Questions & Objectives                       Problem Statement & Solution                                    

Research Questions and Objectives

Research Questions:

1. •    From a business standpoint: Can Coastal EcoVentures run a profitable business advising clients about responsible property investment in sustainable tourism?
   

2. •    From an investor/developer standpoint: Is it profitable to invest and develop properties in emerging markets according to social and environmental criteria?
   

3. •    From a marketing standpoint: How do we best convey information about responsible property investment to investors and developers to add value to their current operations?
   

4. •    From a product development standpoint: How do we develop an evaluative system that assesses social, environmental, and governance factors in the context of financial performance?  How do we certify our method and will the market accept it?
   

Objectives:

1. •    To identify the barriers (i.e., demand, information, financial resources) facing investors and developers when pursuing green development projects. 
   

2. •    To assess the benefits of social and environmental considerations in development projects and their financial performance in emerging coastal markets.
   

3. •    To review literature and evaluate current criteria methodologies (LEED, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), etc.) to generate a responsible property classification tool (Scorecard).
   

4. •    To perform a case study at Playa Viva, a sustainable resort and residential community in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, in order to evaluate the Scorecard.
   

5. •    To conduct market analysis to determine the value of this service.
   

6. •    To develop a viable business model that can fulfill a market need and address social problems.