A practical conceptual enhancement model for the development proposal approval process

Abstract

The current research explores the service perspectives in enhancing the Development Proposal Approval Process (DPAP) performance. Problems of ineffectiveness, inefficiency and unsystematic still exist in current DPAP, however, few studies have explored the enhancement on these issues from the service perspective. Thus, this research attempted to bridge the gap and develop a conceptual enhancement model of the DPAP based on the service perspective. In line with this purpose, the objectives of this research were to identify elements of DPAP enhancement based on the service perspective; to evaluate the existing model of DPAP; to develop a practical conceptual enhancement model of the DPAP and to validate the conceptual enhancement model of the DPAP. In light of this, mixed method which included both qualitative and quantitative method was adopted in this research. The research was divided into five stages in order to realize the research objectives settings, viz.: literature review, elements identification, evaluation of the model of DPAP, conceptual model development and validation. Meanwhile, the sampling, interviews and questionnaires methods were used in data collection. The assistant director in the division of local government policy and improvement at ministry of housing and local government, inspectorate and quality team at ministry of housing and local government and department of town and country planning as well as the entire local authorities in Johor state were involved in data collection. Thematic and statistical analyses were adopted to analyse the data. The quantitative analysis in the form of statistical analysis and the qualitative analysis in the form of thematic analysis were adopted. The developed model was verified in the real world situation before effectiveness study and then validated in terms of its feasibility and reliability. Throughout the process, all planning department of local authorities in Johor state were involved to verify and compare the proposed conceptual model in the real world situation. The analysis results and desirable suggestions obtained were used to further improve and revise the conceptual model. After model revised, the effectiveness study was conducted in the departments of building and engineering local authorities to explore whether the model can improve the effectiveness (day reduce-mean), efficiency (%) and maximum efficiency (%). After that, the conceptual model was validated in term of feasibility and reliability through the survey at all the one stop center departments. Eventually, the research findings suggest that at least 50 percent of the improvement on entire DPAP performance can be achieved and 50 percent time reduction can be obtained in the entire DPAP timeframe setting. Consequently, the developed model generates mutual benefits for both the government departments and the applicants. This model can be used as a guide or reference for related government departments. It is also believed that this research is able to create a new potential future research area for DPAP enhancement study.