Optimizing request for information (RFI) prioritization with machine learning

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the nature of request for information (RFIs) on construction projects by using data analytics to understand the frequency of RFIs, when they occur on projects, and the relationship between project characteristics and frequency of RFIs and between project characteristics and RFI turnaround time.Design/methodology/approachA data-analytic approach using RStudio and Minitab software on 168 construction project cases in Australia and New Zealand involving 1,032,949 correspondences and 53,042 RFI event records made available by Aconex, one of the world largest cloud-based project management platform.FindingsLarge and complex projects tend to have significantly larger number of RFI events per day and longer RFI turnaround when compared with smaller and less complex projects. Projects with fewer users per organisation recorded a higher RFI turnaround time when compared with projects with more users per organisation – users mean persons involved in managing the project using the online platform (an index of project complexity). RFIs occur early on less complex projects and occur later on more complex projects.Research limitations/implicationsBenchmarks of RFI incidences and turnaround time have been developed for various project characteristics and, practitioners can use them to monitor the RFI performance of projects. Organisations need to pay greater attention to staffing levels needed to handle RFIs to reduce RFI turnaround time.Originality/valueA data-analytic study of RFI yielded insights for managing RFIs. The findings of previous studies on RFIs are difficult to generalise because they are based on single project case study. The influence of project characteristics on RFI frequency and RFI turnaround time is not yet known.

Purpose Request for information (RFI) documents are essential for communication and issue resolution in construction projects; however, prolonged RFI resolution times can impact project timelines. This study aims to predict RFI closure durations as they are created and addressed to help identify and prioritize RFIs likely to remain open longer. Design/methodology/approach A dataset of 3,628 RFI documents from a large-scale airport project was used. Five machine learning (ML) algorithms, support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), decision tree (DT) and random forest (RF), were used to create a multi-model prediction framework for RFI closure durations. The models incorporated both categorical metadata and textual data with a staged input structure simulating real project conditions. Findings The most effective algorithms for predicting RFI closure durations were SVM for the model using only RFI metadata parameters as input, and DT when using RFI metadata parameters together with RFI response durations as input. Prediction accuracy improved significantly after using the first response durations, ranging from 59% to 92% for the different models presented. Practical implications Integrated into common data environments, the models enable real-time prediction and prioritization of RFIs, helping teams reduce delays and optimize resources. They also support digital transformation in construction and suggest potential for policy development around predictive analytics in project management. Originality/value This study created prediction models for prioritizing RFIs based on their expected closure durations and identified the most effective ML algorithms for different input variables.

Oral literature is that literature that is composed and transmitted orally in face to face contact for cultural continuity, education, edification and unification. It is an essential property of non-literate community. Story telling is one of the ways through which this transmission is carried through. During this period, the ideals cherished by members of the community are interwoven into the stories. Those things that make for the unity of the community are also emphasized. The stories about their heroes and the selfless deeds of these heroes in the society are told for members of the society to emulate. These stories are sources of pride to the members of the society. It gives them collective solidarity and unity of actions. The study of oral literature as a field of learning coincided with nationalistic struggle and cultural revival in countries of Europe in the 19th century. These countries used oral literatures as a tool for conflict resolution and a means of achieving national unity. In like manner Igbo people should endeavour to channel lessons of oral literature towards resolution of conflicts amongst all sections of Igbo land. The same is true for Nigeria, which is made up of numerous divergent ethnic groups. Oral literature should be used as a means of achieving national unity by weaving into the fabrics of the stories those ideals that make for national unity. In this study the author examines ways oral literature can be used as a tool for conflict resolution.

Editorial

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a knowledge‐based decision support tool used for assisting en‐route air traffic controllers by generating resolutions for dual aircraft conflicts after being integrated into a model‐based conflict detection and conflict resolution system.Design/methodology/approachAir traffic controller knowledge, which was obtained from the literature research, about solving aircraft conflicts is represented in a decision tree. Then it is written in Visual Basic programming language. With reference to several rules form the expert air traffic controller knowledge and some factors which affect controller conflict resolution process, the tool generates advisories consisting of eight kinds of separation strategies.FindingsThe paper finds that it is expected to increase the safety of air traffic system by supporting air traffic controller in conflict resolution process. Controller workload can be reduced by fast, reliable and acceptable resolution advisories of the tool.Research limitations/implicationsThe accuracy of decision tree is limited with the adequacy and quality of knowledge obtained from references, several assumptions and interpretation. Because of the unavailability of a model‐based conflict detection and resolution tool, the tool could not be evaluated in simulations.Originality/valueAfter being integrated into a model‐based decision support tool, it can reduce the deficiencies of the model‐based tool such as low degree of resolution acceptance by controllers and low‐resolution speed by providing expert air traffic controller knowledge to the tool.

Performance requirements of future Trajectory Prediction and Conflict Detection and Resolution tools within SESAR and NextGen: Framework for the derivation and discussion

Requests for information (RFIs) are frequently used by the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry to resolve doubts and inaccuracies and to request complimentary information. However, they can be inefficient due to the lag between issuance and response, generating delays and cost overruns. The building information modeling (BIM) methodology allows for the integration of information by using virtual models and facilitating the control and management of RFIs; however, the full potential of BIM is not being exploited. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the RFIs of 17 high-rise building projects in conjunction with the application of BIM for their mitigation. To achieve this, categories of RFI categories were identified, the issuance and response process was analyzed, the building projects’ RFIs were classified, the most frequent problems were identified, the BIM uses that would allow for a reactive or preventive action were identified, and, finally, the potential benefits of BIM use for the reduction of RFIs were analyzed. The research showed that the correct use of BIM applications focusing on RFIs allows for an effective information review, generating preventive or reactive management of problems. Thus, it is possible to identify the recurrent causes of RFIs and those specialties issuing the most RFIs, with the objective of mitigating RFI submission in construction projects.

This article examines whether the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) can be a tool for conflict resolution in the Niger Delta. It explores how and why transparency emerged as a global norm for addressing conflicts associated with the ‘resource curse’. It finds that NEITI takes an overly simplistic view of the ‘resource curse’ by assuming that negative development outcomes in the Delta are due to poor resource revenue management and corruption. Whilst this has played an important role in contributing to the conflicts in the Delta, not all conflicts have their roots in oil, but need to be seen as the result of a longstanding history of marginalisation and a complex interaction of forces. NEITI is not a neutral tool for improving governance and contributing to conflict resolution, as it is bound up in the sensitive political question of resource use in Nigeria, where powerful elites have vested interests in maintaining the status quo. However, NEITI is a landmark as it has placed a large amount of information on the oil industry in the public domain. Furthermore the discourse around transparency is creating political space that civil society in Nigeria is utilising to make demands for transparency and accountability.

Phenomenon: Effective communication between team members is essential during the resuscitation of critically-ill patients. Failure of junior doctors to speak up and challenge erroneous clinical decisions made by their senior doctors is a serious communication failure which can result in catastrophic outcomes and jeopardize patient safety. Crisis resource management (CRM) and conflict resolution tools have been increasingly employed in the healthcare setting to reduce communication failure among healthcare providers and improve patient safety during crisis situations. The aims of our study were to: 1) evaluate the factors affecting junior doctors’ ability to speak up on medical errors, 2) examine the effectiveness of CRM and conflict resolution tools, and 3) formulate a communication framework directed at training junior doctors in appropriate intellectual questioning of authority. Approach: From January to April 2019, we recruited twenty-five second-year postgraduate junior doctors working in an Emergency Department in Singapore. We provided training in CRM and conflict resolution communication for participants in the intervention arm. Participants underwent a high-fidelity simulated resuscitation scenario which was standardized to include faculty misdirection in the form of erroneous instructions given by a role-played senior doctor. We observed if participants appropriately challenged the erroneous instructions. We subsequently interviewed participants on their response during the simulation to elicit their barriers and motivations toward challenging authority. Video recordings were analyzed by an independent panel of investigators. Findings: Participants employed various non-verbal and verbal approaches when challenging erroneous decisions. We uncovered multiple personal, interpersonal, and situation-based factors influencing the junior doctor’s willingness to challenge erroneous decisions made by seniors. From their responses, we conceptualized a theoretical model designed as a “weighing scale” to demonstrate how junior doctor’s eventual response is the outcome of a delicate interplay of multiple barriers and motivations. Our intervention did not significantly increase the participants’ likelihood of challenging authority (69% in control arm vs 75% in intervention arm, p = 1.00). Insights: Our study provides insights into the mindset of junior doctors when faced with the dilemma of challenging authority on medical errors. Established CRM training may not be effective in addressing the challenges junior doctors face when communicating against the hierarchal gradient. We propose strategies to further develop and optimize CRM training to enhance its value for junior doctors. Drawing from our findings, we formulated a “SAFE” communication tool (State the safety concern, suggest Alternative course of action, Support with Facts, Engage via Enquiry) directed at helping junior doctors in appropriate intellectual questioning of authority.

This study delves into the multifaceted significance of proverbs within Asante Twi culture, examining their historical context, cultural relevance, linguistic characteristics, and role in modern media and education. The study employs a qualitative approach, including observations, interviews, and focus group discussion, to assess the relevance of proverbs in Asante Twi Language (ATL). One hundred and fifty (150) respondents were population sample for the investigation. It was revealed that, Twi proverbs have been pivotal in preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge across generations, evolving to remain pertinent in contemporary society. It was also established that proverbs serve as tools for communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution, reflecting and reinforcing societal values. Another revelation this study pointed out was that Twi proverbs employ rich rhetorical devices such as metaphor and simile, enhancing their memorability and impact. The study revealed that Twi proverbs are unique and shared cultural elements. In the modern era, the propagation of Twi proverbs through digital media and their integration into educational curricula highlight their ongoing relevance and adaptability. Also, proverbs have globalization and urbanization in preserving these cultural artifacts. This research underscores their vital role in maintaining cultural identity and wisdom within the Asante community and broader Ghanaian society. This paper is underpinned by two theories namely: The Speech Act Theory by Austin, (1962) and Cultural Transmission Theory by Cavalli-Sforza and Feldman (1981).

The violent conflicts between the students of Federal University Oye- Ekiti (FUOYE) and their host community, Oye-Ekiti and other neighbouring communities where students reside - Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Ilupeju-Ekiti, Itapa and Ikole-Ekiti, as witnessed in recent times have been of a great concern to all and sundry. Interestingly, the viability of drama or theatre as a conflict transformation and resolution tool has continued to gain ground since the twentieth century. It is against the backdrop of using drama for conflict resolution (DCT), therefore, that this paper argues that forum theatre (FT) is an artistic methodology for participatory citizenship that creates a process of collective reflection to produce solutions to community conflicts. The study is theoretically hinged on Mezirow’s transformative learning theory. The theory explains the change process that transforms the human frames of reference to explain Boal’s FT techniques. The techniques give the ordinary people the opportunity to be part of their problems and to find ways to resolve them by themselves. The study adopts qualitative approach, using forum theatre workshop and participant observation in its data gathering and descriptive approach in its data presentation and analysis. The findings revealed that interactive/participatory theatre which forum theatre is a component of possesses the potency for communities’ conflict transformation and resolution when properly applied. The study, therefore, recommends that theatre practitioners and scholars should leverage on interactive/participatory theatre as a tool for projecting good and exemplary governance
 Keywords: FT, Transformative learning theory, Community participation, FUOYE, DCT

This study examines the influence of Kwagh-hir cultural heritage on intra-ethnic conflict resolution within Tiv of Central Nigeria. The Tiv people are known for their rich cultural heritage, and one of the most prestigious cultural heritages in Tiv land is the Kwagh-hir (a traditional theatre), used for entertainment, enlightenment and re-orientation of the people. This study used qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, participant observation and archival research in examining how Kwagh-hir functions within Tiv communities as a means of resolving disputes. Results of the study show that the Kwagh-hir is a mechanism of conflict resolution among the Tiv. It enables community members to air their grievances, exchange ideas and foster social cohesion. The Kwagh-hir uses performances to confront issues within the culture, such as land disputes, marital problems and leadership challenges. By doing this, it opens up opportunities for conversation and healing. Moreover, the Kwagh-hir ensures the constant preservation and protection of the Tiv culture, values and belief systems, highlighting the paramount importance of community togetherness. Kwagh-hir is, therefore, a cultural mechanism for the promotion of peace, unity and stability in Tiv society, as it brings together community members to interact, exchange ideas, sympathize and appreciate one another. This becomes the essential core of safeguarding and promoting the Kwagh-hir as a traditional tool for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. This article ends with a set of recommendations, employing heritage experts, custodians and community leaders, among others, to utilize best practices in cultural heritage management for sustainable peace and development in Tiv society.

Purpose Request for information (RFI) documents play a pivotal role in seeking clarifications in construction projects. However, perceived as inevitable “non-value adding” tasks, they harbour risks like schedule delays and increased project costs, underlining the importance of strategic RFI management in construction projects. Despite this, a lack of literature dissecting RFI processes impedes a full understanding of their intricacies and impacts. This study aims to bridge the gap through a comprehensive literature review, delving into RFI intricacies and implications, while emphasising the necessity for strategic RFI management to prevent project risks. Design/methodology/approach This research study systematically reviews RFI-related papers published between 2000 and 2023. Accordingly, the review discusses key themes related to RFI management, yielding best practices for industry stakeholders and highlighting research directions and gaps in the body of knowledge. Findings Present RFI management platforms exhibit deficiencies and lack analytics essential for streamlined RFI processing. Complications arise in building information modelling (BIM)-enabled projects due to software disparities and interoperability hurdles. The existing body of knowledge heavily relies on manual content analysis, an impractical approach for the construction industry. The proposed research direction involves automated comprehension of unstructured RFI content using advanced text mining and natural language processing techniques, with the potential to greatly elevate the efficiency of RFI processing. Originality/value The study extends the RFI literature by providing novel insights into the problemetisation with the RFI process, offering a holistic understanding and best practices to minimise adverse effects. Additionally, the paper synthesises RFI processes in traditional and BIM-enabled project settings, maps a causal-loop diagram to identify associated issues and summarises approaches for extracting knowledge from the unstructured content of RFIs. The outcomes of this review stand to offer invaluable insights to both industry practitioners and researchers, enabling and promoting the refinement of RFI processes within the construction domain.

In this paper, we briefly describe the Free Flight policy for air traffic control, review previous automation tools for conflict detection and resolution, analyze Free Flight conflict detection, and present a conflict resolution advisory solution. For analysis, tactical cases are governed by safety oriented collision avoidance algorithms and strategic cases by economics oriented algorithms. Our results, based on optimal control theory, establish a tactical alert zone that augments the protected airspace zone around an aircraft. Within the tactical alert zone an aircraft is no longer able to avoid penetrating the protected airspace zone of an intruder aircraft. Thus, our advisory system notifies a pilot or air traffic controller of the optimal control strategy prior to penetrating the tactical alert zone. Far before the tactical alert zone, an advisory for a strategic maneuver is given, based on an economical conflict resolution strategy that uses safety as a constraint.

The Yorùbá are a set of unique ethnic group with peculiar traditions, values and culture. Their cultural practice, heritage is found on the epitome of their proverbial prowess which are formed within the context of their traditional “Yorùbá language and dialect,” and used as a tool for conflict management and resolution. Conflict by Yorùbá belief is inevitable, but not insurmountable as Yorùbá found conflict always positive. To amplify this belief, Yorùbá at different occasions incorporate some of the proverbs that are relevant and applicable to conflicting situations in their attempt to resolve conflicts. This essay examines some of the selected proverbs while synthesized them as a rhetoric tools and guiding principles to constructive conflict resolution in the Yorùbá traditional Society. Suggestions are raised that application of proverbial maxims with Yorùbá perception on conflict and conflict resolution could be useful for peaceful handling of contemporary conflicts that are rampaging the African nations.