Examining the sustainability impacts of mega sports events : fuzzy modelling as a new integrated appraisal system

Dodouras, S

Abstract

Sustainable development is recognised as being a complex concept and this is often its
main deficiency. A critical review of existing integrated assessment tools identified that
current valuation methods give weak signals on integration, adding to the complexity of
operationalising sustainable development. To bring about sustainability, professions
from different discipline backgrounds have to work together effectively. These factors
heighten the need for clear multidisciplinary communication at all stages of a
development. Systems thinking based on the concepts of fuzzy logic can provide the
basis for complex situations to be examined and approached as qualitatively as possible
and thereby could be useful in improving communication and promoting sustainable
development. To achieve this aim, literature review and case study research methods
were employed. The former provided a critical basis for considering sustainability
issues, integrated assessment tools and mega sports events. Such events provide a
suitable case study - the 2004 Olympiad - in which the issues of complexity and
multidisciplinary communication can be explored. The latter combined data processing
of primary sources collected over three decades, as well as the elaboration of a
questionnaire survey and a series of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders,
including academics, civil servants, members of the Olympics organising committee
and representatives of other agencies. The modelling process included transcribing and
ff*i verification of the interview data using NVivo -1.1. Data exploration and interpretation
led to the development and comparison of several fuzzy maps using Inspiration^-7.5.
These models were copied to Microsoft®Word-2000 and the subsequent analysis
revealed that the functionality of fuzzy modelling could comprehensively analyse data
and effectively communicate the potential outcomes. The participative, temporal and
qualitative nature of this model could, henceforth, improve the planning and decisionmaking
processes. This means that the model can be considered as a new integrated
appraisal system, providing a common language and a shared vision.

Citation

Dodouras, S. Examining the sustainability impacts of mega sports events : fuzzy modelling as a new integrated appraisal system. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2005