Research Information System
Thesis Type: Doctorate
Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi University, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Turkey
Approval Date: 2023
Thesis Language: Turkish
Student: Gizem HAYRULLAHOĞLU
Supervisor: Çiğdem Varol Özden
Abstract:
Cities are affected in multiple ways by sudden and unexpected circumstances such as pandemics, earthquakes, climate change, and war. Complex adaptive systems theory is widely accepted to explain the highly probabilistic, unpredictable, and non-linear nature of such conditions. As dynamic systems, cities’ adaptation to contingencies requires a collaborative process involving continuous data collection and stakeholder engagement. While this research is based on linking urban planning principles with complex adaptive systems science; it also aims to discuss the effects of increased electronic commerce (e commerce) activities on urban areas during the pandemic period, examine the relationship between e-commerce and community mobility patterns using a complex problem-solving tool, and propose a planning framework for urban areas adaptive to e-commerce. In the research conducted in Ankara, index values demonstrating the spatial impact of e commerce were first calculated for seven prominent districts based on sales volumes of sub-sectors, and the e-commerce potentials of these districts were revealed. Then, using data collected daily, a recurrent neural network regression model was built and the factors affecting e-commerce sales in Ankara between 2020 and 2022 were investigated, and it was determined that decreased community mobility during the pandemic period increased e-commerce sales. Finally, the empirical findings of the research were discussed in one-on one interviews with nine institutions and organizations related to the e-commerce ecosystem and subjective experiences of stakeholders about the present and future of e commerce were obtained. The results revealed that e-commerce entrepreneurs can easily make ground in the city even in the face of suddenly emerging conditions such as pandemic. In response to such a resilient e-commerce ecosystem, steps should be taken to adapt the urban area to e-commerce. In this context, a planning framework was proposed for Ankara that ensures the adaptability of urban plans, is based on stakeholder opinions, and contains regulations that can facilitate spatial integration into e-commerce to achieve a competitive position in the e-commerce arena.
Key Words : Community mobility, complexity, adaptive urban planning, electronic commerce