Conceptual Framework for Elements of a Metropolitan Growth Index (MGI)

Samsey, Alif; Witchayangkoon, Bhattraradej Boonsap; Arab, Yasser; Hassan, Ahmad Sanusi; Thongjub, Pisit

:: International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies

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ISSN 2228-9860
eISSN 1906-9642
CODEN: ITJEA8

FEATURE PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE

Vol.16(4) (2025)

Conceptual Framework for Elements of a Metropolitan Growth Index (MGI)

Alif Samsey, Bhattraradej Boonsap Witchayangkoon (Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathumtani, THAILAND),
Yasser Arab (Department of Architectural Engineering, Dhofar University, SULTANATE of OMAN),
Ahmad Sanusi Hassan (School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA),
Pisit Thongjub (Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, THAILAND).

Discipline: Multidisciplinary (Civil & Infrastructure Engineering).
➤ FullText

doi: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2025.23

Keywords: Metropolitan growth; Urban growth; Spatial-physical changes; Growth typology; MGI framework; Megacity; Socio-environmental sustainability; MGI score; Growth pattern; Urban indicator; Bangkok's growth; Economic vitality.

Abstract
This paper develops a detailed framework for building a Metropolitan Growth Index (MGI). This goes beyond traditional single-metric evaluations of urban growth. Metropolitan growth occurs in various, interconnected areas. The proposed framework combines five main elements including demographic changes, economic health and dynamism, spatial-physical changes, infrastructure growth, and socio-environmental sustainability/resilience. Each element has specific measurable indicators. These elements indicate the complexity of metropolitan development. The framework is implemented using a weighted multi-criteria analysis method. This analysis allows for adjustments to different urban types. This method makes sure consistent comparisons. This study uses ten-year dataset (2014-2024) from the Bangkok Metropolitan Region as a case study. The framework shows its effectiveness in showing growth trends that traditional measures might miss. Because this framework focuses Bangkok's intensive infrastructure-led densification even with moderate population growth. This integrated MGI framework gives a refined tool for understanding urban paths, guiding sustainable development efforts, and comparing metropolitan areas in various contexts. The suggested methodology fills important gaps in urban measurement literature by balancing thoroughness with practicality, and quantitative precision with qualitative depth.
Paper ID: 16A4B

Cite this article:

Samsey, A., Witchayangkoon, B.B., Arab, Y., Hassan, A.S., and Thongjub, P. (2025). Conceptual Framework for Elements of a Metropolitan Growth Index (MGI). International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, 16(4), 16A4B, 1-11. http://doi.org/10.14456/ITJEMAST.2025.23

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