical failures in the West draws attention to a glaring weakness of extant literature in wanting of evidence-based case studies. Design/methodology/approach – Due to the explorative nature of research and the context-dependent complexities, the case study method is used for studying the case of Theme Pavilion – one of the four key flagships led by Expo 2010 to catalyze an ambitious urban renewal in Shanghai, China. The focus is on its conceptualization process (2004-2007) where different copying strategies were tested and consolidated to facilitate the post-event transformation. Data were collected mainly through participant observation in that duration. Findings – For future Expo hosts, exhibition center developers and the event industry, the study concludes with eight constructive lessons, namely, clustering strategy, different integration, pre-post orientation, diversification for adaptation, development by stage, flexible mindset, the end crowns the work and building local capacity. Research limitations/implications – Given the qualitative nature of the study, some results may not be fully generalizable. While showing the possibility of sustaining MEF development given the right coping strategy, it also reveals implementation difficulties and emphasizes the importance of continued case studies. Originality/value – The study will contribute fresh insights into forging better strategies to cope with transformation difficulties of MEF development and building greater capacity to accomplish affiliated renewals and other significantly comparable urban projects in emerging economies.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | transition; coping strategy; exhibition center; Expo 2010 Shanghai China; mega-event flagship; theme pavilion |
| Index terms: | emerging economy, adaptation, transformation, exhibition centre, case study, mega-event flagship, organizational capacity, implementation, duration, clustering, urban renewal, coping, diversification, strategy, Shanghai, mindset, observation, complexity, renewal, China, evidence, integration, methodology |
| Subjects: | health behaviours and lifestyles, user focus, business, construction type, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods, contractual arrangements, data science, urban design, Geography, post-disaster and reconstruction, research methods, economic development, management, renovation and retrofit, systems engineering, behavioral psychology, sociology, market analysis, project controls, organizational analysis |
| Topics: | Urban Studies, Digital Applications, Design Practice, International Construction, Organizational Design, Time Control, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Construction Technology, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here