Doctoral Dissertations

Abstract

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique and disproportionate challenges in their efforts to achieve climate resilience due to their geographic vulnerabilities, limited resources, and systemic economic and social constraints. This dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of climate resilience strategies tailored to SIDS, addressing critical systemic issues and exploring interdisciplinary solutions. It synthesizes findings across four interconnected studies, including an analysis of disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in developing countries to identify gaps and opportunities for improving resilience in extreme events. The research investigates economic factors influencing energy portfolio transitions in the Caribbean, emphasizing the complexities of renewable energy adoption. It further examines the role of solar energy in sustainable development for Caribbean SIDS, highlighting challenges in financing and policy implementation. Finally, it offers a comparative analysis of South Africa's energy challenges, drawing lessons for sustainable development in emerging economies and their relevance for SIDS.

This work underscores the necessity of integrated systems engineering approaches, innovative financial models, and inclusive governance to address the intertwined challenges of climate resilience. The implications for engineering managers, policymakers, and planners are profound, offering actionable insights for creating adaptive, equitable, and sustainable systems. By providing a holistic framework, this dissertation contributes to the broader discourse on resilience-building strategies for vulnerable communities, advocating for targeted, data-driven, and collaborative solutions.

Advisor(s)

Long, Suzanna, 1961-

Committee Member(s)

Canfield, Casey I.
Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)
Raper, Stephen A., 1960-
Corns, Steven

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Engineering Management

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2025

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

Paper I, found on pages 5–18, has been published in the proceedings of IISE Conference in Seattle, WA, in May 2022.
Paper II, found on pages 19–35, has been published in the proceedings of ASEM Conference in Tampa, FL, in October 2022.
Paper III, found on pages 36–81, has been submitted to Engineering Management Journal.
Paper IV, found on pages 82–116, is intended for submission to Energy for Sustainable Development Journal.

Pagination

xiii, 125 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(page 124)

Rights

© 2025 Ashley-Ann Davis , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12505

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