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1
Knott, Cindy. "Citizen participation in child welfare, toward real citizen power." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape10/PQDD_0005/MQ45073.pdf.
2
Albarran, Ilyana. "Decentralization and Citizen Participation in Mexico." FIU Digital Commons, 2015. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2223.
Abstract:
During the past few decades, decentralization efforts in México have coincided with efforts to democratize the administrative decision-making process. Adopted in 1988, the Programa Nacional de Solidaridad (National Solidarity Program; PRONASOL) required citizen participation in decisions involving the use of federal resources for regional development and poverty alleviation projects. In 1998, Section 33 of the Ley de Coordinación Fiscal (Fiscal Coordination Law; LCF) placed Social Infrastructure Funds (SIF) directly under the supervision of municipalities and retained the requirement that citizens participate in decisions involving the allocation of funds.
The present study seeks to understand the factors that affect the participation of citizen committees (composed of community members; organized to address a particular cause) in SIF allocation decisions and assess the impact of this form of citizen participation on government performance. To pursue this objective, the study analyzes the implementation of LCF with respect to the role of citizen committees in SIF allocation decisions at two different locations: the township of Santa Maria Tonantzintla, located in the municipality of San Andrés Cholula, in the state of Puebla, and the rural municipality of Tenango Del Aire, located in El Estado de México (the State of México).
The study finds that gender, church participation, and personal economy play major roles in the formation of citizen committees. Although the citizen committees have been instrumental in getting their SIF projects prioritized, they have had little effect on the quality or efficiency with which the projects were carried out. In general, the municipal decision-making process in both municipalities lack mechanisms to guarantee citizen participation and thus to ensure consideration of the broader public interest beyond the interest of organized groups. Because SIF can be used for various economic development projects, such as water, sewage, electrification, emergency clinics, and schools, it was of particular importance to determine whether the participatory mechanism was functioning correctly. Given the nature of the projects carried out by municipalities, flaws in the implementation process, including failures to include the broader public, could hinder not only local economic development, but also the economic growth of the nation.
3
Aboucaya, William. "Collaborative systems for large scale citizen participation." Electronic Thesis or Diss., Sorbonne université, 2023. https://accesdistant.sorbonne-universite.fr/login?url=https://theses-intra.sorbonne-universite.fr/2023SORUS461.pdf.
Abstract:
Les plates-formes participatives en ligne sont devenues un moyen courant d'impliquer les citoyens dans la prise de décision publique, permettant une participation à plus grande échelle que leurs homologues hors ligne, à la fois en termes de nombre de participants et de répartition géographique. Cependant, le terme "plateforme participative" recouvre un large éventail de systèmes extrêmement différents, ce qui implique des différences dans les problèmes rencontrés par les administrateurs et les contributeurs des plateformes. Plus précisément, ces plateformes font face à des problèmes spécifiques lorsqu'elles visent à permettre aux citoyens de collaborer pour produire des contributions communes ou lorsque le nombre de contributeurs impliqués devient particulièrement élevé. Cette recherche doctorale vise à identifier les problèmes des plateformes de participation citoyenne contemporaines et à proposer des moyens techniques pour créer des plateformes participatives plus collaboratives et adaptées à une participation à grande échelle. Ma thèse s'appuie principalement sur des travaux antérieurs réalisés dans les champs de la recherche en informatique que sont le travail collaboratif assisté par ordinateur (TCAO) et le traitement automatique du langage naturel (TAL). Les contributions de cette thèse sont : l'identification des biais d'une plateforme participative spécifique et la recommandation d'alternatives centrées sur la conception de la plateforme pour les résoudre ; la représentation d'une plateforme participative sous la forme d'un graphe de connaissances (knowledge graph) et son enrichissement à partir d'une base de connaissances externe préexistantes ; l'identification des différents objectifs motivant la création de plateformes participatives et des différents types de fonctionnalités d'interaction mises en œuvre à partir d'une série d'entretiens ; la conception et la mise en œuvre d'une méthode basée sur l'inférence en langage naturel pour réduire les problèmes rencontrés par la participation citoyenne en ligne lorsque le nombre de contributeurs devient particulièrement élevéOnline participatory platforms have become a common means to involve citizens in public decision-making, allowing for participation at a larger scale than their offline counterparts, both in the number of participants and in the geographical distribution. However, the term "participatory platform" covers a wide range of extremely different systems, implying differences in the problems encountered by platforms administrators and contributors. More precisely, such platforms face specific issues when they aim at allowing citizens to collaborate to produce common contributions or when the number of contributors involved becomes particularly high. This Ph.D. research aims at identifying issues in contemporary online citizen participation platforms and proposing technical means to create participatory platforms more collaborative and suitable for large scale online participation. My thesis is mainly based on previous works produced in the Computer-Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) fields of computer science research. The contributions of this thesis are: the identification of flaws in a specific citizen participation platform and the recommendation of platform design-oriented alternatives to solve them; the representation of a participatory platform as a knowledge graph and its enrichment using a preexisting external knowledge base; the identification of the different objectives motivating the creation of participatory platforms and of the different types of features for interaction implemented based on a series of interviews; the conception and implementation of a Natural Language Inference-based method to reduce issues faced by online citizen participation when the number of contributors becomes particularly high
4
Sanchez, Julio Cesar. "Citizen participation and public recreation planning : case study and definition of criteria for citizen participation, Santa Cruz, Bolivia." Virtual Press, 1995. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/935909.
Abstract:
The city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, has grown the last 40 years according to an urban plan. However, this urban planning process does not permit the citizen participation in public recreation planning.The Popular Participation Law approved in April, 1994, open new possibilities for citizen participation in public recreation planning in Santa Cruz. However, there are limitation in the implementation of the law.In order to correct those limitation the present study proposes basic criteria for popular participation in management of public recreational facilities. These criteria refer to delimitation of the neighborhoods in the city, the democratization of the Juntas Vecinales, and the definition of the organic structure of the Juntas Vecinales in a way that can permit popular participation.Department of Urban Planning
5
Enns, Cheryl Carlene. "Continuing citizen participation and local area planning." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/26461.
Abstract:
Continued citizen participation in the Vancouver Local Area Planning Program (L.A.P.P) is not a new issue. As early as 1973, Vancouver planners documented a commitment to not only produce a plan for a local area, but to initiate an ongoing process that would respond to area issues and facilitate continuous citizen input (Community planning Division, 1973, 10). However, no firm policy establishes continued, effective citizen participation in the Vancouver planning process. Presently, planning staff work with a Citizen Planning Committee (C.P.C.) to create a plan for a local area, but upon completion and adoption of the plan, technical and financial support is gradually withdrawn from the local area. The L.A.P. staff implement and monitor the effects of the plan without formalized citizen's participation. Initially, citizens remain active in the L.A.P. process, but as the major area plan policies are implemented, citizen interest and involvement decreases. When the implementation stage of the L.A.P.P. is reached, concern is often expressed by the local area planner and by the C.P.C. as how to facilitate continued participation in the planning process. The purpose of this thesis is: To Outline A Model For Continued Effective Citizen Participation In The Vancouver L.A.P.P.
In order to outline this model, three objectives must be accomplished:
1) To define a theory of effective continued citizen participation in Vancouver;
2) To evaluate selected Vancouver local areas and determine the effectiveness of participation during the plan creation stage relative to the long term plan implementation stage; 3) To apply effective participation theory and L.A.P.P. evaluation results to Mount Pleasant, a Vancouver Local Area interested in continued citizen participation and monitoring their recently adopted community plan.
The methods to accomplish these three objectives include: a literature review on Citizen Participation; telephone interviews with one planner and one citizen from four selected L.A.P.P's.; and participant observation in Mount Pleasant, where as an intern student, the author of this thesis was involved in developing continued citizen participation in the Mount Pleasant local area planning program.
The literature review, is used to define effective participation. Generally, effective citizen participation in Vancouver should involve four "elements:
1) An advisory level of citizen participation, citizens interact in the planning process, they are not just informed;
2) A civic consultation strategy, city staff respect and facilitate an advisory level of citizen participation;
3) A representative citizen group technique, citizens participate as representatives of a group, not as individuals;
4) An area council structure for the representative group technique, the citizen group receives recognition as an official participant in the planning process.
Further, a model that advocates effective citizen participation must also be adaptable to community variables and facilitate continued components such as access to technical resources.
The results of the telephone interviews indicate that participation was less effective during the long term plan implementation stage than during plan creation stage. Revisions to the L.A.P.P. to ensure effective participation elements could involve planning staff organizing continued citizen participation prior to completing the plan creation stage of the program. In addition, it is advised that planning staff periodically review each local area plan to help ensure continued citizen interest in the planning process.
Participant observation results document Mount Pleasant residents' efforts to organize continued participation, reinforing the earlier conclusion that planning staff need to facilitate an amalgamation of the C.P.C. with an existing community organization that is interested in monitoring their area plan. Examples of other Vancouver local areas and of other urban centres efforts to initiate continued citizen participation give further insight into an appropriate model outline for continued citizen participation in Vancouver's L.A.P.P.
The thesis conclusion synthesizes preceding theory and analysis in a model for effective continued citizen participation within Vancouver. To summarize, the major recommendation of this thesis is:
That the City of Vancouver develop a Recognition Policy for a representative citizen's group existing within a local area that is interested in monitoring the Local Area Plan and in amalgamating with the Citizen's Planning Committee upon adoption of the area plan. This recognition policy must:
1) Reflect our continued citizen participation effective elements;
2) State criteria and procedures for local arta council recognition election;
3) Develop functions and responsibilities of the recognized neighbourhood or area council;
4) Develop responding functions and responsibilites for the City and civic staff. It is hoped that this thesis will initiate concepts, ideas, and further research that will be relevant to future Vancouver L.A.P.P. progress.Applied Science, Faculty of
Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of
Graduate
6
Niemelä, A. (Arttu). "Mobile augmented reality client for citizen participation." Master's thesis, University of Oulu, 2018. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-201802101224.
Abstract:
The objective of this master’s thesis was to develop a mobile augmented reality (MAR) client application that enables citizen participationin design of services, products and city plans, for example. The application was developed to be a part of an existing citizen participation platform. The interest was on finding out what functions such an application should provide and what kind of user interface (UI) it should have. The application was developed iteratively, by building prototypes in parallel with researching best practices from existing literature. Especially finding suitable tracking solutions for MAR applications were of concern, so that desired functionalities could be provided. The final prototype enabled users to explore urban environment through augmented reality (AR) and find location-based surveys. The surveys could present city plans in AR and ask the users’ opinions on the plans. For evaluation, the application was tested with real users (n = 9) in authentic environment. Quantitative data was gathered with questionnaires to evaluate the usability of the application. In addition, semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data. The results give some indications that simple graphical user interface together with the AR provides an approachable way to control such an application. However, more interactive functionalities could be required to make such an application interesting for the users. In addition, much effort isneeded to address tracking and content management, before large-scale MAR citizen participation can be fully realizedTämän diplomityön tavoitteena oli kehittää mobiilin lisätyn todellisuuden (MAR, mobile augmented reality) sovellus, jolla kansalaiset voivat osallistua esimerkiksi tuotteiden, palveluiden ja kaupungin suunnitteluun. Sovellus kehitettiin osaksi jo olemassa olevaa käyttäjien osallistamisalustaa. Työllä pyrittiin selvittämään, mitä toiminnallisuuksia sovelluksen tulisi tarjota ja millainen käyttöliittymä sillä tulisi olla. Kehitystyö tapahtui iteratiivisesti. Työn aikana kehitettiin useita prototyyppejä samanaikaisesti etsien parhaita ratkaisuja kirjallisuudesta. Erityisen kauan etsittiin sopivaa seurantatekniikkaa haluttujen haluttujen ominaisuuksien tarjoamiseksi. Lopullisella prototyypillä käyttäjät pystyvät tutkimaan kaupunkiympäristöä lisätyn todellisuuden kautta ja löytämään sijaintiin perustuvia kyselyitä. Kyselyihin voi liittyä kaupunkisuunnitelmia, jotka esitetään lisätyssä todellisuudessa ja joista käyttäjät voivat antaa mielipiteensä. Sovellusta evaluoitiin käyttäjätestein (n = 9) autenttisessa ympäristössä. Sovelluksen käytettävyyttä arvioitiin kvantitatiivisilla kyselyillä. Lisäksi kerättiin kvalitatiivista tietoa haastatteluilla. Tulokset viittaavat suuntaa antavasti, että yksinkertainen graafinen käyttöliittymä yhdistettynä lisättyyn todellisuuteen tarjoaa helposti lähestyttävän käyttöliittymän. Jotta sovellus kiinnostaisi käyttäjiä, tulisi sen samalla kuitenkin tarjota interaktiivisempia toiminnallisuuksia. Lisäksi, laajamittainen seuranta ja sisällön hallinta vaativat vielä paljon työtä, ennen kuin mobiilia lisättyä todellisuutta voidaan mielekkäästi hyödyntää käyttäjien osallistamisessa
7
McClintock, Olive. "Towards citizen participation in housing policy decisions." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 1994.
8
Wolfe, Douglas M. "Participatory liberalism : participation and contemporary liberal thought." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.365520.
Abstract:
Although it is widely accepted that the subject of accent is of general importance to theories of rhythm, there is considerable diversity and frequent contradiction among modern concepts of accent; there is little agreement about either a definition or a list of types. Furthermore, whilst there is Bruch of great value in modern accentology, none of the most important individual studies is wholly adequate. The broad explanatory context by which accent may be defined is metric theory, for accent is both a determinant and a function of metric structure. Ketric structure DUst necessarily be conceived as a genuinely temporal and context-sensitive process in which that which 'measures' is constantly redefined by that which is 'measured'. It therefore has both a time-span component and what may be called a 'phenomenal' component. An accent is a structural time-point; it is a time-point which is constituent of the highly specified hierarchy of metric structure. This is what the two main classes of accent, metric accent and phenomenal accent, have in common. These two classes of accent are distinct, however, in respect of their determinants and their functions. Whereas metric accents are determined by metric structure, phenomenal accents are determined by accentual events. With regard to their functions, metric accents structure coincident events, whereas phenomenal accents structure metre. Ketric accent has no sub-classes; all metric accents are of fundamentally the same kind. Phenomenal accent has eight sub-classes, each of which is defined by its determining event: attack accent, dynamic accent, initiative accent, agogic accent, tonal accent, terminative accent, registral accent, and associated accent. All of these classes logically follow from other components of the accentology and are intuitively demonstrable in especially composed musical examples.
9
Tsai, Wing-lam, and 蔡榮林. "Citizen participation and urban redevelopment in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1998. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B42574936.
10
Ladjemi, Nasser. "Citizen Participation in the Restoration of Old Havana." Thesis, KTH, Urbana och regionala studier, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-95750.
Abstract:
The city district Old Havana that is on the World Heritage List because of its Spanish colonial architecture is undergoing a restoration project of great size. The project is run by the Office of the City Historian, which in Cuban proportions, is independent the state. Instead the Office is self-financed by the profits out of the 1,5 million annual tourists that visit the already, with its 63000 inhabitants, overcrowded Old Havana. Alongside the restoration of the deteriorated buildings, the goal is to make it without resettling the current residents. Instead the aim is to involve the citizens in the planning processes to make them participate, which is not a well-tried approach in Cuban planning. This report, based on a field study in Old Havana, investigates what methods for participative planning are used by the Office and to what extent the residents see that they have the possibility to take part.SIDA - Minor Field Study
11
Tsai, Wing-lam. "Citizen participation and urban redevelopment in Hong Kong." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 1998. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B42574936.
12
Potgieter, Elnari. "Predictors of political participation in new democracies : a comparative study." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/85612.
Abstract:
Thesis (MA)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Comparative studies investigating predictors of political participation in new democracies are rare. This study addresses an identified gap in the literature on predictors of political participation in new democracies in order to build on the rich body of literature concerned with political participation and democratic consolidation which already exists, but also to contribute towards understanding the role of citizens and their decisions pertaining to political participation in new democracies. In order to address the identified gap, this cross-national comparative study uses World Values Survey (2006) data for Chile, Poland, South Africa, and South Korea as part of a cross-sectional secondary analysis aimed at ascertaining what predictors of political participation can be identified for these new democracies. Drawing primarily from studies by Shin (1999) and Dalton (2008) which used the Civic Voluntarism Model by Verba, Schlozman and Brady (1995) as theoretical framework, predictors of political participation considered in this study include: personal resources (level of education and self-reported social class), political engagement and motivation (political interest and leftright political ideology), group membership and networks, as well as demographic attributes (age, gender and size of town). Forms of political participation investigated include: voting as conventional form of participation; and boycotts, petitions and demonstrations as forms of political protest behaviour. The relationships between the possible predictors of participation and forms of political participation were determined by multiple regression analysis. The main findings by this study are that political interest is an important predictor of voting and political protest behaviour; age is a strong predictor of voting; and group membership has a greater impact on political protest behaviour than on voting.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vergelykende studies wat ondersoek instel na voorspellende faktore van deelname aan politieke aktiwiteite in jong demokrasieë, is skaars. Deur indikatore van politieke deelname in nuwe demokrasieë na te vors, spreek hierdie studie dus die geïdentifiseerde gaping in die literatuur aan en brei dit uit op die korpus tekste aangaande politieke deelname en demokratiese konsolidasie. Verder bevorder dit ook ’n beter begrip van landsburgers en hul besluite rakende politieke deelname in jong demokrasieë. Ten einde die aangeduide literatuurgaping te oorbrug, steun hierdie verglykende studie op data van die “World Values Survey” (2006) vir Chili, Pole, Suid-Afrika en Suid-Korea. Dit vorm deel van ’n sekondêre analise om individuele eienskappe as voorspellers van deelname aan politieke aktiwiteite in nuwe demokrasieë, te identifiseer. Studies deur Shin (1999) en Dalton (2008), wat gebruik maak van Verba, Schlozman en Brady (1995) se “Civic Voluntarism Model”, dien as primêre teoretiese begronding. Daaruit word afgelei dat moontlike voorspellers van deelname aan politieke aktiwiteite gelys kan word as: persoonlike hulpbronne (vlak van opvoeding en self-geidentifiseerde sosiale klas); politieke betrokkenheid en motivering (belangstelling in politiek en politieke ideologie); groeplidmaatskap en –netwerke asook demografiese eienskappe (ouderdom, geslag en grootte van dorp). Die vorme van politieke aktiwiteite waaraan daar aandag gegee word, is eerstens stemgedrag tydens nasionale verkiesings as konvensionele vorm van politieke deelname en tweedens biokotte, petisies en demonstrasies as vorme van politieke protesgedrag. Die hoof bevindinge van hierdie studie is dat politieke belangstelling ‘n belangrike voorspeller is vir stemgedrag en politieke protesgedrag; ouderdom is ‘n sterk voorspeller vir deelname aan verkiesings en groeplidmaatskap het ‘n groter invloed op politieke protesgedrag as op die keuse om te stem.
Mandela Rhodes Foundation
13
Rebori, Marlene K. "The effectiveness of citizen participation in local governance : a case study of citizen advisory boards (CABs) /." abstract and full text PDF (free order & download UNR users only), 2005. http://0-wwwlib.umi.com.innopac.library.unr.edu/dissertations/fullcit/3198199.
Abstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2005."May 2005." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-134). Online version available on the World Wide Web. Library also has microfilm. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [2005]. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm.
14
Figueredo, Jorge Cesar. "Public Participation In Transportation: An Emperical Test For Authentic Participation." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2005. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4265.
Abstract:
This dissertation examines the public participation activities of State Departments of Transportation (SDOTs) in the United States. A review of existing literature and legal frameworks suggests that an "authentic" public participation results when dimensions of representativeness, use of public inputs, interactiveness, and quality of citizen inputs have been achieved. The study sought to identify conditions that serve as measurements that must presumably be satisfied for authenticity to exist in public participation. The result was a Model of Authentic Public Participation that served as the basis for creation of a new four-tiered methodology to assess the performance of these districts relative to authenticity requirements. This study also sought to identify the key determinants that lead districts to achieve Authentic Public Participation in District public involvement programs. A Predictor Model for Authentic Public Participation was created to test whether the key internal and external determinants are responsible for districts achieving authenticity in their public participation programs. The data for this study came from a mail-back survey that was administered to senior district administrators in 380 State Departments of Transportation districts in the United States. A total of 233 surveys were returned for a response rate of 61.3 percent. The results of the study suggest that most SDOT districts struggle to implement public participation programs that achieve high levels of authenticity. The increased use of public participation tools, specifically those active tools that allow for increased interaction between district staff and the public, can assist districts in achieving higher levels of authenticity in their programs. Of key importance to achievement of authenticity is the willingness of district staff to adopt new ideas and innovation learned from dealings with the public. District public participation programs benefit from training that increases the individual's acceptance of public participation as a valid mechanism for serving the public. Recommendations were made for SDOTs to work toward: • The creation of increased opportunities for the occurrence of Authentic Public Participation • The creation of individual ownership of authenticity in public participation • The creation of community partnerships to foster authenticity in public participationPh.D.
Other
Health and Public Affairs
Public Affairs: Ph.D.
15
Magdziarz, Susan F. "Examining participation in a Dolphin Observation Citizen Science program." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1523113.
Abstract:
This research project examined how people utilized the Dolphin Observation Citizen Science Kit at the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. This study explored whether this citizen science program successfully engaged people in a recreational setting that is not normally associated with science learning opportunities.
Most research on citizen science programs has focused on projects that attract people who already have an interest in science. This study took place in a location that attracts people who may have weak science identities, which made it possible to learn more about how this audience engages in citizen science programs.
The data showed that people in this setting participated in this citizen science program. People with weak and strong science identities used the kit. This indicates that this type of recreational setting could be further explored as a place to engage people with weak science identities in science education activities.
16
Sleight, Richard. "Citizen participation within UK pension fund responsible investment decisions." Thesis, Malmö universitet, Fakulteten för kultur och samhälle (KS), 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-23381.
Abstract:
Pensions funds represent the collective savings of millions of people and the decisions and actions they take can be greatly beneficial or detrimental to the global economy, society, and the lives of people around the world. The aim of this project is to investigate the possibilities of citizen participation in relation to responsible investment in UK occupational pension funds, and what the barriers and opportunities are for citizens, in this context pension holders, to participate in financial decisions made on their behalf. The research questions focus on the arguments for and against such participation, in general and in relation to using an online voting platform. Qualitative interviews with Responsible Investment Advocates are used to scope ideas around participation, and the study is grounded in a social constructionist theory of meaning. This project sits at the intersection of two fields: Responsible Investment and Participatory Communication for Social Change. The main findings of this project are that RI Advocates disagree over the necessity for such citizen participation, as a process for change and as a goal. The perceived benefits of citizen participation ranged from empowerment, accountability, power redistribution and structural change. Barriers to participation exist based upon the current investment system, with the main barrier perceived as a lack of demand from the investment industry, wider civil society, and significantly citizens. It was stated in interviews that citizen participation is a relatively ignored area within Responsible Investment, and therefore much can be learned from existing C4D research and practice.
17
Schneer, Benjamin H. "How Electoral Institutions Shape Citizen Participation and Legislative Behavior." Thesis, Harvard University, 2016. http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:33493580.
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The electoral system is often treated as fixed, but throughout U.S. history significant changes in electoral institutions, or in political conditions dictated by electoral institutions, make it possible to identify more precisely the role that the electoral system plays in the democratic process. This dissertation examines three related questions, each focusing on an aspect of the influence of electoral rules on political behavior. How has the ability to directly elect representatives influenced other forms of citizen engagement with government? How has competitiveness influenced voter turnout? Finally, when separate elections lead to differences in partisan control over the branches of government, what is the effect on policymaking in Congress?
The first chapter shows that petitioning campaigns have historically substituted for the communication and accountability obtained through direct elections. I estimate that rates of petitioning to the Senate declined by 30% when the passage of the 17th Amendment ended the practice of indirect election by state legislatures and replaced it with direct elections. The implication is that electoral reforms meant to improve representation may weaken other ties between citizens and lawmakers.
The second chapter examines the relationship between electoral competition and turnout. Past research has found that citizens vote at higher rates in response to closer elections, either through instrumental voting at the individual level or through voter mobilization by elites. In contrast, this chapter demonstrates that citizens living in competitive congressional districts differ markedly from those in uncompetitive districts along a range of dimensions other than turnout. Using an individual panel based on voter files from all 50 states and exploiting variation in competitiveness induced by the 2012 redistricting cycle yields a precisely estimated null effect of competitiveness on turnout.
The third chapter re-examines whether divided government reduces legislative productivity. After developing the most comprehensive database to date of significant acts of Congress---from 1789-2010---this chapter shows that unified control corresponds with one additional significant act passed per Congress in the 19th Century and four additional such acts in the 20th Century. However, party control of government cannot explain the broad historical trends in the rate at which Congress passes significant legislation.Government
18
Wilson, Catherine Heden Alvarez R. Michael. "Political information, institutions and citizen participation in American politics /." Diss., Pasadena, Calif. : California Institute of Technology, 2003. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05292003-160904.
19
Bonney, Patrick. "Citizen science: Knowledge, networks and the boundaries of participation." Thesis, Federation University Australia, 2020. http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/175268.
Abstract:
The water-related challenges facing humanity are complex and urgent. Although solutions are not always clear, involving the public in localised knowledge production and policy development is widely recognised as a critical part of this larger effort. Such public engagement is increasingly achieved through “citizen science”—a practice that involves non-professionals in scientific research and monitoring. Academic literature has recognised that, while citizen science is both important and necessary to strengthen environmental policy, its acceptance and successful implementation is a difficult governance challenge. Researchers agree that overcoming this challenge depends on the ability of volunteers, coordinators, scientists and decision-makers to work together to convert the potential of citizen science into practice. However, little is known about the collaborative relationships or the broader social contexts that shape and define the practice. To address these shortfalls, this thesis advances a conceptual framework for the relational analysis of citizen science that illustrates social networks and the boundaries between expert and community-based knowledge as critical sites of investigation. Through its multi-phase and mixed-methods research design, the findings of this thesis shed light on the contributions of citizen science to key waterway governance objectives, including the social, political and cultural factors that influence its acceptance and uptake in governance contexts. By unpacking the relational dimensions of citizen science, this thesis provides both theoretical and practice-based insights into how actors within and outside citizen science programs work together to achieve collective aims to engender stronger connections between science, society and policy. This thesis will benefit practitioners, policymakers and participatory advocates interested in achieving practical social change in efforts to understand and manage natural resources.Doctor of Philosophy
20
Mtelera, Prince. "“Exploring barriers to citizen participation in development: a case study of a participatory broadcasting project in rural Malawi”." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016360.
Abstract:
In Malawi, as in many newly-democratic countries in the developing world, donor organisations and NGOs have embarked on projects aimed at making reforms in governance which have generated a profusion of new spaces for citizen engagement. This thesis critically examines one such project in Malawi against the backdrop of a democratic nation emerging from a background of dictatorial regime. For thirty years, until 1994, Malawi was under the one-party regime of Kamuzu Banda which was characterised by dictatorial tendencies, in which participatory processes were non-existent and development was defined in terms of client-patronage relationships between the state and society (Cammack, 2004: 17). In 1994, however, Malawi embraced a multiparty system of government, paving way to various political and social reforms, which adopted participatory approaches to development. Drawing on a number of literatures, this thesis seeks to historicize the relationship which developed during the pre democracy era between the state and society in Malawi to underscore its influence on the current dispositions displayed by both bureaucrats and citizens as they engage in participatory decision making processes. This is achieved through a critical realist case study of a participatory radio project in Malawi called Ndizathuzomwe which works through a network of community-based radio production structures popularly known as ‘Radio Listening Clubs’(RLCs) where communities are mobilised at village level to first identify and define development problems through consensus and then secondly engage state bureaucrats, politicians, and members of other relevant service delivery organisations in making decisions aimed at resolving community-identified development problems (Chijere-Chirwa et al, 2000). Unlike during the pre-democracy era, there is now a shift in the discourse of participation in development, from the participation of ‘beneficiaries’ in projects, to the more political and rights-based definitions of participation by citizens who are the ‘makers and shapers’ of their own development (Cornwall and Gaventa, 2000). The findings of this thesis, however point to the fact that, there remains a gap between normative expectations and empirical realities in that spaces for participation are not neutral, but are themselves shaped by power relations (Cornwall, 2002). A number of preconditions exist for entry into participatory institutions as such entry of certain interests and actors into public spaces is privileged over others through a prevailing mobilisation of bias or rules of the game (Lukes, 1974: I)
21
Juslin, Emil. "Consulting with the Citizens : An Introductory Study on Citizen Participation in the European Commission ́s Online Consultations." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Statsvetenskapliga institutionen, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-374005.
Abstract:
For a long time the citizen participation in the European Commission Online Consultations have been low and quite insignificant. This came to an abrupt change during 2018, with the consultation on Summertime arrangements bringing out over four million citizens to participate and it is now clear that the citizen impact on consultations are not something to overlook. So, who participates in the online consultations? It is assumed that biases generated through the voluntarily participation of the Online Consultations (OC) will provide discrepancies between the participants in OC:s compared to the EU population in general. The aim of the study is to examine how individual participation in OC:s differs based on the complexity of the topic and the Member State affiliation of the citizen. The study is tested based on four hypotheses predicting how possible biases might take place. The hypotheses are tested by an quantitative study of the EU online consultations published on the “Your voice in Europe” website. The results indicate that participation differs between different regions, with the eastern Member States participating to a lower degree. Furthermore, the study indicates that it exists a negative covariance between positive EU policy opinions and participation per Member State. This is believed to be caused by a difference in diversity of the sample that participates. The study also examines how the technical complexity of the consultations affects political participation among citizens. This part of the study did not generate any clear results.
22
Bangwanubusa, Theogene. "Participation of rural communities in development policy and practice : the South African experience and its relevance for Rwanda." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52986.
Abstract:
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.ENGLIAH ABSTRACT: Several indispensable variables for effective community development include, among others: development skills, networking and partnership, and community participation in the development project life cycle. The study aimed to derive relevant lessons about these factors for Rwanda from the South African community development experience. A literature study was first undertaken on key concepts such as participation, rural community, development, and policy and practice. Literature on principles and policies guidelines for community development in both the South African and Rwandan contexts was also reviewed. Within the perspective of comparative analysis, the socio-political and historical backgrounds of both countries served as the basis of criteria for selecting four case studies. From South Africa, three case studies were selected from both the apartheid and post-apartheid periods. One postapartheid study was regarded as unsuccessful and one was successful. The third is a successful ongoing case that straddles the apartheid and post-apartheid periods. From Rwanda, a postgenocide ongoing case was selected on the grounds of its perceived success. A comparative analysis was undertaken of practical results and the South African experience provided actual relevance for Rwanda in specific ways. In complete contrast to the current view that community driven development depends on the political context, the study shows that it depends rather on a number of objective principles for active community participation. What is demonstrated is that community driven development cannot be adequately supported by the developer-centred, consultation, and blueprint approaches because they fail to inspire active community participation. Nor can community participation be seen merely as cheap labour or superficial involvement. Instead, it implies empowering the community with development skills that enable people to acquire more choices and gain control of their community life. To achieve such empowerment, the study stresses the need for a shift toward the bottom-up approach to the planning and implementing of rural-based development projects.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verskeie onmisbare veranderlikes vir doeltreffende gemeenskapsontwikkeling sluit, onder andere, die volgende m: ontwikkelingsvaardighede, netwerk en vennootskap, en gemeenskapsdeelname aan die lewensiklus van die ontwikkelingsprojek. Die studie het gepoog om relevante lesse omtrent hierdie faktore vir Rwanda af te lei uit Suid-Afrika se ondervinding ten opsigte van gemeenskapsontwikkeling. 'n Literatuurstudie oor sleutelbegrippe soos deelname, landelike gemeenskap, ontwikkeling en beleid en praktyk, is eers onderneem. Literatuur oor beginsels en beleidsriglyne vir gemeenskapsontwikkeling in sowel die Suid- Afrikaanse as Rwandese omgewings is ook bestudeer. Binne die perspektief van vergelykende analise, het die sosio-politiese en historiese agtergrond van albei lande gedien as die basis van die kriteria waarvolgens vier gevallestudies gekies is. Drie Suid-Afrikaanse gevallestudies is uit die apartheids- en die post-apartheidsera gekies. Een post-apartheidstudie is as onsuksesvol beskou en een as suksesvol. Die derde geval is 'n suksesvolle, voortgaande een uit die apartheidsera en daarna. Uit Rwanda is 'n voortgaande geval uit die era na die volksmoord op grond van sy sigbare sukses gekies. 'n Vergelykende analise van die praktiese resultate is onderneem, en die Suid-Afrikaanse ondervinding het op spesifieke maniere wesenlike toepassings vir Rwanda verskaf. In algehele teenstelling met die huidige opvatting dat gemeenskapsgedrewe ontwikkeling afhang van die politieke omgewing, wys hierdie studie dat dit eerder van 'n aantalobjektiewe beginsels vir aktiewe gemeenskapsdeelname afhang. Wat gedemonstreer word, is dat gemeenskapsgedrewe ontwikkeling nie voldoende deur ontwikkelaargesentreerde, konsultasie- en bloudrukbenaderings ondersteun kan word nie, aangesien hulle nie daarin slaag om aktiewe gemeenskapsdeelname te inspireer nie. Net so kan gemeenskapsdeelname nie bloot gesien word as goedkoop arbeid of oppervlakkige betrokkenheid nie. Dit impliseer eerder die bemagtiging van die gemeenskap met ontwikkelingsvaardighede wat mense in staat stelom meer keuses te bekom en om beheer oor hulle gemeenskapslewe te verkry. Die studie beklemtoon dat, ten einde hierdie bemagtiging te bereik, daar 'n skuif moet plaasvind na die benadering waar die gemeenskap betrokke is by die beplanning en implementering van landelikgebaseerde ontwikkelingsprojekte.
23
Muriu, Abraham Rugo. "Decentralization, citizen participation and local public service delivery : a study on the nature and influence of citizen participation on decentralized service delivery in Kenya." Bachelor's thesis, Universität Potsdam, 2012. http://opus.kobv.de/ubp/volltexte/2013/6508/.
Abstract:
Governments at central and sub-national levels are increasingly pursuing participatory mechanisms in a bid to improve governance and service delivery. This has been largely in the context of decentralization reforms in which central governments transfer (share) political, administrative, fiscal and economic powers and functions to sub-national units. Despite the great international support and advocacy for participatory governance where citizen’s voice plays a key role in decision making of decentralized service delivery, there is a notable dearth of empirical evidence as to the effect of such participation. This is the question this study sought to answer based on a case study of direct citizen participation in Local Authorities (LAs) in Kenya. This is as formally provided for by the Local Authority Service Delivery Action Plan (LASDAP) framework that was established to ensure citizens play a central role in planning and budgeting, implementation and monitoring of locally identified services towards improving livelihoods and reducing poverty. Influence of participation was assessed in terms of how it affected five key determinants of effective service delivery namely: efficient allocation of resources; equity in service delivery; accountability and reduction of corruption; quality of services; and, cost recovery. It finds that the participation of citizens is minimal and the resulting influence on the decentralized service delivery negligible. It concludes that despite the dismal performance of citizen participation, LASDAP has played a key role towards institutionalizing citizen participation that future structures will build on. It recommends that an effective framework of citizen participation should be one that is not directly linked to politicians; one that is founded on a legal framework and where citizens have a legal recourse opportunity; and, one that obliges LA officials both to implement what citizen’s proposals which meet the set criteria as well as to account for their actions in the management of public resources.
24
Durose, E. Joan. "Public involvement in public sector organisations : why do we find it so difficult?" Thesis, Keele University, 2002. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.288497.
25
Flores, Lopez Jesus Arturo. "The politics of participatory democratic initiatives in Mexico : a comparative study of three localities." Thesis, University of York, 2002. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/10818/.
26
Innes, Robert George. "An evaluation framework for citizen participation in urban transportation planning." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/28339.
Abstract:
Although the planning and implementation of recent
transportation projects have attempted to involve the public
at critical stages, the persistence of conflicts between an
efficient metropolitan transportation system and the needs of
residents of the quiet enjoyment of their communities suggests
the need to study and evaluate the effectiveness of
participatory planning. This thesis explores the role of
citizen participation in urban transportation planning and
proposes an evaluation framework which is tested through its
application to two recent transportation projects. This
framework includes nine requisites for effective citizen
participation which were drawn from the literature and the
review of other related transportation case studies. These
requisites relate to:
•Objectives Defined
•Good Timing
•Effective Communications
•Accessibility to the Process
•Government Responsiveness
•Community Representation
•Commitment
•Credibility
•Flexibility
By drawing on the experiences and perceptions of key participants of each case, the thesis assessed the effectiveness of each program. An evaluation matrix which is also based on these requisites is also proposed as a planning tool.
The framework is tested through its application to the Cassiar Street Connector case in Vancouver and the Kensington Avenue Overpass project in Burnaby. Selected participants covering the local community, and appointed and elected municipal and provincial officials who were involved in each case were interviewed. Through their perceptions and
insights, the framework was used to assess the effectiveness of the citizen participation component of the case.
Results suggest that the framework can be considered a positive step towards a more general framework and towards a general improvement in the field of evaluation. While not a conclusive or exhaustive list of requisites, the framework does offer the advantage of including those requisites which, according to both the literature and the interviewees, are fundamental to participatory planning.
The proposed matrix should be considered as an effective planning tool which allows for evaluation and monitoring complete participation programs as well as focussing on a specific requisite. Furthermore, it can be used as both an interim and final report card on a citizen participation program. The matrix also lends itself to a spreadsheet application.
The thesis suggests the importance of a well defined organizational structure for citizen participation such as an advisory body or supervisory committee. These structures appear to offer advantages in providing a forum for the major participants, including the affected communities, to participate effectively in the planning process. Furthermore, the thesis recommends that the Provincial Ministry of Transportation and Highways' transportation planning efforts would benefit from a strong public consultation function, to complement its engineering and technical mandates.Applied Science, Faculty of
Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of
Graduate
27
Angelopoulou, Zoi. "ICTs and Citizen Participation : An Ethnography in the Municipality Level." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-59778.
Abstract:
This master thesis describes an ethnographic research under the critical paradigm of thoughtin the use of ICTs to support citizen participation in the Municipality level. The purpose ofthe research was to acquire an understanding of the perspective of citizens on the topic andprovide suggestions for the employment of ICTs in citizen participation on the specificcontext. The research setting is located in a neighborhood of a Municipality in Athens, thecapital of Greece. Participants included randomly selected citizens, representatives fromcitizens groups which are active in the neighborhood and a representative of the Municipality.The data gathered in the research was qualitative and the methods were selected andconducted following the participatory design approach in correspondence with theethnographic methodology and critical paradigm. The methods used were interviews, probesand participatory observation. The data gathered pointed at similar concerns expressed by theparticipants mainly towards issues such as ignorance and indifference. Participants also hadthe opportunity to make suggestions on the topic of ICTs and citizen participation, which incombination with the results of a thematic analysis of the qualitative data were used to makesuggestions for future employment of ICTs in the Municipality. Through this directengagement with participants the research also hopes to contribute to the developing Greekdomestic literature on the topic, especially concerning the use of qualitative data.
28
Nleya, Ndodana. "Citizen participation and water services delivery in Khayelitsha, Cape Town." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2011. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&action=viewtitle&id=gen8Srv25Nme4_3394_1365671127.
Abstract:
This study analyses the relationship between the manner of citizens&rsquo
engagement with the state and the level of service delivery they experience in their everyday lives, as residents of Khayelitsha. The phenomena of so-called &lsquo
service delivery&rsquo
protests across South Africa have now become a fixture of South African politics. Khayelitsha is one of the sites with frequent protests in Cape Town and is inhabited by poor people, 70 percent of whom live in informal settlements. While the lack of municipal services is undoubtedly a major problem for many poor people in South Africa, thus
far, few studies have been dedicated to investigate empirically this alleged link between service delivery and protest activity. The study utilizes mostly quantitative analysis techniques such as
regression analysis and path analysis to discover the form and strength of linkages between the service delivery and participation forms. While residents of informal settlements and therefore
poorer services were more prone to engage in protests and thus reinforcing the service delivery hypothesis, this relationship was relatively weak in regression analysis. What is more important than the service delivery variables such as water services was the level of cognitive awareness exemplified by the level of political engagement and awareness on the one hand and level of community engagement in terms of attendance of community meetings and membership of different organizations. In summary the study found relatively weak evidence to support the service
delivery hypothesis and stronger evidence for the importance of cognitive awareness and resource mobilization theories in Khayelitsha as the key determinant of protest activity.
29
Williams, Cynthia Marie. "Citizen participation : a critical analysis of roles in organizational hierarchy." Kansas State University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/36030.
30
Robino, Carolina. "Citizen participation, decentralization and inclusive development : a survey on citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa with specific reference to the Eastern Cape c.2005." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/875.
Abstract:
Contemporary debates about development confer a prominent role to citizen participation and decentralization. Growing scepticism about the efficacy of narrowly conceived measures add pressure to reform development both theoretically and in practical terms. There is a greater understanding that ‘traditional’ development approaches and policies need to be reformulated and decentralization and citizen participation have been proposed as remedies to previous development failures. It is frequently argued that citizen participation will improve the efficiency and efficacy of public services. Citizen participation is meant to render local government more accountable and to contribute to deepening democracy, by reinforcing representative democratic institutions with participatory forms. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states. From a political perspective, it is argued, decentralization reforms can help the central state gain legitimacy and have been seen as a strategy for maintaining political stability. It has been repeatedly suggested that physical proximity makes it easier for citizens to hold local officials accountable for their performance. From an economic perspective, decentralization can improve the match between the mix of services provided by the public sector and the preferences of the local population. It has also been noted that people are more willing to pay for services that respond to their priorities and that increased competition between local governments generates spaces for more creative responses adapted to local needs. But then, can decentralization and citizen participation live up to the faith and expectations that they have inspired? I argue that the literature commonly over-emphasises the role of citizen participation and decentralization in development and what these processes and reforms can achieve. Much of the evidence is anecdotal in nature and tends to neglect the specific contexts in which these processes take place. Also largely ignored are political economy considerations and a critical exploration of the relationship between these two key words. At best, when their interrelationships are addressed decentralization and citizen participation are conceived as based on a symbiotic relationship. I suggest, however, that the relationship between these two processes is not as straightforward as most of the literature assumes. The meanings of these two key words in current development lexicon are explored and critically assessed. I argue that whether or not the rising prominence of these two words actually means the emergence of a new development agenda is a moot point. It critically depends on the understandings of these ambiguous terms. The thesis adopts a political economy approach. Combined with this is an awareness of the broader historical and socio-economic context in which citizen participation and decentralization take place. The thesis applies these ideas triangulating diverse research methods and data sources. It combines a literature review and documentary analysis, a survey conducted with municipal authorities and civil society organizations in the Eastern Cape as well as structured interviews with Ward councillors and with key informants. From a theoretical perspective, the study lays a foundation for understanding the relationship between development policies outcomes and the nature of citizen participation and decentralization in developing countries. This, in turn, provides a basis from which citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa can be assessed and understood. The thesis presents evidence from a case study of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. By revealing how different dimensions of decentralization and citizen participation operate and intersect, the findings demonstrate, that contrary to common knowledge, citizen participation and decentralization are frequently at odds. Moreover, contrary to frequent statements, the research also shows that opening new spaces for participation in decentralized local governance can result in fewer changes and disappointing results at best, undermining the transformative potential of the concepts of participation and decentralization.
31
Lam, Man-ying Josephine, and 林敏瑩. "A study of citizen participation in urban renewal in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1998. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B43893909.
32
Chan, Cheuk-yu Vivian, and 陳焯瑜. "An organizational analysis of the Mong Kok District Board, its implication to citizen participation in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1986. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31974685.
33
Smith, Leslie H. "Public attitudes as to the likelihood of occurrence of environmental problems in or near sanitary landfills." Virtual Press, 1985. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/508008.
Abstract:
Efforts by designers to produce solutions to environmental problems has become increasingly sophisticated. Inter-disciplinary teams of designers, engineers and scientists have proposed new and dynamic resolutions to environmental disturbances. There is a problem, however, in the ability of such proposals to be accepted and implemented.This study investigated the possibility that communication of these plans has been responsible for the lack of acceptance. Citizens and governmental officials must adequately comprehend the proposed solutions before they can gain confidence and judge them worthy of implementation. This study searched for aspects of communication necessary to successfully promote pre-planning and reclamation for correcting and preventing environmental problems in sanitary landfills.A random survey of Delaware County, Indiana established base means for concerns (aesthetic, pollution, property value, safety, etc.) in a typical population cross-section. The net effectiveness of the landfill presentation (communication) effort was to be inferred through noted changes in the level of concern between the typical population and the test group who witnessed the educational presentation.The comparative test could not proceed. The focus of this study was then directed towards more intimate analysis of the attitudinal data provided in the cross-sectional survey. A number of obvious and obvious characteristics were revealed.In the end, this study has provided significant insight into the "posture" of the most important link in convincing that planning and design solutions can mitigate environmental problems. That link is at the receiving end of such communication efforts... the "public" with its constructs of fears and biases.Department of Landscape Architecture
34
Luehrmann, Laura. "Officials face the masses : citizen contacting in Modern China /." access full-text online access from Digital Dissertation Consortium, 2000. http://libweb.cityu.edu.hk/cgi-bin/er/db/ddcdiss.pl?9962428.
35
Yeung, Wing-shan Theresa, and 楊詠珊. "Citizen participation in the urban planning process: a comparative study of U.S.A., U.K. and H.K." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1996. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31259339.
36
Imon, Sharif Shams. "Sustainable urban conservation: the role of public participation in the conservation of urban heritage in oldDhaka." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2006. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B36224091.
37
McWilliam, Robert. "Public participation and rural planning : Texada Island, a case study." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1985. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/25466.
Abstract:
This thesis examines various approaches to public participation within rural planning. It deals with the roles rural residents, in unincorporated areas of British Columbia, can play in local planning. The thesis argues that effective planning in such areas only occurs if a rural planning approach, which considers distinctive rural characteristics, is applied to the planning process. Such planning generally requires the active involvement of rural people.
To accomplish this objective a model is constructed of how rural residents participate in planning. Its theoretical framework is developed from a review of the available literature on rural planning and public participation. The model is then used to examine a specific area--Texada Island--which was selected because of its recent experiences with planning. The model identifies four main approaches to rural planning: planning 'of a rural community; planning 'for' a rural community; planning 'with' a rural community; and planning 'by' a rural community. The thesis argues that all of these approaches can meet the criteria that define rural planning, but they differ significantly on the objectives for the planning process, and the roles the local residents perform. The model also contains four categories of public participation: public information; data collection; citizenship training; and involvement in decision making. This thesis defines public participation as the means whereby the general public interact with decision makers, beyond elections, to ensure public decisions reflect their objectives. Within the context of this definition the four categories are seen as being the main avenues that rural people have for participation in planning.
When the types of participation were applied to the various rural planning approaches a number of observations about the involvement of rural people in planning became apparent. These characteristics were reinforced when the Texada Islanders' experiences with planning were examined. The model and the Texada example both demonstrated that even within the constraints inherent in the various types of planning there were opportunities to enhance the level of public involvement. The author takes the position that these possible improvements are significant to the planning process since there is a positive linear correlation between increased public participation and the effectiveness of the planning process.
The relationship between public involvement and planning is demonstrated through the analysis of rural planning approaches. Planning 'of' a rural, community may produce some short term results but it is incapable of providing any long term direction because the planning process is too divorced from the aspiration of the local residents who have considerable ability to frustrate external objectives even when they have little ability to take the initiative. Planning 'for' a rural community generally fails because the issues that the planning exercise is attempting to deal with are examined from the perceptions of 'outsiders'. Planning 'with' a rural community is limited because the planning process is dominated by the 'experts' who also see issues through a different set of perceptions. Planning 'by' the rural community approach is the approach that the thesis claims can succeed when the others fail. Its success is related to its correlation to rural values; its emphasis on local resources, which expands the usually limited resources available for any rural planning; and the fact that it deals with planning as part of a larger process of rural development. Rural development avoids the frequent segregation of planning and implementation and permits the planning to become an ongoing process which allows for adjustment and elaboration as required.
Advocating a need for planning 'by' rural communities is not done with any naive assumptions about its success being assured. This approach can produce the most enduring results, but it also exacts the highest costs in terms of effort and its existence is dependent on a continuing commitment by the rural residents who are in control of the planning process. But this commitment is a requirement for rural development where change is achieved by the active participation of affected people.Applied Science, Faculty of
Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of
Graduate
38
Ingram, Booker T. "Citizen participation : an analysis of parent participation in district advisory councils in three Ohio school districts /." The Ohio State University, 1991. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu148769470278218.
39
Bagui, Laban. "Public participation in government: the place of e-participation in the City of Cape Town-Western Cape." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1375.
Abstract:
Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
Magister Technologiae: Information Technology
in the Faculty of Informatics and Design
at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2013South Africa can be seen as one of the most advanced democracies on the African continent. Its 1996 constitution and state institutions were developed to enable a representative, deliberative and participative democracy. The legislature is predominant and public participation is expected like the element that legitimates the institutions of the state, their decisions and their initiatives. However, despite the use of ICTs to enhance the process of public participation, there remain profound misunderstandings between the government and its communities; expressed in demonstrations, strikes and other violent protests, as dissatisfaction in public service delivery grows and confidence in the government declines. The problem is that it seems that the potential of ICTs to better the processes of public participation is not fully understood and not fully realised. The aim of the study was to seek out elements helping and hindering the use of Mobile, Web and Social media in public participation in the city of Cape Town. This research endeavour falls under eParticipation research. It considers consultation for law and policy making in the city of Cape Town. It examines its democratic, social and communicational anchors in terms of facilitation and openness to change, on one hand; and it examines Mobile, Web and Social media, in terms of adoption and use for the purpose of public participation on the other hand. The research adopted the Critical Realism philosophical paradigm for its ontology and epistemology. It set out to use existing knowledge, theories and models to work mainly with qualitative data. It followed a qualitative, exploratory, holistic, and cross-sectional approach developing a case study of eParticipation in the city of Cape Town from a triangulation of methods. Data was gathered from literature, documents, in-depth interviews, a focus group and observation of meetings. The data gathered was analysed using qualitative content analysis. The case study analysis followed the structure of the research conceptual model and built the story of the development of eParticipation in the city, bringing together readiness achievements in individual community members‘ perceptions and attitudes to eParticipation, and readiness achievements in local government induced social facilitation of eParticipation. These eParticipation readiness elements were considered direct determinants of individuals‘ intention to participate using Mobile, Web and Social media, and of local government democratic engagement and openness to change, constituting the city‘s intensity of e-participation. That estimate of the intensity of eParticipation provided ground to sketch out it position towards achieving ‗cultural eParticipation‘ for the city of Cape Town. This study has implications for theory, policy and practice: It develops analytical frameworks for assessing and determining the place of eParticipation; and it suggests a map of favouring and hampering elements to eParticipation in the city of Cape Town.
40
Moyo, Phoebe Michelle Zibusiso Sandi. "An assessment of community participation in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) development projects in Zimbabwe: the case of Bulilima and Mangwe Districts, Matabeleland South." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007232.
Abstract:
Since the mid 1970s there has been an increasing effort to adopt community participation as a necessary instrument for people driven development. NGOs and governments have come to use this participatory approach not only to empower local people, but also to give them a platform to plan and implement their own development projects. However in Zimbabwe, the government has failed to fund most projects and it has created a gap for NGOs to provide most, if not all services in rural communities. NGOs have been seen as better institutions to facilitate development projects and to engage local people to actively participate in development issues. Community participation is a central component in development projects as the projects respond to the people’s needs and that local people are in full control and ownership of these projects. This study is an assessment of community participation in NGO development projects in Zimbabwe. The study investigates the extent of community participation in development projects and it is guided by the Participatory Development (PD) theory. Research findings reveal that community participation is minimal in development projects of Bulilima and Mangwe districts in Zimbabwe. Local people are just passive participants of the development projects who are told what to do. The local people’s contributions and influences are sidelined in the planning and decision-making processes; instead these are made by the rural elite who plan and make decisions on behalf of the local people. It is the view of this study that the purpose of community participation is to create opportunities for local people to participate in planning, decision making, implementation, allocation and distribution of resources. The development projects should be responsive to the people’s needs. Similarly, participatory development just like community participation is a process whereby communities are given the opportunity to determine their future in terms of their needs and resources. In this regard, it is relevant that rural communities actively participate in planning, decision making, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. By so doing, the projects become not only successful but also sustainable.
41
Farrington, C. J. T. "Islands of deliberation? : citizen participation in the Municipality of Quito, Ecuador." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2009. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.598948.
Abstract:
Latin American municipal governments have recently increased in significance due to widely-adopted decentralisation policies. Institutional shifts have created ‘new political spaces’, or spaces for citizen participation distinct from both electoral democracy and non-governmental activism. One such space is the ‘System of Participatory Action’ (SPA), established in 2001 by the Municipality of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. In theory at least, the SPA guarantees municipal accountability and offers citizens the opportunity to influence local policy through equitable participation in decision-making fora. As such, this space promises a decisive break with long-standing patterns of Ecuadorian political culture such as populism, corruption, and gender/ethnic discrimination. Does the SPA overcome these obstacles to deliver effective and responsive local government? This thesis ‘draws upon contemporary critical theory to evaluate critically the operations of the SPA between 200 and 2007. The work of Jürgen Habermas underpins a ‘Deliberative Quality Index’ (DQI), which is used to quantify levels of citizen participation in terms of ideals of ‘deliberation’ (reason-governed discussion). The impacts of SPA citizen participation upon local governance outcomes are measured using techniques including participant observation, interviews, and secondary literature analysis. This research agenda has yielded many insights concerning local governance in Quito. Specifically, while deliberative quality was generally high, several factors combined to limit the impact of deliberation on local governance outcomes. In substantive terms, less than 2% of Quito’s capital budget is distributed according to citizen preferences, a figure that compares poorly with many other new political spaces. Thus, while the SPA arguably constitutes a significant innovation in Ecuadorian citizen participation, this thesis concludes that its impact on local governance has been moderate at best.
42
Curtis, Vickie. "Online citizen science projects : an exploration of motivation, contribution and participation." Thesis, Open University, 2015. http://oro.open.ac.uk/42239/.
Abstract:
The number of online citizen science projects has increased significantly over the past decade, yet some aspects of participation are poorly understood as is the motivation behind the involvement of the scientists who set up these projects, and the citizen scientists who take part. This thesis explores three different online citizen science projects (Foldit, Folding@home and Planet Hunters) using a case study approach and data collected through online surveys, interviews and participant observation. It explores the motivations that initiate and sustain participation, and it examines the various ways individuals can contribute to these projects. It also investigates how participants (both professional scientists and citizen scientists) interact online. A number of theoretical models of motivation and participation are considered. While many individuals register to take part in these projects, only a small proportion become active participants. These active citizen scientist volunteers are motivated to participate because they want to make a contribution to science or have a background interest in science. Scientists set up these projects in order to get help analysing large volumes of data, particularly those that require human pattern recognition or problem-solving skills. The complexity of the project task and the presence of certain technological features can affect how participants interact with each other, and how they contribute. Tasks that are complex are more likely to present opportunities for cooperation and collaboration, and may foster the development of online communities of practice. The findings of this research suggest that online citizen science projects have been important in making scientific research more open for a number of distributed volunteers. These individuals have responded to the challenges presented by these projects, increasing their scientific and technical understanding, and self-organising into various roles and teams in order to produce new knowledge.
43
Hentschel, Valerie. "Empowering Civic Engagement in Energy Concepts : Design Implications for Citizen Participation." Thesis, Södertörns högskola, Medieteknik, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-41587.
Abstract:
The threat of global warming calls for a major transformation of the energy system in the coming century. A positive and effective outcome of the development and implementation of municipal energy concepts relies heavily on public participation. Based on user research through qualitative interviews and an online questionnaire in Germany, this paper presents design implications regarding digital participatory technology for municipal energy concepts. The findings include reduction of barriers to enable participation, encouragement of discussion and debate, monitoring the progress and providing feedback. The proposed implications aim to increase public participation for municipal energy concepts and motivate citizens towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Further work is needed to validate if the design implications entirely fulfill their purpose.Självständigt Examensarbete (Forskningsartikel)
Independent Master's Thesis (Research article)
44
Lam, Man-ying Josephine. "A study of citizen participation in urban renewal in Hong Kong." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1998. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B1990678X.
45
Clarke, Roland Tuwea. "Decentralization Policy and Citizen Participation in Government: The Case of Liberia." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6542.
Abstract:
Political decentralization has been advanced in the 21st century as a prescription for enabling citizens' participation in politics and increasing good governance. However, empirical investigations have offered limited knowledge about decentralization efforts in Liberia. This study explored if decentralization could serve as a catalyst for citizens' participation and good governance in Liberia. The polarity of participation and representation - one of the pairs in the polarities of democracy model developed by Benet - was used to establish the theoretical foundation for this study. The study employed a case study research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants recruited through snowball sampling and subjected to a thematic content procedure for analysis. The main theme indicated that decentralization was perceived as Liberia's best policy option to repair 171 years of political, social, and economic challenges. Establishment of service centers at the county level to manage social development funds and the passage of the local government act were acknowledged as achievements of the decentralization policy in Liberia. On the other hand, the country's long history of centralized governance, corruption, inequality, constitution violations, and misused of public resources were identified as major obstacles to successful implementation of decentralization policy measures. The social change implication of the study involves identifying a potential avenue for the government and citizens of Liberia to build a stronger relationship through reform which will ultimately enhance citizens' ability to be involved in governmental decision making at both national and local levels.
46
Dube, Nobayethi. "Evaluating community participation in development projects." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/2139.
Abstract:
Thesis (MPhil (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.Community participation is a concept that is frequently mentioned in community development. Practitioners in development believe that in order for projects to succeed, communities need to actively take part in designing, implementing and shaping the projects that affect them. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate community participation by measuring quantitative and qualitative indicators of participation. It is important to note that there are no universal indicators of participation. The thesis presents three projects as case studies. In order to measure participation in the three cases, the quantitative and qualitative indicators of participation of Oakley et al. are reviewed. The indicators are applied across all three cases and the analysis indicates whether they were high, low or absent. It is also important to note that to measure participation effectively requires one to spend lengthy periods at the project site and this proved to be a challenge, as will be shown in the thesis. The thesis also demonstrates that to a large extent community participation is contextual. Of the three projects, two were rural projects and one an urban project. The two rural projects, Mongoaneng Development Forum and TsweloPele Women‟s Co-operative, were initiated by members of the community and aimed at addressing issues of poverty. The urban project, Motherwell Youth Development Forum, was specifically targeting young people with the aim of providing them with skills. Key findings include the fact that each of the cases was highly diverse, and furthermore, when measuring these cases, a common thread was that not all participation indicators were present at any given stage. Another key finding is that co-operation amongst project members tends to yield positive results and the reverse yields negative results. Another finding relates to the sustainability of the projects, pointing to the fact that even though two of the cases were doing well, their sustainability was questionable.
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Andrews, Christopher Lee. "The Mandela Bay Development Agency's role in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project, Port Elizabeth." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020095.
Abstract:
Community participation in urban renewal projects has become important in the South African government’s efforts to address past imbalances and improving the livelihoods of socially excluded and marginalised communities. In order for the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project to be successful and bring about sustainable change, it is vital that the community be allowed and encouraged to play an active role in consultation and participation initiatives. This study outlines the importance of community participation, the types, the incentives and disincentives as well as the possible barriers to effective community participation. Findings from the analysis of the collected data indicates that a community project can only be successful if the implementing agent employs democratic principles whereby all residents are given a voice and are allowed to participate in the decision-making and implementation process. This study explores the concept of community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects with particular reference to the role played by the Mandela Bay Development Agency in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects (HURP), in Port Elizabeth.
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Tong, Bo-yee Gloria, and 唐寶儀. "Community's perspective in urban renewal in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1999. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B43894021.
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Shyu, Chian-Woei, and 徐千偉. "Internet and Citizen Participation." Thesis, 2000. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/38199808673353235255.
Abstract:
碩士國立政治大學
公共行政學系
88
Since the 1980''''s, many scholars, statesmen, and researchers have come to realize that the development and popularity of modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Computer-mediated Communication (CMC), Internet, and the World Wide Web (WWW) will become the effective mechanism for citizen participation. The main purpose of this research paper is to study how government provides citizen participation through Internet. First, the paper will take the theory of Internet citizen participation to construct an ideal mechanism of Internet citizen participation, i.e., to build an ideal operational procedural of Internet Public Forum. Second, the paper will use Taipei City Government''''s "Citizen Forum" in the World Wide Web as a case study to compare and analyze this case with the ideal operational procedural of Internet Public Forum. Last, the paper will discuss the constraints of Internet citizen participation, and search for solutions to these constraints.
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Lin, mingcheng, and 林閔政. "Citizen Participation in Taiwan Education." Thesis, 1996. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/35554703139409766877.