Faculty of Engineering and Technology
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Matshediso, I.B. (University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Although most SADC countries have or were in the process of liberalizing their legislation and fiscal regimes some member states seemed to levy exorbitant tax rates. SADC members’ states need to note that in designing the optimum tax regime for their respective countries a balance will have to be struck between all the role-players including the investor, government and the community. It is imperative that the tax regimes are designed to provide stability over time and are transparent, easy to administer and internationally competitive. Mining investors view taxation systems as a cost of doing business in a particular country. The effects of taxes can influence company decisions. It is therefore of paramount importance for SADC governments to design tax regimes which will allow the mining sector to get a return on investments which is commensurate with the capital outlay and risk. It is equally important that the mining business should play a key role to the socio-economic developments of the host country in terms of job markets, secondary industries, hospital, schools, skills development and education. The taxation level in SADC countries should be both comparable and competitive with other countries with similar geological potential and this is currently not the case. Chile offered investors the best fiscal regime when compared to the twelve selected SADC countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1107 Files in this item: 1
Matshediso_BJT_2004.pdf (1.076Mb) -
Yanev, K.M. (University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: By the turn of the century, Botswana will be 34 years old as an independent nation. Reflecting on the past, is a background of tremendous achievements from a socio-economic development perspective. The achievements could not have been possible if it was not for the contribution of the construction industry. The construction industry’s (CI) contribution to socio-economic development may be viewed from many areas, among them, creating employment, wealth and demand for manufactured goods, infrastructure and producing factors of production (e.g. office space, factory shells, roads, etc) for other sectors. However, the relationship between the general economy and the CI has not been established explicitly despite numerous studies. Using Botswana’s CI and the economy, some of the paradigms proposed in previous studies revisited. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1063 Files in this item: 1
Yanev_BJT_2007.pdf (928.5Kb) -
Yanev, K.M.; Obok Opok, A.; Litchev, A. (University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Maintenance of the proper power factor is a very important matter for the industry and for the economy of any country. A study of the power factor value for a number of industrial plants in Botswana shows that they operate at power factors lower that the optimal values. If a plant power factor is different from its optimal value, this will cause considerable loses in terms of investments for large power generation and supply equipment and in terms of heat dissipation from the supply lines and other equipment. To improve the power factor and keep it at an optimal value, there are a number of preventative measures, as well as corrective actions that could be implemented. The power factor of a plant changes, depending on the number of electrical units operating at a time. After a full analysis of the power factor issue and its optimal case, are automatic control is designed that may maintain the power factor of a plant within values close to optimal. Similar automatic power factor control system can be introduced for all industrial plants with unsatisfactory power factor throughout the country that can improve considerably the efficiency of power utilization. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1062 Files in this item: 1
Yanev_BJT_2004.pdf (1.049Mb) -
Mosha, A.C. (Allen press, www.allenpress.com/ -, NaN, 1996)[more][less]
Abstract: In this paper we trace how Gaborone has grown from a very small village to the capital city of Botswana in a period of less than 30 years. Attention has been given to how careful design of master plan concepts has shaped the city and responded to the needs and aspirations of the residents. Through appropriate and enabling urban- development policies, standards and codes, a very amenable environment has been created. The city can boast of adequate and modern civic and commercial centers; modern functional infrastructure including water, electricity, roads and sewage systems; access to land for virtually all people; adequate housing provided by both the public and the private sectors and for the low income, the adoption of a very successful program of squatter upgrad- ing and self-help housing. Through careful management and development control practices, city growth has been contained quite well in spite of rapid development and the future of the city looks quite bright. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1061 Files in this item: 1
Mosha_AMBIO_1996.pdf (2.779Mb) -
Nedović-Budić, Z.; Knaap, G.; Budhathoki, R.N.; Cavrić, B. (Urban and Regional Information Systems Association, http://www.urisa.org/, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper presents an assessment of the regional capacity in implementing geographic information systems (GIS) and databases. We draw on a Web survey to determine the availability and assembly of spatial data at the metropolitan level in the United States. Information was sought from 388 planning organizations and regional agencies located in 349 metropolitan areas. Based on 116 responses (30 percent response rate), we generate descriptive statistics and run a regression model addressing the following aspects of the regional GIS capacity: data (contents, update, and assembly); technology (compatibility of software and data formats, data access, and the use of standards); people (staff, leadership commitment and support, regional communication and cooperation); policy (data sharing, funding, rules and responsibilities, and mandates/programs); and context (urban and regional issues and affluence). Although the survey reveals only a snapshot of a dynamic and evolving phenomenon, the results indicate that the status of metropolitan GIS in the United States may not be matching what is technically feasible. While the capacity is getting better over time, the process is relatively slow and the challenges of creating the base for building the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) are persistent. Future research and practice should place more emphasis on the relationship between the NSDI and its installed base. Nurturing of networks and compatibilities among organizational entities at various levels, local and regional in particular, should be given priority in devising policies and programs for a useful and sustainable spatial data infrastructure. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1022 Files in this item: 1
cavric2009BUILDINGBLOCKS.pdf (2.681Mb)