Muhammad Chohan

Citation

Thesis Title
Roads Investment and Economic Growth: Similarity or Divergence between Developed and Developing Countries

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Mr Chohan investigated how arguments for economic growth are perceived and advanced to promote road investment. In particular, he addressed the question of whether there is similarity or divergence between developed and developing countries. Using the Aristotelian concept of phronēsis, he examined policy direction, the associated processes and discursive pragmatism in two roading projects, MacKays to Peka Peka in Wellington, New Zealand and the Ring Road in Lahore, Pakistan. He found that roads are justified on the basis of national visions and policies which advanced 'economic growth' narratives with limited consultation with stakeholders. Research findings concluded that 'economic growth' is a niche created, advanced, and interpreted by powerful actors to achieve their strategic objectives in road development without contextual differences being considered in developed and developing countries.

Supervisors
Professor Imran Muhammad
Associate Professor Christine Cheyne