Urban Challenges and Planning in the Global South: An Introduction to the Strategic Management Sustainability Framework (SMSF) and Tool (SMST)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55845/jos-2026-23113

Keywords:

Cities, Urban, Strategic, Management, Planning, Challenges, Women

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation is one of the biggest challenges of the Global South. This paper introduces the Strategic Management Sustainability Framework (SMSF) and Tool (SMST), its relevance and applications to challenges of urban planning in the Global South. It aims to show how the SMSF or SMST can be used to meet the challenges of town and city urban planning by building preparedness, resilience and better conditions for liveability and sustainability in these areas. This is done through an expanded PESTLE Analysis-based multi-sectoral SMSF, which has been developed into a computerized Tool (SMST). The two (also referred to as the African PESTLE Analysis (APA)) comprise the same innovation, which is conceptually grounded in the principles/values of the African woman, particularly in villages.

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Published

31-03-2026

Data Availability Statement

All data used in this study are available with the authors upon request.

How to Cite

Sonko, K. N. M., & Sonko, M. (2026). Urban Challenges and Planning in the Global South: An Introduction to the Strategic Management Sustainability Framework (SMSF) and Tool (SMST). Journal of Sustainability, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.55845/jos-2026-23113
Received 06-01-2026
Accepted 22-03-2026
Published 31-03-2026

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