Obiri, K A; Bjeirmi, B; Moore, D and Boateng, P (2020) Infrastructure development in the West African extractive industry: A system thinking approach. In: Scott, L and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 36th Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-8 September 2020, Online Event, UK.
Abstract
The extractive industry in the West African region contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of the host communities and the wider economies of resource-rich countries. However, the spill-over effects to the domestic suppliers and the wider economy are hampered by several factors key among is infrastructure development (ID). This study employs multi-strategy approach comprising system thinking (ST) tool of causal loop diagram (CLD) to provide a holistic approach in addressing the challenge of Infrastructure Development (ID), and semi-structured interviews for validation of the CLD. Using Ghana and Nigeria as case studies, the literature on these countries are reviewed to model CLD for Infrastructure Development. The usage of CLD aids in identifying key variables underpinning and affecting ID ostensibly to enhance insight and understanding and interrelationships in the phenomenon under consideration. Subsequent identification of leverage points in the CLD emphasises where policies can be applied to address the challenge of infrastructure development. The paper emphasizes the role of governments in addressing the issue and recommends policy options to policymakers.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | extractive industry; infrastructure development; system thinking; causal loop diagram; west Africa |
| Index terms: | West Africa, validation, economic development, Nigeria, interview, option, holistic approach, Ghana, case study, infrastructure development, strategy |
| Subjects: | economic development, professional development, management, physical geography and landforms, business, decision analysis, infrastructure engineering, Geography, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Research Practice, Information Management, Sustainability, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
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