Evaluating the development potential of extractive sector corporate social investments in Cameroon: Case of the oil & gas and mining sub sectors
- Authors: Jong, Yungong Theophilus , Cherry, Janet
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- Cameroon , Business ethics -- Cameroon Gold mines and mining -- Social aspects -- Cameroon Petroleum industry and trade -- Cameroon -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13370 , vital:27179
- Description: This study set out to evaluate the development potential of extractive sector corporate social investments (CSI) in Cameroon. It does this by evaluating the extent to which extractive companies effectively integrate CSI in their business operations and how this can be improved upon for more effective development outcomes in the country. The study premises that CSI can contribute to development but its activities will not always amount to just, balanced and sustainable development outcomes. To understand the extent to which it does, this study develops and applies a framework for determining the applicability and effectiveness of extractive sector CSI practices. The research followed an interpretivist philosophical orientation. A case study research strategy with the elements of a survey research was used. It also implemented a mixed research methods approach and relied on both primary and secondary data sources. The CSI evaluation process used documentary survey techniques and content analysis of corporate social responsibility-related documentation provided by extractive companies and other sector stakeholders. This was triangulated with an expert survey as well as a survey of major development organisations to understand the opinion of the external environment that should shape CSI practices. Results were analysed, discussed and synthesised using the front-end, mid-phase and back-end criteria for evaluating CSI integration. Findings show significant level of adherence to the discretionary idea of CSI among extractive firms working in Cameroon. This is due partly to growing social responsibility awareness among extractive firms around the world and the consequence of inaction. The greater majority of companies however, do not show strong proof of well thought out CSI implementation strategies. The feeling among experts is that extractive sector CSI in Cameroon is failing. It is predominantly self-regulated by extractive companies which raise questions regarding objective and credible CSI practices. The study concludes that CSI has been implemented in ad-hoc, haphazard and un-systematic ways. It has a viable potential to contribute to development but still suffers from a very weak CSI enabling environment as well as the challenges of sustainable development. Extractive sector CSI therefore, still needs to be significantly reworked to enhance its potential in contributing to just, balanced and sustainable development in Cameroon. It is recommended that an enabling environment be put in place through CSI promotional activities in the country.
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- Date Issued: 2017
GIS implementation as a decision support tool for planning and managing development interventions
- Authors: Jong, Yungong Theophilus
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Decision support systems , Enterprise resource planning , Spatial systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9257 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021227
- Description: The aim of this study is to examine key implementation and managerial issues surrounding the use of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a Decisions Support Tool (DST) for planning and managing development interventions. Ever since the emergence of GIS as a powerful analytical tool in almost all spheres of human endeavour, many organisations involved in development work have adopted its use. But the challenges of conceiving and implementing a GIS in ways that are more responsive to the problems that trigger its purchase remains a daunting task to many development organisations; even those with a wealth of experience in GIS. This is one of the motivating factors for this study. In this research, some relevant themes in GIS implementation and GIS management as a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) were examined in the literature review. A case study research strategy was used focusing on the experience of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Enterprise GIS (EGIS). The study examined how the system is been ran and what other development organisations can learn from this experience. Data was collected and analysed using a mixed research methods approach. The findings show a good level of GIS acceptance among municipality staff. However, running the system is not hitch free. A couple of problems and challenges were identified on the field. It is recommended that the municipality like most development organisations seeking GIS solutions should put the user at the centre of every technical innovation in GIS as a DST.
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- Date Issued: 2011